Waterbury · December
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Founded by former pro Anthony Ireland through his nonprofit The Leadership University. Two days, eight matchups, mix of CT, NY, and RI programs — Crosby, Kolbe Cathedral, Northwest Catholic, East Catholic on the rosters in recent years. Doubles as a fundraiser and toy drive for the Rivera Memorial Foundation.
Coach-and-player driven event with mostly D2/D3 recruiter presence — better fit for kids who aren't on the high-major radar but still need eyes on tape. Community fundraiser angle gives it a different feel than the typical holiday bracket.
Best for: Mid-tier CT/NY/RI programs that want a quality opponent slate without traveling far during finals week.
Tradeoffs: Younger event (started 2023), so the brand and bracket size are still building. Not on the major D1 scout circuit. Single venue means parking and concessions get tight on big sessions.
Verified via theleadershipuniversity.org · nbcconnecticut.com on .
National Prep Tournament · March 6–8, 2026
National Prep Tournament in Fort Walton Beach, Florida takes both high school and post-grad programs. Applications stay open through October 31. If you want a competitive early-March slot without invitation-only barriers, this is the one to apply for.
Apply for the National Prep Tournament →