Myrtle Beach, SC, December 22, 2025
The 27th annual Girls’ Beach Ball Classic is set to ignite Myrtle Beach, SC, as elite high school basketball teams from across the nation gather to showcase their talent. This annual tournament provides a vital platform for young athletes, celebrating athletic excellence and community spirit. With 32 teams participating, including both local South Carolina squads and national talent, the tournament emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and personal growth. Attendees can expect exciting games and the opportunity to witness the development of young athletes as they compete on a national stage.
Myrtle Beach, SC
National Talent Converges for 27th Girls’ Beach Ball Classic
Myrtle Beach ignites with high-octane hoops as dozens of premier high school basketball teams from across the nation converge on the Grand Strand for the 27th annual Girls’ Beach Ball Classic. This esteemed tournament provides a vital platform for young athletes to display discipline, teamwork, and character on a national stage.
The Girls’ Beach Ball Classic represents more than just a series of games; it is a celebration of athletic excellence, personal growth, and community spirit. Teams choose to conclude their non-regional seasons in Myrtle Beach, seeking the challenge and exposure offered by this renowned event. It’s a testament to hard work and dedication, transforming the holiday season into a showcase of talent and competitive resolve, reinforcing the invaluable life lessons learned both on and off the court.
A Legacy of Competition and Growth
The Beach Ball Classic, founded in 1981 by then-Socastee High School basketball coach Dan D’Antoni, was established to elevate high school basketball competition on the East Coast. Initially an eight-team event featuring four South Carolina teams and four from other states, it rapidly expanded into a 16-team national holiday tournament, thanks to robust community support. In 1998, the Classic committee further enhanced the event by adding a women’s tournament, significantly increasing its competitive scope.
The tournament is held annually before and after Christmas at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, solidifying its place as a premier destination for prep basketball.
National Stage, Local Heartbeat
This year’s 27th Girls’ Beach Ball Classic brings together 32 girls’ teams, featuring a national bracket that draws talent from various states. The tournament serves as a critical opportunity for young women to showcase their skills, teamwork, and personal growth. Competing against top-tier opponents provides invaluable exposure for participants, many of whom aspire to collegiate athletics.
The event is not only a magnet for national talent but also a point of pride for the local community. Several South Carolina teams are participating, including Ben Lippen, Blythewood, Camden, Carvers Bay, Chapin, Conway, First Baptist, Fort Dorchester, Georgetown, Gray Collegiate, Greenville, James Island, Keenan, Lake City, Lower Richland, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Orangeburg-Wilkinson, Socastee, South Pointe, St. James, Trinity, Wando, Westside, and Westwood. Other national teams like Bishop O’Connell from Virginia, Concord Academy from North Carolina, Fairland from Ohio, and Ramsay from Alabama are also present, adding to the tournament’s diverse and competitive field.
Character Forged Through Competition
High school sports are a cornerstone of youth development, instilling values that extend far beyond the final score. The Girls’ Beach Ball Classic exemplifies this, with athletes learning the importance of discipline, dedication, perseverance, leadership, and personal responsibility as they navigate intense competition. These attributes are crucial for success in sports and in life, shaping young individuals into responsible citizens and future leaders.
Recent contests on December 20, 2025, showcased the thrilling nature of the tournament, with teams demonstrating resilience and strategic play. Concord Academy from North Carolina defeated First Baptist from South Carolina with a score of 63-54. In an overtime thriller, North Mecklenburg from North Carolina edged Westside from South Carolina 56-55. South Pointe from South Carolina secured an 87-52 victory over First Baptist from South Carolina. Fairland from Ohio also posted a victory against Ramsay from Alabama. Additionally, Andrew Jackson from South Carolina claimed the John Rhodes Division title, Gray Collegiate from South Carolina won the Sylvia Hatchell Division Championship, and Graves County from Kentucky took home the Kay Yow Division Championship.
Community Engagement and Economic Impact
The success of the Girls’ Beach Ball Classic is deeply intertwined with strong community support. Local sponsorships from businesses are crucial, investing in the next generation and fostering a symbiotic relationship between local athletics and community engagement. This strengthens school pride, boosts fan involvement, and cultivates a collective identity that is uniquely Myrtle Beach. Horry County Schools actively fosters community involvement in student-athlete success, recognizing the vital role these programs play.
The Parks, Recreation & Sports Tourism Department of Myrtle Beach also offers various youth sports programs, demonstrating the city’s commitment to athletic development from a young age.
Join the Excitement!
