MARCH 27, 2026, BY ERNIE MASCHE
Each school receives $4,400 from gate proceeds from the DICK’S Sporting Goods Classic
Basketball Tournament.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 27, 2026
The final accounting has been turned in for the 2025 DICK’S Sporting Goods Classic Basketball
Tournament and each of the eight participating schools have received checks in the amount of
$4,400 from gate proceeds.
The DICK’S Sporting Goods Classic is well known throughout the region as the premier holiday
high school basketball tournament for 38 years. The Hickory Metro Sports Commission serves as
the host organization for the event and distributes the gate receipts among the participating
schools.
The participating high schools include Alexander Central, Bunker Hill, Fred T. Foard, Hickory,
Maiden, Newton-Conover, South Caldwell, and St. Stephens. Financially, it was a great event for
all eight schools off the court. On the court, Hickory High won the boy’s championship and
Alexander Central won the girl’s championship. Over 3,500 fans were treated to an exciting three
days of high school basketball.
“It takes more than just one or two people to make this tournament a success,” said DICK’S
Sporting Goods Classic Tournament Co-Director Ernie Masche. “On behalf of the Hickory Metro
Sports Commission, I would like to thank the DICK’S Sporting Goods Classic Tournament
Committee and everyone at Catawba Valley Community College who gave up some of their
holiday break. Finally, this is all about the schools and their athletic programs. We appreciate all
our local sponsors, our title sponsor DICK’S Sporting Goods and of course the fans who ultimately
make this tournament possible and enable each school to add much needed funds to their athletic
programs.”
“At DICK’S Sporting Goods, we believe that sports make people better, build character, and
increase confidence. We’re proud to have been a part of this annual high school basketball
tradition in Hickory, along with being able to provide some additional support through our Sports
Matter program to each of the athletic programs” – Brent DiGiacomo, Community Marketing
Manager for DICK’S Sporting Goods.
Planning is currently underway for the 39 th annual DICK’S Sporting Goods Classic. The 2026
DICK’S Sporting Goods Classic will be held on December 28, 29 and 30, 2026. Reach out to the
Hickory Metro Sports Commission for more information on the tournament or to become a
tournament sponsor.
The Hickory Metro Sports Commission is a non-profit organization whose mission is to further the
quality of life through the development, promotion, and recruitment of sporting events and
activities to the Greater Hickory area. For more information about the Sports Commission
visit www.hickorymetrosports.com.
For more information about DICK’S Sporting Goods visit: www.dicks.com.
CONTACTS:
Tournament Co-Directors: Ernie Masche 828-310-8823 dsgcbasketball@gmail.com
Michael Hedrick 704-526-9413 dsgcbasketball@gmail.com
Sports Commission information: Mark Seaman 828-514-2941 mseaman@hickorync.gov
About DICK’S Sporting Goods, Inc.
Founded in 1948, DICK’S Sporting Goods, Inc. is a leading omni-channel sporting goods retailer
offering an extensive assortment of authentic, high-quality sports equipment, apparel, footwear
and accessories. As of October 31, 2015, the Company operated 645 DICK’S Sporting Goods
locations across the United States, serving and inspiring athletes and outdoor enthusiasts to
achieve their personal best through a blend of dedicated associates, in-store services and unique
specialty shop-in-shops dedicated to Team Sports, Athletic Apparel, Golf, Lodge/Outdoor, Fitness
and Footwear. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, DICK’S also owns and operates Golf Galaxy, Field
& Stream, True Runner and Chelsea Collective specialty stores. DICK’S offers its products through
a content-rich eCommerce platform that is integrated with its store network and provides
customers with the convenience and expertise of a 24-hour storefront. For more information,
visit the Press Room or Investor Relations pages at DICKS.com.
For hotel and area information, 