December in Phoenix: Inside the Nike Tournament of Champions

The Nike Tournament of Champions once again delivered elite-level competition in December 2025, bringing the nation’s top programs to the Arizona Athletic Grounds. Over five days, well over 200 college coaches—most from the NCAA Division I level—lined the sidelines, and every division produced moments that matched the event’s reputation.

At the top of the list was a championship rematch in the Vincent Cannizzaro Division, but the path to the title featured several early-round classics that set the tone for the week.

Vincent Cannizzaro Division (Top Federation Division)

Before championship weekend even arrived, the Cannizzaro Division produced one of the most memorable games of the tournament. Millennium High School outlasted nationally ranked Monsignor Scanlan High School in a triple-overtime thriller, winning 83–78 in a game that showcased depth, toughness, and late-game execution. All tournament selection Dashia Richardson of Millennium led a squad that was not to be denied on the opening day of the event. It was the kind of matchup that reminded everyone why this division is considered one of the toughest brackets in the country.

Championship Game: Bishop McNamara vs. Long Island Lutheran

The Cannizzaro Division final featured a familiar pairing. Just days earlier, on December 11, Long Island Lutheran High School had defeated Bishop McNamara High School 63–56 at the St. James Capital Invitational presented by She Got Game. With a championship on the line, Bishop McNamara made sure the outcome was different.

The Mustangs brought early energy, jumping out to a 5–0 lead before LuHi settled in behind its veteran core. Savvy Swords, a University of Kentucky signee, knocked down a key three to help LuHi grab momentum midway through the first quarter, and LuHi led 20–12 after one. Foul trouble slowed the pace in the second quarter, including a stretch where Bishop McNamara forward Qandace Samuels had to sit, but the Mustangs stayed within striking distance, trailing 34–27 at the half.

The second half turned into a possession-by-possession battle. Bishop McNamara gradually erased the deficit, closing the third quarter down just one at 43–42 before finally retaking the lead early in the fourth. Despite a late push from LuHi, Bishop McNamara executed a winning run to secure a 61–58 victory.

From a production standpoint, junior guard Dottie Eatman led Bishop McNamara with 17 points, while Qandace Samuels finished with 14 points and earned tournament MVP honors. Senior guard Emily McDonald—also a University of Kentucky signee—delivered timely scoring and finished with 13 points. For LuHi, Duke signee Sanai Green finished with 10 points, and Savvy Swords led the way with 14 points and continued to show that she is continuously working her way back from the knee injury that sidelined her during her junior season. Taylor Brown, Emily McDonald, and Olivia Jones of LuHi joined Jaylah King and Nyair McCoy of Bishop McNamara, amongst others, as members of the All-tournament team in the Vincent Cannizaro Division.

The title marked Bishop McNamara’s first Nike Tournament of Champions championship since 2003. It also added to the résumé of head coach Ron James, who became the only coach to ever win both Nike Nationals (as the head coach of Team Takeover) and the Nike Tournament of Champions in Phoenix in the same year.

Joe Smith Division

The Joe Smith Division championship game delivered its own late drama, as Sage Hill edged Francis Parker 57–55 to claim the program’s first Nike Tournament of Champions title in any division.

University of Texas signee Amalia Holguin was the difference, finishing with 25 points in the championship game and earning division MVP honors. Her ability to control tempo, create scoring opportunities, and deliver late baskets stood out against a disciplined Francis Parker group. Brieana Brown and Jordan Brown of Francis Parker joined Kamdyn Klamberg and Addison Uphoff of Sage Hill, amongst others, on the all-tournament team in the Joe Smith Division.

Clare Droesch Division (Non-Federation)

The Clare Droesch Non-Federation Division was won by Finest Basketball Cresset of Durham, North Carolina, with a 50–46 victory over Crestwood Preparatory College of Ontario, Canada. Cresset’s run included wins over Westtown School of Pennsylvania and Canadian power Niagara Prep, making it one of the more impressive tournament paths across all divisions.

Trinity Jefferson, a 2027 guard, earned MVP honors after consistently impacting games with her pace, toughness, and ability to make plays on both ends. Avery Arije and Chante Murray of Crestwood Preparatory College joined Lamyiah Jarrett and Jada Bryant of Finest Basketball Cresset, amongst others, on the all-tournament team in the Clare Droesch Division.

From triple-overtime classics in the early rounds to championship performances under pressure, the 2025 Nike Tournament of Champions once again proved why it remains a must-evaluate event on the December calendar. The Bishop McNamara–LuHi rematch headlined the week, but all of the divisions delivered high-level basketball.