Basketball teams representing 23 high schools come to town this week to compete in the annual Fairfield Invitational basketball tournament.

The varsity tourney starts Thursday afternoon and runs through championship games Saturday evening.

All games are to be played in the Johnson Activity Center gymnasiums, and the south gymnasium, at Fairfield high school.

Competing in the girls’ division are Fairfield, Groesbeck, Diboll, Hillsboro, University, Grandview, Madisonville, Mexia, Robinson, Melissa, Ennis, Tarkington, China Spring, Spring Hill and Marlin high schools.

Entered in the boys’ division are Fairfield, Groesbeck, Waco, New Diana, McLennan county, Palestine, Mexia, Palestine Westwood, Godley, Kerens, Melissa and Gladewater.

The girls’ division was won in 2008 by Robinson, with the Fairfield Lady Eagles placing second and Conally taking consolation.

The Lady Eagles tip off in their first game at 6 p.m. Thursday in the maroon gymnasium.

Lady Eagles junior varisity cagers are playing to fill out the bracket and take the court at 9 a.m. Thursday in the maroon gymnasium.

Argyle won the boys’ division last year, with Fairfield placing second, Waco third and Conally in consolation.

Eagle varsity cagers play their first game at 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the maroon gymnasium.

Girls’ division championship game is at 6 p.m. Saturday, followed by the boys’ division championship game at 7:30 p.m.