From the Hoophall Public Relations
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Hoopheads brace yourself.
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced today the field of teams and game schedule for the 2016 Spalding Hoophall Classic, an annual basketball showcase now in its 15th year at Springfield College. Games will be played at Blake Arena on the campus of Springfield College January 14-18, during Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend. One of nation’s premier basketball event will once again showcase the top high school basketball teams from across the country. This year’s elite matchups include Oak Hill Academy (VA) vs. Mater Dei (CA), DeMatha Catholic (MD) vs. Chaminade College Prep (MO), and Athlete Institute (Canada) vs. Hillcrest Prep (AZ).
Several of the teams will appear in the Blue Star Media Elite 25 preseason rankings.
Other exciting matchups will feature reigning national champion Montverde Academy (FL) vs. Sierra Canyon (CA), Paul VI (VA) vs. Chino Hills (CA), St. Anthony (NJ) vs. Bentonville (AR); and Findlay College Prep (NV) vs. High Point Christian (NC). Television broadcast information will be released at a later date.
“For the past fifteen years we have been fortunate enough to host the top high school teams in the nation at the birthplace of basketball, Springfield College,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. “We expect this year’s field to be especially competitive and we look forward to welcoming each team to the Basketball Hall of Fame in January.”
Last year’s Spalding Hoophall Classic games were highlighted by Carlton Bragg (Kansas), Jaylen Brown (California), Cheick Diallo (Kansas), Ivan Rabb (California) and Ben Simmons (LSU). Fans can expect to see more rising stars with this year’s contest featuring several Class of 2016 Top 100 players including four of the nation’s top six according to ESPN: Jayson Tatum (Chaminade, MO), Harry Giles (Oak Hill Academy, VA), Malik Monk (Bentonville, AR), and Bam Adebayo (High Point Christian, NC). Other standouts include Thon Maker (Athlete Institute, Canada) and the top players in the Class of 2017 and 2018, DeAndre Ayton (Hillcrest Prep, AZ) and Marvin Bagley (Hillcrest Prep, AZ).
Tickets for the 2016 Spalding Hoophall Classic are available on Nov. 1. To purchase tickets, log onto www.tickets.hoophall.com.
The Spalding Hoophall Classic complete schedule of games: www.thehoophallclassic.com.
