REGION’S TOP HIGH SCHOOL HOOPS TALENT TAKES THE COURT AT INAUGURAL KEMBA CREDIT UNION MLK CLASSIC

8 Elite Teams Tip Off January 19 at Xavier University’s Cintas Center

CINCINNATI, OH – January 5, 2026 - The Inaugural Kemba Credit Union MLK Classic will be held at Xavier University’s Cintas Center on Monday, January 19, 2026. The event features 8 boys varsity teams from Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky - and some of the region’s best high school talent - for four exciting matchups.

Participating schools are encouraged to rally their fans and communities through a friendly ticket sales competition. The school that sells the most tickets each day of the event (with a minimum of 150 tickets sold) will receive a $500 donation to support their Booster Club or charitable organization of their choice. Additionally, for every ticket purchased by a Xavier University season ticket holder, 50% of the proceeds will be donated to the university’s All For One fund, empowering Xavier’s mission in perpetuity.

  “The MLK Classic is a celebration of Dr. King’s vision—where young people are empowered, communities come together, and the next generation of leaders is inspired to dream bigger and serve others. We are proud to support this event as the title sponsor,” said Dan Sutton, CEO of Kemba Credit Union.  The MLK Classic is presented by LaRosa’s, Skyline Chili, Beacon Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine and Home City Ice in association with media partners Cincinnati’s ESPN 1530 and FOX19.

Daily passes are $13.00 in advance at https://www.mlk-classic.com. Day of event daily passes are $16.00 at the Cintas Center box office. All fees and parking are included.

“We’re thrilled to welcome the Inaugural Kemba Credit Union MLK Classic to the Cintas Center,” said Greg Christopher, Xavier University Director of Athletics. “It’s an honor to host an event that brings together so many talented student-athletes, families and fans from across the region. It reflects the true spirit of teamwork and community that we value deeply here at Xavier.”

Kemba Credit Union MLK Classic Game Schedule:

Monday, January 19

Lakota West vs. Hamilton – 12:00 Noon

Ryle vs. Oldham County (KY) – 1:45 PM

Lakota East vs. Middletown – 3:30 PM

St. Xavier vs. Covington Catholic – 5:15 PM

Follow the Kemba Credit Union MLK Classic on Instagram - @mlkclassicbball; Twitter/X - @MLKClassicbball; and Facebook - Kemba MLK Classic. For more information or to purchase event passes, go to https://www.mlk-classic.com.

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