The Battle in the Bull Holiday Invitational

What is the Battle in the Bull Holiday Invitational?

The Battle in the Bull Holiday Invitational is a signature event that both strengthens the sports culture in Durham and provides an opportunity for Durham student-athletes to compete in Durham against some of the best nationally recognized schools and players. The 2025 event featured 18 boys and girls basketball teams, and 270 student athletes from North Carolina, Washington, DC; and Maryland. This year's event featured ESPN's #64 recruit, Anthony Brown, Jr., who is signed to Vanderbilt University (SEC).

RNS Sports has created this event with a focus on growing the sports culture throughout the Durham, NC community. With community as its focus, The Battle in the Bull, has become more than merely a “basketball tournament”, but it has become a community event. Granting emerging small business owners in the Durham area the opportunity to sell & showcase product, allotting large corporations & universities to recruit diverse students, but also bringing outside High Schools, coaches, players, and families together for a time of fellowship in Durham, North Carolina.

The second day of the Battle in the Bull Holiday Invitational has been branded as: The Jeremiah Williams Day at the Battle in the Bull. Jeremiah Williams was a young man, who was a member of the RNS Sports program who was tragically killed in Durham, NC on November 15th, 2023 due to gun violence. During this event, the organization celebrates and commemorates his life; as well as educates athletes, coaches, parents, spectators, & the community on the impact of gun violence in Durham, North Carolina!