Myrtle Beach, January 16, 2026
As January unfolds, Myrtle Beach transitions into a vibrant sports season, showcasing local high school teams and highlighting collegiate and professional competitions. Events like the Iowa State swimming and diving team’s Big 12 Duals and the thrilling National Lacrosse League matchup between the Colorado Mammoth and Halifax Thunderbirds inspire aspiring young athletes. The community rallies around local teams, instilling values of teamwork, discipline, and dedication that resonate throughout the athletic landscape. This commitment to sports not only fosters competition but also reinforces the character and leadership essential for personal development.
Grand Strand Gears Up: A Look at Today’s Sports Landscape (January 16, 2026)
Myrtle Beach Embraces the Spirit of Competition Across All Levels
The crisp January air in Myrtle Beach often signals a shift in focus for our local high school athletic programs, transitioning between seasons and preparing for upcoming challenges. While our beloved local teams are often engaged in fierce competition on the hardwood or preparing for spring sports, the broader world of athletics continues to offer compelling examples of discipline, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence. For young athletes across the Grand Strand, these events, whether collegiate or professional, serve as powerful motivators, showcasing the pinnacles of sportsmanship and achievement.
Today, January 16, 2026, the national sports calendar offers a diverse array of contests, each a testament to the dedication required to compete at the highest levels. This ongoing stream of athletic endeavor provides a constant source of inspiration for our own Myrtle Beach student-athletes, reinforcing the values of hard work and commitment that are foundational to success in sports and in life. It’s a reminder that the lessons learned on the field or court here in South Carolina echo the same principles of character development seen on national stages.
College Athletes Showcase Dedication
The collegiate sports scene today features high-level competition, exemplifying the unwavering commitment of student-athletes. The Iowa State Athletics swimming and diving teams are set to compete in their Big 12 Duals. This event highlights the intense training, precision, and personal discipline required in collegiate aquatics. For aspiring swimmers in Myrtle Beach, observing such dedication underscores the path to achieving peak performance. These athletes balance rigorous academic schedules with demanding training regimens, embodying the spirit of personal responsibility and goal-setting.
Professional Lacrosse Action Ignites the Arena
For fans of high-energy, strategic team play, the National Lacrosse League (NLL) offers a thrilling matchup today. The Colorado Mammoth will face off against the Halifax Thunderbirds in a contest scheduled for 3:30 PM PT at the Scotiabank Centre. This professional encounter demonstrates the culmination of years of training and tactical understanding, showcasing the teamwork and leadership necessary for success in a dynamic sport like lacrosse. The speed and skill on display are a masterclass for any aspiring athlete, regardless of their chosen sport.
On the Ice: The Broader Hockey Landscape
While our local South Carolina Stingrays, a professional hockey team based in North Charleston, SC, do not have a home game today, with their next home game scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2026, the wider world of hockey continues its season. The National Hockey League (NHL) has its full 2026 season schedule available, indicating ongoing games across the league. The relentless pace and physical demands of professional hockey teach valuable lessons in resilience and teamwork. The commitment to excellence shown by these athletes, even when their direct path may seem distant, fuels the aspirations of younger players dreaming of the pros.
Beyond Today: Upcoming Collegiate Basketball
Looking slightly ahead, the UNT Men’s Basketball team is scheduled to play Tulane on Sunday, January 18, 2026. This upcoming game is another example of the collegiate athletic journey, where players are continually tested and grow through competition. Such events provide a glimpse into the structured programs that develop talent and character, offering a blueprint for high school programs in Myrtle Beach to emulate in fostering their own student-athletes. The pursuit of victory through disciplined practice and strategic execution is a universal theme across all levels of basketball.
Building Character and Community Through Sport
In Myrtle Beach, high school sports are more than just games; they are foundational pillars of our community, fostering leadership, discipline, and a strong work ethic among our youth. Local businesses and community members frequently rally behind our teams, demonstrating the collective pride in our schools and their athletic achievements. This support creates market-driven opportunities, from local sponsorships providing essential resources for equipment and travel, to increased fan engagement that boosts morale and strengthens community identity. When fans fill the stands for a Friday night game, it’s not just about winning; it’s about celebrating the journey, the growth, and the shared values that sports instill. These moments of collective support reinforce the idea that sports build character, not just champions, and that personal responsibility on and off the field is paramount.
