Boardwalk Classic Returns

by Marc Narducci | Dec 18, 2023

The Boardwalk Classic—by far the largest high school basketball event in the state—is a staple sporting event every year during the final week of December.

The tournament begins Dec. 23 and resumes Dec. 26-31 at the Wildwoods Convention Center and consists of numerous boys’ and girls’ high school games.

Here is where you can find the schedules: Boys Schedule Girls Schedule

While South Jersey teams, and specifically those from the Cape Atlantic League comprise a majority of the participants, there are schools from the Tri-State area and beyond competing.

According to tournament director Ernie Troiano, there are 68 different teams competing this year.

To run a tournament this size is quite an undertaking. Troiano says it is a year-round job, but says he has about 10 people on his support staff who really help make the tournament continue to be the success that it is.

The Boardwalk Classic made its debut in 1998 and since then, more than $400,000 has been raised for scholarships.

“Our mission is to make money for scholarships, and we try to gear it for the South Jersey teams, where they can travel and bring their fan base,” Troiano said.

Of course, there are teams that come beyond the South Jersey area. One of the top games will take place at 7 p.m. on Dec. 23 when Philadelphia’s Roman Catholic meets NJ state power Roselle Catholic. These are two state title contenders.

General admission is $10 per day for an adult. For students, kids and senior citizens, the price is $7. Two-day passes are available at $18 for adults and $12 for students, kids and senior citizens. Tournament passes cost $35 for adults and $30 for students, kids and senior citizens.

There are two courts, one that seats 3,200 and another that seats 1,800.

“We think the venue is as good as any,” Troiano said.

For those who can’t attend, there will be several games live streamed on Capeatlanticlive.com.

Here are the games that will be livestreamed.

Dec. 23: Cape May Tech vs. Wildwood (girls), 2:15

Dec. 23: Lower Cape May vs. Wildwood (boys), 3:30

Dec. 23: Middle Township vs. Archbishop Carroll, 5:30

Dec. 26: Cape May Tech v. Wildwood (boys), 7:30

Dec. 27: Cape May Tech/Wildwood winner vs Barnegat/Bridgeton winner (boys), 7:30

Dec. 28: Wildwood Catholic vs. LaSalle (boys), 7:30

Dec. 31: St. Thomas Aquanis vs. Middle Township (boys), 1:15

Dec. 31: Lower Cape May vs Wildwood Catholic, (boys) 2:45

For that final week of December, the Boardwalk Classic is the place to be for any high school hoopaholic.

“It’s a lot of good basketball,” Troiano said.

That is an understatement.

Photo Courtesy of Boardwalk Classic

Article continues below

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- Things to Do

Paddle Board Race and Family Fun Day, Lighthouse International Film Festival, Le Tour de Downbeach, Cape May Music Festival, Cold Spring Country Fair, Birds, Bunkers & Brews, JDRF Wildwood Walk to Cure Diabetes, Elks Parade, Anniversary Arts Party, Marlton Strawberry Festival, Monster Truck Day, Wine and Food Tasting, Hog Weighing, Farmers Market

Author: Marc Narducci

Boardwalk Classic Returns

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