49th Annual City of Palms Classic Basketball returns with star-studded field
The City of Palms executive director and tournament director have announced the teams for the 49th Annual City of Palms Classic Basketball Tournament. A press conference for the announcement is scheduled for today, Tuesday, Aug. 16, at 2 p.m., at Suncoast Credit Union Arena on the campus of Florida SouthWestern State College. Team information and player highlights will be announced for the tournament which will be held December 16-21, 2022, at Suncoast Credit Union Arena, on the campus of Florida SouthWestern State College.
For the first time in 7 years, City of Palms Classic will be featuring two schools from California: Corona Centennial and Donda Academy. Donda Academy is one of the most sought-after programs in the high school basketball world that was founded by Kanye West. City of Palms is honored to welcome Donda to Fort Myers. Donda Academy is home to nationally ranked seniors Robert Dillingham (#5 ESPN) and Javonte Taylor (#12 ESPN), and 2024 Jahki Howard. (#15 ESPN).
Last year’s Thimlar Game Champion, Columbus High School out of Miami will be back to take the hardwood and join the Classic Bracket at the 2022 tournament. Columbus features the number one sophomore in the country, Cameron Boozer, and his twin brother, Cayden Boozer, (#24 ESPN). The children of two-time NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer showcased their talents during the Thimlar Game of the 2021 City of Palms Classic. With last year’s win in the Thimlar Game, Columbus High School will be one of the top teams to watch in this year’s Classic Bracket.
Other top ranked players coming to Fort Myers include class of 2023 Justin Edwards (#13 ESPN), point guard Isaiah Collier (#14 ESPN), Jared McCain (#23 ESPN) and Reed Sheppard (#28 ESPN). Class of 2024 includes Karter Knox (#11 ESPN), Johnuel Fland (#18 ESPN), Klarius Amir (#38 ESPN) and Ahmad Nowell (#44 ESPN). Two strong players in the Class of 2025 include B.J. Davis-Ray (#18 ESPN) and Danny Carbuccia (#25 ESPN).
In addition to Roselle and Columbus are these teams to complete the Classic Tournament Bracket. Archbishop Stepinac High School (White Plains, N.Y.), Canterbury High School (Fort Myers), Centennial High School (Corona, CA), Charlotte High School (Punta Gorda), Isidore Newman HS (New Orleans, LA), Wheeler HS (Marietta, GA), Lake Highlands High School (Dallas), Newton High School (Covington GA), North Laurel High School (London, KY),Tampa Catholic High School (Tampa ) and Winter Haven High School (Winter Haven, FL)
The Signature Series features the Geico High School Nationals Runner Up, Link Academy. Link Academy took 2nd place at this year’s Geico High School Nationals when they lost to Montverde Academy at the tournament also held at Florida Southwestern State College. Coming back with vengeance, Link Academy will face Donda Academy (Los Angeles), The Rock School (Gainesville, FL) and Saint Frances Academy (Baltimore) in this year’s signature series. This year’s signature series will feature some of the best talent we have ever seen in this bracket. Class of 2024 Jahki Howard (#15 ESPN) and Point Guard Elliott Cadeau (#10 ESPN) along with Class of 2023 Ja’Kobe Walter (#17 ESPN).
The Sunshine Series showcases Florida’s own talent. This year’s Sunshine Series will feature, Providence School (Jacksonville), The Villages High School (The Villages), Westminster Academy (Fort Lauderdale) and IMG Blue (Bradenton). IMG Blue will feature 16-year-old Olivier Rioux who stands at an impressive 7-foot-6.
The Hugh Thimlar Tribute game, honoring the legendary college and high school coach, will feature Fort Myers own Gateway High School and Olympia High School (Orlando). As coach of the then Edison Junior College, Thimlar created a junior college national powerhouse over 26 seasons. Overall, he won 604 games over 40 seasons as a head coach in Indiana and Florida. He also founded the City of Palms tournament, then called the News-Press Christmas Basketball Tournament in 1973, with six teams competing at Edison in a regional tournament.
Tickets and information are on sale now. Visit City Of Palms Classic to purchase tickets today.
About City of Palms Classic Tournament
Founded in 1973, the City of Palms Tournament began, like so many tournaments today, as a simple, local holiday basketball tournament. Over the years, the tournament grew and expanded its scope to include the nation’s top athletes and programs. During the past 26 years, it has set the standard as being the nation’s number one high school basketball tournament in the nation. Classic Basketball Inc. is a 501(C)3 not-for-profit corporation created for the purpose of managing the City of Palms Classic. For more information and to sign up for the eNewsletter, visit City Of Palms Classic Tournament.