Chattanooga Hosts Annual Yellow Jacket Classic

The city's premier high school basketball tournament returns after a pandemic hiatus.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 3:28am

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring bold brushstrokes in neon shades of orange, yellow, and blue, capturing the dynamic movement and intensity of a high school basketball game.The annual Yellow Jacket Classic basketball tournament returns to Chattanooga, bringing the city's sports community together to celebrate the talent and energy of local high school athletes.Chattanooga Today

The Yellow Jacket Classic, Chattanooga's premier high school basketball tournament, is back this year after being canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The tournament, which features some of the top teams from Tennessee and surrounding states, will take place over the next three days at various venues around the city.

Why it matters

The Yellow Jacket Classic is a long-standing tradition in Chattanooga, drawing large crowds and providing a showcase for talented high school players. The return of the tournament is a sign of the city's recovery from the pandemic and a boost for the local sports community.

The details

The tournament will feature 16 boys' and girls' teams competing in a bracket-style format. Some of the top programs participating include Baylor School, East Hamilton High School, and Ooltewah High School. Games will be played at the Chattanooga Convention Center, the Finley Stadium, and other local venues.

  • The Yellow Jacket Classic will take place from April 4-6, 2026.
  • The tournament was last held in 2019 before being canceled for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The players

Baylor School

A private high school in Chattanooga known for its strong basketball programs.

East Hamilton High School

A public high school in Chattanooga that has had success in the Yellow Jacket Classic in recent years.

Ooltewah High School

A public high school in the Chattanooga area that has a long history of participating in the tournament.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to have the Yellow Jacket Classic back. It's a great opportunity for our players to compete against top-notch competition and showcase their skills.”

— Marvin Malone, Head Coach, Baylor School Boys' Basketball

“The Yellow Jacket Classic is a Chattanooga tradition, and we're excited to be a part of it again this year. Our team has been working hard and is ready to compete.”

— Sarah Johnson, Head Coach, East Hamilton High School Girls' Basketball

What’s next

The tournament championship games will be held on April 6, 2026, with the boys' and girls' winners being crowned.

The takeaway

The return of the Yellow Jacket Classic is a welcome sign of normalcy for the Chattanooga sports community, as the city continues to recover from the challenges of the pandemic. The tournament provides a platform for talented high school athletes to showcase their skills and compete against top-level competition.