43
United Way Classic returns to Poland
By Greg Gulas
POLAND
The third annual United Way Holiday Basketball Classic is Saturday with four games on tap at Poland High School.
Action begins at 2 p.m. when Poland’s girls take on Hubbard, followed by boys contests between Girard and Austintown Fitch (3:30 p.m.); Canfield and West Middlesex (5 p.m.) and the nightcap between the Farrell and Poland (6:30 p.m.).
Last year, New Castle’s boys competed in the event, defeating Poland en oute to a perfect 32-0 season and the Pennsylvania AAAA state championship.
“In just three years this basketball classic has become one of our largest fundraisers of the year, raising nearly $15,000,” said Bob Hannon, president/chief professional officer of the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley. “We couldn’t do it without the support of the schools — many coming here after playing a Friday night game and mostly because they know that the money raised goes to help our neighbors in need.”
The Bulldogs have taken part in the classic all three years with Nick Blanch, now in his sixth season leading the girls and Ken Grisdale, in his 22nd season as the boys coach.
Poland’s girls have won three of their first four contests this year and feature seniors Theodora Constantine (forward), and guards Libby Rubesa and Kaylin Donnadio.
Grisdale, whose team gave New Castle all it could handle last year, has an 11-deep team. The Bulldogs were 24-3 and a regional runner-up last season.
“This is an amazing tournament, it’s a great cause and all games are highly competitive. It’s an honor to once again be a part of the classic,” Grisdale said.
Bulldogs to keep an eye on include Kyle Dixon and Danny Black, both All-American Conference and All-NEO selections last year, guards Nick Gajdos and Jared Burkert and post player Tate Duarte.
The Hubbard girls are coached by Kacie Masora, currently in her fourth season. They are led by seniors Emily Manion (guard) and Michelle Peachock (forward), and junior Logan Nitsche (guard).
Fitch, 18-4 last season and AAC runners-up, features senior guard Jake Bullen, and juniors Anthony Pangio and Dominic DiFrancesco, both forwards.
“This year’s team is primarily made up of underclassmen with only two seniors on the roster. I like the team chemistry and unselfishness that these players exhibit,” said fourth-year head coach Brian Beany.
Girard was 20-4 a season ago and advanced to a district final under head coach Craig Hannon, now in his third season.
The Indians have three starters returning in Dylan O’Hara, Tyler Kilbourne and De’Onte Brown.
Canfield was 19-5 last season and finished third in the AAC’s Red Tier.
Fifth-year head coach Todd Muckleroy has some holes that need to be filled due to graduation, but says that while his team is up for the challenge, the Cardinals must remain focused.
“It is never healthy for a team to be looking ahead because we have two league games prior to the event, but Canfield remains extremely excited to be playing play in this charitable event,” Muckleroy said.
Canfield players to watch include guards John French and Mike Yourstowsky and forward Mason Mangapora.
The Big Red are coached by Chad Mild, now in his 16th season at the helm. They feature firward Trey Staunch and guard Isaac Williams.
They were 21-6 last year, won the Pennsylvania Region 2 and District 10 AA Championship, but lost in the PIAA quarter-finals.
Farrell, 19-3 a year ago, is coached by Roland Shannonhouse. They are coming off region and district championships.
They lost in the PIAA “Elite 8” AAA tournament, but fall back to their natural A classification this season.
Players to watch include Malik Miller, Jamel Brown and Terrance Holloway.