POLAND — The 12th annual United Way Holiday Basketball Classic is set for Dec. 14 with eight teams ­– six boys and two girls’ squads — highlighting the action beginning at noon at the Poland Field House.

The two scholastic girl’s teams kicking off the tournament are Springfield as it takes on the host Poland, with boys games between Girard and Lowellville (1:45 p.m.), Boardman and South Range (3:30 p.m.) and the host Bulldogs and Neshannock (PA) Lancers (5:15 p.m.) to follow.

“We are so appreciative at the United Way to the administration and staff at Poland Seminary High School for hosting our annual holiday basketball classic,” said Bob Hannon, president and chief professional officer of the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley. “A special thank you to superintendent of Poland Schools, Criag Hockenberry, and Brian Banfield, director of athletics, for their support.

“Brian and his team donate countless hours to make certain this is a first-class event. We also have many volunteers because we couldn’t make this happen without them. We believe we have accomplished our goal of great competition among local school districts as we try and welcome new schools each year to our classic.

“The money that we raise this year will support the children and families in our community who need us the most, especially over the upcoming holiday season. We appreciate the fans for taking time out from their busy schedules to join us and to our sponsors whose financial support make this event possible.”

Since its 2012 inaugural tournament — there wasn’t a tournament due to COVID-19 in 2020-21 — the local United Way has raised close to $200,000 for area causes and non-profit organizations.

The Poland boys and girls’ teams have taken part in all 12 classics.

“Playing in the United Way Classic is always the most meaningful game we play every year, due to the impact it has on the people in our Valley,” said Poland girls coach Nick Blanch, whose team went 14-9 a season ago and are currently 1-2 on the campaign.

Bulldog players to keep an eye on include forwards Sophia Generalovich and Lucy Harrell, and guards Elliana Thompson and Kate Harrell.

Head coach John Matisi’s Tigers are currently 1-2 and will be playing in their first tourney.

“We are very excited to be playing in our first United Way Classic,” Matisi said. “The United Way is a great cause and we are honored to be a part of this event.”

Players to watch include center Jameka Brungard, the reigning MVAC Player of the year and a four-year letterwinner, shooting guard Mariana Tuscano, a first-team MVAC selection a year ago, forward Kendall Maughan, MVAC honorable mention and guard Karigan Mullen, a second-team pick last year.

Tuscano, Maughan and Mullen and all three-year letterwinners.

In the first of three straight boys games, veteran Girard High head mentor Craig Hannon will send his Indians up against Lowellville and first-year Rockets head coach Tony Matisi.

“We always say yes to the United Way Classic because it is always a great game,” Hannon stated. “The games are played in a great environment while the tournament provides to the community of which we are most lucky to be a part of.”

The Indians are playing in their 12th consecutive tourney, looking to improve on their 2-21 mark of a season ago.

Letterwinners to keep an eye on include Nick Rafferty, Dom Phillips, Allen Hess Cardona, Cam Herrick and Dom Tolone with freshman A.J. Pearson set to see plenty of action.

Tony Matisi spent 31 years coaching, reviving or taking programs at Ursuline, Lowellville, South Range and McDonald to the next level.

He owns a 520-225 overall mark, a sparkling .698 winning percentage.

“The players and staff really look forward to playing in such a meaningful tournament,” Matisi said. “It’s fun, a game out of the norm and a tournament that just keeps giving and giving back to those in need from our Valley.”

The Rockets were 14-10 last season with forwards Drew Modelski, Josh Pazel and Liam Bartlett, and guards Ricky Willrich and Vince Sullivan drawing the early season starting assignments.

Steve Flores takes over for head coach Pat Birch at Boardman, who spent 12 years at the helm of the Spartans’ hoop program.

He won his first game on the bench this past Monday, defeating Uniontown Lake on the road, 64-60 in come from behind fashion.

“Playing in the United Way Classic is a tremendous opportunity for our student athletes and community to not only be a part of a great event for a great cause, but also showcase our community, school and our basketball program,” Flores said. “It has always been a wonderful experience and we have been a part of several well-played games. We are excited to be participating once again this year.”

Returning letterwinners to keep an eye on include seniors Terrell McDowell, Kaden Mayhew, Zach Haus, Grayson Eicher and Sullivan Smith, junior Vince Butto and sophomore Jayse Varley.

“It’s very simple, we are honored to play in the United Way Classic,” Raiders head coach Pat Carden said. “At South Range, we pride ourselves on being involved in our community and being able to play in an event that helps a wider community is something special.”

Last Year, South Range went 18-7, but will not play its first game of the year until the day before the classic due to the success of their football team and the run the Raiders made in the OHSAA playoffs.

Guards Luke Rohan and Nate Lewis are players to watch out for.

Closing out the action will be Neshannock High when they meet host Poland.

The Lancers, who are appearing in their second classic, are coached by John Corey, going 40-14 — they were 20-6 last year and 20-8 in 2022-23 — the past two seasons.

They will play their first games this weekend in the Preston Auto Group Tip-Off Tournament.

“We always enjoy playing good teams in well run events,” Corey said. “This tournament is especially nice as it is for a tremendous cause and I was happy when Bob Hannon reached out to me last year about scheduling a game this season. Poland is a wonderful place to play, they always have excellent players and are well coached. We are excited about this non-conference matchup.”

Corey features guards David Kwiat, Talan Anderton and Matt Sopko, and forward Tony Perrotta.

Head coach Eric Fender’s Bulldogs went 16-8 a year ago and like South Range, due to the success of their football program, their season opener has been pushed back to Tuesday when they travel to Canfield.

Poland features guards Carmine Tukalo, Michael Daley, Anthony Delluomo, Nick Nittoli and Brady Kendall, and wings Jacob Hayes, Oliver McCully, who also plays the post and Jas Stefancin

“Being a part of the United Way Basketball Classic is more than just playing the game, it’s about coming together as a community, using our passion for a purpose and making a real difference for those in need,” Fender said. “It is an honor to have the opportunity to contribute, both on and off the court, for this fantastic event.”

Tickets for all games are $10 for adults and $5 for students and children.

No passes will be accepted.

Schedule

Noon ­– Springfield Girls vs. Poland Girls

1:45 p.m. — Girard Boys vs. Lowellville Boys

3:30 p.m. — Boardman Boys vs. South Range Boys

5:15 p.m. — Neshannock (PA) Boys vs. Poland Boys