Basketball Season Tips Off with Over 100 Exciting High School Tournaments

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As the high school basketball season kicks into gear, powerhouse states like Georgia and Texas are already in action, with California and Florida set to join next week. November promises a thrilling start with more than 20 notable tournaments and events.

Leading the charge are the City of Palms Classic in Fort Myers, Fla., and the Spalding Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Mass. These marquee events continue to showcase premier talent, while numerous other tournaments across the nation provide a feast for high school basketball fans.

Read on for a comprehensive look at over 100 top events happening coast-to-coast in the coming months.

November

15-16 — Phenom Tip Off Classic (Davidson, N.C.)

Numerous top teams from the Tar Heel State are competing in the early-season event including The Burlington School (Burlington, N.C.), Carmel Christian (Matthews, N.C.), Caldwell Academy (Greensboro, N.C.), Combine Academy (Lincolnton, N.C.), Millbrook (Raleigh, N.C.) and preseason top 100 programs Christ School (Arden, N.C.) and Davidson Day (Davidson, N.C.).

15-17 — Grind Session Miami (Miami, Fla.)

Grind Session event.

16 — On the Radar Hoops Tip-Off Classic (Norcross, Ga.)

Top matchup of the event sees Grayson (Loganville, Ga.) take on Tri-Cities (East Point, Ga.) while Norcross (Ga.) vs. Pebblebrook (Mableton, Ga.) is another game to watch.

21-23 — McDonald’s Texas Invitational (Pasadena, Texas)

A plethora of top teams from the Lone Star State are competing in the event including Class 6A state title contenders Allen (Texas), Atascocita (Humble, Texas), Lake Travis (Austin, Texas), North Crowley (Fort Worth, Texas) and preseason top 10 team Brennan (San Antonio, Texas).

22-23 — Chomp City Classic (Cary, N.C.)

Green Level (Cary, N.C.) hosts the first annual event features teams to watch from the Research Triangle including Cardinal Gibbons (Raleigh, N.C.), Clayton (N.C.), Garner (N.C.) and Northwood (Pittsboro, N.C.).

22-23 — George Lynch Invitational (Charlotte, N.C.)

Top North Carolina programs 1 of 1 Academy (Indian Trail, N.C.), Caldwell Academy, Chambers (Charlotte, N.C.), Christ School, Combine Academy, Davidson Day, Lake Norman (Mooresville, N.C.), Providence Day (Charlotte, N.C.) and Winston-Salem Christian (Winston-Salem, N.C.) are among the teams competing in the two-day Phenom Hoops event.

22-24 — Daytona Beach Grind Session (Daytona Beach, Fla.)

Grind Session event.

22-24 — National Prep Showcase (New Haven, Conn.)

Top prep schools converge on The Constitution State.

23 — Hawks-Naismith Tipoff Classic (Atlanta, Ga.)

Headlining matchups include Gainesville (Ga.) vs. Wheeler (Marietta, Ga.) and Holy Innocents Episcopal (Atlanta, Ga.) against Pace Academy (Atlanta, Ga.).

22-23 — The Battlezone (Corona, Calif.)

Arizona state title contender Sunnyslope (Phoenix, Ariz.) joins talented Golden State teams including Centennial (Corona, Calif.), Chatsworth (Calif.), Etiwanda (Calif.), Long Beach Poly (Long Beach, Calif.) and Redondo Union (Redondo Beach, Calif.).

23, 25-26 — Jared Cook Classic (Suwanee, Ga.)

Three-day event is headlined by a showdown between Class AAAAAAA state title favorite Grayson and Class AAAAAA state title favorite Milton (Ga.).

25-26 —Piney Woods Hoopfest (Lufkin, Texas)

Captain Shreve (Shreveport, La.), Liberty Magnet (Baton Rouge, La.) and Zwolle (La.) join teams to watch from the Lone Star State in the two-day event.

25-27 — Five for the Fight (Mt. Pleasant, Utah)

Intriguing pre-Thanksgiving event features matchups between IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) and La Lumiere (La Porte, Ind.) on Monday, Link Academy (Branson, Mo.) and Utah Prep (Hurricane, Utah) on Tuesday and Prolific Prep (Napa, Calif.) and Wheeler (Marietta, Ga.) on Wednesday.

26-30 — Kevin Brown Tournament of Champions (Washington, Ill.)

Teams from California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, South Carolina, Texas and Wisconsin compete in the event that features four separate fields.

29-30 — Holiday Hoopsgiving (Atlanta, Ga.)

Eleventh annual field showcases features teams from 10 states including Bella Vista Prep (Scottsdale, Ariz.), Columbus (Miami, Fla.), Davidson Day, Holy Innocents Episcopal, North Tampa Christian Academy (Wesley Chapel, Fla.), SoCal Academy (Castaic, Calif.), Tri-Cities, Wasatch Academy (Mt. Pleasant, Utah) and Wheeler.

