Doc Maples Holiday Hoops

This year’s tournament takes place December 17–19, 2026 at Viking Hall in Bristol, Tennessee. Eight teams will present a holiday treat to hoop fans in the Tri-Cities area. It should be three great days of competitive, high-level girls’ basketball.

The tournament is played in honor and memory of long-time Tennessee High teacher Frank “Doc” Maples. Doc was a true Viking and a tremendous supporter of all THS athletics in many different capacities.

Holiday Hoops history

In 1996, the Tennessee High Lady Viking coaching staff decided it wanted to promote girls’ basketball in Northeast Tennessee and the Bristol community by establishing a holiday showcase for the sport. They hatched a plan to invite another local team and two teams from outside the area to participate in a challenge format over two days with each of the local teams taking on the teams from out of the area. After two years, the field was expanded to six teams and the event to three days. In 2002, THS coach Kim Bright decided to switch to a tournament format and expand the field to its current eight teams. The first year of tournament play was a rousing success with an exciting final as Charlotte (NC) Christian topped Cawood, KY. Thus far, the tournament has featured teams from Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, Georgia, West Virginia, Alabama, and the District of Columbia.