Third Annual Brick City Showdown High School Basketball Classic To Be A Tournament To Remember

NEWARK, N.J. – Newark Public Schools will host the 3rd Annual Brick City Showdown High School Basketball Classic, a four-day national tournament featuring 40 teams, more than 450 student-athletes, and some of the most competitive high school basketball talent in the country. Games tip off Thursday, December 18th at historic Weequahic High School.

Among the major highlights is the appearance of St. Vincent–St. Mary High School (Akron, OH), the alma mater of LeBron James, now the longest-tenured player in NBA history. Coached by legendary high school coach Dru Joyce, the Fighting Irish helped launch James’ storied basketball career. Their journey, and the bond between Joyce and his players, is depicted in the feature film “Shooting Stars,” streaming on Peacock.

“Newark is the proud home of some of the most talented student-athletes in the nation, and the Brick City Showdown gives them the stage they deserve,” said Superintendent León. “Hosting a tournament of this caliber – featuring programs from across the country, including a legendary team like St. Vincent–St. Mary – is a testament to our commitment to excellence. This event shines a spotlight on our students, our schools, and the joy that athletics brings to our community.”

“The Brick City Showdown is a celebration of determination, teamwork, and the bright futures of student-athletes from Newark and beyond,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “We are excited to welcome players, coaches, and families to Weequahic High School and proud to showcase a world-class event that reflects the strength and spirit of Newark Public Schools.”

The Brick City Showdown has quickly earned a reputation as one of New Jersey’s premier winter basketball events, celebrating athletic excellence, sportsmanship, and community. This year’s tournament includes over 70 scholarship hopefuls and top programs from multiple states and Canada.

Proceeds from the tournament will help fund scholarships for high school basketball players, supporting their academic and athletic goals. Players, attendees, sponsors, and community partners all play a vital role in shaping opportunities for young people through this event.

The event is supported by Mayor Ras J. Baraka and the City of Newark, the Patrick O. Council Civic Association, the Greater Newark Convention and Visitors Bureau, and 6th Man Hoops, whose partnership has helped elevate the Showdown into a marquee showcase for youth athletics.

Newark Public Schools will be represented by eight teams:

• Boys: American History, Arts, East Side, Weequahic, and West Side
• Girls: Arts, Central, and University

Thousands of spectators—including fans, families, scouts, coaches, and media—are expected to attend.

Tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets will only be sold at the door. For more information, visit https://form.jotform.com/243165326555054 .

Brick City Showdown High School Basketball Classic

Location: Weequahic High School
Ronald G. Stone Community Gymnasium
Goldsmith Ave., Newark, NJ

Thursday, December 18

• 5:00 PM – Newark Tech Girls vs. Empowerment Charter (Jersey City) Girls
• 6:30 PM – Arts High Girls vs. Cedar Grove Girls
• 8:00 PM – Montclair vs. Newark East Side

Friday, December 19

• 5:00 PM – Newark Central Girls vs. Newark Collegiate Academy Girls
• 6:30 PM – American History vs. Roselle
• 8:00 PM – Weequahic vs. Hackensack

Saturday, December 20

• 10:00 AM – St. Frances (MD) Girls vs. East New York Family Academy (NY) Girls
• 11:30 AM – University High Girls vs. Murry Bergtraum (NY) Girls
• 1:00 PM – Pope Francis Prep (MA) vs. Brooklyn College Academy (NY)
• 2:30 PM – College Achieve (NJ) vs. St. Vincent–St. Mary (OH)
• 4:00 PM – Bull City Prep (NC) vs. Orangeville Prep (Canada)
• 5:30 PM – Trenton High vs. Seton Hall Prep

Sunday, December 21

• 10:00 AM – Newark West Side vs. Dwight Morrow
• 11:30 AM – Medgar Evers Prep Girls (NY) vs. St. Frances Girls
• 1:00 PM – Bull City Prep (NC) vs. Prestige Prep (NJ)
• 2:30 PM – The Hun School (NJ) vs. Orangeville Prep (Canada)
• 4:00 PM – Newark Collegiate vs. Camden Eastside
• 5:30 PM – Payne Tech vs. Thrive Academy
• 7:00 PM – St. Augustine vs. Pingry