29-30 — Lighthouse Classic (Corinth, Miss.)

Teams to watch in the two-day event include DME Academy (Daytona Beach, Fla.), Hamilton Heights Christian Academy (Chattanooga, Tenn.), Hoover (Ala.), Huntsville (Ala.) Jackson Academy (Jackson, Miss.), Madison-Ridgeland Academy (Madison, Miss.), Moravian Prep (Hudson, N.C.), Norcross, Southwind (Memphis, Tenn.) and Winston-Salem Christian.

29-30 — Thanksgiving Hoopfest (Dallas, Texas)

Loaded holiday event features a top 10 showdown between Roosevelt (Eastvale, Calif.) and Brennan. Link Academy vs. Dynamic Prep (Irving, Texas), Oak Ridge (Orlando, Fla.) vs. Oak Cliff Faith Family Academy (Dallas, Texas), Roosevelt vs. Bellaire (Texas) and Allen (Texas) vs. Westminster Academy (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) are among other marquee matchups to watch at the event.

29-30 — Grind Session Corinth (Corinth, Miss.)

Grind Session event.

29-30 — Phenom Lakesgiving (Mooresville, N.C.)

Preseason Top 100 program Lake Norman plays host to top teams in region at holiday event. The Wildcats match up with Marvin Ridge (Waxhaw, N.C.) and High Point Christian Academy (High Point, N.C.) at the event.

Nov. 29-Dec 1 — Grind Session Las Vegas (Grind Session, Las Vegas)

Grind Session event.

30 — Nor Cal Tip Off Classic (Dublin, Calif.)

Event features a number of teams expected to have strong seasons in the Golden State including Crespi (Encino, Calif.), Folsom (Calif.), Modesto Christian (Modesto, Calif.), Moreau Catholic (Hayward, Calif.) and Redondo Union.

30-1 — Mayhem on Military Road (Washington, D.C.)

Impressive DMV event features matchups of Sidwell Friends (Washington, D.C.) vs. DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.), St. John’s (Washington, D.C.) vs. Georgetown Prep (North Bethesda, Md.) and Bullis (Potomac, Md.) vs. Highland (Warrenton, Va.).

December

2-5 — Ryse Williams Pac Shores Showcase (Redondo Beach, Calif.)

Defending CIF Open Division state champion Harvard-Westlake (Studio City, Calif.) headlines the field for the 73rd annual event.

4-7 — Good Guys vs. Cancer Classic (Kill Devil Hills, N.C.)

Top teams from North Carolina and Virginia travel to the Outer Banks, including Blue Ridge (St. George, Va.), Chambers, Davidson Day, Farmville Central (Farmville, N.C.), Lake Norman, Miller School of Albemarle (Charlottesville, Va.), New Hanover (Wilmington, N.C.), Northern Nash (Rocky Mount, N.C.) and St. Anne’s-Belfield (Charlottesville, Va.).

4-7 — Marshall County Hoopfest (Benton, Ky.)

Games to watch include a national top 10 showdown between Link Academy and La Lumiere along with a top 100 matchup between Cathedral (Indianapolis, Ind.) and Norcross. Legacy Early College (Greenville, S.C.), McCallie (Chattanooga, Tenn.), Newport (Newport, Ky.), Whitehaven (Memphis, Tenn.) and Woodward Academy (College Park, Ga.) are other teams spotlighting the event.

5-7 — Battle in the Bluff (Memphis, Tenn.)

Calvary Baptist Academy (Shreveport, La.), Canton (Miss.), Owasso (Okla.) and Springdale (Ark.) join top teams from Tennessee — Bartlett, Briarcrest Christian (Eads, Tenn.), Christian Brothers (Memphis, Tenn.), Memphis University (Memphis, Tenn.) and Southwind (Memphis, Tenn.).

6-7 — Chicago Elite Classic (Chicago, Ill.)

Out-of-state programs Chaminade (St. Louis, Mo.), Duncanville (Texas) and Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) are joined by top Prairie State teams like Bolingbrook (Bolingbrook, Ill.), DePaul College Prep (Chicago, Ill.), Homewood-Flossmoor (Flossmoor, Ill.), Kenwood (Chicago, Ill.), Rich Township (Olympia Fields, Ill.), Simeon (Chicago, Ill.) and Whitney Young (Chicago, Ill.).

6-7 — Sunshine Classic (Montverde, Fla.)

National Top 10 showdown between host Montverde Academy and Long Island Lutheran (Brookville, N.Y.) headlines the Nike EYBL Scholastic event.

6-7 — The Main Event (Miami, Fla.)

The top-ranked teams in the Preseason MaxPreps Top 25 face off as No. 1 Columbus takes on No. 2 Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.) in a showdown with massive implications.

6-8 — National High School Hoops Festival (Hyattsville, Md.)

Preseason Top 100 schools participating include Archbishop Carroll (Radnor, Pa.), Bishop McNamara (Forestville, Md.), Brennan, Bullis, DeMatha, Highland, IMG Academy, Georgetown Prep, Paul VI (Chantilly, Va.), Sidwell Friends and St. John’s.

