Henry Clay, No. 5 in the Herald-Leader's pre-season coaches' poll, is the highest rated team in the Republic Bank Holiday Classic this week, but the Blue Devils will have plenty of competition in the boys' tournament at Lexington Catholic.

The 21-team field also includes the No. 8 host Knights, No. 10 John Hardin, No. 14 Perry Central, No. 16 Johnson Central, No. 19 Knott Central, No. 24 Ohio County and No. 25 Butler.

Two Cincinnati teams — Princeton and Roger Bacon — can't be overlooked.

Trinity won last year's Holiday Classic on its way to the state title. Henry Clay beat the defending champs a couple of weeks ago, and followed that by taking the Woodford County Invitational, beating No. 9 Scott County in the finals.

Ohio County (11-0) has the best record of any team in the tournament. Unbeaten Knott Central (9-0) is led by sophomore star Camron Justice, who is averaging 26 points.

Republic Bank Holiday Classic

at Lexington Catholic

Dec. 26: Bishop Brossart vs. Oldham Co., noon; Bourbon Co. vs. Ohio Co., 1:30; Johnson Central vs. Cov. Scott, 3; Dixie Heights vs. Paintsville, 4:30; Lexington Catholic vs. Somerset Academy Prep, 6; Henry Clay vs. Butler, 7:30; LCA vs. Fayette Co., Ga., 9.

Dec. 27: Cincinnati Roger Bacon vs. Bourbon Co.-Ohio Co. winner, 1:30; John Hardin vs. Johnson Central-Scott winner, 3; Clark Co. vs. Dixie-Paintsville winner, 4:30; Perry Central vs. Oldham-Brossart winner, 6; Knott Central vs. Simon Kenton, 7:30; Princeton, Ohio vs. LCA-Fayette winner, 9.

Dec. 28: Quarterfinals, 3:30, 5, 6:30 and 8 p.m.

Dec. 29: Semifinals, 6:30 and 8 p.m.

Dec. 30: Finals, 7:30.

Ashland Invitational Tournament

Dec. 27: Henderson Co. vs. South Laurel, 2:30 p.m.; Boyd Co. vs. Newport Catholic, 4; Ashland vs. Sheldon Clark, 7; West Jessamine vs. Russell, 8:30.

Dec. 28: Semifinals -- Boyd-NewCath winner vs. West Jess.-Russell winner, 7 p.m.; Ashland-S. Clark w9nner vs. S. Laurel-Henderson winner, 8:30.

Dec. 29: Finals, 7:30 p.m.

Henry County Invitational

Dec. 27: Bryan Station vs. Jeffersontown, 4 p.m.; Atherton vs. South Oldham, 5:30; Tates Creek vs. North Oldham, 7; Frankfort vs. Henry County, 8:30.

Dec. 28: Semifinals, 7 and 8:30 p.m.

Dec.29: Finals, 8:30 p.m.

Gateway Holiday Classic

at Montgomery County

Dec. 27: Lafayette vs. Fleming Co., 2 p.m.; Franklin Co. vs. Edgewater, Fla., 4; East Carter vs. Montgomery Co., 5:30; Cov. Holy Cross vs. Worthington Kilbourne, Ohio, 7:30.

Dec. 28: Semifinals.

Dec. 29: Finals.

Lake Cumberland Holiday Classic

Dec. 27 (at Somerset): Danville vs. Somerset, 7:45 p.m.; Lou. Southern vs. Harrison Co., 6; (at Southwestern): East Jessamine vs. Southwestern, 8:30; Mayfield vs. Manual, 6:45; North Hardin vs. Lou. Central, 5; (at Pulaski County): Rowan County vs. Mercer County, 5; Bell Countty vs. Taylor County, 6:45; Pulaski County vs. Waggener, 8:30.

Dec. 28: Quarterfinals at Somerset, Southwestern and Pulaski County.

Dec. 29: Semifinals at Southwestern and Pulaski County.

Dec. 30: Finals at Southwestern.