One of Southern California’s premier holiday basketball showcases is set to tip off once again as The Classic at Damien returns December 26–30, bringing together 144 boys basketball teams from across California and several other states for five days of nonstop competition.

Hosted by Damien High School, the tournament spans 10 different venues, including Damien High School, Ramona Middle School, Claremont High School, Charter Oak High School, Western Christian High School, San Dimas High School, Mt. San Antonio College, Bonita High School, St. Lucy’s High School, and West Covina High School. The sprawling footprint reflects the scale and prestige of a tournament that has become a must-play event on the winter basketball calendar.

This year’s Classic features a nine-division format — Platinum, Gold, Diamond, Silver, Emerald, Bronze, Green, Copper, and Iron — designed to create competitive balance while allowing programs at every level to showcase their talent. From nationally recognized powers to rising local programs, the field offers no shortage of compelling matchups.

A National and Regional Showcase

The 2025 Classic at Damien field includes teams from Arizona, Utah, Washington, Nevada, Texas, Hawaii, and Idaho, alongside a deep and talented pool of California programs. Schools such as Punahou School (HI), American Fork (UT), Layton Christian (UT), Parish Episcopal (TX), Owyhee (ID), Saguaro (AZ), and Sunnyslope (AZ) add a national flavor, while California’s basketball depth is on full display with programs like St. John Bosco, Etiwanda, Roosevelt, Centennial, Loyola, Orange Lutheran, Folsom, San Ramon Valley, Crespi, and Rancho Christian all in the mix.

With games spread across multiple sites, the Classic transforms the San Gabriel Valley and Inland Empire into a hub for high-level high school basketball during the holiday break.

Defending Champions Return

Several teams enter this year’s tournament with championship pedigree, having captured division titles at the 2024 Classic. Among the returning champions are Eastvale Roosevelt (Platinum), Crespi (Gold), Rancho Verde (Diamond), Culver City (Silver), Glendora (Bronze), Cleveland (Green), Chino Hills (Copper), and Chaffey (Iron).

Of particular note for Sportscenetv’s coverage area, Roosevelt, Glendora, Chino Hills, and Chaffey return as defending champions, giving local fans several familiar programs to rally behind as they look to repeat their success on a big stage.

Teams to Watch from the Sportscenetv Coverage Area

As always, the Classic at Damien offers a valuable measuring stick for programs across the San Gabriel Valley and Inland Empire, many of whom will be featured extensively on Sportscenetv throughout the season.

Among the local teams to watch are tournament host Damien, along with Rancho Cucamonga, Chino, Claremont, Alta Loma, Diamond Ranch, Glendora, Charter Oak, Colony, Don Lugo, Etiwanda, San Dimas, Bonita, Chaffey, Diamond Bar, Chino Hills, and West Covina.

For some, the Classic represents an opportunity to test themselves against elite competition. For others, it’s a chance to reinforce championship expectations. Either way, the five-day grind often reveals which teams are built for deep CIF-SS and state playoff runs.

More Than a Tournament

Beyond the wins and losses, The Classic at Damien has earned a reputation as a proving ground — a place where teams find their identity, players rise to the moment, and coaches evaluate lineups under postseason-like conditions. With packed schedules, quick turnarounds, and unfamiliar opponents, the Classic mirrors the intensity of playoff basketball long before March arrives.

From the opening tip on December 26 through the final games on December 30, fans can expect high-energy matchups, dramatic finishes, and standout performances across all nine divisions.

Follow the Action with Sportscenetv

Sportscenetv will provide coverage throughout The Classic at Damien with game scores, recaps, and photo galleries, spotlighting teams and athletes from across our coverage area.

Fans, parents, and members of the CIF community are encouraged to:

Visit Sportscenetv.net for ongoing tournament coverage Follow @Sportscenetv on X Follow @Sportscenetv1 on Instagram for real-time updates, highlights, and photos