POLAND — The 13th annual United Way Holiday Basketball Classic is set for Dec. 13 with eight teams — six boys and two girls squads — highlighting the action beginning at noon at the Poland High School gymnasium.

The action gets underway when the Struthers girls take on host Poland in the lone girls contest.

That game will be followed by three boys contests, as Girard meets Campbell Memorial at 1:45 p.m., followed by an All-American Conference clash between Boardman and Austintown Fitch at 3:30 p.m.

The final game of the evening will pit the host Bulldogs going up against Canfield in their annual battle for Route 224 supremacy. Tip-off is set for 5 p.m.

“Our theme this year is rivalry Saturday as we wrap up the four games with Canfield and Poland in the Battle of Route 224,” said Bob Hannon, president and chief professional officer of the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley. “We expect some of our biggest crowds in the 13-year history of the classic. Our goal is competitive games with the dollars raised critical for us, especially during the holiday season. We want to make certain that children and families who need us most are taken care of at this time of the year.”

In the opening game of the day, head coach Nick Blanch’s Bulldogs are coming off an uncharacteristic 11-12 campaign that saw them go 6-6 in Northeast-8 Conference play.

In 16 seasons at the helm, Blanch has gone 265-112 in 377 total games, a sparkling .703 winning percentage.

“Playing in the United Way Classic is always the most meaningful game that we will play each year, due to the impact it has on the people in our Valley,” Blanch said. “We are very proud to be the host once again for this great event.”

Bulldogs to watch include guards Elliana Thompson (9.4 points per game) and Leanna Boccieri (4.9 ppg), and forward Cassie Blanch (3.7 ppg).

Struthers is coached by Halle Minchin-Skook, who is in her second season at the helm.

The Wildcats went 6-17 last season, 5-7 in the NE-8 and feature forward-guard Gianna Martin, guard Natalie Wolikow, guard-forward Bella Sahli, senior Natalie Adams and juniors Vivian Marker and Emily McDowell.

“We don’t have numbers this year so we will rely on the players’ athleticism and ability to play multiple positions,” Minchin-Skook said. “This is our first appearance in the United Way Basketball Classic and we are excited to be a small part of such a great event. The United Way partners with Struthers Schools in many ways. I see the good they do with our students and the students at other schools so I am happy we are able to take part. They really help ours and every other community in the Mahoning Valley.”

In the first boys game, it will be Girard alum and first-year Indians head coach Nick Canterino going up against his former assistant at Campbell Memorial and former Lowellville Rockets standout Paolo DePasquale.

DePasquale, who spent four years as an assistant under Canterino, took over the reins of the Red Devils when his former boss accepted the open Girard position. Canterino took the Indians job when former coach Craig Hannon moved over to Westminster College as an assistant coach.

“I loved having Paolo on my staff and am excited to see what he does this year,” Canterino said. “With him being ready to be a head coach, it helped make my decision to leave a little easier. Also, the United Way does such a wonderful job helping families in our area, we are glad to once again be able to be a part of this great event.”

Girard went 12-11 a year ago and heading into the season, they will count on the play of their three senior leaders, Allen Hess Cardona, Cam Herrick and Kaiden Clare.

“We really like our guards and size so we should be able to play multiple styles, both offensively and defensively,” Canterino added.

DePasquale said his Red Devils are ready to go as they try to build off of last year’s 21-5 mark, and 72-27 (.727) ledger that produced three Mahoning Valley Athletic Conference crowns and two district championships during his time as an assistant.

“We are playing for a great cause while the United Way also attracts some of the top teams in the Mahoning Valley,” DePasquale said. “We are happy to be a part of this great tournament, plus it will be fun, yet different going up against Nick, someone I consider one of my mentors.”

The Red Devils feature two-year letterwinner Keniel Alvarez, a guard, and letterwinners D.J. Lambert (guard) and R’manii Robinson, a 6-foot-6 forward.

The third game has the Boardman Spartans taking on archrival Austintown Fitch in the All-American Conference lidlifter for both squads.

“Conference play usually doesn’t start until January, so this is like a Catch 22,” said Falcons head coach Brian Beany, who enters his 14th season in charge as they look to improve on their 11-12 finish of a season ago. “This is our third time playing in the tourney. It is for a wonderful cause and showcases all the teams. We won’t have many games under our belt so there is no resting as we get our feet wet.”

Beany returns three starters, seniors Brady Evans and E.J. Giles, and sophomore Braeden Sallee with A.J. Diaz, Anthony Waller and Junie Higgs also expected to be key contributors.

Former Youngstown State hoops standout, Steve Flores, enters his second season as Boardman head coach after guiding the team to a 12-10 overall mark and 3-5 conference ledger in his first year at the helm of the program.

“Playing in the United Way classic is always special,” Flores said. “Helping a great cause and it being such a great tradition makes this an incredibly special game. Playing a conference rival only adds to that this year. We are excited to get on the floor and develop this year’s teams’ identity.”

Spartans to keep an eye on include seniors Jerry Smith and Vince Butto, both guards, and junior Jayse Varley, a guard-forward.

In the nightcap, the ‘Battle of Route 224’ will send the Canfield Cardinals up against host Poland in a game where records mean absolutely nothing when they meet.

Head coach Andy Vlajkovich led his alma mater to a 21-5 record last season in his first year at the helm, losing to Warrensville Heights in the regional semifinal.

If they are to win 20 games once again, then seniors Bryce Roberts (guard) and Landon Shina (forward), juniors Jace Riccardo (6-foot-6 wing) and Joey Gabriel (guard) and sophomore Donnie Ferko (guard) will need to step up and take charge.

“We appreciate what the United Way does for the entire Mahoning Valley and how they are always there helping those in need,” Vlajkovich stated. “We respect the mission of the United Way and are proud to play in their classic.”

Eric Fender begins his fifth season as Poland head coach with the Bulldogs coming off a 16-8 overall mark and 11-1 NE-8 mark, which produced their second consecutive league championship.

Their season opener has been pushed back to Dec. 9, when they will entertain the Boardman Spartans, then they will play Hubbard at home on Dec. 12 before taking on Canfield in the classic.

“We actually have two home games before we play Canfield and everyone is excited once again to take part in the United Way tournament,” Fender said. “The United Way does a fantastic job of supporting so many avenues, we’re happy to host once again and be a part of something that is just so very special.”

The Bulldogs feature senior point guard Carmine Tukalo, the league’s returning ‘Player of the Year,’ seniors Anthony Delluomo (guard-forward), Brady Kendall (forward) and Vito Komara (guard), and junior Nick Nittoli (guard).

“We have a strong bench, play eight or nine players and will look to go 10 deep as the season progresses,” Fender added.

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

No passes will be accepted.