City of Palms Classic Field announced

Sep 24, 2026 By CJ HADDAD 3 min read

One of the top high school basketball tournaments that calls Southwest Florida home has announced its field for 2026.

The City of Palms Classic returns to Fort Myers this December for its 53rd year, once again showcasing the top talent across the country when it comes to high school hoopers.

Games will take place from Dec. 18 to Dec. 23 at Suncoast Credit Union Arena on the campus of Florida SouthWestern State College.

This year’s pool of teams will feature 13 of the nation’s top-30 seniors, and 11 top-22 juniors (according to ESPN). Since its inception, the City of Palms Classic has seen 231 McDonald’s All-Americans and 148 NBA first-round picks step onto its court.

“The tournament this year is, by far, one of our most loaded fields yet-from the players to the teams,” said tournament Executive Director Mary Schaack. “With Beckham Black, Cayden Daughtry, Colton Hiller, and more than 60 other ranked players, we expect this to be one of our best tournaments ever.”

Black is the No. 1 ranked senior in the nation, playing for Southeastern Prep. Other top-10 seniors include No. 3 C.J. Rosser (Southeastern Prep), No. 4 Daughtry (Calvary Christian), No. 5 A.J. Williams (Eagle’s Landing Christian), No. 6 Lewis Uvwo (Prolific Prep), and No. 7 Adan Diggs (Millennium).

Top-10 juniors include No. 2 Hiller (Coatesville), No. 3 Bamba Touray (Prolific Prep), No. 4 Benjamin Berrouet (Dynamic Prep), and No. 5 Erick Dampier Jr. (Madison-Ridgeland).

The 16-team bracket is to include: Bartlett (TN), Calvary Christian (Fort Lauderdale), Carter (TX), Columbus (Miami), Fleming Island (Fleming Island), Greensboro Day (NC), IMG Academy (Bradenton), La Lumiere (IN), Lehigh Senior (Lehigh Acres), Millennium (AZ), Montverde Academy (Montverde), Providence (Jacksonville), Riviera Prep (Miami), Saint Frances (MD), Sarasota (Sarasota), and Thomas Jefferson (NY).

The City of Palms Classic Signature Series, which takes place Dec. 21 and 23, includes: Dynamic Prep (TX), Prolific Prep (Fort Lauderdale), Southeastern Prep (Orlando), and SPIRE Academy (OH).

The tournament’s Sunshine Series, which takes place Dec. 19 and 21, includes: Boca Ciera (St. Petersburg), Coatesville (PA), Eagle’s Landing Christian (GA), and Madison-Ridgeland (MS).

This year’s Thimlar Tribute, which takes place Dec. 21, features Aubrey Rogers (Naples) and Bishop Verot (Fort Myers).

Cape Coral and Palmetto Ridge will also face off in the City of Palms Tipoff on Dec. 18.

“The Southwest Florida community should come out and witness these future stars before their professional and collegiate careers begin,” said Schaack. “With 53 years in the community, the City of Palms Classic has become a place where fans can experience the future of basketball over six unforgettable days.”

Tickets are available at the Barbara B. Mann box office or by visiting cityofpalmsclassic.com.

Student tickets are $15 at the box office window. Single-day tickets start at $35, with three-day and week-long packages also available.

“These are the moments fans will wish they had experienced before these kids go pro,” Schaack added. “This isn’t just normal high school basketball, it’s the future of the NBA on display.”

To reach CJ HADDAD, please email cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com