(Courtesy)
GRAND ISLAND – The Heartland Events Center will welcome teams and fans from across the state for a full day of high school basketball as the 19th-Annual Heartland Hoops Classic returns Saturday, Feb. 14.
The annual event brings together some of Nebraska’s top programs for a showcase-style slate of games spanning the entire day, highlighting talent from multiple classes and communities.
This year’s field includes three 2025 state champions, three state runners-up and three state tournament qualifiers, creating one of the most competitive Classics to date.
Ogallala and Ashland-Greenwood enter the event ranked among the top overall teams in Nebraska, while Lincoln North Star, Omaha Westside, Archbishop Bergan, Howells-Dodge and St. Mary’s are ranked among the top teams in their respective classes.
Games begin at 8:30 a.m. and continue throughout the day with the following matchups:
- 8:30 a.m. – Wallace vs. Grand Island Lutheran
- 10:10 a.m. – St. Mary’s vs. Howells-Dodge
- 11:50 a.m. – Archbishop Bergan vs. Doniphan-Trumbull
- 1:30 p.m. – Adams Central vs. Alma
- 3:10 p.m. – Elkhorn North vs. Grand Island Central Catholic
- 4:50 p.m. – Ogallala vs. Ashland-Greenwood
- 6:30 p.m. – Lincoln North Star vs. Omaha Westside
- 8:10 p.m. – Norris vs. Scottsbluff
The Heartland Hoops Classic continues to serve as a premier platform for showcasing Nebraska high school basketball while giving fans the opportunity to experience a full day of competition in one venue. Media planning to attend must request credentials in advance, as NSAA credentials will not be accepted for this event.
General admission tickets remain available for $17 and provide access to all eight games. Tickets may be purchased through the Heartland Events Center box office or online via Ticketmaster. Courtside seating is sold out.
For additional information, contact Tino Martinez at heartlandhoopsclassicgi@gmail.com.
