Sports

Holiday hardwood: Three hoops tournaments worth considering

Image
UNLV’s Goodluck Okonoboh.

Tarkanian Classic The third-annual high school showcase tipped off Wednesday and continues through Saturday at four gyms across the Valley. Games are played at Bishop Gorman High, Durango High, Faith Lutheran High and the Orleans Arena, where the event wraps. It has become a must-attend for national media who cover recruiting, because the field is loaded. Eight of the top-50 ranked teams from the preseason will play in the high school platinum division, including Bishop Gorman, while Findlay Prep anchors a stellar prep division. Through December 20, times & prices vary, tarkanianclassic.com.

MGM Grand Showcase For one night only you can catch UNLV’s current and previous coaches back-to-back for what looks like an excellent Saturday doubleheader at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. First, former Rebel coach Lon Kruger leads No. 15 Oklahoma against No. 16 Washington, which is led by four-year Findlay Prep point guard Nigel Williams-Goss. After that it’s coach Dave Rice leading UNLV in its first-ever game on the Strip, against No. 14 Utah. December 20, 7 p.m., $30-$300.

Las Vegas Classic The field isn’t great, but if you’re basketball starved next week or want to do some advance scouting on a couple UNLV opponents, the Orleans Arena has you covered. Boise State, Texas Tech, Houston and Loyola Chicago fill out the primary two-game tournament. There’s also an undercard four-team tournament. Of note: Southern Utah is one of those teams, coming to Las Vegas for this and then returning on December 27 to play UNLV. December 22 & 23, times vary, $47-$107 for two-day passes.

Share
Top of Story