When the Western Maryland Classic returns to Garrett College January 29–31, 2026, it will feel like the center of the high school basketball universe has settled in Western Maryland.
The Classic continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the most respected prep basketball events on the East Coast, drawing elite programs and some of the most heavily recruited players in the country. This year’s field includes a remarkable concentration of ESPN Top 100 prospects in the Class of 2026, turning Western Maryland into a must-watch destination for college coaches, scouts, and serious fans.
The Western Maryland Classic began as a grassroots effort by tournament founder Dan Prete, originally created to secure home games for his team. What started small quickly grew as higher-level programs expressed interest, with nationally known names like Montrose Christian and St. James School helping elevate the event’s reputation year after year.
Through his collaboration with Matt Redinger, local Southern Garrett High School Athletic Director, the Classic has evolved into a platform that highlights elite talent and the spirit of the community itself. The event gives fans three full days of nationally branded basketball, broadcast on ESPN, and where many players are only one or two years from playing at a major-college or professional program.
Taking the court will be future household names such as Tajh Ariza (#24, Link Academy, committed to Oregon), Ethan Taylor (#32, Link Academy, committed to Michigan State), Luca Foster (#37, Link Academy, committed to Gonzaga), and Junior County (#43, Wasatch Academy, committed to UConn).
Maryland fans will be especially tuned in to Kaden House (#47, AZ Compass Prep), committed to the Terrapins, along with Jon Sanderson of La Lumiere (committed to Notre Dame), Trent Perry (Link Academy, committed to Kansas), and Carlos Medlock Jr. (Link Academy, committed to Michigan State). Uncommitted standouts Chidi Nwigwe, Darius Bivins, and Quincy Wadley will also look to make their mark on one of the season’s most visible stages.
Just as powerful as the talent on the floor is the sense of respect the event has earned across the prep basketball landscape. La Lumiere Head Coach Pat Holmes, whose team has participated in the Western Maryland Classic for several years, spoke to that lasting relationship during a conversation this week.
“We are excited to come back to Western Maryland. The hospitality and support the community gives in Western Maryland is second to none,” Holmes said. “We have known [Event Organizer] Coach Prete for many years, and his events are the best around. Our team is always taken care of, and we want to put on a great show because of the incredible hospitality of Western Maryland.”
Beyond the court, a free vendor market will showcase local favorites including Archie’s Barbeque, Deep Creek Donuts, Lakeside Creamery, The Travel Mug, Deep Creek Pretzels, Fine China Gourmet Popcorn, Dolan Wood Working, The Lazy Bear Gift Shop, and Frost Bite – Freeze Dried, alongside partners like First United Bank & Trust, Railey Realty, TaylorMade Realty, and many others.
The tournament also makes space for meaningful impact off the hardwood. Each day is dedicated to a local nonprofit, offering visibility and fundraising opportunities throughout the event. Cindy’s Fund will be highlighted on January 29, Hospice of Garrett County on January 30, and County United Way on January 31, reinforcing that the Classic event is as much about community as it is about competition.
Set against the winter landscape of Garrett County at Garrett College, the Western Maryland Classic delivers a setting that blends high-stakes competition with the warmth of grassroots, hometown basketball. For three days, national-caliber teams and their families step into an electric home-game atmosphere that keeps programs returning year after year. And even if you’re not a basketball fan, the energy, community spirit, and sheer level of talent make this an experience worth seeing firsthand.
General admission tickets are $12 per day and allow for re-entry. For updates, schedules, and to purchase tickets, visit www.westernmarylandclassic.com.