Knoxville is the place to be this upcoming weekend. With 30+ future Division 1 players in the field, some of Tennessee's finest will square off with some of the top teams and players from across the region. Check out the top 5 matchups below.
1. Webb School of Knoxville (TN) vs. Moravian Prep (NC)- 3:30pm on December 14th
The host Spartans return 4 starters from a team that reached the DII-AA State Semifinals a season ago, and they will take on quite the challenge in Moravian Prep. Moravian Prep, based in Hickory, NC, competes in the Overtime Elite league as the YNG Dreamerz. They are led by Eli Ellis, a South Carolina signee who was named 2024 Overtime Elite MVP and is currently averaging 29.8 points per game. He is joined by fellow Division 1 signees Hayden Assemian, Abu Yarmah, Caden Miller, Tahj Walters, Melakih Cunningham, along with top juniors Kohl Rosario and Isaac Ellis. The Spartans will lean on a balanced attack of Jaylen Pompey, Alex Leeth, Owen Lentz, Cam Swearengen, and Wilson Luton to compete with Moravian.
2. Huntsville (AL) vs. St. Anne’s Belfield (VA)- 5:30pm on December 14th
Two out of state teams will meet in Knoxville for a matchup between top 30 teams in the nation. In MaxPreps’ most recent rankings, Huntsville moved up to 22nd overall, and for good reason. They are 12-0 on the season, and are led by 5 college signees (4 Division 1), including future Auburn Tiger Simon Walker. St. Anne’s Belfield (#28 in MaxPreps’
rankings) also brings plenty of firepower to the contest, including 4 star PG and Virginia Player of the Year Chance Mallory, along with Division 1 signees Austin Williford, Danzelle Bullock Coles, and junior Connor Lyons. This matchup will showcase two of the best teams in the country and help decide national standings.
3. Webb School of Knoxville (TN) vs. St. Anne’s Belfield (VA)- 7:30pm on December 13th
The primetime matchup on Friday night features two teams already mentioned. St. Anne’s Belfield made it to the VISAA State Championship Game in 2023-24 before falling to the #1 ranked team in the nation, Paul VI. Webb was put out in the DII-AA State Semifinals by Brentwood Academy. Both teams will look to use this game as not only a measuring stick, but also a springboard for the rest of their season.
4. Maryville (TN) vs. Huntsville (AL)- 9:00pm on December 13th
The Maryville Rebels had a breakthrough season in 2023-24, winning the Region Championship and making it all the way to the AAAA State Quarterfinals. And they return enough talent to make it further this year. 5 Star Preps Underclassman of the Year Jonathan Woodlee and standout Brayden Hazelbaker are joined by college prospects Eli Owensby and Luke Sigmund, along with 4 star football recruit Brody Smith. The Rebels are seeking a signature win against one of the nation’s top teams to kickstart their season.
5. Alcoa (TN) vs. Buckhorn (AL)- 7:30pm on December 13th
Back to Back State Champions vs. Back to Back State Champions. While Jahvin Carter graduated and is now contributing at Penn State, the Alcoa Tornadoes still have plenty of talent to push for a Three-Peat. Sophomores Condis Cherry, Jahmir Dean, and Jay Kirk provide a deadly young nucleus to go along with veterans like Eli Graf and Jibriel Koko. The Buckhorn Bucks come to Knoxville on the heels of consecutive state championships, and bring with them Division 1 recruit Jeremiah Wilson and State Tournament MVP Fred Derrick. The battle of state champions should be a fun one to watch.
About the Turnkey Hardwood Classic...
The Turnkey Hardwood Classic is a premier high school basketball showcase hosted by the Webb School of Knoxville on December 13th and 14th, 2024. With over 30 Division 1 basketball players in the field, the event features some of the best teams and players from 6 states across the region. For complete details, including schedule, tickets, and live streaming information, visit turnkey-classic.com or follow @turnkeyclassic on Instagram and X.
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