Ask any coach what is the most important part of any tournament. Chances are the immediate response will be the first game. There's no looking beyond the opener, and the Chris Vontoure Spartan Classic will be another prime example.

Entering the 29th season of the event, the Spartan Classic will bring some of the best teams from the Bay Area as well as Colorado's Regis Jesuit together at De La Salle High School in Concord, California, on December 8-10.

It is the perfect early-season tournament in one of the most competitive hoops states in the country, and there is only one place to see it.

HOW TO WATCH

THE FIRST ROUND:

Clayton Valley Charter vs. James Logan

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 8 | TIP-OFF: 3:30 PM

James Logan got the season started the right way, cruising to a 72-47 win over Oakland Tech in the Guy Emanuele "Eastbay" Tip-Off and then snuck out a 68-66 overtime win at Sacred Heart Cathedral Prep. The Colts also have one more game to garner experience heading into their first tournament of the year. As for Clayton Valley Charter, a two-game slide to begin the 2016-17 campaign was far from ideal but playing close to home might help.

Serra vs. St. Joseph Notre Dame

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 8 | TIP-OFF: 5 PM

Coming off a 26-5 mark last season, which was the team's most wins in a decade, Serra head coach Chuck Rapp will do all he can to push his squad to continue its winning ways. Meanwhile, the Pilots of St. Joseph Notre Dame had two big victories and then a tough Island Tourney loss to Modesto Christian just before this showdown. The Pilots have more game experience at the moment, which could be a factor early in the year.

De La Salle vs. Fairfield

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 8 | TIP-OFF: 6:30 PM

De La Salle was one game away from a championship season in March, losing to a star-studded Chino Hills team. This year, the Spartans are hungrier than ever to take back first place in their own tournament. It will not be easy, however. Fairfield won all three of its games in the Jack Scott Tournament, making the opening round as crucial as any to get on the best side of the bracket.

St. Patrick-St. Vincent vs. Regis Jesuit

WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 8 | TIP-OFF: 8 PM

If there wasn't top-notch competition waiting for Regis Jesuit in the Bay Area, head coach Ken Shaw wouldn't make the trip. Despite losing seven seniors from last year's tournament champion team, Regis Jesuit is looking to return this year with a strong cohort of juniors to defend its title. Each squad will have multiple games under its belt and both experienced a season-opening loss before a blowout win. St. Patrick-St. Vincent was a 20-win squad last season, so this nightcap will certainly be one to follow.

How to Watch

CHRIS VONTOURE SPARTAN CLASSIC
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 8 - Saturday, Dec. 10
ON TV: Now available on Roku and Apple TV 4
STREAMING: Available only on FloHoops - $20 monthly or $150 yearly. Yearly FloPro access is to ALL FloSports sites. SIGN UP HERE