Springfield basketball fans, this is our week. The Arvest Classic Tournament is tipping off at Parkview High School, and Vikings head coach Jack Simpson joined The Starting Lineup to break down everything you need to know about one of the most competitive early-season tournaments in southwest Missouri. With four Springfield programs in the mix, Parkview, Kickapoo, Central, and Hillcrest, and four powerhouse programs traveling in, this year’s bracket is stacked with talent, storylines, and local pride.

Full interview with Coach Simpson is below, hear all the insights straight from the Parkview sideline.

The eight-team tournament opens tonight at Parkview High School with Central vs. Helias Catholic at 4 PM, followed by Hillcrest vs. Fort Smith North Side at 5:30. Parkview takes the court at 7 PM against Lee Summit West, and Kickapoo closes out the night at 8:30 battling Lafayette-Wildwood. According to Coach Simpson, every visiting team brings serious heat, from Lafayette- Wildwood’s Final Four run to Helias Catholic’s loaded returning roster, setting up a weekend of must-see matchups for Springfield hoops fans.

Simpson also gave insight into this year’s Parkview squad, a gritty and evolving roster after graduating several key players. This season’s lineup features returning juniors Ethan Nash and Ethan Fernandez, plus big additions like Nixa transfer Cordell Davis, senior leader Titus Cutting, and 6’8″ football-committed big man Trevor Crisman, who hasn’t played basketball since seventh grade but brings massive size to the Vikings’ frontcourt. One of the toughest blows to the roster is the ACL injury to Kasi Highly, a projected senior starter.

Beyond roster breakdowns, Simpson got candid about coaching style, preparation, and how mentors like Hillcrest’s Coach Fielding shaped his approach, from long film sessions to mastering Huddle scouting reports. He describes this year’s team as “different,” but filled with potential and internal leadership ready to rise on their home court.

The Arvest Classic continues Friday with the same start times, then shifts earlier on Saturday with games beginning at 11 AM and the championship game set for 3:30 PM. Whether you’re cheering for Parkview or following Springfield rivals Kickapoo, Hillcrest, or Central, this tournament is a showcase of true Ozarks basketball culture, loud gyms, stacked talent, and the local pride that makes Springfield a high school sports powerhouse.