Teams Participate in 2026 Basketball Tournament

Newmyer Classic brings over 600 participants

The annual Newmyer Classic took place from Jan. 22–24. (Photo by Darren Heslop)

From Jan. 22–24, Andrews University welcomed more than 40 high school basketball teams from across the United States and Canada for the 2026 Newmyer Classic, a three-day tournament that blended competitive athletics with faith-centered fellowship, community and sportsmanship. Approximately 600 students, coaches and staff participated throughout the weekend, reinforcing shared values of faith, teamwork and mutual respect.

Hosted by the Andrews University Office of Athletics, the annual tournament—formerly known as the Cardinal Classic—marked another successful year of bringing together academies in a Christ-centered environment. Now in its 10th year under the Newmyer name, the event continues to emphasize not only athletic excellence, but also character, leadership and spiritual growth.

Teams arrived on Wednesday evening, Jan. 21, and the competition began early Thursday morning at multiple venues, including the Andreasen Center for Wellness, Johnson Gym and Andrews Academy gymnasium. Each team competed in five games total, playing two games on Thursday, two on Friday and concluding with a championship or placement game on Saturday. Every day, the venues were packed with enthusiastic supporters, including classmates, parents and teammates.

The Newmyer Classic provided both strong competition and valuable learning experiences for participating teams. “We got off to a very good start,” Andrew DeAbreu, coach of Spencerville Adventist Academy’s junior varsity team, shared, “In the second half … we had to make changes on the fly. It wasn’t perfect, but the boys stayed resilient.” He praised his team’s flexibility, discipline and timing.

Jay Edward, another Spencerville Adventist Academy coach, emphasized his team’s growth as early nerves faded and their confidence increased. Andrews University Junior Cardinals coach Ryan Hayes described the game as intense, commending his team’s resilience and determination.

Beyond the court, the Newmyer Classic fostered spiritual reflection and unity. Special programs were planned throughout the weekend for tournament participants. On Friday evening, players and spectators gathered at the Howard Performing Arts Center for a candlelight vespers service that emphasized faith, gratitude and fellowship. The next morning, teams attended worship services across campus, and in the afternoon, guests were invited to a Sabbath program at Pioneer Memorial Church.

On Saturday evening, the championship games took place in the Andreasen Center for Wellness. Teams competed across four divisions: Division 1 Girls, Division 1 Boys, Division 2 Girls and Division 2 Boys. “Everyone is friendly, having fun together and cheering for other teams,” one parent said. “It’s just a great atmosphere all around.”

The Collegedale Academy Eagles teams won both the Division 2 Girls and Division 2 Boys games. The winner of the Division 1 Girls was the Loma Linda Academy Roadrunners, and the winner of the Division 1 Boys was the Georgia-Cumberland Academy Jaguars.

A celebratory awards ceremony took place after the games. After recognizing the division winners, runner-up honors were awarded to outstanding teams in each division, recognizing their perseverance and competitive spirit through the tournament. The Sportsmanship Award was given to the Mount Pisgah Academy boys team, who received a waived registration fee for the next Newmyer Classic.

In addition to team trophies, individual excellence was recognized through Most Valuable Player  Awards for athletes in each division. The Clyde Meyer Leadership Award was given to Jacob Stout, coach of the Fletcher Basketball Club, for exemplary leadership and Christ-centered coaching. Two $500 Andrews University scholarships were awarded to student athletes, and the participants enjoyed a raffle drawing for a LEGO Jordan 1 shoe.

The Newmyer Classic’s impact extends beyond the Andrews University campus, strengthening connections across the Adventist educational community. The tournament provides a setting where academies can reconnect, build relationships and model Christian sportsmanship. After another successful year, the Classic has reaffirmed its role as a signature Andrews University event—one that promotes excellence, community and faith both on and off the court.

“This tournament is all about providing a distinctly Christ-centered environment for students, coaches and fans,” affirmed Kevin Wooldridge, Andrews University athletic director and Newmyer Classic director. “The Newmyer Classic has a rich history of great sportsmanship and conduct that continues to make this one of the best tournaments available for participating schools.”