(BALTIMORE – December 30, 2025) – Baltimore iconic leaders Coach Robert Wade and Dr. Warren Hayman are proud to announce the 27th Annual Baltimore City Public Schools Basketball Academy will be held Friday, January 10, and Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the illustrious Coppin State University in Baltimore, MD.
The 27th Annual BCPS Basketball Academy offers a comprehensive, two-day program for middle school students and high school student-athletes (male and female), coaches, administrators, parents, and spectators. The program offers the participants academics and athletics. The Academy is dedicated to enriching the lives of young people and increasing the opportunities of inner-city youth in and around the Baltimore Metropolitan area.
Since its inception in 1997, the program’s motto, “Academics + Athletics = A Win/Win Combination,” is at the core of this successful event, serving over 13,200 high school and middle school student-athletes and providing $153,000 in student scholarships.
On Friday, January 10, 2025, middle school students attend workshops with topics ranging from SAT prep, college admissions orientation, discussions on relevant social issues, bullying, and the significance of social media in society. The Academy covers costs for meals, activities, and academic materials.
Saturday, January 11, 2025, is the big tournament. The day begins with a free basketball skills clinic for middle school students, 6-8th grades. The clinic is 10 am-12 pm. Doors open at 9 am, and registration begins at 9:30 am. The contact is Coach D. Wade, 410-989-6978.
The tournament competition begins at 1 pm and features eight high school boys’ teams: Archbishop Curley, Baltimore City College, Benjamin Franklin, Chesapeake, Edmondson-Westside, Reach! Partnership School (Lake Clifton), Overlea, and Oxon Hill. We aim to have 2,000 students, families, and fans enjoy the competitive games. Game tickets are sold at https://2025BasketballAcademy.eventbrite.com .
The program’s Co-Chairs, Coach Wade, and Dr. Hayman, are retired and have dedicated over 30 years to the Basketball Academy since joining forces in 1995. Both are Baltimore natives with legendary careers and historic contributions, Wade in athletics and Hayman in academics. They each have dedicated their lives to the advanced development of our students in Baltimore City and abroad.
Bob Wade, former NFL athlete, award-winning basketball coach at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School and University of Maryland College Park, and Baltimore City public school’s athletic director. Warren Hayman is an award-winning educator who has served as a key official for several institutions, including the school superintendent, dean, board member, and creator of the groundbreaking Hopkins Dunbar High School Health Partnership.
For more information, please visit our website at www.bballacademy.com.
