POA Holiday Classic 2024 Tips Off as Nation’s Premier High School Basketball Showcase

The nation’s elite high school basketball teams are converging on Portland. The POA Holiday Classic begins Thursday, December 26th. The prestigious tournament runs through December 29th at venues across the city.

It has grown into a massive national event. This year’s field features 63 teams from five states. Top-ranked programs from California, Oregon, and Texas will compete.

National Powers Clash in Elite Diamond Bracket

The top-tier Diamond bracket is stacked with national talent. It features Etiwanda High School, ranked 6th nationally by MaxPreps. Etiwanda has won three consecutive California Open Division state titles.

They are joined by Oregon’s defending 6A champion, Tualatin. Tualatin is currently ranked 7th in the same national poll. California powerhouse Mater Dei is also in the mix.

Washington’s Union, Eastside Catholic, and Annie Wright round out the bracket. Oregon’s fifth-ranked Benson Tech completes the fierce field. Games for this bracket will be held at Franklin High School.

Platinum and Emerald Brackets Feature State Champions

The Platinum bracket boasts its own heavyweights. It includes Washington’s newly minted top team, Davis, and second-ranked Bellevue. They are joined by Oregon’s fourth-ranked South Medford.

Mission Hills, ranked 19th in California, adds more firepower. Salesian Prep (CA) and Faith Family Academy (TX) complete the bracket. This sets up several intriguing cross-state matchups.

The Emerald bracket is headlined by California’s fourth-ranked St. Mary’s of Stockton. Oregon’s second-ranked West Linn, fresh off a tournament win, is also a favorite. Sage Hill, ranked 13th in California, could meet West Linn in the semifinals.

Expanded Field Highlights Tournament’s Growth

Other brackets showcase the event’s incredible depth. The Sapphire bracket includes defending champion St. Joseph’s of Lakewood, California. They will face local favorite Jefferson High School in their opener.

The Jade, Pearl, Ruby, and Opal brackets feature dozens of strong regional programs. Teams like Wilsonville, Oregon City, and Central Catholic will all battle for titles. This structure ensures competitive games for every participating team.

The tournament’s expansion reflects its rising prestige. Starting with just two brackets in 2018, it now dominates the local sports calendar. It provides a critical mid-season test for teams with state title ambitions.

The POA Holiday Classic 2024 has solidified its status as a must-see event. It offers a unique preview of national championship contenders. Fans can witness future college stars in action all week long.

A quick knowledge drop for you

What is the POA Holiday Classic?

It is a major high school basketball tournament held annually in Portland. The 2024 event features 63 teams from Oregon, Washington, California, Texas, and Florida. It has grown significantly since starting with just two brackets.

Which teams are the favorites to win?

In the top Diamond bracket, nationally-ranked Etiwanda (CA) and Tualatin (OR) are the leading contenders. In other brackets, teams like Davis (WA), West Linn (OR), and St. Mary’s (CA) are expected to perform well. The competition is considered very balanced across all eight divisions.

Where are the games being played?

The elite Diamond and Platinum bracket games are held at Franklin High School. Other games are spread across multiple high school gyms throughout Portland. Specific schedules and locations are published by the tournament organizers.

How can fans watch the games?

Tickets are typically available at the door of each host venue. Some tournaments stream games online, but check official channels for the POA Classic. Following local sports news outlets is the best way to get real-time scores and updates.

What makes this tournament unique?

Its massive scale and geographic diversity set it apart. Few tournaments on the West Coast attract top-10 national teams from multiple states. It provides a rare early-season comparison between different state championship contenders.