Twenty years ago, the Heartland Hoops Classic was created with a pretty simple idea: put great teams, great players and great games together in one place.
That idea has turned into one of the biggest annual basketball events in Nebraska.
The 20th-Annual Heartland Hoops Classic will be held Saturday, February 13, 2027, at the BigIron Events Center in Grand Island, with eight games featuring teams from across Nebraska and one of the nation's premier prep programs.
Over the past 20 years, the Heartland Hoops Classic has become a February tradition for basketball fans throughout Nebraska and the surrounding region. The event has featured state champions, nationally ranked teams, future college & NBA stars and some of the best players to come through Nebraska high school basketball.
More than 150 varsity games have been played during the first 19 Heartland Hoops Classics, with hundreds of players getting the opportunity to compete in front of large crowds in Grand Island.
"Our goal from the beginning was to have the best teams and the best players we could possibly get," said event organizer Tino Martinez. "We've been fortunate over the years to have schools and coaches believe in the event and bring their teams to Grand Island. When you look back at some of the players and teams we've had, it's pretty remarkable."
The first Heartland Hoops Classic was held in 2008, with Archbishop Bergan taking on Ainsworth in a matchup that featured future college players Wes Eikmeier and Jesse Carr. Ralston was also part of that first event, featuring brothers Greg Smith and Dwight Smith.
From the beginning, the goal was to make the Heartland Hoops Classic different from a typical regular-season game.
That continued in 2013 when Omaha Central took on Oak Hill Academy, one of the most recognizable high school basketball programs in the country. Omaha Central, led by Nebraska standout Akoy Agau, defeated Oak Hill 70-63.
That game became a turning point for the Heartland Hoops Classic.
"It was the game that really put us on the national stage," Martinez said. "Getting Oak Hill to come to Grand Island was a big deal, but then having Omaha Central beat them made people around the country take notice of what we were doing."
Since then, the Heartland Hoops Classic has welcomed some of the biggest names in high school basketball, including Oak Hill Academy, IMG Academy, Sunrise Christian Academy, Link Academy and Wasatch Academy, along with other nationally recognized programs.
The event has also hosted teams ranked among the very best in the country. At various points in its history, the Heartland Hoops Classic has featured the nation's No. 1 and No. 2 teams, including a nationally significant matchup between Sunrise Christian Academy and Link Academy.
The event has remained just as committed to showcasing Nebraska basketball.
Fans have watched Millard North, led by future collegiate standouts Hunter Sallis & Saint Thomas, during its championship run. Bellevue West, featuring Chucky Hepburn & Frankie Fidler, also made an appearance during one of the most successful stretches in Nebraska high school basketball history.
Those teams are part of a much longer list of state champions, All-State players and future college & NBA players who have taken the court at the Heartland Hoops Classic.
For many fans, that's what makes the event special.
It isn't simply about bringing two teams to Grand Island for a game. It's about getting a chance to see players and teams who may become part of Nebraska basketball history.
20 YEARS OF HEARTLAND HOOPS By the Numbers
20
Annual Heartland Hoops Classics
150+
Varsity games played
Hundreds
Of players who have competed in the event
Multiple
Nationally ranked programs and teams that have traveled to Grand Island
Some of the nationally recognized programs that have participated:
- Oak Hill Academy
- IMG Academy
- Sunrise Christian Academy
- Link Academy
- Wasatch Academy
- Bishop Walsh
- And many others
2027 HEARTLAND HOOPS CLASSIC
The 20th-anniversary event will feature eight games throughout the day on Saturday, February 13 at the BigIron Events Center.
9:00 a.m. - North Platte St. Patrick's vs. Fullerton
10:40 a.m. - Gothenburg vs. Archbishop Bergan
12:20 p.m. - Ogallala vs. Lincoln Pius X
2:00 p.m. - Adams Central vs. Auburn
3:40 p.m. - Exeter Milligan Friend vs. Grand Island Central Catholic
5:20 p.m. - Wahoo vs. Northwest
7:00 p.m. - Omaha Westside vs. Sunrise Christian Academy
8:40 p.m. - Guardian Angels Central Catholic vs. Grand Island Lutheran
The event schedule will feature games that should draw plenty of attention. Omaha Westside will meet Sunrise Christian Academy at 7:00 p.m. in the Heartland Hoops Classic's Marquee Matchup.
The Heartland Hoops Classic has changed and grown over two decades, but the idea behind it hasn't. Bring good teams to Grand Island. Give players an opportunity to play in front of a great crowd. Give basketball fans games they want to see.
And, whenever possible, bring the best.
The 20th-Annual Heartland Hoops Classic will continue that tradition on February 13, 2027.
"Twenty years is a pretty big milestone for an event like this," Martinez said. "We're proud of what the Heartland Hoops Classic has become, but we're even more excited about where it can go from here."
Ticket information will be provided at a later date. Email heartlandhoopsclassicgi@gmail.com with any questions.