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South Bend to Host IHSAA Holiday Basketball Tournaments for 2025-26 Season

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, December 18th 2025 at 4:39 GMT by South Bend Tribune

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South Bend to Host IHSAA Holiday Basketball Tournaments for 2025‑26 Season
By the South Bend Tribune – December 18, 2025

In a move that underscores South Bend’s status as a basketball hot‑spot, the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) has officially announced the schedule and logistics for its holiday tournaments that will take place in the city this winter. The series—scheduled to run from December 20 through January 6—will feature teams from across the state competing in a series of 5‑on‑5, 3‑on‑3, and all‑star events at a mix of local high‑school arenas. Below is a comprehensive rundown of the key details, eligibility criteria, and registration information, distilled from the Tribune’s original reporting and the linked resources.

1. What the Tournaments Entail

The IHSAA holiday circuit is designed to give high‑school teams a chance to play competitive basketball during the long break before the regular season kicks off. Each tournament follows the Association’s standard format:

• 5‑on‑5 “State‑Wide” Play: 48‑minute games split into two 24‑minute halves. The top eight teams at each site will be seeded and play a single‑elimination bracket.
• 3‑on‑3 “Fast‑Break” Showcase: A separate set of matches that last 12 minutes each, emphasizing speed and individual skill. Teams are paired in double‑elimination brackets, with a final “All‑Stars” game on the last Saturday night.
• All‑Star Exhibition: The 16 best players from each gender, as chosen by the IHSAA coaching committee, will participate in a one‑day exhibition at the South Bend Community Center.

These events are open to teams from all 23 Indiana high‑school conferences, but teams must register by December 1 to guarantee a spot. The article clarifies that teams can choose to enter one or more of the formats; however, the IHSAA recommends that teams that field 5‑on‑5 squads also consider the 3‑on‑3 bracket for added exposure.

2. Dates and Venues

The Tribune highlighted that the venues were chosen for their capacity to host a large number of spectators—an important consideration for the Association as it aims to maintain a vibrant fan base. A new partnership with DePauw University also allows the city to leverage a modern gymnasium with an expanded seating area.

3. Participating Schools

The IHSAA posted a provisional list of schools that have already confirmed their intent to attend:

• South Bend Allen County: Allen County, West Side, and East Side High Schools.
• St. Joseph’s High School – a perennial power with a strong boys program.
• Central Catholic – a girls powerhouse that has won three state titles in the last decade.
• Lakeshore High – a newer school making its first appearance.
• Mishawaka Tech – a notable contender for the 3‑on‑3 bracket.

While the article notes that “the full list will be finalized by the end of December,” it anticipates at least 30 schools across the state to compete. A link to the IHSAA’s “Team Acceptance Tracker” was included in the original story, allowing coaches to see the number of spots remaining per tournament.

4. Registration, Fees, and Logistics

• Registration Deadline: December 1, 2025 (online through the IHSAA portal).
• Team Fee: $85 per 5‑on‑5 team; $45 per 3‑on‑3 team. Fees cover arena rental, officiating, and event logistics.
• Travel and Lodging: The article encourages schools to arrange accommodations in advance, noting that the city will offer a discounted shuttle service from major hotels to the venues.
• Uniform Requirements: Teams must adhere to the IHSAA uniform policy, wearing school‑specific colors and numbers. A reminder link to the “Uniform Code” is included.

The Tribune highlighted that registration will be managed in three phases to avoid server overload, and that late‑registration fees will apply starting on December 8.

5. Rules & Modifications

A few rule changes were announced to align the holiday tournaments with the new IHSAA season guidelines:

• Foul Limit: Teams will now have a 10‑foul limit per half instead of the traditional 12.
• Substitution Policy: Unlimited substitutions are permitted, but the “5‑on‑5” and “3‑on‑3” brackets will be separate; a team can’t register a player for both formats.
• Basketball Specification: Only NCAA‑approved basketballs may be used. The article cites a link to the “Equipment Checklist” for teams to verify compliance.

The IHSAA’s spokesperson, who was quoted in the article, explained that these changes were designed to reduce injury risk and maintain competitive balance.

6. Additional Features

Beyond the competitive play, the tournaments will host a number of ancillary events:

• Coaching Clinics: Two half‑day clinics will be scheduled on the Friday of the Invitational, covering topics such as defensive schemes and player development.
• Sportsmanship Awards: The IHSAA will present “Spirit of the Game” awards for each division, celebrating teams that exemplify fair play.
• Hall of Fame Induction: The article notes that the local South Bend High School will induct its 2024 Hall of Fame Class on Saturday night, adding a celebratory atmosphere to the weekend.

7. How to Get Involved

Coaches, parents, and players are urged to sign up promptly. The IHSAA portal accepts team rosters in a simple CSV format, and a dedicated helpline is available for registration questions. The Tribune also provided a link to the “Team Acceptance Tracker” where interested parties can view open slots and the projected competitive level of each tournament.

Final Thoughts

South Bend’s role as a host for the IHSAA holiday basketball tournaments is a testament to the city’s enduring passion for the sport. The carefully curated schedule, diverse venues, and comprehensive support from the IHSAA promise an exciting, high‑energy experience for players and fans alike. Whether you’re a seasoned coach looking to gauge your team’s readiness, a parent hoping to watch your child compete, or simply a basketball enthusiast eager to witness top‑level high school talent, the 2025‑26 holiday circuit offers a wide array of action, camaraderie, and community celebration.

All details—registration links, venue maps, and updated rules—are available on the IHSAA website, and coaches are encouraged to visit the portal by December 1 to lock in their spots. As the holiday season approaches, South Bend prepares to welcome the state’s best teams for a weekend (or two) of basketball that could shape the narrative of Indiana’s high‑school sports calendar.