6-8 — Xaverian Classic (Olney, Md.)

Out-of-state schools Archbishop Wood (Warminster, Pa.), Iona Prep (New Rochelle, N.Y.), North Mecklenburg (Huntersville, N.C.) and Strake Jesuit (Houston, Texas) join top programs from the DMV including host Our Lady of Good Counsel (Olney, Md.) and Jackson-Reed (Washington, D.C.).

7 — Tournament of Champions Super Saturday (Marietta, Ga.)

Heavyweight showdown of Grayson vs. Wheeler will determine the early-season favorite in the Class AAAAAAA state title race.

7-8 — Take Flight Challenge (Redondo Beach, Calif.)

Preseason MaxPreps Top 25 programs Harvard-Westlake, Millennium (Goodyear, Ariz.), Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, Calif.) and St. Joseph (Santa Maria, Calif.) are among teams expected to participate.

11-13 — Norm Stewart Classic (Columbia, Mo.)

The unique event gives us an early look at Missouri contenders with 48 consecutive hours of basketball over the course of this special three-day event.

12-14 — The Bash (Columbia, S.C.)

Dynamic Prep, Huntington Expression Prep (Huntington, W. Va.), IMG Academy, Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, Va.), Ridge View (Columbia, S.C.) and Wilson (Florence, S.C.) are among the headliners of the 12th annual event.

13 — LuHi Holiday Invitational (Brookville, N.Y.)

Long Island Lutheran hosts Sierra Canyon in headlining game of one-day event.

13-14 — Ish Smith Showcase (Harrisburg, N.C.)

Could the nation’s longest win streak be snapped at the early-season event when Central Cabarrus (Concord, N.C.) takes on Marvin Ridge and Mooresville (N.C.) back-to-back nights? The Vikings have won 65 games in a row and back-to-back state titles.

13-14 Salt Lake City Hoopfest (Salt Lake City, Utah)

Top teams competing in the event include Bartlett (Tenn.), Cardinal Ritter (St. Louis, Mo.), Corner Canyon (Draper, Utah), Duncanville, Harvard-Westlake, Orem (Utah), St. Raymond (Bronx, N.Y.) and Utah Prep.

13-14 — Turnkey Hardwood Classic (Knoxville, Tenn.)

Preseason Top 100 programs Huntsville and St. Anne’s-Belfield match up at the two-day event featuring teams from Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virgnia.

14 — Hawks-Naismith Holiday Classic (Norcross, Ga.)

One-day event features five games headlined by a showdown between Milton and Norcross.

13-15 — Gonzaga DC Classic (Washington, D.C.)

8-team tournament bracket features Archbishop Spalding (Severn, Md.), Gonzaga, Chaminade, Coolidge (Washington, D.C.), Lane Tech (Chicago, Ill.), Maret (Washington, D.C.), Roman Catholic (Philadelphia, Pa.) and St. Ignatius (Cleveland, Ohio).

13-15 — Grind Session Memphis (Memphis, Tenn.)

Grind Session event.

13-15 — Grind Session Phoenix (Phoenix, Ariz.)

Grind Session event.

13-15 — Hopkinsville Grind Session (Hopkinsville, Ky.)

Grind Session event.

13-16 — NBA Cup (Las Vegas, Nev.)

In conjunction with the Emirate NBA Cup in-season tournament, top high school teams will take the court in the days leading up to the championship game of the NBA event.

15 — Derby City Tip-Off (Ky.)

Showdown between state title contenders Great Crossing (Georgetown, Ky.) and St. Xavier (Louisville, Ky.) headlines the event.

15-21 — Tarkanian Classic (Las Vegas, Nev.)

Teams from 20 different states join in-state programs along with programs from the Bahamas, Australia, Canada and New Zealand will participate in the week-long event.

17-18 — Hoopfest in Paradise (Nassau, Bahamas)

Archbishop Stepinac (White Plains, N.Y.), Bishop O’Connell (Arlington, Va.), Combine Academy, Dynamic Prep, Oak Ridge, Sagemont (Weston, Fla.), and Wasatch Academy head to the Caribbean.

17-21 — ‘Iolani Classic (Honolulu, Hawaii)

Brewster Academy (Wolfeboro, N.H.), Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia, Pa.), Oak Hill Academy, Paul VI, University Lab (Baton Rouge, La.), Utah Prep, Veritas Academy (Ontario, Calif.) and Wheeler join the top teams from Hawaii and one team from Japan in the 16-team tournament field.

18-22 — King of the Bluegrass (Fairdale, Ky.)

Bryant and Mater Lakes Academy join the top teams from Kentucky including defending regional champions Adair County (Columbia, Ky.), Blazer (Ashland, Ky.), Butler County (Morgantown, Ky.), Newport (Ky.) and Trinity (Louisville, Ky.) in the 16-team tournament field.

