For 40 years, the Overbrook Classic Basketball Tournament has been the unofficial kickoff to the middle school season. This year, it is set for Dec. 8-13 at the Overbrook Catholic School and St. Cecilia Academy gyms.

“The Overbrook Classic is an institution within the parochial athletic community,” said Kammeon Holsey, Overbrook Catholic School athletic director. “It is an early indication of how teams will perform against some of the best competition in the city.”

Established in 1984, the Overbrook Classic has run continuously, except for the years during COVID when schools were tasked to social distance. The tournament format ensures that every team plays at least two games. After the first-round games, the winners move into the Gold Division and the losers into the Silver Division. That way, teams with similar talent levels are matched against each other. Teams have expanded from initially just parochial schools to include private and public schools, too.

In 2024, the event was attended by more than 3,000 people and showcased 46 teams from 15 different schools, culminating in 58 games to decide champions in four different divisions. The tournament included 3rd and 4th-grade and 5th and 6th-grade basketball brackets for boys and girls. Championship winners were St. Matthew School girls and Overbrook Catholic boys in the 3rd and 4th-grade divisions and Overbrook Catholic girls and Brentwood Academy boys in the 5th and 6th-grade divisions.

The Overbrook Catholic School Parent Association hosts the event, and it has become both a community builder and a fundraiser to support the school. Countless volunteer hours are needed to make the tournament run smoothly.

“When a parent, teacher, or friend volunteers their time during the Classic, it's a real gift to the community,” said Collette Rodrigues, Parent Association president. “Our kids are always watching and learning from us.  When they see us volunteer, we are teaching them how to serve others and how to show up for our community.”  

During the past 40 years, the funds have provided school improvements, such as a preschool playground renovation, locker room enhancements, and technology upgrades.

“The money raised also allows us to support events and programs at the school that benefit our students, families, faculty, and staff,” said Rodrigues.

Generations of young athletes have participated in the Overbrook Classic, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who volunteers, plays, and cheers.

“For many of our young athletes, it's the first time they're wearing their school jersey and the first time they're being cheered on by a big crowd in the bleachers,” continued Rodrigues. “The kids will carry those memories – those feelings – with them for a long time.”