City of Palms Classic to feature more Florida teams in 2026
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 14, 2026, 10:10 PM
Last updated Sep 14, 2026

The 53rd annual City of Palms Classic, scheduled from December 18-23 at Suncoast Credit Union Arena, will showcase a majority of Florida programs for the first time since 1989. The tournament will host 16 teams, including Monteverde Academy, returning for its 15th appearance in hopes of claiming its eighth title. Other notable schools include IMG Academy and previously successful programs like Miami Columbus and Sarasota. The event features some of the nation's top-ranked high school players, emphasizing Florida's growing prominence in basketball. A total of 11 ESPN-ranked seniors will participate, along with several other highly-rated juniors and sophomores.
- •Tournament runs December 18-23 at Florida SouthWestern State College.
- •Monteverde Academy seeks its eighth City of Palms championship.
- •IMG Academy competes under first-year coach Jackson Johnson.
- •Event includes 11 of the top-16 ESPN-ranked seniors.
- •Cape Coral and Palmetto Ridge will play in the opening game.
- 10:10 PMYahoo Sports — City of Palms Classic unveils 2026 field featuring 9 Florida teams
"For the first time since 1989, the City of Palms Classic's 16-team traditional bracket will feature more Florida programs than out-of-state squads.
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