Basketball stars from around the country comming in Pine Bluff for the King Cotton Holiday Classic

Little Rock, Arkansas – The King Cotton Holiday Classic will soon be here as the holiday season approaches. The illustrious basketball competition in Pine Bluff will take place from Tuesday, December 27 through Thursday, December 29.

The field this year will include 16 teams from 8 states and a large number of top-100 rated prospects. Pine Bluff, White Hall, Little Rock Mills, and top-ranked Jonesboro are the schools attending the event on behalf of Arkansas.

“People wait all year for this,” tournament director Samuel Glover said. “Sometimes there are hidden gems in Arkansas and when you’re able to bring them to this stage, you may have the number 1 player in the country playing. Then they can be offered a scholarship and go on to the Power Five or play in the NBA as well.”

Players from Arkansas and outside state boundaries will have the chance to compete against top-tier opposition for recruiting exposure. After the tournament, high school basketball conference play will start, giving teams the chance to get better ahead of the playoff chase.

“It’s not just going to help Pine Bluff, it’s going to help all teams involved in the tournament,” Pine Bluff head coach Billy Dixon said. “You cannot simulate in practice playing against top-100 players from across the country.”

“It’ll benefit me very well so I can see where I’m at with the top competition from all over the world,” Pine Bluff guard Courtney Crutchfield said ” Little bit of butterflies but I feel like we can go ahead, handle business, and it stays home with us.”

“Seeing your peers and your family, getting the chance to play on that big stage for that competition, it’s very exciting,” Pine Bluff forward Jordon Harris said.

Find out more information about the forthcoming national competition on Final Score on Sunday at 10:00. To find out more about the competition, view the bracket, and order tickets, visit KingCottonClassic.org.