Celebrities will hold court in Basketball Classic at YSU

YSU football coach Eric Wolford will preside over pre-game ceremonies.

the vindicator

YOUNGSTOWN — For the past five years, the Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley has sponsored the annual Game of Hope Charity Basketball Classic.

Its goal is to raise money for chronically and terminally ill children in the area, so that they may have the experiences generally afforded to healthy children.

This year’s sixth annual event will be at 4 p.m. Saturday at Beeghly Center on the campus of Youngstown State University.

The game will pit the leaders of two major unions against each other as coaches.

Jim Graham, president of the United Auto Workers Local 1112, will face Jeff Pegg, president of Northeast Ohio Educators Association.

The teams will be comprised of local celebrities, dignitaries and media.

Team Graham consists of Adam Earnheardt, professor of communication from YSU; Rev. Dave Herron Sr. of Monument of Faith Church of God in Christ; Dave Green, president of UAW 1714; Felix Wright, former Cleveland Browns player; John Landers, member of the Boardman school board; Matt Spatz, of WNCD-93.3 FM; Nick Graham, Warren prosecutor; Ralph Morrone, facilities Engineer for YSU; Richard Cordray, Ohio attorney general; and U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan from the 17th District of Ohio.

Ross Scianna, owner of Antone’s restaurant group, will serve as honorary team owner.

Team Pegg consists of Adam Tokash, Covidien Sports Medicine; Brian Laraway of Bury Financial Group; Jack Pico of Betras, Maruca, Kopp, & Harshman; Mayor Jay Williams; state Sen. Joe Schiavoni; Joe Aulisio, assistant sports director of both WKBN/FOX and WYTV/MyYTV television stations; John Reardon, state superintendent of financial institutions; U.S. Rep. John Boccieri; Marquis Brown, YSU Student Housing and Residence Life; and Matt Morrone, athletic business manager of YSU.

Honorary team owner is Dave Betras of Betras, Maruca, Kopp, & Harshman.

Bob Hannon, CEO of the United Way of Youngstown/Mahoning Valley, will call the play-by-play, with Kate O’Donovan of Youngstown Television adding the color commentary.

Newly-hired head YSU football coach Eric Wolford will preside over pre-game ceremonies and toss the ceremonial jump ball.

Other activities planned include performances by the Dream Team All-Stars of Girard; the City Printing 10-point shot; Armstrong Cable $5 for $50 half-court shot; the YSU men’s basketball exhibition dunk fest; and visits from area sports mascots.

To donate to the Hope Foundation, go to hopemv.org.