LIBERTY, Mo. – William Jewell College will welcome back the High School Holiday Classic to the Mabee Center for the 42^nd consecutive year on December 27-30. The tournament will once again feature 24 local programs playing 33 games over the span of four days. 

Perhaps the most exciting news of the tournament, is that after a year hiatus, fans will be permitted during all sessions. Masks will be required. While fans will be welcome in the Mabee Center, based on feedback from participating schools we are pleased to once again offer those who cannot make the game in person a chance to watch live via MSHAA.tv. Fans and scouts may purchase a single game pass for $10 or a tournament pass may be purchased for $50 which will give access to all 33 games. With the ever-changing landscape of COVID-19 in Clay County, William Jewell reserves the right to make changes to mask and spectator protocol as needed. 

As we continue to work through the pandemic, similar to last year, should a team have to resign from the Classic due to COVID-19 protocol, the game will be deemed a no-contest and the opponent will move on in the bracket. If multiple teams in a bracket must enter COVID-19 protocol the Classic Director will do everything possible to allow the remaining teams to pursue competition, which could result in schedule changes and reseeding.

The Classic will again feature 24 teams split into three divisions, including the Patterson Division, named for former Jewell Education Department Chair and NACDA Hall of Famer, Dr. Norris Patterson. The Nelson Division is named for Jim Nelson, who served the College from 1950-1990, coaching multiple sports and is a member of four Halls of Fame. The third section, which was added in 1996 was renamed in 2020 for Larry Holley, legendary Jewell men's basketball coach and Classic founder. Holley won 918 games, before his retirement in February 2019, is a 15-time Coach of the Year and member of five Halls of Fame. Over his 40-year career with the Cardinals he coached 24 All-Americans and led Jewell to 25 conference championships. 
 
All brackets, box scores, rosters and historical information on the Classic may be found at jewellcardinals.com/holidayclassic. You can also follow the Classic on Twitter with the handle @JewellClassic. Box scores and brackets will be updated at the end of each day. All-Tournament Teams will be announced following the conclusion of the Classic. 
 
Patterson Division • Nelson Division • Holley Division 
 
Questions about the Classic may be directed to William Jewell head men's basketball coach Chris McCabe (mccabec@william.jewell.edu) or assistant coach Christian Hildebrandt (hildebrandtc@william.jewell.edu). Anyone needing information regarding radio broadcasts and media credentials should contact JaeLynn Ellison (ellisonj@william.jewell.edu).