MUSKEGON, Mich. -- It has been a tradition for high school hoops fans in West Michigan since 2002: the annual Muskegon Area Sports Hall of Fame Holiday Basketball Classic.

The 23rd edition will be played December 30 at Muskegon High School. Event spokesman Tim Lipan tells WOOD Radio there are some big games on the schedule.

"We have a marquee matchup this year, with Muskegon playing Detroit University Prep at 7 o'clock," Lipan said. "But also, Whitehall plays Fruitport, which is going to be a battle of titans."

FRESHMAN GAMES:

10:00am: Whitehall vs Fruitport

11:30am: Muskegon vs Northview

JUNIOR VARSITY GAMES:

1:00pm: Whitehall vs Fruitport

1:00pm: Muskegon vs Northview

VARSITY GAMES:

3:00pm: Orchard View vs Wyoming Lee

5:00pm: Whitehall vs Fruitport

7:00pm: Muskegon vs Detroit University Prep

The 7 p.m. contest will have one other highlight.

"It's an opportunity to see one of this year's Mr. Basketball candidates, James Martin (of Muskegon High School). He's a human highlight film," Lipan said.

The event includes a total of seven games including three boys’ Varsity, two Junior Varsity and two Freshman games - all for one admission price of $5. There is also a reserved seating option for $10. Tickets will be available for cash only at the gate, and no passes or credit cards will be accepted.

The opening varsity matchup at 3 p.m. will feature Orchard View Cardinals and the Wyoming Lee Legends. The Cardinals are looking to build on momentum from last year and continue their upward trajectory as they prepare to compete in the Rivers Division this year. The Wyoming Lee High School boys’ basketball team is expected to perform well in the 2025-26 season based on their strong start, having begun their season with a 3-0 record in non-league play.

In the 5:00pm tilt Whitehall will take on Fruitport. Fruitport won the first conference championship in team history last year and set a team record for the most victories in one season. But fans will be happy to hear that the best may very well be yet to come. The Trojans will return six players from last year’s title team – including four starters – and have yet another very talented freshman joining the lineup.

Whitehall enters the 2025–26 season as a legitimate contender in the Lakes Division. With a strong core of senior leadership and a deep group of emerging underclassmen, the Vikings have the talent, toughness, and chemistry to chase a conference title and make a postseason run.

In the marquee matchup of the night at 7:00pm, Muskegon will take on Detroit University Prep. Muskegon will feature 5 senior starters including human highlight film and Mr. Basketball Candidate, James Martin. This year’s team has hopes of getting back to the Breslin Center for a state championship.

The Detroit University Prep basketball team has a strong outlook for the 2026 season, with experienced players and an established coaching staff aiming for a successful year. They are expected to be a competitive force in the TOUGH Michigan Metro league.

The Holiday Classic is a fund-raising event that began in 2002. Since its inception, the event has returned more than $150,000 to area high school athletic programs thanks in large part to a generous group of donors and volunteers as well as the many attendees.

For more on the Hall of Fame and history of the Holiday Classic, visit the organization’s website at www.mashf.com.

For more game-day information, visit our Facebook page at this link: https://www.facebook.com/share/17kkgC2FL4/

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Organized in 1986, the Muskegon Area Sports Hall of Fame honors our own heroes and legends, spanning the rich history of sports achievement in the Lake Michigan shoreline area anchored by Ludington to the North and Grand Haven to the south. The Hall of Fame exhibit is located in downtown Muskegon in the Trinity Health Arena and features a fascinating collection of artifacts, photos and commemorative plaques honoring the area's sports heritage.

West Michigan's Morning News