8 Must-Watch Matchups: Everything You Need To Know About The Classic At Damien 2025
The Classic at Damien, widely recognized as one of the nation's premier high school basketball tournaments, is officially underway as of today, Friday, December 26, 2025. This annual Southern California event consistently draws elite talent from across the United States, transforming La Verne, CA, into the epicenter of high school hoops during the holiday break. Over the next five days, 144 teams will compete across multiple divisions, all vying for the coveted championship title in their respective brackets, with the Platinum Division being the main attraction for college scouts and national media.
The 2025 iteration promises to be another showcase of future collegiate and professional stars. With eight distinct divisions, the tournament offers a massive platform for programs from the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section and top out-of-state competitors to test their mettle in a high-stakes, postseason-like environment. The action runs from December 26th through December 30th, culminating in the Platinum Division final.
The History and Unprecedented Scale of The Classic at Damien
The Classic at Damien is not merely a local tournament; it is a national fixture on the high school basketball calendar. Hosted annually by Damien High School in La Verne, California, the event has grown exponentially in size and prestige since its inception. It serves as a crucial measuring stick for teams aiming for state and national rankings, attracting programs from as far as Hawaii, Texas, and Utah. [cite: 12 in step 3]
The tournament's reputation is built on its massive scale and the quality of competition. Featuring 144 teams, it is one of the largest and most densely talented gatherings of high school players in the country. The event is a magnet for college recruiters, offering a concentrated look at top prospects across all four classes. The success of the tournament has led to major corporate partnerships, including Skechers Basketball and Southern California Honda, which help elevate the event's profile and operational excellence. [cite: 3 in step 1]
A Look Back: The 2024 Platinum Division Thriller
To understand the intensity of the 2025 tournament, one must look back at the drama of the last completed Classic. The 2024 Platinum Division Championship delivered an instant classic, pitting two Southern California powerhouses, Eastvale Roosevelt and St. John Bosco, against each other. The game went into overtime, with Eastvale Roosevelt ultimately prevailing to secure the title. [cite: 10 in step 2]
The championship game was a showcase for elite talent, highlighted by Eastvale Roosevelt's Brayden Burries, who delivered a spectacular performance, finishing with 24 points to lead his team to victory. [cite: 10 in step 2] This level of competition sets the bar for the teams entering the 2025 Platinum Division bracket, where every game is a high-stakes battle with potential national ranking implications.
Who Will Reign Supreme? The 2025 Platinum Division Preview
The Platinum Division is the pinnacle of The Classic at Damien, reserved for the most elite teams in the field. The 2025 bracket is stacked with national contenders and perennial California powerhouses, making the path to the December 30th final a grueling gauntlet. The intensity of the Platinum Division is often compared to a state championship run, with zero margin for error.
A partial list of the confirmed teams for the 2025 Platinum Division includes several programs with deep tournament pedigree: [cite: 3 in step 3]
- Corona Centennial (CA): Always a threat in any national tournament, the Huskies bring a reputation for relentless defense and high-octane offense. Their presence immediately makes them one of the favorites.
- American Fork (UT): Representing the out-of-state contingent, American Fork is a strong program from Utah looking to make a national statement on the West Coast stage.
- Crean Lutheran (CA): Known for developing high-level talent, Crean Lutheran is expected to challenge the top seeds and could be a dark horse contender.
- Crespi (CA): A consistently competitive program that thrives in tournament settings, Crespi will rely on its disciplined play to navigate the bracket.
- Clovis North (CA): A top Central Section team, Clovis North will look to prove they belong in the national conversation against this elite field.
- Damien High School (CA): The host Spartans will enjoy the home-court advantage, always a significant factor in a tournament of this magnitude.
The inclusion of teams like Corona Centennial and the host Damien Spartans ensures that the local Southern California basketball scene is well-represented, while the out-of-state teams, including those from Arizona and Nevada, guarantee a truly national flavor. [cite: 12 in step 3]
The Road to the Championship: Divisions and Key Matchups
While the Platinum Division garners the most media attention, The Classic at Damien offers eight competitive divisions, ensuring that programs of all levels can find meaningful competition. This multi-tiered structure is key to the tournament's success and its broad appeal across the high school basketball community. The divisions for 2025 include: [cite: 6 in step 2]
- Platinum Division (The Elite National Bracket)
- Gold Division
- Diamond Division
- Silver Division
- Emerald Division
- Bronze Division
- Green Division
- Copper Division
The depth of the tournament means that breakout performances and upsets are common across all brackets. Teams in the Gold and Diamond divisions, for instance, often feature future NCAA Division I and Division II players. The tournament format provides a crucial mid-season test, allowing coaches to evaluate their lineups and prepare their teams for the rigorous league play and the CIF playoffs that follow in the new year. [cite: 12 in step 3]
Keep a close eye on the early-round matchups in the Diamond and Gold divisions, as these games often feature high-scoring affairs and intense local rivalries that fuel the entire tournament atmosphere. The competitive spirit of The Classic at Damien, fueled by the diverse talent pool and the desire for holiday hardware, makes it a must-see event every year for basketball enthusiasts.
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