The past few weeks played host to truly great and memorable moments in basketball history. The various state championships around the country are completed. City of Palms Classic Tournament Director, Donnie Wilkie, had an opportunity to see many of the games live and in person. There are a lot of very talented underclassmen who will lead their teams in the 2022 – 2023 season and beyond.

It is enjoyable to watch the many NCAA games, the NCAA Tournament, the McDonald’s All American game and the Final Four. Almost every team that played in these games had athletes that have hit the court with us right here at the City of Palms Classic. A list of those players can be found on our website.

This month we are focusing on the results of these season-ending tournaments and the GEICO Nationals. While basketball is over for the short term, it is certainly high on our priorities as we continue planning for the 2022 Culligan City of Palms Classic.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to me at johnnaylor@cityofpalmsclassic.com.

Until next time.

John Naylor / Executive Director
2021 CITY OF PALMS CHAMPIONS WIN
GEICO NATIONALS BOYS CHAMPIONSHIP

Montverde Academy arrived at the GEICO Nationals with four losses and were seeded third. The Eagles went on to defeat AZ Compass Prep in the first round in a rematch of last year's title game as well as IMG Academy in the semifinals, and knocked off the Link Academy Lions 60-49, in the title game at Suncoast Credit Union Arena.

Montverde now holds five City of Palms Classic Championship titles and six GEICO Nationals Boys Championship titles.

Montverde was named the 2021 Culligan City of Palms Classic Champions back in December after defeating Oak Hill Academy 60-55. The Eagles are now 17-0 under Coach Kevin Boyle at Suncoast Credit Union Arena. Boyle is 11-0 in the City of Palms and 6-0 in the GEICO Nationals.

(PHOTO CREDIT: @DAVID_CHISHOLM)
2021 CITY OF PALMS MVPS ALSO NAMED
MCDONALD'S ALL AMERICAN MVPS

Back after a two-year hiatus, the McDonald's All American Game returned to Chicago on Wednesday, March 29.

Dariq Whitehead of Montverde Academy took home MVP honors, scoring 13 points and handing out seven assists to lead the East past the West, 105-81. Whitehead announced his commitment to Duke last August. Montverde Academy took home the 2021 City of Palms Classic Championship in December.

North Little Rock Charging Wildcat Nick Smith Jr. put on a notable performance during the games for his all-around dominance in the uber-competitive practices. The five-star prospect committed to Arkansas last fall.

A total of 9 athletes that participated in December’s City of Palms Tournament also participated in the McDonald's All American Game.


Keyonte George, Chris Livingston, Nick Smith Jr., Jarace Walker and Dariq Whitehead received All-Tournament Team awards at the 2021 City of Palms Classic. Dillon Mitchell was named the 2021 City of Palms Classic MVP.
COACH K
(VIDEO CREDIT: @DUKEMBB)
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