The stage is set and the anticipation is through the roof as the Carmel Tip-Off Classic tips off this weekend in Charlotte! This annual showdown marks the official start of the high school basketball season, bringing together some of the best programs, elite prospects, and must-see matchups all under one roof. From powerhouse showdowns to breakout performances waiting to happen, the action at Carmel Christian (November 7–8) is guaranteed to deliver. If you love high-level hoops, passionate crowds, and the next wave of stars on full display—you won’t want to miss this event!
Event Info/ Tickets/ Schedule: https://www.phenomhoopreport.com/phenom-hoops-events/carmel-christian-tip-off-classic-presented-by-phenom-hoops-details-page/
Ambassador Christian vs. WS Christian – 5:00 pm
What a way to kick off the event, as two highly touted programs class with big-time prospects coming to the table. For Ambassador Christian, it will be the first time 2027 RJ Moore suits up for the program as he looks to put on another show. But this is a roster full of depth and talent that is eager to make some noise early on, that include 2027 Tyler Brown, 2027 Judah King, 2026 Kenan Dixon, 2026 Nick Haney, 2027 Jeremiah Franklin, and others. WS Christian though has plenty of talent of their own, led by 2026 Bradley Floyd, 2027 Josiah Johnson-Freeman, 2026 Elton James, 2026 Nicholas McLean, 2026 William Itumo, and others that you will know quite well. This is going to be QUITE a matchup that you will not want to miss!
Combine Academy vs. Queens Grant – 6:30 pm
Not only will Coach Joe Badgett be back in town at Carmel, but he will be bringing in an extremely talented roster to this event. Queens Grant is looking to make a statement early on this season in what looks to be a very strong schedule. But when you have Top 100 prospects like 2028 Mekhi Allen and 2028 Chase Smith leading the way, there will be high expectations. But they go up against a tough Combine Academy that will already have some reps under their belt. 2026 Yohance Connor has been putting on a show to start the season, and will be looking to once again put a few players on a highlight reel. But this is a team that has plenty of others that will have the crowd going on a Friday night.
Carmel Christian vs. Caldwell Academy – 8:00 pm
And then you top it all off in front of one of the best crowds in the state. We hope to see that same energy again this year, as Carmel Christian welcomes everyone home and looks to make a statement against a defending state champion in Caldwell Academy. A new roster with 2026 Logan Johnson, 2026 Jordan Buzzard, and so many others will look to come together, feed off the energy, and make it a memorable Day 1 at home, but they will be taking on a team that knows how to win. Players like 2026 Ayden Johnson, 2027 King Kendrick, 2026 Neal Swindell, and others will be looking to quite the crowd and start off the season in a big way, as they look for another title this season.
