Gabe Stark
The Trenton Telegraph

The 21st Annual High School Holiday Hoops Basketball Showcase tipped off Friday at North Central Missouri College, bringing high-level competition and a festive atmosphere to the Ketcham Community Center as part of the College’s centennial celebration.

Presented by the North Central Missouri College Foundation, Holiday Hoops is being held on the NCMC campus during the College’s 100th year, underscoring a century-long commitment to education, athletics, and community partnerships. The 2025 showcase features 85 teams representing 44 Missouri high schools, with all games played in Trenton.

Action began Friday, December 19, with four games. In girls play, Tri-County defeated Bevier 43–28, while Gilman City edged Green City 54–48. On the boys side, Bevier topped Tri-County 48–34, and Green City held off Gilman City for a 62–57 win.

Play continued Saturday, December 20, with eight games throughout the day. Grundy/Newtown-Harris opened the morning by defeating Northwestern 58–5 in girls action, while Northwestern rebounded with a 54–32 boys win. La Plata swept Brookfield, winning 48–26 in girls play, before Brookfield claimed a narrow 59–57 victory in the boys matchup.

Princeton posted a doubleheader sweep over Polo, winning 52–20 in girls action and 61–47 in the boys game. Lexington defeated Trenton 51–33 in girls play, while Trenton earned a 51–45 boys win over Gilman City in the final game of the day.

Games resumed Monday, December 22, with another full slate. Lexington defeated Milan 42–36 in girls action, while East Atchinson followed with a 59–15 boys win over Milan. Gilman City defeated East Atchinson 42–31 in girls play. Crest Ridge earned wins over Platte Valley in both girls (50–34) and boys (61–49) contests.

Rock Port recorded a sweep of Gallatin, winning 55–20 in the girls game and 59–55 in the boys matchup. Chillicothe closed the day with a 57–37 boys victory over Richmond.

Games continue through Wednesday, December 31, offering seven days of varsity basketball competition.

“Having good match ups is something we pride ourselves on, and we thank the schools for being cooperative and always great to work with,” said committee member Mitch Dougan.

Each participating student-athlete receives a complimentary event t-shirt. Daily admission is $5 for fans ages 13 and older, while children 12 and under are admitted free. A seven-day pass, which includes a program book, is available for $30 at the NCMC Foundation Office. For more information, call 660-357-6403.

All games are livestreamed by Pirates Digital Media at piratesdigitalmedia.com.

Holiday Hoops remains one of Missouri’s premier high school holiday basketball traditions, with 49 varsity games played on the NCMC campus. Volunteers assist the 12-member Holiday Hoops Committee in managing the event and ensuring a quality experience for athletes, coaches, and fans.

The event’s mission aligns closely with NCMC’s centennial celebration—showcasing the campus and facilities while providing student-athletes an opportunity to envision their future beyond high school.