Bloomington, IL – The 32nd annual installment of the State Farm Holiday Classic will boast one new venue and some of the top talent in the state. The largest, coed high school holiday tournament in the nation tips off December 27, 28, 29 & 30, and marks the twelfth consecutive year with State Farm Insurance® as the title sponsor.
The Holiday Classic is proud to announce a new partnership with the U.S. Cellular Coliseum as a host venue at this year’s event. The downtown Bloomington facility, a long time sponsor of the Holiday Classic, will now host the girls’ portion of the 64 team tournament.
“In addition to four very competitive games, the one thing we are proud to offer our participating teams each year is the chance to play those games in top-notch facilities with exciting atmospheres,” said tournament Vice-President Dave Oloffson. “With the addition of the Coliseum, we continue to provide all 64 teams with the best basketball facilities our community has to offer. The support of those venues is very much appreciated!”
“We are excited to be able to add the prestigious State Farm Holiday Classic to our ever growing list of events this,” said Bart Rogers, Vice President/General Manager of the U.S Cellular Coliseum. “This event provides a great economic impact on the Twin Cities with the out of town teams and guests that attend, and we look forward to showcasing our facility to them for many years to come.”
This year’s field will once again feature some of the top talent in the state. Rock Island and senior star Chasson Randle, who is ranked as the #6 point guard in the nation by ESPN, will take on a large school boy’s field that features the #1 junior in the state in North Chicago’s Aaron Simpson, and Peoria Notre Dame’s talented big man Max Bielfeldt. Chicago-land powerhouses North Lawndale and Glenbard East are new additions to this year’s field. Western Michigan recruit Hayden Hoerdemann and Bloomington Central Catholic highlight a small school boys’ field that features perennial state powerhouses in Rock Falls, Quincy Notre Dame, Minonk Fieldcrest, Chillicothe IVC and Providence St. Mel.
The girls’ portion of the State Farm Holiday Classic remains one of the toughest tournaments throughout the Midwest. Class 2A state-champ Bloomington Central Catholic returns the talented duo of Allie Norton and Jess Reinhart to face a small school girls’ bracket with ten teams that won at least a Regional championship last season. Springfield High, with two consecutive state final finishes the last two years, features all-state junior Zahna Medley to counter Peoria Richwoods all-state senior Mariah Smith, Morton’s sophomore shot-blocker Sarah Livingston and newcomer Champaign Centennial’s young and talented group in the large school girls’ bracket.
“Most holiday tournaments measure themselves by the number of highly-ranked teams and players they bring in,” said Oloffson. “With the talent displayed in Bloomington-Normal over the holidays, we feel our players, coaches and fans will be treated to a great experience this December at the Classic.”
All games will be played at Illinois Wesleyan University’s Shirk Center, U.S. Cellular Coliseum, Normal Community High School and Normal West High School. All teams are guaranteed 4 games over the 4-day event.
For more tournament information and a complete list of the 64-team field, visit the official Web site at www.theclassic.org or follow the event on Facebook and Twitter. All-tournament passes may be purchased beginning in November through the State Farm Employees Activities Association, or by contacting your local participating team.
