Covelli series set for Jan. 17

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The fourth annual Lariccia Family High School Basketball Series will be held on Jan. 17 at the Covelli Centre and will be presented by Panera Bread.

In years past, the series was launched with two dates, eight different schools and four boys doubleheaders that attracted about 3,000 fans, thanks to the founding Covelli Centre High School Basketball Committee headed by Vindicator sports writer John Kovach, philanthropist Tony Lariccia plus a host of other sponsors.

Kovach, who passed away last March, spearheaded the effort to bring the best in high school basketball to the Valley’s premier sports arena.

It was Lariccia, a Struthers High and Youngstown State graduate and stockbroker from Boardman, who provided a $5,000 grant for seed money to launch the Series.

This year, the games have been condensed into one date, (Martin Luther King Day), beginning at 1 p.m., and will include boys and girls games including parochial, junior high and high school contests.

Returning sponsors are the Lariccia family, Panera Bread, and Wendy’s restaurants.

Eric Ryan, executive director of the Covelli Centre, said this year in particular is a very bittersweet year.

“We are thrilled to be able to provide such an amazing opportunity for kids from all over the area to play in an arena,” he said.

“However, I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that this year we are missing one of the founding members of this project, John Kovach.

“He played an integral role in establishing this series and really put his heart and soul into the games; hopefully we can honor his memory and continue this great tradition at the Covelli Centre.”

Tickets are available at the participating schools (Grand Valley, Champion, Struthers, Liberty, McDonald and Columbiana) for $4 for students and $6 for adults. Tickets also may be purchased before each game at the Covelli Centre gate for $7. Parking is free in the Centre’s lots.