Divisions & Format
How the bracket plays.
Both events are built for varsity programs that want competitive games and clean film. Here's how the field, the bracket, and the guarantee work.
Thanksgiving Classic: Two-Day Showcase
The Thanksgiving Classic is an opening-weekend showcase. Sixteen teams total: eight boys' varsity, eight girls' varsity. Every team is guaranteed three games across Friday and Saturday. The format favors competitive matchups over deep brackets, ideal for programs looking to start the season on a national stage without committing four travel days.
- 16 total teams (8 boys + 8 girls)
- 3-game guarantee for every team
- Friday–Saturday play
- Live-streamed, college coaches credentialed
Christmas Classic: Four-Day Bracket
The flagship event runs December 27–30. Pool play seeds an eight-team bracket per division. Championship and consolation rounds keep games meaningful for every team through the final buzzer. Four days of basketball, three games minimum, scout-view seating, college coaches in the room.
- 8-team divisions, boys and girls varsity
- Pool play seeds the bracket
- Championship + consolation rounds
- 3-game guarantee for every team
Eligibility
The Holiday Hoops Classic is a varsity-level high-school tournament. We welcome U.S. public, private, charter, and international programs. Past fields have included programs from 16 U.S. states plus Canada, the Bahamas, and Puerto Rico. Selection is made on a first-paid, first-secured basis once pre-registration is reviewed.
