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Hope Classic back for a third year at Struthers
By Greg Gulas
STRUTHERS
The third annual Hope Classic High School Basketball Showcase, presented by the Steven C. Jones Agency, will take place Saturday with four games set for the Struthers Field House.
Action begins at 3 p.m. when the Maplewood girls meet Columbiana, followed by boys contests between Hudson and Howland (4:30 p.m.); Bristol and McDonald (6 p.m.) and Alliance and Struthers (7:30 p.m.).
“All funds raised by the showcase are earmarked for chronically and terminally ill children. This is a very competitive field and features a bevy of talented scholastic players,” Hope Foundation founder and executive director Anthony Spano said. “All teams are ready to go so it should be a fun evening for everyone.”
Coach of the Rockets is Mark Yoder, currently in his 18th season at the helm of Maplewood High
His team was 20-5 last season, advanced to the district semifinals and finished second to Pymatuning Valley in the Northeastern Athletic Conference.
Six seniors dot an experienced roster, featuring captain Miranda Sloan, who set school records in career assists and steals as a junior and is just 16 points shy of 1,000.
Senior Ryley Urchek leads the team in rebounding while classmate Morgan Hansel is the scoring leader.
Columbiana is guided by Ron Moschella, currently in his second season after leading his squad to a 23-3 overall mark and district runner-up finish last year.
The Clippers feature guards Baylie Mook and Brynn Pennell, and forwards Emily Witmer and Lauren Schlueter.
“We’re thrilled to be playing in this year’s classic and hope that the fans come out to see all the action in order to raise funds for such a worthwhile cause,” Moschella said.
Former Springfield and Salem coach Jeff Brink returns to the area with his Explorers as they meet Howland, now under the direction of first-year coach Jason Lee.
Hudson players to watch include Mitch Guadagni, team MVP last season and a verbal commitment in football to the University Toledo; guard Zack Meder and 6-7 post player, Isaac McGillis.
The Tigers dropped their season opener to East, 75-69 and are looking to improve on a 5-17 mark of a season ago.
They feature senior guard Julian Lanier, who scored 20 points against the Panthers.
Bristol takes on McDonald in a game that features a combined 37 wins between the two teams last year.
The Panthers, 16-7 last year and NAC Stripes co-champions, rely on junior Alex Jones, who has started every varsity game since his freshman season.
They are 41-8 during that span and in their season-opening win over Newbury, Jones registered 23 points and 12 rebounds.
Bristol also features junior Bryce Gabrielson, a returning starter and one of their best defenders, while freshman Tommy Donadio is relied on for scoring punch.
McDonald coach Jeff Rasile is in his 11th season. The Blue Devils and feature seniors Anthony Pugh and Brad Woodley, who combined for 29 points during a season-opening loss at Girard.
“We’ve been asked to participate the past two years but our schedule just didn’t work out. We’re excited that it did this year because it’s such a great cause and an exciting event,” Rasile said.
Jim Franceschelli is in his first season with Struthers. Alliance was a district runner-up and Northeastern Buckeye Conference champion a year ago. The Aviators are coached by Larry Kukura, a Brookfield High alum who is in his 10th season.
“This year we’re a very young team with only one senior; guard Marlon Blue. Others to watch are forward Aeryon Williams and guard Bryce Hood,” Kukura said.
The Wildcats, 9-15 a year ago, feature forwards Ray’Quan Phifer and Austin Yemma, and guard Andrew Carbon.
“It’s a unique opportunity to play on our home court against a well-coached Alliance team,” said Franceschelli, a Struthers alum.