10. It's the best event of the Regular Season
It’s not biased, it’s just facts. I have attended multiple regular season events every year for well over a decade, and while I certainly drew the inspiration for the Centercourt Classic from many stops along the way, the one held this weekend at St. Joe's has truly become the marquee event of the regular season. Featuring two reigning state champions & 1 state finalist, 8 of the Top 10 Large Schools, 2 of the Top 5 Small Schools, 10 state ranked teams, & 8 players from the Top 60 in 2023 (3 of which earned First Team All-State honors).
9. The ONLY way to watch is Live
The Centercourt Classic will not be streamed or available on pay-per-view. Updates on Twitter will be less informative and less frequent on the days of the event. And this weekend is specifically chosen to not compete with other basketball events, or the NFL. Just a great weekend to take in some live high school basketball.
8. As always, FREE Parking
7. The Experience
Music is played during all game stoppages. Hot pizza and other refreshments are always available during the Classic. Game MVPs are awarded to one player from each team, following the game. Shirts and pizza are provided to all players courtesy of Empire Electric. Atmosphere is always exciting because the best teams, coaches, & players put on a show!
6. Jamestown vs St. Francis
History! These two annual WNY Top 10 Large School programs have never tipped off against each other on the court!
5. Salamanca vs Randolph
Rivalry game between a defending state champion and a team that made it to Glens Falls the season prior. They split a pair of games in 2023. Outstanding coaching and a player from each squad htat has earned First Team All-State honors (Drew Hind, Randolph & Lucus Brown, Salamanca).
4. Amherst vs St. Joe's
Two days after Amherst upset Niagara Falls, St. Joe's did the same to Timon. Just four days after that, they meet each other!
3. Health Sciences vs Nichols
Two teams that have already won a game at Kenmore Avenue this season - One of them wins a 2nd one, A pair of Top 10's, featuring one of the most dynamic scorers I've ever watched in Jakye Rainey, against the team coached by his AAU coach.
2. Victor vs Timon
Victor is the defending NYSPHAA Class AA state champion and they have three starters back from the team that ended Niagara Falls' season in the regional last year and then finished their business in Glens Falls. I don't need to tell you how good Timon is...you already know! Jaiden Harrison, Nakyhi Harris, Jacob Humphrey, Jason Rowe, Howard Washington, Ron, Paul, John, Kim -- yeah, those guys!!
1. Niagara Falls vs Canisius
Just those two names, you know? They went at it in the 2nd Annual CC Classic. Treated us to an outstanding nonleague game last season. From knowing both coaches well, I can tell you this is an important game to both of them!
Public vs Private
#1 vs #3
St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute, 845 Kenmore Ave., Buffalo
Tickets available for all sessions! Hope to see you there
Session 1 - Friday, February 2nd
Jamestown vs. St. Francis - 6 pm
Amherst vs. St Joes - 7:45 pm
Session 2 - Saturday, February 3rd
Randolph vs. Salamanca - 12:30 pm
Niagara Falls vs. Canisius - 2:15 pm
Session 3 - Saturday, February 3rd
Nichols vs. Health Sciences - 5:45 pm
Timon vs. Victor - 7:30 pm
-centercourt
Only YOU would deliberately acknowledge a school’s administrator, PA announcer, scorekeeper and team mom!
Love what you do Chad
Posted by: Moe | Tuesday, February 06, 2024 at 08:00 AM