Now in its fifth year, the ACES Elite Classic has been the premier destination for top high school talent to compete in the All-American Games, and this year they’re turning things around. This year’s AEC also marks the first time the brand will partner with WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes to host a women’s game.
Founded by Brian Kortovich, the original vision was to bring together star high school basketball’s All-America Game in New York City, but since then, ACES has evolved into a platform at the forefront of basketball, youth athletic development and youth. the culture. The mission is to showcase young talent and help them gain exposure while introducing them to the business side of basketball and what it means to work with trusted brands like Google Pixel, Nike and Jordan Brand to name a few.
“At ACES, we are positioning ourselves as the premier storytelling platform centered around sports, music and entertainment. What we’ve seen since its inception is how ACES resonates with iconic athletes, musicians and entertainers and globally recognized brands. ACES is recognized worldwide for our unique ability to connect corporate partners with the true culture of sports and entertainment.”
What makes this year’s games even more special is that ACES spotlights the players who are next and right now. not only will the seniors play, but the incoming juniors and sophomores have also been invited to participate in the All-America Games.
The ACES Elite Classic will give fans a front-row seat to the future of the game and the value of investing in an innovative high school basketball experience. Notable alumni, including Orlando Magic’s Cole Anthony, UCONN standout Azi Fad and Notre Dame phenom Hannah Hidalgo, who was named ACC Defensive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year in her first season, all continue to praise ACES to provide their way. -op chance to get exposure early in their career.
“I am so excited to partner with ACES to host one of the nation’s premier high school games. Supporting the next generation of hoopers has always been a passion of mine,” said Cheryl Swoopes, representing LIFT Sports Management. “We have the top ranked girls coming together for one of the last shows of the season and the ACES Elite Classic in New York is going to be a good one.”
“It’s always special to play on some of the historic courts in New York,” says Hidalgo. “This area has produced some of the best basketball players in the world, and a game like the ACES Elite Classic shows just that. I am truly blessed to represent Jersey hoops and am excited to continue to do so at the next level.”
Meanwhile, North Carolina commit Ian Jackson is ready to carry the torch for this year’s games.
“Basketball in New York is bigger than just a game, it’s a lifestyle, a movement,” he says. “New York produces some of the toughest players in the world, and the ACES Elite Classic showcase is an event that highlights just that. There’s a lot of talent in New York right now, and I can’t wait until we all show it at the next level.”
ACES will host a Media Day on May 21st, followed by the ACES All-America Games on May 22nd at the Gauchos Gym in the Bronx. The girls national game will begin at 6:00 PM ET and the boys national game is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM ET.
The game will also be streamed live on the NBA app. Download on the App Store to view.