18-23 — City of Palms Classic (Fort Myers, Fla.)

Preseason ranked teams Columbus, Grayson, Great Crossing, IMG Academy, La Lumiere, Long Island Lutheran, Millennium, Montverde Academy and Oak Ridge headline the 16-team Traditional bracket of the premier tournament in high school hoops.

20-21 — Grind Session St. Louis (St. Louis, Mo.)

Grind Session event.

20-21 — Jasper Classic (Jasper, Ala.)

Bartlett, Bartow (Fla.), Cordova (Tenn.), Dutchtown (Hampton, Ga.), Lausanne Collegiate (Memphis, Tenn.) and Springdale Prep (New Windsor, Md.) join top Yellowhammer State programs like Buckhorn (New Market, Ala.), Central (Phenix City, Ala.), Enterprise, Hoover and Huffman (Birmingham, Ala.) at the event.

20-21, 23 — Mike Gminski Classic (Concord, N.C.)

Top-ranked team from the Palmetto State Ridge View takes on a pair of tough foes from the Tar Heel State as they face Davidson Day and Burlington School on back-to-back days.

26-28 — Championship Basketball Tournament (Fort Worth and Saginaw, Texas)

67th annual event splits the top teams from Texas into two 16-team brackets. Headliners in the Red Division include Brennan, Guyer (Denton, Texas), Keller (Texas), Ellison (Killeen, Texas), Plano East (Plano, Texas) and South Grand Prairie (Grand Prairie, Texas).

26-28, 30 — John Wall Holiday Invitational (Raleigh, N.C.)

Top out-of-state teams Blake (Silver Spring, Md.), Highland, John Marshall (Richmond, Va.), Miller School of Albemarle, Sidwell Friends, St. Anne’s-Belfield and Westchester (Los Angeles, Calif.) join the top teams from the Tar Heel State including preseason top 100 teams Christ School, Davidson Day and Reidsville (N.C.).

26-30 — Torrey Pines Holiday Classic (San Diego, Calif.)

80 teams spanning 15 states will participate in the anticipated West Coast event including preseason top 100 programs Archbishop Archbishop Riordan (San Francisco, Calif.), Father Judge (Philadelphia, Pa.) and Georgetown Prep.

26-31 — The Classic at Tennessee High School (Bristol, Tenn.)

16-team tournament field is headlined by Bartlett, Calvary Christian Academy (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), Central (Phenix City), Lake Norman, Madison-Ridgeland Academy, Milton, Orem and St. Joseph.

26-30 — Governors Challenge (Salisbury, Md.)

One of the largest holiday tournaments in the country features over 140 teams at the Wicomico Civic Center and surrounding high schools.

26-30 — The Classic at Damien (La Verne, Calif.)

128 teams are dispersed across eight divisions of 16 teams. Bracket pairings will be announced on Dec. 1.

27-28 — Iverson Classic Blackout Series Tennessee (La Vergne, Tenn.)

Out-of-state teams Cedar Grove (Ellenwood, Ga.), Father Tolton, iSchool of Lewisville (Lewisville, Texas), North Atlanta (Atlanta, Ga.), Pace Academy (McKinney, Texas), Tri-Cities join top schools from the Volunteer State.

27-29 — Grind Session Hilo (Hilo, Hawaii)

Grind Session event.

27-29 — Jordan Holiday Classic (New York, N.Y.)

Field has yet to be announced for the event, but Columbus vs. Long Island Lutheran is expected to be among the headlining contests.

27-28, 30 — Hoop City Classic (Mitchell, S.D.)

Intriguing Midwest event features the top teams from the Dakotas along with Coronado (Henderson, Nev.), Houston (Germantown, Tenn.), Orlando Christian Prep (Orlando, Fla.), Orono (Long Lake, Minn.), St. George’s (Collierville, Tenn.) and Totino-Grace (Fridley, Minn.).

27-30 — Beach Ball Classic (Myrtle Beach, S.C.)

Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati, Ohio), Bishop O’Connell, Great Crossing, Myrtle Beach (S.C.), Ridge View, Socastee (Myrtle Beach, S.C.), St. John’s and Windermere Prep (Windermere, Fla.) compose the 8-team Tradition bracket.

27-30 — Kingdom of the Sun (Ocala, Fla.)

Featured teams in the 16-team tournament field include Evans (Orlando, Fla.), Edgewater (Orlando, Fla.), Gibbs (St. Petersburg, Fla.), Green Tech (Albany, N.Y.), Notre Dame (West Haven, Conn.) and St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.).

27-30 — Les Schwab Invitational (Hillsboro, Ore.)

Out-of-state teams Gonzaga, La Lumiere and Owyhee (Meridian, Idaho) join the top teams from the Beehive State in the 28th annual tournament field.

27-28, 30 — Junior Orange Bowl (Miami, Fla.)

