Lineup includes elite talent and nationally-ranked teams from eight states and D.C.
Go Forward Pine Bluff (GFPB) today unveiled 16 competing teams and a new title sponsor for the 2023 Central Moloney, Inc. King Cotton Holiday Classic, a nationally recognized high school basketball tournament, presented by Simmons Bank. This year’s field includes at least 30 blue chip players across 16 teams from eight states and the District of Columbia, with five from Arkansas: Benton, Little Rock Central, Little Rock Christian, Pine Bluff and White Hall.
“With continued support from Simmons Bank and a new title sponsor in Central Moloney, Inc., along with our dedicated volunteers, we are excited to once again welcome teams from across the nation to Pine Bluff to compete in our first-class tournament,” said CEO Ryan Watley of GFPB. “We are incredibly grateful for the two Pine Bluff companies contributing more than ,000 to make this event possible. It’s long been a staple of our community, and now with title and presenting sponsors, we can make it much more special for the state of Arkansas.”
Held at the Pine Bluff Convention Center, this year’s tournament will take place Dec. 27-29. Tickets will be available at kingcottonclassic.org beginning in November.
“At Central Moloney, Inc., we back our community, and we bet on winners,” said Chris Hart, president and CEO of Central Moloney, Inc. “The King Cotton Holiday Classic is a winner. We’re excited to be this year’s title sponsor and to help it shine a spotlight on some of our nation’s elite high-school prospects.”
Three former King Cotton players were among the 2023 NBA Draft’s first round picks: Jett Howard (Orlando), Brandon Miller (Charlotte) and Nick Smith, Jr. (Charlotte). Since its founding in 1982, the King Cotton has consistently garnered national media coverage. ESPN aired the tournament live in 1987, making the King Cotton the first of its kind to be broadcast to a nationwide audience.
“Pine Bluff and its community is what makes this tournament so unique to play in and to be a part of,” said Chad Pittillo, Simmons Bank community president. “The shared memories and sense of pride this event holds for Pine Bluff citizens run deep, and Simmons is honored to be part of that.”
Teams Competing:
- Archbishop Wood High School Vikings (Warminster, Penn.)
- Benton High School Panthers (Benton, Ark.)
- Booker T. Washington (Houston, Texas)
- Duncanville High School Panthers (Duncanville, Texas)
- Gonzaga College High School Eagles (Washington, D.C.)
- Little Rock Central Tigers (Little Rock, Ark.)
- Little Rock Christian Warriors (Little Rock, Ark.)
- McDonough High School Warhawks (McDonough, Ga.)
- Pine Bluff High School Zebras (Pine Bluff, Ark.)
- Pinson Valley High School Indians (Pinson, Ala.)
- Sandy Creek High School Patriots (Tyrone, Ga.)
- Silsbee High School Tigers (Silsbee, Texas)
- St. Francis Academy High School Panthers (Baltimore, Md.)
- St. Joseph Santa Maria High School Knights (Santa Maria, Calif.)
- Westminster Academy High School Lions (Fort. Lauderdale, Fla.)
- White Hall High School Bulldogs (White Hall, Ark.)
This year’s field includes at least 30 blue chip players across 16 teams from eight states and the District of Columbia, with five from Arkansas: Benton, Little Rock Central, Little Rock Christian, Pine Bluff and White Hall. More at kingcottonclassic.org.