Embrace the Spirit of the Game
Today’s national and collegiate sports calendar, while distinct from our local high school scene, serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring values that sports impart. From the disciplined strokes of a college swimmer to the strategic plays of professional lacrosse and hockey, the principles of dedication, teamwork, and resilience shine through. We encourage all HEREmyrtlebeach.com readers to continue supporting our local Myrtle Beach SC high school football, basketball, and other sports teams. Your presence at games and involvement in athletic programs are vital in helping young athletes develop the character, leadership skills, and opportunities that will serve them well throughout their lives. Stay tuned to HEREmyrtlebeach.com for more coverage of South Carolina prep sports and the stories of our incredible student-athletes!
Frequently Asked Questions About January 16, 2026, Sports Events
What collegiate swimming and diving event is scheduled for January 16, 2026?
The Iowa State Athletics swimming and diving teams are set to compete in their Big 12 Duals on January 16, 2026.
What professional lacrosse game is happening today, January 16, 2026?
On January 16, 2026, the Colorado Mammoth will face the Halifax Thunderbirds in a National Lacrosse League (NLL) game.
Is the South Carolina Stingrays hockey team playing a home game on January 16, 2026?
No, the South Carolina Stingrays do not have a home game on January 16, 2026; their next home game is scheduled for Sunday, January 18, 2026.
Will there be any National Hockey League (NHL) games on January 16, 2026?
Yes, the full 2026 NHL season schedule is available, indicating ongoing games across the league on January 16, 2026.
When is the UNT Men’s Basketball team playing next?
The UNT Men’s Basketball team is scheduled to play Tulane on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
Key Sports Events: January 16, 2026
| Event | Sport | Level | Date | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big 12 Duals | Swimming and Diving | Collegiate | January 16, 2026 | Nationwide |
| Colorado Mammoth vs. Halifax Thunderbirds | Lacrosse (NLL) | Professional | January 16, 2026 | Nationwide |
| South Carolina Stingrays Home Game | Hockey (ECHL) | Professional | Sunday, January 18, 2026 | State-level (for location), Nationwide (league) |
| UNT Men’s Basketball at Tulane | Basketball | Collegiate | Sunday, January 18, 2026 | Nationwide |
| NHL 2026 Season Schedule | Hockey | Professional | January 16, 2026 (ongoing) | Nationwide |
Now Happening on X
- @BigShotsGlobal (January 11, 2026): Congrats to Accelerate Academy (NC) for going undefeated and winning the High School division title at the Big Shots Myrtle Beach Slam, with Abraham Kanneh named MVP for his 12 ppg average. View on X
- @BigShotsGlobal (January 11, 2026): Southeastern Prep Academy Chasers (FL) defeats Bull City Prep (NC) 76-59 to secure a strong win in the Myrtle Beach Slam final, showcasing big shots and momentum. View on X
- @BigShotsGlobal (January 11, 2026): NC Spartans Calvert (NC) beats Ascend Ballers (SC) 43-25 in middle school action at the Big Shots Myrtle Beach Slam, with standout scoring from Adam Schaaf and others. View on X
- @BigShotsGlobal (January 10, 2026): TLAP Sports Academy (FL) dominates Bull City Prep (NC) 66-44 in a physical, high-energy game at the Big Shots Myrtle Beach Slam. View on X
- @BigShotsGlobal (January 10, 2026): Southeastern Prep (FL) holds off TD Prep (GA) 66-60 for a solid win at the Big Shots Myrtle Beach Slam, staying composed with key defensive stops. View on X
- @BigShotsGlobal (January 10, 2026): Thomas Ridge secures a 58-47 victory over Lake Raleigh Prep at the Big Shots Myrtle Beach Slam, bringing intensity and making crucial runs throughout the game. View on X
- @BigShotsGlobal (January 10, 2026): NC Spartans Calvert (NC) defeats Flight 22 Port City (NC) 59-34 in middle school play at the Big Shots Myrtle Beach Slam, led by strong performances from Adam Schaaf and Preston Calvert. View on X
- @BigShotsGlobal (January 10, 2026): Ascend Ballers (SC) cruises to a 42-25 win over Flight 22 Port City (NC) in the middle school final at the Big Shots Myrtle Beach Slam, dominating with defense and energy. View on X
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
