12 Courts of Christmas: The Most Compelling Games at Hy-Vee Arena

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>*Photo by Westside Wired</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The annual 12 Courts of Christmas has officially returned, signaling one of the more exciting stretches of the high school basketball season in the Midwest. Each year, this event stands out not simply because of its size, but because of its distinctive format: it brings together a wide range of programs from multiple states and places them inside a setting that blends the energy of a holiday showcase with the fast-paced atmosphere typically seen on the AAU circuit. The result is an environment that challenges teams in new ways — from adjusting to the showcase-style rotations at Hy-Vee Arena to competing against unfamiliar opponents with contrasting styles of play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The big name matchups promise to set the tone for the entire event, offering an early look at which teams are poised to make statements and which players are emerging as breakout performers. I'll be taking a deep dive into the matchups that stand out the most, examining the storyline-rich pairings, the stylistic battles to watch, and the individual talents who could shape the outcome of their games. From rising underclassmen to established stars, and from regional powerhouses to intriguing up-and-coming programs, the slate at Hy-Vee Arena is packed with compelling angles worth following — and I'll be breaking them all down in detail.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Matchup Breakdowns</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Bellevue West (NE) vs. Oak Park (MO) - December 22nd, 3:00 PM</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Bellevue West enters this matchup carrying a great deal of confidence after securing victories in the majority of its early-season contests. The Thunderbirds have shown steady growth and cohesion, particularly for a team built around a young but rapidly developing core. That group includes Keaton Melcher, Bryce Johnson Jr., Brayden Mauro, Pierce Parker, Amari Smith, and Carsen Schultz, all of whom have contributed to the team's positive start. Offensively, Melcher and Johnson are expected to spearhead the scoring effort, as both have already delivered several impressive performances and demonstrated the ability to score in a variety of ways. Inside, Parker and Smith provide a strong presence in the paint, using their size and physicality to finish around the basket, battle on the boards, and anchor the team's interior play on both ends of the floor.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Oak Park, meanwhile, comes into the game riding momentum of its own after a series of strong early-season showings. The Northmen have intentionally tested themselves by scheduling tough competition, and they have largely held their ground — an approach and result that aligns with expectations for the reigning Missouri Class 6A state champions. Their experience and championship pedigree remain evident, with [player_tooltip player_id='1850444' first='Josh' last='Kori'], [player_tooltip player_id='1850445' first='Adam' last='Tanner'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1850452' first='Landon' last='Van Pelt'] continuing to set the tone as team leaders. Together, they provide a combination of scoring, playmaking, and poise that has helped Oak Park maintain a high level of performance against quality opponents.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Omaha Westside (NE) vs. Kipp Legacy (MO) - December 22nd, 4:45 PM</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Omaha Westside makes the trip to Kansas City with an experienced, deep, and well-balanced roster, looking to continue building momentum and sharpen its identity early in the season. The Warriors are anchored by a strong core group that includes Emre Gedik, London Dada, Donnie Barfield Jr., and Will Preston, a quartet that brings an impressive combination of size, skill, and positional versatility. This depth allows Omaha Westside to create favorable matchups across the floor while sustaining a high level of play throughout its rotation. Dada is the most recognizable name in the group, already holding multiple offers at the next level and continuing to develop as a high-impact presence, while Gedik has solidified his future by committing to play at Augustana next season, adding leadership and stability to the lineup.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>They will be matched up against a KIPP Legacy program coming off the most successful season in school history. Despite that recent success, KIPP Legacy enters this matchup in a rebuilding phase after graduating the majority of its standout contributors from last year's roster. With several new players stepping into expanded roles, the task ahead will be challenging. While the matchup projects to be largely one-sided, it provides an opportunity for fans and evaluators alike to get an extended look at a talented Omaha Westside team as it continues to establish itself and gain confidence in the early stages of the season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Life Prep (KS) vs. Boonville (MO) - December 27th, 2:00 PM</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Life Prep has emerged as another program off to an impressive start this season, quickly stringing together quality wins, including several against well-established opponents. Those victories have helped confirm that Life Prep is a legitimate contender and not just an early-season surprise. The team is anchored by the dynamic duo of Quinton Rolle and [player_tooltip player_id='2815593' first='Michael' last='Munnings'], whose skill sets complement each other extremely well. Rolle is a powerful and explosive athlete with good size, capable of attacking in transition and making highlight-level plays in the open floor. His physicality allows him to impose his will on both ends of the court. Munnings, meanwhile, serves as the team's lead guard and emotional engine. He brings a relentless motor, competes defensively, and has the ability to create offense both off the dribble and from beyond the arc, where he showcases a consistent and efficient shooting touch.