Middle school girls’ basketball teams are expected to fill regional school and church gyms Friday and Saturday in Smith River and Crescent City.The annual tournament is hosted by the Crescent City Jaycees. The Jaycees’ John Phillips said some 400 players are expected to participate.Venues will include Smith River Elementary School, and in Crescent City at Redwood Elementary School, Del Norte High School and the Foursquare Church.The Friday competition begins at 4 p.m. Games will continue on Saturday, and awards will be presented Saturday night following the championship game.Phillips said he hopes the kids participating in the games take away both a learning experience and a joy of the game. “The Jaycees’ tournaments are a sportsmanship event first and foremost,” he said. “They are designed to promote good sportsmanship.“I hope the kids take away the memory from coming to such an event, and the everlasting memory of a fun and good time that promotes good sportsmanship.”Phillips estimated the girls’ tournament would cost about $20,000 to put on, which includes the cost of using the facilities, for referees and related expenses.The sale of sweatshirts and t-shirts at the games helps defray the expenses and also supports scholarships provided by the Jaycees, he said.The Crescent City Jaycees also hold a middle school boys’ basketball tournament in the spring. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('ad-1515727'); });