8-team tournament field sees out-of-state programs Mount St. Joseph (Baltimore, Md.), Roman Catholic and Woodward Academy join Sunshine State schools Palmetto (Miami, Fla.), Pembroke Pines Charter (Pembroke Pines, Fla.) and Westminster Christian (Miami, Fla.).

January

2-4 — Hoophall West (Gilbert, Ariz.)

Chaminade, Christ the King (Middle Village, N.Y.), De La Salle, Duncanville, Gonzaga, Harvard-Westlake, Perry and Sunyslope make up a new-look, eight-team tournament field. Other teams to watch participating in the showcase portion of the event include preseason ranked programs AZ Compass Prep, Link Academy, Montverde Academy, Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks, Calif.), Roosevelt, St. John Bosco (Bellflower, Calif.) and Utah Prep.

3-5 — Grind Session Louisville (Louisville, Ky.)

Grind Session event.

4 — Behan Strong Classic (Washington, D.C.)

DMV event is put on as a fundraiser for former St. John’s head coach Pat Behan, who is currently battling ALS.

4 — Highland Optimist Shootout (Highland, Ill.)

Great Crossing faces off against Bellaire in the marquee game of the event that includes top teams from Missouri and Illinois.

9-11 — La Porte Invitational (La Porte, Ind.)

A pair of showdown between National Top 10 teams spotlight the event as Link Academy faces IMG Academy and Brewster  Academy takes on host La Lumiere in the Nike EYBL Scholastic event.

10-11 — Iverson Classic Blackout Series New Jersey (Newark, N.J.)

Out-of-state programs Bishop McNamara, Dynamic Prep, Oak Cliff Faith Family, Roman Catholic, RWG Stem Academy (Texas), Utah Prep, Western Reserve Academy (Hudson, Ohio) and Woodmere Academy (Woodmere, N.Y.) join top Garden State teams like Arts (Newark, N.J.), Bergen Catholic (Oradell, N.J.), Camden (N.J.), College Achieve (Asbury Park, N.J.), Patrick School (Hillside, N.J.) and St. Rose (Belmar, N.J.).

10-12 — Grind Session Paducah (Paducah, Ky.)

Grind Session event.

11 — IAC-MAC challenge (North Bethesda, Md.)

Showdown between Preseason MaxPreps Top 25 teams Sidwell Friends and Bullis headlines the cross-conference challenge.

16-18 — Bass Pro Shops Tournament of Champions (Springfield, Mo.)

Bullis, Central (Springfield, Mo.), Christ the King, Link Academy, Millennium, Milton, Oak Ridge and Parkview (Springfield, Mo.) are competing in the 40th edition of the highly touted 8-team tournament.

16-20 — Spalding Hoophall Classic (Springfield, Mass.)

Loaded five-day event is the premier showcase in high school basketball with nine contests matching up teams ranked in the Preseason National Top 10 or MaxPreps Top 25. Top games include Paul VI vs. St. John Bosco, Montverde Academy vs. Utah Prep, Gonzaga vs. Roosevelt, Columbus vs. Perry and Long Island Lutheran vs. La Lumiere.

17-19 — Grind Session Charlotte (Charlotte, N.C.)

Grind Session event.

17-20 — Flyin’ to the Hoop Invitational (Dayton, Ohio)

Showdown between National Top 10 programs Prolific Prep and AZ Compass Prep takes center stage Friday night. Top teams from the Buckeye State — Archbishop Moeller, Brunswick (Ohio), Garfield Heights (Ohio), Lima Senior (Lima, Ohio), Louisville (Ohio), Olentangy Orange (Lewis Center, Ohio), Reynoldsburg (Ohio), St. Ignatius and Whitmer (Toledo, Ohio) are also participating in the invitational.

18-19 — Hoophall Invitational (Springfield, Mass.)

Forty-eight teams from multiple states the Northeast Region including Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island are participating in the two-day event.

20 — Dream Classic (Washington, D.C.)

Event to watch in the DMV area celebrates the Martin Luther King holiday with elite hoops.

20 — De La Salle MLK Classic (Concord, Calif.)

St. Joseph vs. Modesto Christian, De La Salle vs. Sunnsylope and Salesian College Preparatory (Richmond, Calif.) vs. Clovis West (Fresno, Calif.) are the contests that will draw attention.

23-25 — Alaska Airlines Classic (Anchorage, Alaska)

Columbia (Decatur, Ga.), Heritage Christian (Northridge, Calif.) and Hoover join Alaska programs Bettye Davis East Anchorage (Anchorage, Alaska), Colony (Palmer, Alaska), Ketchikan (Alaska), Service (Anchorage, Alaska) and West Anchorage (Anchorage, Alaska) to form the eight-team tournament bracket.

24-25 — Nike Extravaganza (Santa Ana, Calif.)

Featured games include Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.) vs. Roosevelt, Whitney Young vs. Coronado and Crean Lutheran (Irvine, Calif.) taking on host Mater Dei.

