Myrtle Beach, SC – The 44th Annual Beach Ball Classic returns to the Myrtle Beach Convention Center from December 27-30, 2024, promising fans four days of thrilling basketball action as elite high school teams from across the country face off in one of the nation’s premier holiday tournaments. This year’s event will not only showcase rising basketball stars but also welcomes back Raymond Felton, NBA veteran and Beach Ball Classic alumnus, now returning as a head coach.
Felton, a standout during his high school years at Latta High School (SC) and a former star at the University of North Carolina, is best known for his illustrious NBA career with teams such as the New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks. This year, he takes the helm as head coach of Pace Academy (TX), bringing his experience and passion back to the Beach Ball Classic, where his basketball journey first gained national recognition.
“It’s a full-circle moment for me to come back to the Beach Ball Classic, but this time on the sidelines,” said Felton. “This tournament played a huge part in my development as a player, and I’m excited to now guide the next generation of young talent in this same incredible environment.”
“The Beach Ball Classic has long been a showcase for future stars, and we’re honored to welcome Raymond Felton back as a coach,” said Chad Smith, the tournament’s director. “His journey is a testament to the tournament’s ability to cultivate talent, and his involvement this year will undoubtedly inspire the players and fans alike.”
Tournament Schedule and Matchups:
The tournament will feature over 40 players with Division 1 offers/interest in an exciting lineup of games, kicking off on Friday, December 27 with six action-packed matchups:
Game 1 (Prep) – Noon: Our Savior Lutheran (NY) vs. Balboa (FL)
Game 2 (Prep) – 1:45 PM: Shabach Christian Academy (MD) vs. 1 of 1 Prep (NC)
Game 3 (Traditional) – 3:30 PM: Windermere Prep (FL) vs. Great Crossing (KY)
Game 4 (Traditional) – 5:15 PM: St. John’s (DC) vs. Myrtle Beach (SC)
Game 5 (Traditional) – 7:00 PM: Bishop O’Connell (VA) vs. Socastee (SC)
Game 6 (Traditional) – 8:45 PM: Archbishop Moeller (OH) vs. Rideview (SC)
On Saturday, December 28, key matchups include:
Game 9 (Prep) – 3:30 PM: CIA – Bella Vista (AZ) vs. Pace Academy (TX)
Game 12 (Prep) – 8:45 PM: Berean Baptist Academy (NC) vs. Winston-Salem Christian (NC)
The 26th Annual Girls Beach Ball Classic: December 20-23, 2024
Before the boys take the court, the 26th Annual Girls Beach Ball Classic will light up Myrtle Beach from
December 20-23, 2024. Held at both the Myrtle Beach Convention Center and the John T. Rhodes Sports
Complex, this event will feature 32 top girls’ teams from 10 different states, showcasing the best of young women’s basketball talent from across the country.
Formerly known as the UBHI (United Bank Holiday Invitational), the Girls Beach Ball Classic has become a must-see event, especially in light of the growing popularity of women’s basketball following the explosive growth of the WNBA. As the WNBA continues to reach new heights, this tournament offers fans the unique opportunity to see the stars of tomorrow before they hit the national stage. With women’s basketball booming like never before, this year’s competition is expected to be the most exciting yet.
“We are proud to celebrate the 26th year of our Girls Division and the rise of women’s basketball,” said Chad Smith, tournament director. “The growth of the sport is undeniable, and the talent on display at this year’s Girls Beach Ball Classic will show why so many of these young athletes are destined for greatness.”
Girls Beach Ball Classic Key Information:
Dates: December 20-23, 2024
Venues: Myrtle Beach Convention Center & John T. Rhodes Sports Complex
Teams: 32 girls’ teams from 10 states
Highlight: The rising popularity of women’s basketball inspired by the WNBA’s success
With girls’ basketball gaining momentum on the national stage, this tournament provides a front-row seat to the beginning of many players’ journeys toward college and professional careers. Don’t miss the chance to catch the future of women’s basketball in action at the Girls Beach Ball Classic!
A Holiday Tradition of Basketball Excellence
The Beach Ball Classic, both boys and girls divisions, has become a holiday tradition, attracting basketball fans, scouts, and college recruiters to the Grand Strand for two weeks of premier competition. Whether you’re watching potential NBA stars at the boys’ tournament or witnessing the future of women’s basketball at the girls’ tournament, this event is a can’t-miss spectacle for basketball lovers of all ages.
About the Beach Ball Classic:
Founded in 1981, the Beach Ball Classic has established itself as one of the top high school basketball tournaments in the nation, with a rich history of featuring future college standouts and NBA players. Each December, Myrtle Beach plays host to this prestigious event, which draws teams from across the country and generates excitement among basketball fans and college scouts.
