Myrtle Beach, December 22, 2025
Myrtle Beach is set to host the 27th edition of the Girls’ Beach Ball Classic, a premier high school basketball tournament featuring 36 teams from across the nation. This event not only showcases talented young athletes but also highlights community engagement and economic benefits to the Grand Strand area. Taking place from December 19-22, the tournament continues a legacy that began in 1981, attracting teams and fans while fostering individual achievement in sports.
Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Myrtle Beach Prepares for 27th Girls’ Beach Ball Classic
This December, Myrtle Beach will once again host the prestigious Girls’ Beach Ball Classic, bringing together top high school basketball teams from across the nation for a showcase of athletic talent and community spirit. The event highlights local initiative and dedication in fostering opportunities for young athletes.
The annual Girls’ Beach Ball Classic embodies the strength of community-driven events, demonstrating how effective local organization and civic engagement can create a significant platform for individual achievement. As teams converge on the Grand Strand, the tournament not only provides a competitive arena but also energizes the local economy and strengthens community bonds, all without excessive bureaucratic hurdles. It’s a testament to the collective effort that makes such a large-scale event a success year after year, offering invaluable experiences for young women striving for excellence in sports.
A Legacy of Excellence in Youth Sports
The Girls’ Beach Ball Classic is a significant component of the broader Beach Ball Classic, an event with a rich history in Myrtle Beach. The original Beach Ball Classic was founded in 1981 by then-Socastee High School basketball coach Dan D’Antoni, aiming to bring high-level high school competition to the East Coast. What began as an eight-team competition, featuring four teams from South Carolina and four from other states, quickly grew into a national holiday event with strong community support.
In 1998, the Beach Ball Classic Committee expanded this vision by adding a women’s tournament, which began as an eight-team invitational and has since evolved into a 32-team Nationwide tournament. The 27th Annual Girls’ Beach Ball Classic, scheduled for December 19-22, 2025, continues this tradition, promising four days of competitive basketball.
National Reach and Growing Participation
The 27th Annual Girls’ Beach Ball Classic is set to feature high school basketball teams from across the nation. For the 2025 event, the tournament has expanded to include 36 teams, an increase of four teams compared to previous years. Historically, the event has drawn 32 top girls’ teams from 10 different states, showcasing young women’s basketball talent from across the country. This Nationwide participation underscores the tournament’s reputation as a premier platform for aspiring athletes.
The tournament provides a crucial opportunity for young athletes to showcase their skills on a national stage, serving as a stepping stone for many toward college and professional careers. The growing popularity of women’s basketball, influenced by the WNBA’s success, further elevates the significance of tournaments like the Girls’ Beach Ball Classic.
The Economic and Community Heartbeat of the Grand Strand
Hosting an event of this magnitude brings substantial benefits to the Myrtle Beach community. While specific economic impact figures for the Girls’ Beach Ball Classic alone are not readily available, similar major events in the area, such as the Myrtle Beach Classic, have demonstrated significant economic contributions, generating millions in local revenue, increasing tax revenues, and supporting local jobs. The influx of teams, coaches, families, and fans stimulates local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to retail, creating a vibrant economic surge during the holiday season.
Beyond the financial impact, the tournament fosters a strong sense of community engagement. The success of the Beach Ball Classic has been largely attributed to the robust support from the community, city, county, and State-level entities. This collective effort allows the Beach Ball Classic Committee to consistently bring in top high school teams, entertaining thousands of citizens from the Grand Strand community and beyond.
A Platform for Individual Achievement and Future Stars
The Girls’ Beach Ball Classic provides a unique stage for individual achievement, allowing players to shine and gain recognition from college scouts. The broader Beach Ball Classic has a distinguished history of featuring numerous players who have gone on to achieve success in college and the NBA, including basketball legends like Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, and Rasheed Wallace. WNBA superstar A’ja Wilson is also among the notable athletes who have participated in the Beach Ball Classic, exemplifying the tournament’s role in cultivating elite talent. This tradition of excellence inspires current participants, highlighting the personal initiative and dedication required to reach higher levels of competition.
Streamlined Operations and Local Leadership
The efficient coordination of an event featuring dozens of teams is a testament to effective local leadership and streamlined organizational processes. With Chad Smith serving as the Tournament Director, the Beach Ball Classic operates with a clear vision and dedicated management. The focus on local control and private partnerships often allows for more agile decision-making and responsive event management, ensuring a smooth experience for participants and spectators alike. This model demonstrates how community growth can be fostered through proactive local initiatives rather than through complex bureaucratic systems.
Engage with the Excitement
The 27th Annual Girls’ Beach Ball Classic will be held at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center and the John T. Rhodes Sports Center. Tickets for the Girls’ Classic games can be purchased daily at these venues, with general admission priced at $10.00 per day, allowing access to all games at all locations. This accessible pricing ensures that community members and visitors alike can easily partake in the excitement. The tournament features various divisions and championship brackets, ensuring continuous competitive action.
The 27th Annual Girls’ Beach Ball Classic is more than just a basketball tournament; it’s a celebration of youth, athleticism, and community spirit in Myrtle Beach. The success of this long-standing event is a clear example of what can be achieved when local organizers, dedicated volunteers, and supportive civic bodies work together to create impactful opportunities. We encourage everyone to support this premier youth sports tournament and engage in the vibrant community development it fosters. Stay tuned to HEREmyrtlebeach.com for more updates on local events and initiatives that drive the growth of our beautiful city.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the 27th Annual Girls’ Beach Ball Classic?
- The 27th Annual Girls’ Beach Ball Classic is a high school basketball tournament featuring top teams from across the nation, held annually in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
- When and where will the 27th Annual Girls’ Beach Ball Classic take place?
- The 27th Annual Girls’ Beach Ball Classic will take place from December 19-22, 2025, primarily at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center and the John T. Rhodes Sports Center in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
- How many teams participate in the Girls’ Beach Ball Classic?
- The 2025 Girls’ tournament has expanded to include 36 teams, four more than previous years. Historically, it has featured 32 girls’ teams from 10 different states.
- What is the historical background of the Beach Ball Classic?
- The overall Beach Ball Classic was founded in 1981 by Socastee High School basketball coach Dan D’Antoni. The girls’ tournament was added in 1998, starting as an eight-team invitational and growing significantly since.
- How does the Girls’ Beach Ball Classic benefit the Myrtle Beach community?
- The tournament brings significant economic benefits to the area and fosters community engagement through strong support from the community, city, county, and State-level entities. It provides a national stage for young athletes and entertains thousands.
Key Features of the 27th Annual Girls’ Beach Ball Classic
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Event Name | 27th Annual Girls’ Beach Ball Classic | Local |
| Dates (2025) | December 19-22, 2025 | Local |
| Primary Locations | Myrtle Beach Convention Center, John T. Rhodes Sports Center | Local |
| Number of Teams (2025) | 36 teams | Nationwide |
| Historical Participation | Previously 32 teams from 10 different states | Nationwide |
| Founding Year (Overall Classic) | 1981 | Local (Myrtle Beach) |
| Girls’ Tournament Added | 1998 | Local (Myrtle Beach) |
| Community Support | Strong support from community, city, county, and State-level entities | State-level |
| Daily Ticket Price | $10.00 (General Admission) | Local |
| Notable Participants | Has featured WNBA superstars and future college/NBA players | Nationwide |
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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.
