3rd Annual Holiday Classic Preview

Philadelphia to host tournament featuring many promising talent.

The 3rd Annual Holiday Classic will take place on Sunday, January 3, 2010, noon-8PM at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, PA, with match ups to include: Nationally ranked Friends’ Central (Philadelphia, Pa) vs. Phelps (Malvern, Pa); PA Boys A State Champions Girard College (Philadelphia, Pa) vs. Harrisburg (Harrisburg, Pa); PA Boys AA State Champions Imhotep Charter High School (Philadelphia, Pa) vs. Bishop Loughlin (Brooklyn, NY); and North Catholic (Philadelphia, Pa) vs. Strawberry Mansion (Philadelphia, Pa).

This year’s Holiday Classic is the first time #1 rated NYC high school basketball player Pinkston plays in a Philadelphia tournament of this sort.

Key Players:

Jayvaughn Pinkston (Bishop Loughlin) is the #1 NYC High School basketball player.  Jayvaughn Pinkston is a senior power forward who just declared Villanova for next season.  

Friends Central is led by Dominic Morris, Travis Robinson, and Henry Gaskins—three seniors who have decided to sign with Boston University to play after this season. Friends Central also has Devin Coleman and Amile Jefferson, the latter being one of the top 10 H.S. sophomores in the country.  

Girard College is led by a star studded backcourt duo, consisting of Torrell Candelaria and University of Pittsburgh recruit John Johnson.  Harrisburg is lead by Center Bryan Taylor.  A classic size (Harrisburg) vs. speed (Girard College) match up.

This is North Catholic High School’s final season, as the Archdiocese of Philadelphia announced the school will cease operations as of June 2010. North Catholic will face Strawberry Mansion in a rematch of their game during the 1st VILLA Holiday Classic – North Catholic 59 vs. Strawberry Mansion 54.

If you are going be in the area, make sure to check out some of tomorrow’s future collegiate stars.