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Covington Today
By the People, for the People
Kentucky Boys' Basketball Sweet 16 Schedule Revealed
Full schedule, times, channels, and live streams for the 2026 KHSAA tournament games at Rupp Arena
Mar. 18, 2026 at 4:20am
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The Kentucky High School Athletic Association (KHSAA) boys' basketball Sweet 16 tournament is set to take place at Rupp Arena in Lexington from March 18-21, 2026. The tournament will feature 16 teams from around the state competing for the state championship, with the action available to stream live on the NFHS Network. The schedule includes four rounds of games over four days, culminating in the championship game on Saturday evening.
Why it matters
The Kentucky boys' basketball Sweet 16 is one of the most anticipated high school sporting events in the state, drawing passionate fans from across the Commonwealth to witness the crowning of a new state champion. With several top-ranked teams in the field, the tournament is expected to feature intense competition and high-level play as the teams battle it out for the title.
The details
The Sweet 16 draw was not kind to some of the top teams in the final Kentucky Media Elite 16 poll, as No. 1 Madison Central failed to advance out of the 11th Region. No. 2 Covington Catholic and No. 3 St. Xavier will face off in the opening round, with the winner considered a favorite to win the championship along with Warren Central and George Rogers Clark. Reigning champion Great Crossing is also back to defend its title.
- The Kentucky boys' basketball Sweet 16 tournament will take place from March 18-21, 2026 at Rupp Arena in Lexington.
- The first round games will be played on Wednesday, March 18 and Thursday, March 19.
- The quarterfinal round will be on Friday, March 20.
- The semifinal and championship games will be on Saturday, March 21, with the final tipping off at 7:30 p.m. ET.
The players
Covington Catholic
A top-ranked team in the Kentucky Media Elite 16 poll that will face off against No. 3 St. Xavier in the opening round.
St. Xavier
The No. 3 team in the final Kentucky Media Elite 16 poll, set to take on No. 2 Covington Catholic in the first round.
Warren Central
Considered a favorite to win the state championship along with George Rogers Clark.
George Rogers Clark
The girls' state champion last weekend, and a contender for the boys' title.
Great Crossing
The reigning Kentucky boys' basketball state champion, back to defend its title.
What’s next
The winner of the Covington Catholic vs. St. Xavier matchup will be considered a favorite to win the state championship, along with Warren Central and George Rogers Clark. Fans will be eager to see if reigning champion Great Crossing can defend its title.
The takeaway
The Kentucky boys' basketball Sweet 16 tournament at Rupp Arena is sure to feature intense competition and high-level play as 16 teams from across the state battle it out for the state championship. With several top-ranked teams in the field, including defending champion Great Crossing, the tournament is a must-watch event for high school basketball fans in Kentucky.
