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Summary
Atlanta, Georgia — Hawks-Naismith season opener at Holy Innocents' Episcopal in late November. Sixth annual in 2025, two girls games and four boys games on a single Saturday. Same operating partnership (Hawks, Tipoff Club, Naismith) as the December Holiday Classic.
What makes this tournament distinct
First weekend tip-off opportunity for Georgia programs against premium in-state competition before the season fully gets going.
Who it fits
Best for: GA programs wanting a high-profile opener instead of a soft scrimmage.
Tradeoffs: One-day, one-game format. Holy Innocents' gym holds only so many fans.
Atlanta, Georgia — girls-only showcase, part of a six-market national series that also runs in Charlotte, Dallas, Jersey Shore, Nashville, and DC. Atlanta event runs the first weekend of January, drawing perennial powerhouse programs (Legion Collegiate, Valor Christian and others). Operated by The St. James organization.
Norcross, Georgia — partnership between the Atlanta Hawks, the Atlanta Tipoff Club, and the Naismith Awards. One-day, twelve-team co-ed showcase at Norcross High the second weekend of December. Ken Nugent's Score for Scholarships pledges $1 to the Hawks Foundation per point scored.
Started in 1971 by Lloyd Williams and Vertis Sails to give inner-city Memphis players a competitive stage. Began at Melrose with nine teams. Hamilton High became the permanent host in 1992; girls divisions started 1993, middle schools 2009. 50+ years running.
Houston-area Pasadena ISD hosts what's been billed as Texas's largest pre-Thanksgiving high school tournament. Played the Thursday-Friday-Saturday before Thanksgiving across multiple Pasadena ISD gyms, with a free YouTube stream.
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.