POLAND — The 11th annual United Way Holiday Basketball Classic is set for this Saturday with eight teams – six boys and two girls squads – highlighting action at Poland High School beginning at noon.

The tourney opener will feature the Girard Indians boys taking on the Hickory Hornets at noon with the Canfield boys entertaining the Ursuline Fighting Irish at 1:45 p.m.

The lone girls contest will pit the host Poland Bulldogs against the Boardman Spartans at 3:30 p.m. with the Bulldog boys’ team closing out tournament action when they meet Boardman in the finale at 5:15 p.m.

Since its 2012 inaugural tournament – there was no tournament during COVID in 2020-21 – the local United Way has raised more than $175,000 for area causes and nonprofit organizations.

“It is so hard to believe that this is our 11th classic,” stated Bob Hannon, president and chief professional officer of the United Way. “Our goal was to have a new, unique event over the holiday season, one we could sustain. Because of the support of the corporate community providing sponsorships, the schools committing to play and Poland High School donating the gym and many of their volunteers who so graciously work the classic, we have been able to do this.

“Our United Way is fortunate as well to have many different schools participate, and we are always looking for new schools to be part of our tournament. The competition has always been great, and I know the coaches and players like the format. Every player receives a gift bag and we feed all the teams and cheerleaders as well.

“We raise thousands of dollars during the day and those funds are used to support those with the greatest need in our community. Over the holiday season especially, we want to do our best to make certain that those who are struggling can get support through the United Way. It might be food for Christmas or a gift for a child, and that is why events like this are so important to us.”

Girard is coached by Hannon’s son, Craig, who is in his 12th season at the helm while Chris Mele is head coach of the Hornets.

“We have played in each classic, always enjoy the competition and are passionate about helping our community in any small way that we can,” Hannon said. “It is a first-class event and our student-athletes look forward to this event each year.”

Girard went 16-7 last season, won the Northeast-8 Conference crown but graduated six seniors from that squad.

Senior guard Ahmad Curd, junior guard Stephen Sims, junior guard Nick Rafferty and junior guard Dom Phillips, along with their lone returning letterwinner, senior forward Tuff McConahy, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury, are the players to watch.

Hickory has been one of the best teams perennially in Mercer County, and Mele’s team this year is no different.

“The tournament is run in a first-class manner, it is an honor to play for charity and for such a great cause as the United Way,” Mele added.

The Hornets, who are making their second appearance in the tournament, went 15-12 a season ago and made the District 10 championship game – they were runners-up – losing in the first-round of the state playoffs.

They feature senior guard Rylan Dye (13.0 points), senior forward Landon Bean (8.1 ppg, 6.2 rebounds), junior guard Marco Miller (4.0 ppg, 3.4 assists) and senior guard Ryan Robich (6.6 ppg).

Canfield is coached by John Cullen, who is in the second year of his second stint with the Cardinals.

They enter the weekend with an 0-1 mark after dropping a 57-39 decision on the road to New Albany on Dec. 1.

Cullen guided his team to a 20-6 mark a season ago, went 10-1 at home and with five seniors and eight juniors dotting this year’s roster, upperclass leadership will be the key to mirroring last year’s success.

Ursuline is coached by veteran head mentor Keith Gunther, who is in his 21st season. He led the Fighting Irish to a 22-3 overall mark a year ago and a district title game appearance.

They are 39-12 over the past two seasons, this is their third time in the tournament and feature returning seniors Jaden Payne (16.8 ppg, 12.0 rpg) and Geno Lucente (11. 6 ppg, 8.0 rpg), and junior DaShaun Will (11.3 ppg, 5.1 apg).

“We are excited to play for such a great cause like the United Way, which helps change so many lives in the Mahoning Valley and across the country,” Gunther noted.

Nick Blanch guided the Poland girl’s to an 18-5 overall mark and the NE8 championship last season while his Bulldogs have played in every classic since its inception.

“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,” Blanch said.

Poland, currently 1-1, features senior guard Mary Brant (10.4 ppg, 5.3 rpg), senior forward Leanne Williams (2.7 ppg, 3.0 rpg) and sophomore guard Elliana Thompson (3.1 ppg, 2.0 rpg).

The Boardman girls, 15-9 a year ago, are under the guidance of head coach Jeff Hammerton who has his Spartans off to a 2-0 start this season.

This will be the third tourney appearance for Boardman and second for Hammerton as head coach.

“The United Way does so much for our area and is so active in the school systems, we are just excited to help contribute to their efforts in any way,” Hammerton stated.

BHS players to keep an eye on include senior Mackenzie Riccitelli (15.7 ppg, 4.8 steals, 3.8 apg), a four-year starter and All-American Conference selection the past two campaigns, junior Ava Freeborough (4.5 ppg, 3.6 spg, 2.5 apg), a three-year starter, junior Sarah Bero, a two-year letterwinner and starter, and first-year starters M.C. Werth and Sam Duble, both seniors.

Eric Fender leads the Poland boys, a team that went 10-13 last season and has also played in all 11 classics.

They boast Cole Fulton (8.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg), Danny Nittoli (6.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg) and Andrew Todd (1.4 ppg, 1.2 rpg), among others.

“This is a great event with outstanding competition throughout the day,” Fender noted. “It is a privilege to have the opportunity to play in this event each year.”

The Boardman boys, who are making their seventh tournament appearance, are currently 1-0 after defeating Uniontown Lake last Friday, 51-50 in double overtime.

Head coach Pat Birch, now in his 12th season at the helm, relies on senior forward Nico Holzschuh (3.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg), senior wing Noah Ziak (3.1 ppg, 2.1 rpg) and junior guard Terrell McDowell (5.5 ppg, 1.6 rpg).

“The United Way does so many great things for our community, we are really happy to help contribute to their success,” Birch said.

Tickets for all games are $8 for adults and $4 for students and children.

No passes will be accepted.

Schedule:

12:00 noon – Girard Boys vs. Hickory (PA) Boys

1:45 p.m. – Canfield Boys vs. Ursuline Boys

3:30 p.m. – Poland Girls vs. Boardman Girls

5:15 p.m. – Poland Boys vs. Boardman Boys

sports@vindy.com