Two Connecticut girls basketball teams will join top recruits from UConn at the first Panini Hoophall Classic Girls’ Showcase, scheduled for January 15-16 at Western New England University in Springfield, Massachusetts. Sacred Heart Academy and Northwest Catholic, two of the state’s top high school programs, are set to compete alongside 21 teams from 11 states and Canada, including 44 nationally ranked prospects.
Sacred Heart Academy and Northwest Catholic finished second and third, respectively, in the GametimeCT Final Top 10 poll last March. Northwest Catholic edged Sacred Heart Academy in the CIAC Division I semifinals before falling to Greenwich in the championship game. Both will play on January 16, with Sacred Heart Academy facing Andover (Mass.) at 10:30 a.m., followed by Northwest Catholic against DePaul Prep (N.J.) at noon.
The event marks the first Hoophall weekend dedicated to girls basketball over two full days. Last year’s Hoophall Classic at Springfield College allotted only one day to girls competition. The addition expands the platform for female prospects at a nationally recognized event.
Among the invitees are two of ESPN’s top prospects in the Class of 2027: Kaleena Smith of Ontario Christian (Calif.) and Ivanna Wilson-Manyacka from the Bullis School (Md.). Both players received in-home visits from UConn coaches, underlining the university’s interest in their recruitment. Each of their teams will play twice during the showcase, appearing in back-to-back games on January 15.
Smith is fresh off a strong performance in the CIF State Open Division final, where Ontario Christian defeated Archbishop Mitty 56-49 at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento on March 14, 2026. The 6-foot-1 guard’s presence adds star power to the event, which also features a broad mix of top-tier talent from across North America.
The two Connecticut schools’ inclusion underlines the strength of girls basketball in the state. Northwest Catholic and Sacred Heart Academy have produced competitive teams that draw national attention, and their participation at the Hoophall Classic will give their players exposure against elite opponents.
Tickets for the Panini Hoophall Classic Girls’ Showcase are on sale at etix.com. The event offers a rare chance to watch 15 games over two days featuring some of the country’s best high school girls basketball teams and top recruits, including those targeted by UConn.
According to Yahoo Sports.
