The Cascade Classic international girls basketball tournament is returning to Sammamish.

Hosted by Eastlake and Skyline High Schools, eight prep girls basketball teams from Washington, California and Canada, will take part in the tournament, which will take place Dec. 27-30. Local teams competing will include Eastlake, Issaquah and Skyline.

A welcome banquet will be held for the players of the participating teams Dec. 27. Players will attend the catered event with pre-selected mentors from a career or academic field of their interest.

Tournament organizer Loren Stayboldt told the Reporter his mission for the tournament, which began in 2001, is to bring people together and create opportunities for the players.

“In terms of what we’re providing, it’s a chance for kids to travel from Canada and California, it’s a chance to meet and get to know kids from different environments, and it’s a chance to play and excel and meet mentors,” Stayboldt said.

Tournament games tip off at 9 a.m. Dec. 27 at Eastlake and Skyline. Tickets are $5 at the door or $15 for the full tournament. For more, visit www.cascadeclassicsam.com.