24-25 — Quincy Shootout (Quincy, Ill.)

Bishop O’Connell, Booker T. Washington (Tulsa, Okla.), Chaminade, Father Tolton (Columbia, Mo.), Millard North, Modesto Christian, Oak Park (Kansas City, Mo.), Quincy Notre Dame (Quincy, Ill.). Quincy (Quincy, Ill.), Shawnee Mission Northwest (Shawnee Mission, Kan.), Simeon, Phelps (Malvern, Pa.) and Vashon (St. Louis, Mo.) make up the participant list.

24-26 — Grind Session San Pablo (San Pablo, Calif.)

Grind Session event.

25 — Dan Cummins Classic (Georgetown. Ky.)

Marquee matchup between Great Crossing and Male (Louisville, Ky.) takes center stage at the event.

25 — Nike Elite Classic (Mableton, Ga.)

Pebblebrook hosts event that features a matchup between Georgia state title contenders as Milton faces Wheeler.

Jan 30-Feb. 1 — Montverde Academy Invitational Tournament (Montverde, Fla.)

Montverde Academy hosts to be announced 8-team tournament field.

31-Feb. 2 — Grind Session Phoenix (Phoenix, Ariz.)

Grind Session event.

February

1 — Longhorn Showcase (Milton, Ga.)

Host Milton faces off against Whitney Young in the late-season Peach State event.

1 — Melo Classic (Towson, Md.)

Field is yet to be announced.

7-8 — Air Capital Hoopfest (Wichita, Kan.)

Field is yet to be announced for the Nike EYBL Scholastic event hosted by Sunrise Christian Academy.

6-8 — Metro Classic (Toms River, N.J.)

National Top 10 programs Montverde Academy and La Lumiere are expected to be participating in the to be announced field that annually features the top teams from the Garden State.

7-9 — Grind Session Atlanta (Atlanta, Ga.)

Grind Session event.

14-15 — Bob McKilliop Classic (Brookville, N.Y.)

Long Island Lutheran hosts Oak Hill Academy and IMG Academy in the two-day Nike EYBL Scholastic event.

14-16 — Grind Session Jamaica (Jamaica)

Grind Session event.

15 — Heartland Hoops Classic (Grind Island, Neb.)

Seven games are headlined by the final two games of the day as Wasatch Academy battles Millard North (Omaha, Neb.) and Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Aire, Kan.) faces Mt. Zion Prep (Lanham, Md.).

21-23 — Grind Session Philadelphia (Philadelphia, Pa.)

Grind Session event.

Feb. 28-March 2 — Grind Session Napa (Napa, Calif.)

Grind Session event.

Feb. 28-March 2 — Grind Session Washington (Washington, D.C.)

Grind Session event.

  1. Athletic Highlights

    Tufanua Ionatana Umu-Cais Joins 2026 Polynesian Bowl Roster

    2026 Englewood Cherry Creek DL offer Tufanua Umu-Cais

    2026 Englewood Cherry Creek DL offer Tufanua Umu-Cais

    Englewood (Colo.) Cherry Creek defensive lineman Tufanua Ionatana Umu-Cais has received an invitation to participate in the 2026 Polynesian Bowl, as announced on Tuesday.

    The standout player from Colorado expressed his excitement about this honor.

    “Being selected to the Polynesian Bowl is a huge honor,” stated Umu-Cais. “It’s a recognition of all the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices I’ve made, and it means even more knowing how much pride and history are connected to the game. I have seen many players in the Poly Bowl and even players that are in the league now. It is truly special to be a part of something like that.”

    Umu-Cais is eager to immerse himself in the experience in Hawaii.

    “I’m extremely excited,” he said. “The Polynesian culture is so rich, full of pride, family, and tradition. I’m looking forward to learning more, meeting new people, and embracing everything the experience has to offer. I am extremely excited to immerse myself in the Poly community because it’s my culture. I can’t wait to really put on for my family as well as my community.”

    This will mark his first visit to the Aloha State.

    “I haven’t been to Hawaii yet, so this will be my first time,” Umu-Cais shared. “I’m really looking forward to it—the beauty, the culture, and the experience of a lifetime.”

    Additionally, Umu-Cais is enthusiastic about the opportunity to compete alongside some of the nation’s top talents.

    “I do not know the roster yet and what players are going to be attending, but I look forward to meeting them and also competing,” he noted.

    The roster for the 2026 Polynesian Bowl includes early invitees such as Immanuel Iheanacho, Faizon Brandon, DJ Jacobs, Myson Johnson-Cook, Brandon Arrington, Chris Henry Jr., Kendre Harrison, Cederian Morgan, Honor Fa’alave-Johnson, Xavier Griffin, Kelsey Adams, Jamier Brown, George Toia, and Jett Washington.

    The 2027 Polynesian Bowl will feature early invites including Elijah Haven, Trent Seaborn, and Marcus Fakatou.

