2026 TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS

Description

• Tournament
• All teams
• Boys & Girls: 6th-2nd
• $250.00 entry fee
• 3 game guarantee
• Exposure Certified

General Information

 Tournament of Champions

The Tournament of Champions is a prestigious, season-ending basketball event that brings together the best youth basketball teams from the Southeast region of Ohio. This tournament features multiple age groups and offers a highly competitive environment where only qualified teams can compete. To participate, teams must earn an invitation, known as a "bid," by excelling in qualifying events hosted at The Root Sports & Fitness Center throughout the season.


How Teams Qualify

The path to the Tournament of Champions is built on performance. Teams must secure a bid at a designated qualifying event.

1.) Qualifying Events

Teams compete in select tournaments and leagues. Their placement determines eligibility to earn a bid.

2.) Bid Allocation

At each qualifying event, a set number of bids are awarded to the top finishing teams in every division.

3.) Trickle-Down Rule

If a team that has already qualified earns another bid, that bid moves down to the next highest-placing team. The depth of trickle-down varies depending on the division and size of the tournament. This system ensures that the most competitive teams across the season earn the opportunity to participate in the Tournament of Champions.


Qualifying Events

The following events provide teams the chance to earn a bid:

    •    Preseason Basketball Tournament | November 29th–30th 

    •    Youth Basketball League | December 6th– January 25th

    •    Holiday Basketball Tournament | December 27th–28th

    •    School Team Basketball Tournament | January 31st– February 1st


At each event, the top two teams per division will receive a bid into the Tournament of Champions. If one or both of those teams has already qualified, the bid will pass to the next eligible team following the trickle-down rule.


Why Compete in the Tournament of Champions?

The Tournament of Champions is more than just another event. It represents the culmination of the season and provides:

    •    A platform for the best teams in the region to face off.

    •    A competitive atmosphere that mirrors championship-level play.

    •    Recognition for teams that prove themselves across multiple tournaments.


This event celebrates hard work, skill, and determination, making it the ultimate goal for youth basketball teams to have the opportunity to play and compete against the best competition in our surrounding area.