Thanksgiving Classic organiser Chris Crumpler was all smiles last night as a full schedule of games kicked off the first ever Classic on local soil that saw Francis Parker asert their dominance in the early rounds.

Parker, along with Durango High, Chaparral High and Georgetown District, advanced to today's Championship Bracket to battle it out for the inaugural Classic title.

In the Consolation Bracket meanwhilem, the Islands three teams, Bermuda Red, White and Blue, will battle it out with Metro Prep to see who can finish fifth.

While the local teams didn't manage to make the final four, Crumpler was still encouraged by how the first day of the tournament had gone.

"The talent on these teams is mighty impressive, all of the sides have different styles and it is fun to watch these guys get up and down the court," said Crumpler.

"It doesn't seem as if we are watching high school basketball because the level is so high, and for most of the teams this is their first games of the season and they are looking sharp.

"I am expecting a better showing as the tournament goes on with the teams now having played a few games and know what needs to be done to win the Classic.

"It is really exciting, the players and the players are excited and now I am looking forward to the rest of the games and hopefully Bermuda will come out and see these guys in action.

"I am happy it is finally here and off the ground and am doing all I can to accommodate the teams any way I can so things can run as smooth as possible.

"The running of the tournament is stressful, I didn't know it would be like this, but besides the minor hiccups here and there it is a major learning process and I certainly see the value of it now that it is here.

"These guys are having a great time, the locals are excited and the value and importance of something like this is evident.

"You can see this is different for everyone involved, and students from Berkeley Institute to CedarBridge Academy are enjoying this and it can only get better.

All of the Bermuda teams, along with the Metro Prep side out of Ontario, will contest for the fifth place in tournament.

And although none of the local teams made it to the final bracket, Crumpler is pleased with the effort put forth by all teams, local and international.

"We are just happy that it got off the ground and is finally here."

Prep, from Ontario, scored the highest points total thus far in the tournament, beating –Bermuda Blue 87-14 in their opener.

While Parker handled Chaparral High their first loss with a 59-35 win to set the stage for what should be an thrilling day of basketball action today.

In the day's opening round of matches at CedarBridge Academy, it was Metro Prep who jumped all over Bermuda Blue, with Prep also having –Bermudian Tejour Riley in their ranks with a hugely one sided game

Georgetown District High had to work hard for their win over Bermuda White, with the final being 40-39.

At the Berkeley Institute, Parker jumped out to an early lead over Chaparral and never looked back on their way to a comfortable win, while Durango High quietly went about their business, beating Bermuda Red 48-18.

And while the local teams haven't made a splash in the Classic as of yet, Crumpler is adamant that it is a learning –experience for all the youngsters and can only bode well for the future.

"I think all things considered, our teams are doing well, we had to add a team because one of the sides dropped out so it is going well thus far," said the tournament organiser.

"We had to spread the talent thin, but the guys are playing hard and I am proud of them.

"We all know they want to do better as the tournament goes along but this is their first game as well, they haven't had any practice matches or anything so they are playing as they best as they know how."

Competition continues today with semi final and final action at CedarBridge Academy and Berkeley Institute, with the final of the Championship Bracket to to be held at the Berkeley Institute. Tip-off is 8pm.