Frank Spencer Holiday Classic Celebrates 50 Years of Basketball Excellence

The Frank Spencer Holiday Classic is set to commemorate its 50th anniversary this December, solidifying its status as a cornerstone of high school basketball in Winston-Salem and the broader Forsyth County region.

 

Established in 1974, the tournament honorsFrank Spencer, a former sports editor whose passion for basketball significantly influenced the sport's growth in North Carolina. His dedication led to the creation of the original Northwest North Carolina Basketball Tournament in 1926, which, at its peak, featured over 140 teams and was recognized by Ripley's Believe It or Not as the world's largest sports tournament.

 

Over the decades, the Frank Spencer Holiday Classic has showcased numerous talents who have ascended to professional basketball. Notably, Chris Paul, a 2003 graduate of West Forsyth High School, left an indelible mark on the tournament. Paul, who later became an NBA All-Star, set a single-game scoring record of 50 points during the Classic. His high school career was distinguished by accolades such as being named a McDonald's All-American and the AP Basketball Player of the Year in North Carolina.

 

In addition to Paul, the tournament has been a platform for other future NBA players, including Josh Howard and Othello Hunter. Their participation underscores the Classic's role in nurturing talent that reaches the highest levels of the sport.

 

The 2025 edition of the tournament is scheduled for December 27, 29, and 30, with games hosted at Reagan High School and Walkertown High School. The event will feature two brackets: the Pepsi Bracket and the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Bracket. Admission is set at $10 per person, with a clear bag policy enforced to ensure the safety and comfort of all attendees.

 

Reflecting on the tournament's rich history, the inaugural championship in 1926 was claimed by Winston-Salem High School, now known as R.J. Reynolds High School. Over the years, the Classic has evolved into a premier event, drawing over 5,000 spectators annually and providing a competitive platform for 16 high schools from three counties.

 

As the Frank Spencer Holiday Classic celebrates this significant milestone, it continues to honor the legacy of its namesake by fostering a love for basketball and community spirit in the region. The tournament remains a testament to the enduring impact of Frank Spencer's vision and dedication to the sport.