Myrtle Beach, October 7, 2025
News Summary
Myrtle Beach prepares to host the 45th annual Beach Ball Classic, a prominent high school basketball tournament featuring teams from across the nation. Set to take place at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, the boys’ tournament will showcase 16 teams, while the girls’ competition expands to 36 teams this year. In addition to thrilling games, a dunk and three-point shooting contest will also entertain fans, emphasizing community involvement and the legacy of this beloved holiday event.
Myrtle Beach is preparing to celebrate 45 years of high school basketball through the annual Beach Ball Classic tournament, with participation from teams nationwide. This long-standing event will focus on high school basketball excellence and community engagement, showcasing a mix of local talent and elite programs.
Teams competing in the tournament were announced on Tuesday, with the Boys Beach Ball Classic set to occur from December 27 to December 30, 2025, while the Girls Beach Ball Classic will take place from December 19 to December 22, 2025. Both tournaments will be hosted at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.
The boys’ tournament will consist of 16 teams, divided into two brackets: a traditional teams bracket and a prep teams bracket. Highlighting local representation, two teams from the area, Myrtle Beach and Socastee, will participate in the boys’ tournament. The girls’ tournament has expanded this year to include 36 teams, with four more joining the field compared to previous years.
Chad Smith, the Tournament Director, expressed the event’s longstanding relationship with excellence in high school basketball and the excitement it brings to the community. The boys’ tournament will feature a mix of traditional public schools and elite prep programs, reflecting the event’s historical significance in promoting young talent.
In a preview of the competition, Socastee‘s first game resulted in a loss against Bishop O’Connell (Virginia), the previous year’s champion, finishing with a score of 72-30. Despite the loss, senior Bryson Sams made a notable contribution, scoring 19 points and achieving 11 rebounds. Meanwhile, Myrtle Beach also faced defeat, losing to St. John’s (Washington, DC) with a score of 81-30, where James Watson led the team with 11 points.
Community involvement is a vital aspect of the tournament, with members from the Boys and Girls Club of the Grand Strand volunteering during the event. The tournament will culminate in the championship games held on December 30.
This year’s Beach Ball Classic also brings excitement beyond the traditional games with a dunk and three-point shooting contest scheduled for December 29 at 7:30 p.m., marking its return after several years.
The Beach Ball Classic, founded in 1981, has become an iconic holiday tradition in Myrtle Beach, allowing younger athletes to showcase their skills on a national stage while creating lasting memories for participants and fans alike. The girls’ tournament is celebrating its 27th year, continuing the legacy of competitive basketball during the holiday season.
Quick Facts:
- Boys Beach Ball Classic: December 27-30, 2025
- Girls Beach Ball Classic: December 19-22, 2025
- Location: Myrtle Beach Convention Center
- Competition format: 16 boys’ teams in two brackets
- Community engagement with local volunteers
- Dunk and three-point contest: December 29, 7:30 p.m.
FAQ
What is the Beach Ball Classic?
The Beach Ball Classic is an annual high school basketball tournament held in Myrtle Beach that showcases teams from across the United States.
When will the Beach Ball Classic take place?
The Boys Beach Ball Classic will occur from December 27 to December 30, 2025, and the Girls Beach Ball Classic will be from December 19 to December 22, 2025.
Where is the tournament held?
All games will be hosted at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center.
How many teams will participate in the boys’ tournament?
The boys’ tournament will consist of 16 teams divided into two brackets: a traditional teams bracket and a prep teams bracket.
Is there a community involvement aspect to the tournament?
Yes, local organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club of the Grand Strand will have members volunteering during the tournament.
What is special about this year’s tournament?
This year features a dunk and three-point shooting contest scheduled for December 29 at 7:30 p.m., the first in several years.
Key Features of the Beach Ball Classic
| Feature | Boys Tournament | Girls Tournament |
|---|---|---|
| Dates | December 27-30, 2025 | December 19-22, 2025 |
| Number of Teams | 16 teams | 36 teams |
| Location | Myrtle Beach Convention Center | Myrtle Beach Convention Center |
| Brackets | Traditional & Prep teams | N/A |
| Community Engagement | Local volunteering programs | Local volunteering programs |
| Dunk & Three-Point Contest | December 29, 7:30 p.m. | N/A |
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Additional Resources
- WMBF News
- WPDE News
- WBTW News
- My Horry News
- WFXB News
- Wikipedia: Myrtle Beach
- Google Search: Beach Ball Classic
- Google Scholar: Beach Ball Classic
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Beach Ball Classic
- Google News: Beach Ball Classic
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.
