Everyone needs to be on their ‘A’ game when the All ‘A’ comes to town

On Monday, Corbin Tourism Director Maggy Monhollen made the exciting announcement that the boys’ and girls’ statewide All “A” Classic basketball tournaments will be coming to the Corbin Arena in January of 2024. In case you missed it, the press release read, “Gary Munsie, Chairperson of the Kentucky All ‘A’ Classic, is pleased to announce the organization will be conducting the 2024 statewide basketball tournament at the Corbin Arena in Corbin, Kentucky. The tournament dates are January 24 through January 28. This is made possible through cooperation between the City of Corbin, The Corbin Arena, Corbin Tourism, and the Kentucky All ‘A’ Classic.”

This is huge news, and while I have known for a while now that this was in the works, I was super-excited to learn Monday that everything had finally been made one-hundred percent official.

Now, for those of you who aren’t familiar with this particular event, allow me to explain. I myself didn’t really know anything about the All “A” Classic until I started covering sports here at the News Journal about ten years ago, but basically, this is a state tournament that is held during the high school basketball season each year where only small (Class A) schools can compete. It’s a great concept, as most of these schools typically have very little chance of knocking off much larger schools in the Kentucky High School Athletic Association’s Sweet 16 tournament that is held in Lexington each March. This event has been giving those smaller schools a chance to win a state title since the eighties, and let me tell you, the tournaments are the real deal.

I have been fortunate enough to cover a few All “A” state tourneys during my time here at the News Journal, with each of those being held inside Eastern Kentucky University’s Alumni Coliseum. The atmosphere has always been great, with large crowds and plenty of energy. These communities really get behind their respective teams when it comes to this event, which is always great to see.

This past season, Harlan Independent represented the 13th Region in the statewide All “A” Classic, falling by just one point to Martin County in the first round, 50-49. Martin County would fall to eventual All “A” state champs Evangel Christian in the quarterfinals, 86-55.

In the 2023 girls state tourney, it was Jackson County who made it to the big dance out of our region. They would fall to Bishop Brossart in the first round, however, 51-42.

Just like the big state tournament at Rupp Arena, 16 teams will compete in the statewide All “A” Classic. That is 16 programs from 16 different communities across the Commonwealth. Each bringing with them players, coaches, families, and busloads of fans. That equals a lot of people who will be coming to town next January, and a golden opportunity for Corbin and Whitley County to make a great impression.

As of right now, the plan is to move the All “A” Classic back to EKU in 2025, after some renovations to Alumni Coliseum are complete. However, if everyone’s trip to Corbin next January is satisfactory, then I think it will greatly improve our chances of getting to host this tournament, or others like it, in the future.

This is why I say that everyone should be on their “A” game when the All “A” comes to town next year. As a community, we need to make sure that our guests enjoy their accommodations, sample some delicious food, see the sights, and learn a little bit about the area while they’re here. Hopefully we can leave a positive and lasting impression that will have everyone wanting to come back for more!

For more on the All “A” Classic, visit them online at www.allaclassic.org.