McCallie-Dr Pepper Classic has nation’s best boys’ basketball teams hoping for spot in talented field

McCallie boys' basketball coach David Conrady talks to his team during a home game against Florida's IMG Academy on Feb. 1, 2019. The fifth annual McCallie-Dr Pepper Classic, set for Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 this season, has another talented field of teams that includes Hamilton Heights, which has a No. 2 national ranking. / Staff photo by C.B. Schmelter McCallie boys' basketball coach David Conrady talks to his team during a home game against Florida's IMG Academy on Feb. 1, 2019. The fifth annual McCallie-Dr Pepper Classic, set for Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 this season, has another talented field of teams that includes Hamilton Heights, which has a No. 2 national ranking. / Staff photo by C.B. Schmelter

By Mark Wiedmer January 15, 2020 4 min read

Check out the latest MaxPreps national rankings for boys’ high school basketball teams, and you’ll find Chattanooga’s Hamilton Heights Christian Academy at No. 2 and Sunrise Christian Academy of Bel Aire, Kansas, at No. 5.

Why is this important to area basketball fans?

Because both schools will be part of the fifth annual McCallie-Dr Pepper Classic on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.

“It’s just an incredibly well-done event,” said former University of Tennessee at Chattanooga basketball player Zach Ferrell, the current Hamilton Heights coach whose Hawks will join Howard, Memphis East, Sunrise Christian, Bell Buckle’s Webb School and the host Blue Tornado in the field.

“The luncheon is awesome – always a tremendous speaker. The kids’ clinic is so well done. It’s just a special weekend.”