The Steel City Invitational has quickly become the top tournament in Alabama high school hoops. This year is no different, as the third annual event is expected to see its most competitive and exciting year yet. The 12-team field was announced Monday morning.

As expected, the 2015 Steel City Invitational will comprise the top teams and top players from Alabama. Josh Langford (Madison Academy), Javien Williams (Woodlawn), John Petty (J.O. Johnson), Alex Reese (Pelham), Diante Wood (Sacred Heart), and Trendon Watford are among the top prospects in attendance.

The event will also host multiple defending state champions from the 2014-15 season. Hoover (7A), J.O. Johnson (5A), Madison Academy (3A), and Sacred Heart (1A) are all tabbed to play in the Christmas tournament. Faith Academy (5A) will look to defend their Steel City crown from last year.

“The Steel City Invitational has quickly become a premier high school basketball tournament for the state of Alabama,” said Chris Nix, Chief Development Officer at Knight Eady, the organization that helps conduct the event. “We are excited to welcome these top teams and marquee players to this year’s tournament, and we look forward to some of the best basketball the state has to offer.”

The three-day event will be held December 19, 21, and 22 at the Pete Hanna Center on the campus of Samford University. The championship game will be Tuesday, December 22. There will also be a girls exhibition game prior to the championship game, as in-state powerhouses Homewood and Lauderdale County will matchup.

Here is the schedule for the opening day:

Ramsay vs. Pelham

Hoover vs. Woodlawn

Jackson-Olin vs. Homewood

Bessemer City vs. Sacred Heart

Faith Academy vs. Ramsay-Pelham winner

J.O. Johnson vs. Hoover-Woodlawn winner

Madison Academy vs. Jackson-Olin-Homewood winner

Mountain Brook vs. Bessemer City-Sacred Heart winner