41st Annual Orange & Black Classic Brackets Set: Top Schools from Kansas and Colorado to Compete in Colby

BOYS BRACKET | GIRLS BRACKET

The brackets for the 41st Annual Paul Wintz/Tom Bowen Orange & Black Classic have been finalized, bringing sixteen elite boys and girls basketball teams from across Kansas and Colorado to the Colby Event Center in Colby, Kansas. The prestigious mid-season tournament is scheduled to run from Thursday, January 22, through Saturday, January 24, 2026.

Highly-Ranked Girls’ Field Features Defending Champs

The girls’ bracket is headlined by several state-ranked powerhouses, including Wellington (ranked #1 in 4A), Hays (#5 in 5A), and Beloit (#9 in 3A).

The action tips off on Thursday, January 22, with the following opening-round matchups:

  • 4:45 PM: Beloit vs. Standley Lake (Main Gym)
  • 4:45 PM: Wellington vs. Ulysses (Auxiliary Gym)
  • 6:30 PM: Colby vs. Concordia (Main Gym)
  • 8:15 PM: Goodland vs. Hays (Auxiliary Gym)

Defending champions Hays will look to repeat their success after defeating host Colby in last year’s title game.

Competitive Boys’ Bracket Ready for Tip-Off

The boys’ side is equally competitive, featuring ranked teams such as Concordia (#6 in 4A), Beloit (#7 in 3A), and Hays (#8 in 5A).

Opening-round games on Thursday include:

  • 3:00 PM: Beloit vs. Ulysses (Main Gym)
  • 3:00 PM: Concordia vs. Standley Lake (Auxiliary Gym)
  • 6:30 PM: Goodland vs. Hays (Auxiliary Gym)
  • 8:15 PM: Colby vs. Pine Creek (Main Gym)

Championship Saturday

The three-day tournament will culminate on Saturday, January 24, with a full slate of placement games. The Girls’ Championship is scheduled for 4:00 PM in the Main Gym, followed by the Boys’ Championship at 6:00 PM.

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