The Selma Times-Journal

For followers of Francis Marion’s basketball program, the first of November is too long to wait to see what the Runnin’ Rams are going to have taking the court this year.

Thanks to an Alabama High School Athletic Association rule change, they won’t have to wait that long.

On July 1 fans will be treated to "December in July" at Francis Marion.

Fans will have the opportunity to see their squad go head-to-head with rival R.C. Hatch to close out a one-day team camp.

"When I returned to Francis Marion, some other coaches and myself began pushing the issue of letting teams play in more than one team camp over at least three days. "

The group of coaches put their heads together to write a petition, which eventually gained steam with the coaches from the northern part of the state.

The new participation rule allows teams to participate as a team over seven days. The seven days don’t have to be consecutive.

By July first, the Rams will have used five of their seven days.

"At 6 p.m. we will start off our final games, Sunshine High will play Calhoun, and then after that we will play R.C. Hatch,&uot; said Jackson.