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>On the other side, Boonville enters the matchup as a young but highly intriguing group with significant upside. The team is led by [player_tooltip player_id='2767899' first='Bronx' last='Ganaway'], one of the most highly regarded freshmen in the state of Missouri. Ganaway has already begun to attract attention from several Power Four programs due to his advanced skill set and long-term potential. This season figures to be an important developmental year for him, and it will be compelling to track his growth and progression as the year unfolds. In addition to Ganaway, [player_tooltip player_id='2952125' first='Zaiden' last='Walker'] and Brayden Viertel are key names to watch, as both are expected to play major roles and provide impactful contributions for Boonville throughout the season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Bentonville West (AR) vs. St. Petersburg (FL) - December 29th, 6:00 PM</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Bentonville West continues to navigate a demanding schedule through the early portion of the season, consistently testing itself against high-level competition. Widely regarded as one of the top teams in Arkansas, the Wolverines have lived up to that billing with their physicality, depth, and competitive edge. The team is led by Landon Price, who serves as a powerful scoring and rebounding presence in the frontcourt, setting the tone with his toughness and ability to impact the game inside. Additional production comes from Karter Coleman, Cooper Moore, and Drake Tidwell, each of whom plays a vital role in the team's overall success. That core group guided Bentonville West through a challenging Husky Hoops Invitational, where the team earned several hard-fought victories against quality opponents. Both Tidwell and Price delivered standout performances during the event, stepping up in key moments against strong competition. As the season progresses, Bentonville West is expected to continue improving, positioning itself as a legitimate title contender and one of the last teams standing in Arkansas when postseason play arrives in March.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>St. Petersburg presents a formidable challenge and should make for one of the most compelling matchups at Hy-Vee Arena. The team is led by Nijuan Harris, who is in the midst of an outstanding season and has consistently showcased his all-around impact. Harris brings a dynamic and versatile scoring package, while also contributing on the glass and facilitating offense from the perimeter. Alongside him, Emir Gainer provides a reliable and dangerous secondary option. Gainer's quickness and ability to break down defenders with an explosive and unpredictable first step add another dimension to St. Petersburg's attack. The clash between Bentonville West and St. Petersburg shapes up as must-see action, offering a competitive test for both programs and highlighting two teams capable of making deep runs this season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Lexington (MO) vs. University Academy (MO) - December 29th, 2:00 PM</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>This local matchup shapes up to be an intriguing contest, featuring two programs that have performed well early in the season and are eager to carry that momentum into the holiday stretch. Lexington enters the game led by [player_tooltip player_id='2323193' first='Chael' last='Lichte'], a knockdown shooter with seemingly unlimited range from beyond the arc. Lichte excels at moving without the ball, consistently relocating to find open space and staying ready to shoot at a moment's notice. He is equally effective running the wing in transition, where he quickly sets his feet and gets shots off before the defense can recover. Supporting him in the backcourt are Zach Melvin and Cash Cole, two active guards who make their presence felt on the defensive end. Their ability to generate steals and deflections often sparks fast-break opportunities, allowing Lexington to push the pace and attack the rim in transition.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>University Academy counters with a team that has shown considerable promise this season as it continues to stack up wins. The program is led by Ta'Juan Cann, an energetic guard who serves as the engine of the team and is a legitimate two-way impact player. Cann brings consistent energy, passion, and a relentless motor, pairing those traits with a high level of skill and athleticism on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he is capable of slashing to the basket and finishing above the rim, while also displaying a reliable scoring touch from the mid-range and beyond the three-point line. [player_tooltip player_id='2833811' first='DeAnthony' last='Hicks'] is another player to watch, as he is a young prospect with significant upside. Hicks possesses good size, strength, and developing skill, and as the season progresses, he should continue to improve while providing Cann with another dependable option on offense and a strong presence on the glass.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->