BECKLEY, W.Va. (WVDN) – Some of West Virginia’s top high school basketball programs and 36 returning All-State players will take center court when the 9th Annual New River Community and Technical College Invitational, presented by Little General Stores, Inc., returns to the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center, January 4–9, 2027.
One of the state’s largest high school basketball showcases, the Invitational will feature more than 30 teams, including several of southern West Virginia’s most successful programs, established rivalries and exciting matchups expected to draw basketball fans from across the state.
Among the most anticipated attractions is Shady Spring, a perennial state championship contender whose sustained success has made the Tigers one of southern West Virginia’s premier basketball programs. Shady Spring, featuring returning All-State honorable mention selection Gabe Short, will face the Ripley Vikings on Thursday, January 7, at 8 p.m. The Tigers return Saturday, January 9, to take on the Nitro Wildcats in the Invitational’s 8 p.m. finale.
Wyoming East brings one of the event’s most accomplished returning lineups, featuring four All-State selections. First Team honorees Broc Johnson and Keegan Davidson join Second Team selections Talan Muscari and Konnor Fox as the Warriors take on the South Harrison Hawks Wednesday, January 6, at 6:15 p.m. The Greenbrier East Spartans and Herbert Hoover Huskies follow at 8 p.m., completing an exciting evening of basketball.
Thursday’s action also features a matchup between the Greater Beckley Christian Crusaders and James Monroe Mavericks at 6:15 p.m. The Crusaders return First Team All-State selections Iziah Gordon and Javonte Spencer, along with honorable mention honoree Jabari Spencer. James Monroe counters with First Team All-State selection Kadyn Hines.
The Invitational tips off Monday, January 4, with a highly anticipated showdown between the Bluefield Beavers and Woodrow Wilson Flying Eagles at 8 p.m. Opening-night action also includes the Nicholas County Grizzlies against the Princeton Tigers at 6:15 p.m.
The six-day event concludes Saturday, January 9, with another full slate of basketball, including the Lincoln High School Cougars facing the James Monroe Mavericks at 6:15 p.m.
A special matchup between Fayette County Special Olympics and Raleigh County Special Olympics at 11:15 a.m. will also highlight the final day.
Beyond the competition, the Invitational serves an important purpose for New River Community and Technical College and the communities it serves. Organized by the New River CTC Foundation, the event raises funds for student scholarships and provides a $1,000 scholarship award for each participating high school.
The Invitational will also recognize the Most Outstanding Cheering Section with a $1,000 award to the winning school’s Project Graduation committee, encouraging students and fans to bring their school spirit throughout the week.
“The New River CTC Invitational has grown into one of the premier high school basketball events in West Virginia, and this year’s lineup is a great example of why,” said Michael Green, Vice President of External Affairs at New River CTC and Tournament Director. “We’re excited to bring together outstanding teams and some of the state’s top returning players for six days of great basketball. Just as importantly, the Invitational allows us to invest in students and create educational opportunities that will have an impact long after the final buzzer.”
The Invitational’s continued success is made possible through the generous support of businesses, organizations and community sponsors. That support also allows organizers to maintain affordable admission prices of just $8 for adults and $5 for students per day, giving fans access to a full day of basketball at a family-friendly price.
Fans can view the complete game schedule, matchups and updates throughout the Invitational through the official Tourney Machine schedule.
For sponsorship information, visit www.nrctcf.org or contact Kayla Saunders, Director of Business Development and Fundraising, at 304-929-5001 or ksaunders@newriver.edu.
View the full schedule here: 2027 New River CTC Invitational Schedule
About New River Community and Technical College
New River Community and Technical College serves ten counties in southeast and south-central West Virginia: Braxton, Fayette, Greenbrier, Mercer, Monroe, Nicholas, Pocahontas, Raleigh, Summers and Webster. The College provides accessible, affordable quality education and workforce programs to meet the needs of the region it serves.
