Fort Myers, Florida, December 17, 2025
The City of Palms Classic, held annually in Fort Myers, Florida, showcases top high school basketball talent. This year’s tournament features 16 teams, including several ranked in the MaxPreps Top 25. With notable alumni and elite players like Jordan Smith and Caleb Holt, the event promises thrilling matchups and an exciting atmosphere, highlighting the importance of high school sports in the community.
Fort Myers, Florida: City of Palms Classic 2025 Showcases Talent
The 52nd annual City of Palms Classic, set to take place from December 18 to 23 at the Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers, Florida, will showcase a field of 16 high school basketball teams, including 10 currently ranked in this week’s MaxPreps Top 25. This prestigious tournament is renowned for featuring top-tier talent and has a history of propelling players to collegiate and professional levels.
Top-Ranked Teams in the Tournament
This year’s lineup features several elite teams, solidifying the event’s reputation as a premier high school basketball showcase. Participating teams and their respective MaxPreps rankings include:
- Calvary Christian Academy (Fort Lauderdale, FL) – Ranked No. 22
- Columbus High School (Miami, FL) – Ranked No. 20
- Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia, PA) – Ranked No. 18
- Long Island Lutheran (Brookville, NY) – Ranked No. 17
- Paul VI Catholic High School (Chantilly, VA) – Ranked No. 16
- St. John Bosco High School (Bellflower, CA) – Ranked No. 15
- The Villages Charter (The Villages, FL) – Ranked No. 14
- Wheeler High School (Marietta, GA) – Ranked No. 13
- Archbishop Stepinac High School (White Plains, NY) – Ranked No. 12
- Bishop McNamara High School (Forestville, MD) – Ranked No. 11
Notable Players to Watch
The tournament will feature several standout players, highlighting the individual talent within these high school programs. Key players to watch include:
- Jordan Smith – Point guard for Paul VI Catholic High School, ranked No. 3 in the Class of 2026.
- Caleb Holt – Forward for Prolific Prep, ranked No. 4 in the Class of 2026.
- Dylan Mingo – Guard for Long Island Lutheran, ranked No. 5 in the Class of 2026.
- Christian Collins – Guard for St. John Bosco, ranked No. 8 in the Class of 2026.
Historical Significance
The City of Palms Classic has played a pivotal role in the development of high school basketball talent since its inception in 1987. Countless participants have successfully transitioned to higher levels of competition, including the NBA and major collegiate programs. Notable alumni include LaMarcus Aldridge, Paolo Banchero, Cade Cunningham, and Jayson Tatum. The tournament’s competitive atmosphere provides exposure that is crucial for aspiring athletes.
Schedule Highlights
Fans can anticipate an action-packed schedule, with games set to be played each day from December 18 to December 23. Significant matchups include:
- Thursday, December 18:
- 1:30 PM – Paul VI Catholic High School vs. Garfield Heights High School
- 3:30 PM – Imhotep Charter vs. Petersburg High School
- 5:15 PM – Calvary Christian Academy vs. Owasso High School
- 7:00 PM – Sarasota High School vs. Archbishop Stepinac High School
- 8:45 PM – Columbus High School vs. Principia High School
- Friday, December 19:
- 10:15 AM – Consolation Game 1
- 12:00 PM – Long Island Lutheran vs. Bartlett High School
- 5:50 PM – City of Palms Hall of Fame Ceremony
- 6:20 PM – North Law Firm 3-Point Shootout
- 7:00 PM – Edison National Bank Slam Dunk Championship
- 8:20 PM – Bishop Verot High School vs. Barron Collier High School
- Monday, December 22:
- 11:00 AM – Consolation Semifinal 1
- 12:40 PM – Consolation Semifinal 2
- 2:20 PM – Fifth-Place Semifinal 1
- 4:00 PM – Fifth-Place Semifinal 2
- 6:30 PM – Semifinal 1
- 8:30 PM – Semifinal 2
- Tuesday, December 23:
- 11:00 AM – Challenge Round Game
- 12:45 PM – Challenge Round Game
- 2:30 PM – Consolation Championship
- 4:15 PM – Fifth-Place Championship
- 7:00 PM – Third-Place Final
- 9:00 PM – City of Palms Championship
Wrap-Up
The City of Palms Classic not only highlights some of the best high school basketball talent from across the nation but also creates a sense of community around sportsmanship and teamwork. Local sponsors and enthusiastic community support contribute to the tournament’s energy, making it a must-see event. Attend the games, support the athletes, and experience the impact of high school sports in our community.
FAQ
What is the City of Palms Classic?
The City of Palms Classic is an annual high school basketball tournament held in Fort Myers, Florida, featuring top-ranked teams and players from across the nation.
When is the 2025 City of Palms Classic scheduled?
The 2025 City of Palms Classic is scheduled from December 18 to 23 at the Suncoast Credit Union Arena in Fort Myers, Florida.
Which teams are participating in the 2025 tournament?
The tournament will feature 16 teams, including 10 currently ranked in the MaxPreps Top 25: Calvary Christian Academy, Columbus High School, Imhotep Charter, Long Island Lutheran, Paul VI Catholic High School, St. John Bosco High School, The Villages Charter, Wheeler High School, Archbishop Stepinac High School, and Bishop McNamara High School.
Who are some notable players to watch in the tournament?
Notable players include Jordan Smith (Paul VI Catholic High School), Caleb Holt (Prolific Prep), Dylan Mingo (Long Island Lutheran), and Christian Collins (St. John Bosco), all ranked in the top 10 of the Class of 2026.
How can I find more information about the tournament schedule and tickets?
For detailed information, including game times and ticket availability, please visit the official City of Palms Classic website.
Key Features of the City of Palms Classic
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Suncoast Credit Union Arena, Fort Myers, Florida |
| Dates | December 18-23, 2025 |
| Participating Teams | 16 teams, 10 ranked in MaxPreps Top 25 |
| Notable Players | Jordan Smith, Caleb Holt, Dylan Mingo, Christian Collins |
| Historical Alumni | LaMarcus Aldridge, Paolo Banchero, Jayson Tatum |
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