The Kevin Brown Memorial Tournament of Champions rolls into Washington, Illinois again this Thanksgiving week, bringing together some of the most exciting high school programs in the country
Tournament overview
. What began as a strong regional event has turned into a national stop for elite teams and future stars. Since the event was renamed in 2019 to honor longtime Washington coach Kevin Brown, the tournament has also taken on a larger purpose, helping raise money for the KB Strong Foundation and the fight against glioblastoma. The total raised is already past the halfway mark toward the one-million-dollar goal.
Jodi Brown’s words continue to echo around the event each year:
“When there is a minute left, down 10, and people start leaving, Kevin and I would look at each other because we knew the game was not finished. That is how you take on glioblastoma.”
Fans, coaches, and players can find updates, rosters, and ticket info through the tournament site.
The event has become a launch pad for future college and NBA talent. This floor has seen names like Anthony Davis, Zion Williamson, Andrew Wiggins, Myles Turner, DeAndre Jordan, Chandler Parsons, and E. J. Liddell long before they broke through. The formula remains the same every year: packed crowds, high level matchups, and a stage where a standout performance can change a recruiting path.
National names to keep an eye on
This year features a long list of top players, including Josh Irving from Pasadena, Zain Majeed from Mater Dei Catholic, Reese Alston from Second Baptist, John Fleeman from Kingsville, Evan Kramer and Ethan Bergantino from Calvary Christian, Fenix Foy from Peoria High, and the Knueppel brothers from Wisconsin Lutheran.
Coaches leading the charge
The sidelines will be loaded with respected coaches such as Gary McKnight from Mater Dei Catholic, Taylor Land from Second Baptist, Steve Fitzgerald from Victory Christian, Melvin Watson from South Pointe, Abe Zeller from Morton, Eric Schermerhorn from Washington, and many more from across the country.
How the week will run
Games take place from November 25 through November 29 at Washington Community High School. The tournament includes multiple formats running at once, including the Washington Invitational bracket, the National Classic, the Gray Ribbon Showdown which highlights cancer awareness, and the fast-moving Shootout Series. Clutch Sports Media will stream games throughout the week.
Tuesday highlights
Kingsville and Jacksonville Routt open the Shootout Series, followed by Waukee Northwest’s girls taking on Washington. The evening slate features West Hancock and Washington in the Invitational, and O’Fallon meeting Morton in a matchup filled with experienced seniors such as Silas Steffen, Jude Zeller and Alex McKie. Players to watch include Kingsville’s seven foot center John Fleeman, Washington’s two way standout James Johnson, and O’Fallon’s Ben Akoro.
Key matchups to track:
• O’Fallon and Morton with both sides capable of late game shot making.
• West Hancock and Washington with the home crowd often shifting momentum.
Wednesday highlights
Action begins early with Dunlap and Kingsville. The day grows heavier with games like Victory Christian against O’Fallon, Calvary Christian against Pasadena, and Pike against Wisconsin Lutheran. The night finishes with Washington facing South Pointe and Morton matching up with Mater Dei Catholic.
Notable players include Pasadena’s Josh Irving, Second Baptist’s Reese Alston, the Knueppel brothers from Wisconsin Lutheran, and Zain Majeed for Mater Dei Catholic.
Games that could swing the day:
• Calvary Christian and Pasadena with veteran discipline against star guard creativity.
• Pike and Wisconsin Lutheran where spacing and guard play dominate.
• Morton and Mater Dei Catholic bringing two polished systems together.
Thursday highlights
The focus shifts to Gray Ribbon and Invitational play. Grace Christian meets Mt. Bethel, followed by South Pointe taking on Second Baptist. Mater Dei Catholic and Victory Christian also square off before an electric Peoria High vs Pasadena matchup in the Shootout Series.
Players to watch range from Hudson Wilkins of Grace Christian to Fenix Foy of Peoria High and Josh Irving of Pasadena. Expect one of the week’s best guard battles in Peoria High vs Pasadena.
Friday highlights
Friday delivers a full day of games including Pasadena vs Clinton Grace Christian, O’Fallon vs Mater Dei Catholic, Victory Christian vs Morton, and Second Baptist vs Washington in front of a loud home crowd.
Standout players include Landon Hawkins from South Pointe, Zain Majeed from Mater Dei Catholic, Tucker Fox at Victory Christian, and Washington’s senior duo AJ Jones and James Johnson.
Games worth circling:
• O’Fallon and Mater Dei Catholic in a size heavy showdown.
• Second Baptist and Washington in a game that often swings on tempo and guard leadership.
• Eagle Academy and Calvary Christian where the battle on the glass tells the story.
Saturday highlights
Championship Saturday brings the last rounds of the Invitational and the final two Gray Ribbon games before Eagle Academy meets Pasadena in the National Classic. The night ends with Washington playing in front of a full house, a tradition that always delivers one of the loudest moments of the tournament.
Notable players include Epiphane Affi of Xavier Academy, Peter Julius of Mt. Bethel, and Josh Irving of Pasadena.
Key matchups:
• Eagle Academy and Pasadena where quick guards dictate the flow.
• Washington’s finale which consistently produces a postseason-like atmosphere.
How to watch and support
Clutch Sports Media provides streams during live games. Details on tickets, volunteer opportunities, sponsor information, and local guides are available on the tournament’s website. Every person attending, watching, or supporting helps push the KB Strong Foundation closer to its goal in the fight against glioblastoma.