Top basketball prospects from across the US will play in this revamped Gulfport tournament

The annual Holiday Classic hosted by Gulfport High School will have a very different look in its 40th edition.

The high school basketball tournament will have a Mississippi vs. the world set up with the state’s top basketball programs being put against top high school teams from around the U.S.

“In taking it up a level, I had to break from tradition a little bit,” athletic director Matt Walters said in a Wednesday press conference. “Gulfport is the only team that is going to be in this tournament every year. Outside of that, we’re going to find the three best teams that Mississippi has to offer... and then we’re going out and trying to find the best talent from the nation that we can find.”

Gulfport will host Terry, Raymond and Olive Branch as the in-state schools represented in the tournament. Not only does the field represent some of the best teams in the state, but it gives local fans an opportunity to see Ole Miss and Mississippi State target EJ Paymon from Raymond.

Joining the tournament from out of state will be Zachary (LA), Princeton (OH), Marion (AR) and Windermere Prep (FL).

All four are considered state title contenders and are loaded with Division I talent. Windermere Prep is led by Brandon Bass Jr, son of former LSU star and NBA player Brandon Bass, and is a top-40 recruit in the class of 2026.

Bass Jr. is joined on that roster by Chinese Junior National Team player Sinan Huan, a 7-footer with offers from Mississippi State and Alabama as the No. 30-ranked player in the ‘26 class.

“I’m excited for it, I think it’s a great way to showcase the state,” Gulfport guard Amir Abdul-Rauf said. “I feel like Mississippi is overlooked, so for teams from Ohio, Arkansas to come down here and play in our tournament, I think that can put us on the map.”

The Holiday Classic is scheduled for December 28-30.