The 27th annual Girls’ Beach Ball Classic is an electrifying event that embodies the spirit of high school athletics. It’s a prime example of how competition, teamwork, and personal responsibility build character and open doors to future opportunities. We encourage all residents and visitors to support these dedicated young athletes. Attend games at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, witness the passion and skill firsthand, and celebrate the positive impact of high school sports on our community.
Stay tuned to HEREmyrtlebeach.com for ongoing coverage of this premier South Carolina prep sports event, local highlights, and more stories that inspire. Your involvement helps strengthen our community and provides invaluable opportunities for our youth.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Girls’ Beach Ball Classic
- What is the Girls’ Beach Ball Classic?
- The Girls’ Beach Ball Classic is an annual high school basketball tournament held in Myrtle Beach, SC, showcasing top talent and fierce competition from across the nation.
- When and where is the 27th Girls’ Beach Ball Classic taking place?
- The 27th Girls’ Beach Ball Classic is part of the larger Beach Ball Classic event, which runs from December 19-30, 2025, primarily at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center in Myrtle Beach, SC.
- How many teams participate in the Girls’ Beach Ball Classic?
- Dozens of high school basketball teams from across the nation participate in the Girls’ Beach Ball Classic, specifically 32 girls’ teams, including a national bracket.
- What is the historical background of the Beach Ball Classic?
- The Beach Ball Classic was founded in 1981 by then-Socastee High School basketball coach Dan D’Antoni. It began as an eight-team competition and expanded into a 16-team national holiday event with the women’s tournament added in 1998.
- What is the community impact of the Girls’ Beach Ball Classic?
- The event’s success is bolstered by strong community support and local sponsorships from businesses. Community engagement strengthens school pride, boosts fan involvement, and creates a collective identity that is uniquely Myrtle Beach, SC.
Key Features of the Girls’ Beach Ball Classic
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Event Name | 27th annual Girls’ Beach Ball Classic | Local (Myrtle Beach event) |
| Location | Myrtle Beach, SC, primarily Myrtle Beach Convention Center | Local |
| Dates (2025) | December 19-30, 2025 (Girls’ tournament within this timeframe) | Local |
| Participating Teams | Dozens of high school basketball teams, 32 girls’ teams with a national bracket | Nationwide |
| Event Purpose | Showcase top talent, fierce competition, skill, teamwork, personal growth, provide valuable exposure | Nationwide |
| Founding Year | 1981 by Dan D’Antoni (Socastee High School coach) | Local (origin) |
| Women’s Tournament Added | 1998 | Local (event expansion) |
| Community Support | Strong local community support, including crucial local sponsorships from businesses | Local |
| Impact on Community | Strengthens school pride, boosts fan involvement, creates a collective identity for Myrtle Beach, SC | Local |
| Values Emphasized | Discipline, dedication, perseverance, leadership, personal responsibility | Nationwide (for athletes participating) |
Now Happening on X
- @BeachBallClassic (December 22, 2025): Finals are set for Championship Monday at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, featuring matchups like Lady Sharks vs. Chapin in the Kay Yow Division and Gray Collegiate Academy vs. Camden in the Sylvia Hatchell Division. View on X
- @CamdenGBB (December 22, 2025): The Camden Girls Basketball team prepares for the Sylvia Hatchell Division Championship Game against Gray Collegiate Academy at 11:15 a.m. at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. View on X
- @757Teamz (December 22, 2025): Deep Creek defeats Blythewood 54-46 at the Beach Ball Classic, with Sophya Webb scoring 19 points and Morgan Herbert adding 14 to secure the Hornets’ second win in the tournament. View on X
- @WBTWNews13 (December 21, 2025): Dozens of teams from across the nation gather in Myrtle Beach for the 27th annual Girls’ Beach Ball Classic, highlighting top high school basketball talent. View on X
- @BeachBallClassic (December 21, 2025): Hebron defeats Concord Academy 49-43 to advance to the United Bank bracket finals against North Mecklenburg for the title at 2:45 p.m. at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center. View on X
- @SouthPointeWBB (December 20, 2025): Love Day at the Beach Ball Classic features a matchup for South Pointe WBB at 11:45 a.m. at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, with live streaming available. View on X
- @WestwoodWBB (December 19, 2025): The Redhawks head to Myrtle Beach for the Beach Ball Classic, facing St. James at 1:30 p.m. to kick off tournament play with postseason energy. View on X
- @CAEaglesWBB (December 19, 2025): Game day excitement as Concord Academy WBB takes on Cape Fear Academy at 1:30 p.m. in the Beach Ball Classic at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, streaming live on BallerTV. 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.
