The Lanierland basketball tournament tips off Saturday at Flowery Branch High with the same luster and excitement that has sustained the annual tradition into the 54th edition of this Hall County exclusive high school tournament. All seven public high schools and Lakeview Academy will play on the first day, hoping to win and keep their chances alive for a championship in the eight-day event that wraps up Dec. 21 at Lakeview. With so many games packed together, it’s a draw for former players, coaches and fans of local high school basketball to come out and cheer on their favorite team.