    Launched in 2017, the Polynesian Bowl saw its first Offensive MVP awarded to former Stanford all-purpose back Connor Wedington, while Buffalo Bills defensive lineman A.J. Epenesa earned the Defensive MVP. The following year, Kyler Gordon from the Chicago Bears and Tanner McKee from the Philadelphia Eagles were named Co-MVPs.

    The 2019 contest awarded co-MVP honors to Daniel Heimuli, a linebacker from Arizona, and Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams. In 2020, Sol-Jay Maiava, the quarterback from BYU, and Meki Pei from Hawaii won co-MVP awards.

    The 2021 edition saw Travis Hunter from Colorado take home the offensive MVP title, while Jaishawn Barham of Michigan earned defensive MVP honors. In 2023, Nico Iamaleava, a quarterback from Tennessee, was named offensive MVP, and linebacker Andrew Harris garnered defensive MVP accolades.

    The 2024 game awarded offensive MVP to Mike Matthews from Tennessee and defensive MVP to David Stone of Oklahoma. Lastly, the 2025 contest featured co-MVPs on offense in Husan Longstreet from USC and Dakorien Moore from Oregon, while 2026 defensive lineman Deuce Geralds earned the defensive MVP honor.

    The tenth Polynesian Bowl is scheduled for January 16, 2026, in Honolulu and will be broadcasted by NFL Network.

    For more details on the 2026 Polynesian Bowl roster, go here.

    The eleventh Polynesian Bowl is slated for January 22, 2027, in Honolulu and will also be aired by NFL Network.

    For insights on the 2027 Polynesian Bowl roster, go here.

    Continue Reading
  2. Athletic Highlights

    Creighton Secures Former MEAC Player of the Year Blake Harper

    DMV Hoop Session Interviews Suburban All Star Blake Harper

    DMV Hoop Session Interviews Suburban All Star Blake Harper

    Blake Harper, a standout freshman basketball player from Howard University, confirmed his transfer to Creighton University on Sunday through social media.

    Harper, who garnered both the MEAC Player and Rookie of the Year honors, shared his decision on Instagram @_bharp.

    “you can’t say i ain’t earn it??” he wrote. “RDJ”

    A Washington, D.C. native who previously played at Gonzaga College High School, Harper entered the transfer portal on March 24 and ultimately chose Creighton, turning down offers from LSU and Ohio State. Standing 6-foot-8, he also had the choice to return to Howard.

    Harper is set to join a Creighton team coached by Greg McDermott, who led the Bluejays to an impressive 25-11 overall record, including a 15-5 performance in the Big East Conference during the 2024-25 season. The Bluejays secured an NCAA Tournament spot and concluded the season ranked 24th in the USA Today Coaches poll.

    Throughout the 2024-25 season, Harper made an impact at Howard, starting in all 32 games and averaging 19.5 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists, contributing to the Bison’s 12-20 record, which included a 7-7 performance in the MEAC.

    Continue Reading
  3. Athletic Highlights

    Which Teams Are Leading Michigan High School Baseball This Week?

    Bay City Western baseball ready for state semifinals

    Bay City Western baseball ready for state semifinals

    The Michigan high school baseball season has kicked off, and we’re here to deliver weekly rankings of the top teams across the state during the spring and summer months.

    Check out this week’s standout teams in the Mitten region.

    Michigan High School Baseball Rankings: Apr. 29

    1. Bay City Western (12-1)

    Bay City Western triumphed over Flint Powers Catholic 9-0 last Thursday but faced a setback with a 4-1 loss against Midland on Monday. The Warriors are gearing up for their next games against Lapeer on May 1 and Grand Blanc on May 5.

    2. De La Salle (12-2)

    The Pilots swept Auburn Hills Avondale on Saturday, winning both games 15-0, with game one ending after four innings and game two after three. De La Salle’s next challenge comes in the form of a doubleheader against Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice on April 30.

    3. Northville (14-1)

    The Mustangs notched wins against Hartland and two over Utica last week, followed by a victory against Howell on Monday. Northville is poised for a rematch against Howell on April 30.

    4. Dakota (11-4)

    After a heavy 10-0 loss to Rochester Adams last weekend, the Cougars bounced back with decisive wins against Sterling Heights Stevenson, claiming victories of 10-0 on Monday and 14-2 on Tuesday. Dakota is slated to face Stevenson two more times to wrap up their four-game series.

    5. Birmingham Brother Rice (11-6)

    The Warriors pulled off a sweep against Detroit Edison last week (2-0) and secured a 10-6 victory over Hartland on Friday. Up next, Brother Rice will face rival De La Salle for a doubleheader on April 30.

    6. Grosse Pointe South (18-2)

    With a win over Detroit Edison on Saturday, the Blue Devils set a new school record with their 15th consecutive victory. Although they stumbled against Anchor Bat on Monday, they have a chance for revenge on April 30 and May 1.

