By Thomas Grant Jr.
High school basketball season is still more than a month away.
It’s not too early to make plans for one of the earliest preseason showcases out of the Northeast area.
The “Bojangles Bash” is back for the 13th year. Once again, the 3-day, 9-game showcase will take place at Ridge View High School – the home of the defending Class 5A Division I boys basketball champions.
“Basketball fans around the world recognize the Bojangles Bash as an elite high school basketball showcase, and this year’s schedule is yet another incredible lineup that will delight basketball fans and our community,” said Brian Rosefield, Bojangles Bash Director and Athletic Director of Ridge View High School in the press release. “Ridge View High School is proud to host such a high-level event with an incredible partner in Bojangles. We can’t wait to tip everything off in December.”
The host team is one of several nationally-ranked teams to converge in the Northeast starting Dec. 11-13. The Blazers will kick off the “Bojangles Bash” with a 2 p.m. matchup with C.A. Johnson.
Ridge View students who meet certain qualifications and select adult fans will be allowed to attend the exclusive game.
From 6-7:30 p.m. the same night, there will be a free basketball camp for girls and boys in grades 2 through 8 in the gymnasium. Campers will learn skills from some of the players and coaches that will be participating in the 2025 Bojangles Bash.
Those interested should sign up at BojanglesBash.com at the Kids Camp link.
The second day of the Bash features three matchups. Gray Collegiate Academy, once again coached by Dion Bethea, will face the Burlington School at 6 p.m.
At 7:30 p.m., Montverde Academy faces CATS Academy out of Massachusetts. It’s a game featuring multiple players ranked by ESPN such as Joe Philon (2026 #38 ESPN), Kevin Thomas (2026 #56 ESPN), Jayden Hodge (2026 #69 ESPN), Lincoln Crosby (2027 #15 ESPN), and O’Neal Delancy (2027 #30 ESPN).
The second night concludes at 9 p.m. with Ridge View facing a Dynamic Prep team coached by former Eau Claire and NBA All-Star Jermaine O’Neal. Columbia natives and highly ranked players like Dakari Spear (#60 ESPN 2026) and Marcus Spears, Jr. (#1 ESPN 2027.) are on the Dynamic Prep roster.
The Bash concludes with a 5-game schedule:
– Cross Creek (Ga.) vs. C.A. Johnson 1:30 p.m.
– Greenville vs. CATS Academy 3 p.m.
– Davidson Day vs. Gray Collegiate 4:30 p.m.
– Wilson vs. Dynamic Prep 6 p.m.
– Ridge View vs. Montverde Academy 7:30 p.m.
“Our players and fans look forward to this elite event every year,” Ridge View boys baskeball coach Joshua Staley said. “The Bojangles Bash is an event that allows my team to play some of the best competition in the world! It features great hospitality and professionalism.”
Fans can enjoy Early Bird discounts on tickets through Nov. 1 at BojanglesBash.com. Follow along on Instagram and X at @BojanglesBash.
