Malachi Moreno vs. Cameron Boozer headlines first round of City of Palms Classic

A Malachi Moreno vs. Cameron Boozer matchup is on the docket for December.

On Monday, the City of Palms Classic announced the field for its annual tournament (Dec. 18-23) down in Fort Myers, FL. Among the list of invited schools is Moreno’s Great Crossing High School out of Georgetown, KY. The Warhawks are one of 16 teams in the national bracket, which also includes powerhouses such as Montverde Academy (FL) and La Lumiere School (IN). Christopher Columbus High School (FL), which rosters both Cameron and Cayden Boozer, will also play in this loaded event.

According to the Fort Myers News-Press, Great Crossing and Christopher Columbus will go head-to-head in the first round on Thursday, Dec. 19 at 7:15 p.m. EST. Per the 2025 On3 Industry Rankings, Moreno is rated No. 25 overall in the country (top center) while Cameron Boozer is rated No. 2 overall (top power forward).

Moreno committed to Kentucky on Friday over the likes of Indiana, Ohio State, Louisville, and others. The seven-foot big man is the first 2025 commit for new head coach Mark Pope.

Oh, it's that time. pic.twitter.com/ulR2CN515k

— City of Palms Classic (@CityOfPalmsBKB) August 19, 2024

This marks the fourth consecutive year that a school from Kentucky will play in the City of Palms Classic. Ballard, North Laurel (Reed Sheppard), and Lyon County (Travis Perry) represented the Bluegrass in 2021, 2022, and 2023, respectively. When a big-time talent from Kentucky commits to the Wildcats, it usually translates to a national schedule for his team the following season.

We’re seeing it happen again with Moreno and Great Crossing.

“Because of him, we’re going everywhere,” Great Crossing head coach Steve Page said after Moreno committed to UK. “We’re going to City of Palms this year. I think we play the number one team in the nation in the first round down there. We’re going to Beach Ball (Classic) again and we’ve been invited everywhere because of him. Everyone wants to see him and now even more.”

Actually winning this event won’t be an easy challenge by any means for Great Crossing. Almost every team features a nationally-ranked recruit, including several in the Top 25. The City of Palms Classic includes more than just the national bracket, too. Schools such as DME Academy (Mikel Brown Jr.) and St. Joseph (Tounde Yessoufou) will compete in the Signature and Sunshine series, respectively.

There will be plenty of talent for Kentucky coaches to scout. Below are the 16 teams included in the national bracket:

• Archbishop Carroll (PA)
• Central Catholic (OR)
• Christopher Columbus (FL)
• Faith Family Academy (TZ)
• Gateway Charter (FL)
• Grayson (GA)
• Great Crossing (KY)
• IMG Academy (FL)
• La Lumiere School (IN)
• Long Island Lutheran (NY)
• Millennium (AZ)
• Montverde Academy (FL)
• Oak Ridge (TN)
• Owasso (OK)
• Sidwell Friends School (MD)
• Westminster Academy (FL)