12/23/2024
After 34 years, the Diamond State Classic is set to take “the last shot”
WILMINGTON, Del. - The Diamond State Classic (DSC) is set to conclude its 34-year, 33-tournament run this December 27-28 at The Tatnall School in Wilmington. Ten teams will participate in the finale event, which will feature free admission and a celebration of the tournament’s historic success and the advancement of women’s basketball. Former participants, supporters, and members of the public are invited to Tatnall for a special ceremony between games on Saturday, Dec. 28 at approximately 2:45 p.m.
The DSC was founded in 1991 at a time when there were very few basketball holiday tournaments across the country just for girls. With the purpose of bringing schools together to showcase the game, raise awareness for charities, and award college scholarships to Delaware girls, a small group set up the tournament with the local officials’ organization, the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials (IAABO) Board 11. The first tournament featured four teams and took place at Wilmington College. Over the years, the tournament grew into one of the most recognized high school girls basketball tournaments in the country hosting top 25 teams and featuring many future stars. The crowning achievement of the DSC has always been its commitment to the community as the tourney has awarded over $1.5 million in contributions over the years. Beneficiaries have included Special Olympics Delaware, the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation, and countless young women who have received assistance for college, among other wonderful local charities.
The tournament only skipped one year since its inception when it was forced to cancel during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Despite not holding a tournament that year, the foundation was able to donate to some very worthy charities during that difficult time. Participating teams have heralded from across the United States and Canada as far away as Idaho, California, and Oregon. A number of WNBA, professional, and collegiate stars as well as successful coaches and officials can be counted among the esteemed alumnae.
The ten teams participating in this year’s tournament are The Tatnall School (DE), Caravel Academy (DE), Hodgson Vo-Tech High School (DE), Appoquinimink High School (DE), Tower Hill School (DE), Concord High School (DE), Pikesville High School (MD), Holy Cross High School (NY), St. Anthony’s High School (NY), and Plymouth Whitemarsh High School (PA).
Games tip-off on Friday, Dec. 27 at 1:00 p.m. and will conclude the evening of Dec. 28(full schedule below). The tournament is once again proud to be supported by its original founding partner, IAABO Board 11, for its finale event. The public is invited to attend free of charge to watch some incredible basketball and celebrate the role that the DSC has played in “shooting for brighter futures” for 34 years.
2024 DSC Schedule�All games at The Tatnall School, Wilmington�Free admission
Friday, Dec. 27�1:00 p.m. Showcase - Concord High School (DE) vs. Plymouth Whitemarsh High School (PA)�2:45 p.m. IAABO Board 11 Cup Game 1 – Holy Cross High School (NY) vs. Caravel Academy (DE)�4:30 p.m. IAABO Board 11 Cup Game 2 – Pikesville High School (MD) vs. St. Anthony’s High School (NY)�6:15 p.m. Showcase – Appoquinimink High School (DE) vs. Tower Hill School (DE)
Saturday, Dec. 28�11:15 a.m. IAABO Board 11 Cup Consolation Game – Loser of IAABO Board 11 Cup Game 1 vs. Loser of IAABO Board 11 Cup Game 2�1:00 p.m. Showcase – Tower Hill School (DE) vs. Concord High School (DE)�approximately 2:45 p.m. Ceremony to Celebrate the Impact of the Diamond State Classic�3:30 p.m. IAABO Board 11 Cup Championship Game – Winner of IAABO Board 11 Cup Game 1 vs. Winner of IAABO Board 11 Cup Game 2�5:15 p.m. Showcase – The Tatnall School (DE) vs. Hodgson Vo-Tech High School (DE)�7:00 p.m. Showcase – Plymouth Whitemarsh High School (PA) vs. Appoquinimink High School (DE)
