The high school basketball world will turn its attention to Las Vegas, Nevada, this weekend, as The Border League returns for another massive preseason event. The 7th Annual Border League will take place October 2–4, bringing together many of the nation’s premier high school and prep programs, including numerous teams from Arizona. What began during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic has quickly developed into one of the most recognizable preseason high school basketball events in the country.
The Border League was created in 2020 when two high school coaches became concerned that the pandemic could prevent their teams from having a season. Their original idea was to create opportunities for teams across four states to play games beginning in September. That concept eventually developed into a tournament that brought together programs from different states, levels and styles of play. With gyms shutting down throughout the country, the inaugural Border League was held in Phoenix, where teams from across the nation came together to compete. The championship game that year was televised on ESPN, with IMG Academy defeating Coronado High School of Nevada. The event has grown tremendously ever since.
Now entering its seventh season, Border League organizers say more than (250) boys and girls teams are expected to participate. More than (40) games are scheduled to be broadcast across ESPN, League Ready and Balldawgs platforms, with Sunday games airing on ESPN2. The official Border League site also says this year’s Las Vegas event will feature additional showcase games and another VIP gym designed to provide even more opportunities for players and teams to be evaluated.
One of the things that separates The Border League from many other preseason events is the tremendous amount of basketball talent and basketball decision-makers gathered in one place. Scholastic and non-scholastic programs compete throughout the weekend, while college coaches are permitted to attend and evaluate prospects. According to Border League organizers, last year’s event attracted more than 200 college coaches, approximately 400 media members and representatives from 30 NBA teams.
Those numbers illustrate just how important the event has become on the national basketball calendar.
For players, particularly those still building their college recruitment, the weekend provides an opportunity to compete against quality opposition, while performing in front of coaches, scouts and national media.
Once again, Arizona basketball will be well represented this weekend, as numerous programs from throughout the state make the trip to Las Vegas. That should provide another excellent opportunity to evaluate many of Arizona’s top prospects and teams before the official high school basketball season begins.
Arizona Preps will be in attendance throughout the weekend, continuing our coverage of The Border League that dates back to the event’s inception in 2020. With hundreds of teams, elite prospects, college coaches, NBA scouts and national media all descending upon Las Vegas, this weekend promises to provide plenty of storylines.
We look forward to bringing our readers extensive coverage from this weekend’s exciting event. Stay tuned to Arizona Preps' social media platforms for updates, evaluations and recruiting news throughout The Border League.
