Tennessee high school basketball is governed by TSSAA. State championships happen in mid-March at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro. The Arby's Classic in Bristol has run since 1981 and is one of the East's most established holiday tournaments.
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.
Tournament details →Bristol, Tennessee — running since 1981. Sixteen-team field at Viking Hall. The tournament has produced some of the deepest holiday-week competition in the East over four decades.
Tournament details →Formerly the Arby's Classic, rebranded after Bristol Tennessee City Schools and AES Restaurant Group couldn't agree on naming. Same tournament, same week, same Viking Hall — 30,000+ spectators across six days. The 41st running drew 18 teams from nine states. Two dozen alumni have made the NBA.
Tournament details →Memphis, Tennessee — high school basketball showcase running the first weekend of January across Harding Academy and Briarcrest Christian. Mid-South programs draw alongside out-of-state visitors. The event has produced future pros including Anthony Edwards.
Tournament details →Murfreesboro, Tennessee — TSSAA boys state finals at MTSU's Murphy Center. Two division windows: Division I (March 11-15 in 2025) and Division II (March 18-22). Class 4A title went to Bradley Central 70-28 over Bartlett (Div I) and Hillsboro 57-42 over Oak Ridge (Div II) in 2025 — a first state title for Hillsboro.
Tournament details →The Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA).
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 →