Defending Class 4A state girls basketball champion Kentwood headlines a strong field at the 2009 Les Schwab Tipoff Classic that began Thursday at Kentwood High. The tournament will feature four girls teams and four boys teams.

The Kentwood girls cruised to the state championship last season with a 28-1 record and are the feature team of this year’s Tipoff Classic. Kentwood, under new coach Dean Montzingo, who led the Kentwood boys to a state championship in 2004, was to face Bellevue (14-10) in a first round game Thursday.

In the other girls matchup, Auburn Mountainview (18-9) will take on Inglemoor (16-7). Auburn Mountainview played in last year’s Class 3A state girls tournament.

On the boys side, Foster (18-9) will take on Class 3A Mount Si (15-9), while Renton (17-4) takes on Lake Washington (7-13). Foster appeared in last year’s Class 3A boys state tournament finishing eighth.

Action is scheduled to continue Saturday.

Tickets are $7 and available at the door.

2009 LES SCHWAB

TIPOFF CLASSIC

At Kentwood High School

Thursday, Dec. 3

4 p.m. A. Mountainview girls vs. Inglemoor

5 p.m. Foster boys vs. Mount Si boys

7 p.m. Kentwood girls vs. Bellevue girls

8:30 p.m. Renton boys vs. Lake Washington

Saturday, Dec. 5

2 p.m. Girls consolation

3:30 p.m. Boys consolation

5:30 p.m. Girls championship

7 p.m. Boys Championship