    7. Saline (15-1)

    The Hornets swept Chelsea in two games on Saturday and achieved a similar result against Ann Arbor Huron on Monday. With a five-game winning streak, Saline is stepping into the final match of their three-game series against Ann Arbor Huron on April 30.

    8. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (10-8)

    OLSM traveled to Ohio over spring break, where they faced three games: an 8-7 defeat against Anthony Wayne, a 3-2 loss to Defiance on Saturday, and an 8-3 loss to Perrysburg later that day. The Eaglets are set to resume their Catholic League schedule on April 30 with a doubleheader against U of D Jesuit.

    9. Romeo (16-2)

    The Bulldogs are on an impressive seven-game winning streak, recently sweeping Stoney Creek on Saturday. They’ll look to maintain their momentum with a visit to Utica Ford next on May 1.

    10. Sterling Heights Stevenson (12-2)

    Stevenson is riding a three-game winning streak after defeating Anchor Bay twice on Saturday and mercying Dakota on Monday. The Titans will meet Dakota again on April 30 and May 1 before a brief pause, then face Utica Ford on May 5.

    11. Hudsonville (12-2)

    The Eagles wrapped up last week with a strong 5-1 record, including victories against Jenison and Rockford. Hudsonville is set to take on Rockford again on May 1 before hosting a doubleheader against Maple Valley the following day.

    12. Jenison (8-2)

    The Wildcats dominated Muskegon with a 15-0 win but narrowly lost to Hudsonville 9-8 last week. They split a doubleheader against Caledonia on Tuesday (W, 10-0; L, 3-2), with a rubber match scheduled for May 1.

    13. New Boston Huron (16-0)

    The Chiefs kept their unbeaten record intact last week with wins over Allen Park and Milan. They are set to play Flat Rock next on April 30 and have a matchup with Dearborn Divine Child on May 2.

    14. Detroit Catholic Central (10-6)

    The Shamrocks are currently on a four-game winning streak, most recently sweeping Portage Central on Tuesday. Up next, Detroit Catholic Central will face St. Francis de Sales in a doubleheader on April 30.

    15. West Bloomfield (8-3)

    The Lakers split a doubleheader with Rochester last week and followed that up with back-to-back wins against Groves, including an 8-1 victory on Tuesday. West Bloomfield will meet Groves once more on May 1 before taking on Stoney Creek on May 3.

    16. Dexter (13-6)

    The Dreadnaughts have struggled recently, dropping four of their last six games, including both matches in a doubleheader against Ann Arbor Skyline on Monday. They have another opportunity against Skyline on April 30 before heading to Adrian on May 3.

    17. Woodhaven (15-5)

    The Warriors have secured consecutive victories after experiencing two losses in a row, with their latest triumph coming against Dearborn Edsel Ford, winning 2-1 in a dramatic nine-inning game on Monday. Woodhaven’s upcoming opponents include Wyandotte on April 30, followed by Taylor on May 1.

    18. Rochester Adams (15-4)

    Rochester Adams holds a 2-2 record over its last four games, having recently suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Stoney Creek on Tuesday. The Highlanders have another chance to face Stoney Creek on May 2 before taking on Grosse Pointe North in a doubleheader on May 3.

    19. Trenton (13-3)

    The Trojans went 2-1 at the 9th Bob Kreszyn Classic on Saturday, achieving victories over Wayland and Flint Powers Catholic, with their only setback against Utica Ford. Additionally, Trenton triumphed over Taylor on Monday, and their next matchup is against Dearborn Edsel Ford on April 30.

    20. Midland (6-2)

    Midland upset the top-ranked team in the state, securing a 4-1 victory over Bay City Western on Monday. Despite a number of canceled games this season, the Chemics’ schedule is about to heat up, starting with a game against Davison on April 30.

    21. Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (9-5)

    Pontiac Notre Dame Prep faced a tough doubleheader against Flushing on Saturday, resulting in two losses, but bounced back on Monday with a solid 9-2 win over U of D Jesuit.

    22. Detroit Western (13-5)

    After a 12-7 win against Grosse Pointe North on Saturday, the Cowboys suffered an 8-3 loss to Grosse Pointe South later that day. However, they regained their momentum with a 5-2 victory over Cass Tech on Tuesday. Detroit Western is set to face Livonia Stevenson next on April 30.

    23. Grand Ledge (13-5)

    The Comets faced a tough defeat in a doubleheader against Okemos on Monday, breaking a four-game winning streak. Grand Ledge will aim to bounce back during a doubleheader against Lansing Everett on May 1.

    24. Mattawan (8-2-3)

    Mattawan has triumphed in four of its last five outings, although they faced a setback against Grandville, losing 4-3 on Saturday. The Wildcats will take on Gull Lake next in a doubleheader on April 30.

    25. Allen Park (8-5)

    The Jaguars managed to avoid a third consecutive loss by overpowering Lincoln Park with a decisive 15-0 win on Monday. Allen Park will look to build on this momentum as they prepare to host Taylor for a doubleheader on April 30.

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