Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country | Founded 05-05-05

February 22, 2007 issue

Top Prep Basketball Tourney in Boone February 23 and 24

Story by David Brewer

On Friday and Saturday, February 23 and 24, Boone hoops fans will welcome the return of the fourth annual Champions Prep Classic, the nation’s premier high school and prep school basketball event featuring eighteen of the best high school and prep schools from around the nation.

As in previous years, the Champions Prep Classic will draw basketball fans, college coaches and NBA scouts to watch the more than 120 NCAA Division I prospects, including eight to 12 future NBA players headlined by Oak Hill’s Nolan Smith, a Duke University signee.

In addition to the intense tournament action, Echota will sponsor three-point shootout and slam-dunk competitions.

The Champions Prep Classic has a storied past, as two high school national championships and one prep school national champion have been crowned because of games played at the Holmes Center.

Tournament favorites Oak Hill Academy are currently ranked second in the nation with a chance to take the top spot with victories during the weekend games. In addition to the games at ASU, the team will participate in tournaments in Johnson City, Tenn. and Lenoir this week.

Purchase tickets for the Champions Prep Classic at the Holmes Center Box Office, High Country Inn and Pro-Am Sports or online by clicking to www.theholmescenter.com. For more info, call Pro-Am Sports at 828-264-9547.

 

Champions Prep Classic Tournament Schedule

Get out this weekend and see some of the nation’s best basketball talent before they enter college and the NBA at the Holmes Center. Below is the tournament schedule. All listed game times are p.m.

 

 

Friday, February 23

5:30 Our Savior New American (NY) vs. Patterson School HS (NC)

7:00 Oak Hill Academy (VA) vs. Mount Zion Academy HS (NC)

8:30 Echota 3-Point Shoot Out

9:00 Patterson School Prep vs. Hargrave Military Academy (VA)

Saturday, February 24

12:00 Future Academy (NC) vs. Milestone Prep HS (NC)

1:30 Milestone Prep Academy (NC) vs. Hope Christian (NC)

3:00 Veritas Christian (NC) vs. North Atlanta Prep Academy (GA)

5:30 Champions Classic 3rd Place Game (Loser of Friday’s 5:30 & 7:00 games)

7:00 Stoneridge Prep (CA) vs. Mt. Zion Academy National (NC)

8:30 Echota Slam-Dunk Championship

9:00 Champions Classic Championship Game (Winner of Friday’s 5:30 & 7:00 games)