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Krizancic’s return highlights United Way Classic
Poland High School will host basketball event Saturday
By Greg Gulas
POLAND
The fourth annual United Way Holiday Basketball Classic will take place Saturday with five games at the Poland High School Gymnasium beginning at noon.
Three boys games and two girls contests highlight the action with the host Poland Bulldogs girls getting things started when they square off against the Springfield Tigers.
Six area teams, including three squads from Pennsylvania and longtime boys power Mentor High School, coached by former Youngstown State standout and Girard native Bob Krizancic, are all set to take part.
“We have some very competitive match-ups and pairings that area fans don’t ordinarily get a chance to see,” said Bob Hannon, executive director and CEO of the Youngstown/Mahoning Valley Area United Way.
“Two years ago when New Castle High School participated in this event, no one would have predicted that they would run the table and win the Pennsylvania state championship while that same year, Bob Krizancic led Mentor High School to the Ohio state title as well. Each year we receive more inquiries from teams that would like to play in our classic so the competition is definitely a selling point.”
During its first three years, the United Way has raised over $52,000 and according to Hannon, “this year’s event will be just as competitive.”
The host Bulldogs are currently 3-0 under head coach Nick Blanch and are led by Bella Gajdos (17.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.7 steals), Sarah Bury (16.7 points, 3.0 rebounds) and Emily Melnek (9.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.0 steals).
“We are grateful to be a part of the United Way Classic. The United Way is a great organization and we are proud to help out any way that we can,” Blanch said.
The Tigers are in rebuilding mode and looking for their first win of the season under head coach Jim Schuler. They feature Kasey Kohler (6.5 points, 9.0 rebounds), Ciera Latronica (5.0 points) and Haley Morticella (5.0 points, 8.5 rebounds).
“I think it is a great way to promote high school basketball in the Valley and at the same time, bring awareness to helping the needs of our community,” Schuler added. “The United Way has been servicing this area for a long time and I think at this time of the year, we should be mindful of what this season of giving is all about.”
At 1:30 p.m., the Girard girls will take on the West Middlesex in a battle of Trumbull County versus Mercer County.
The Indians return four starters from last year’s 19-5 squad and are led by Ali Ciminero (19.7 points, 3.4 assists), Megan Pavich (10.3 points, 3.7 assists), Lexy Page-Boyd (7.0 rebounds() and Mikeyla Trebella (8.3 points, 7.0 rebounds).
“We have high expectations this year,” Indians head coach Andy Saxon said. “Our girls are very competitive, have quickness and plenty of experience.”
West Middlesex (3-0) enjoyed the best season in school history last year, setting the school mark with a 17-8 overall record while becoming the only team in school history to qualify for the state PIAA tourney.
Head coach Mike Williams uses a rotation of seven players with Morgan Atterholt, Gretchen Elsey, Allie Staunch, Delaney Dogan, Noelle Murray, Emily Grandy and Mackenzie MacKay comprising that rotation.
The Girard boys meet Erie Central Tech at 3 p.m. while Austintown Fitch goes up against state power Mentor at 4:30 p.m.
Girard (1-1, 1-1 AAC, Blue Tier) is coached by Craig Hannon with Anthony Graziano (12.0 points, 3.5 rebounds) and Mark Standohar (11.0 points, 3.0 assists) players to watch.
Erie Central Tech (1-1) is coached by Tom Koval and features Noah Severino and Mauryon Bowers.
“We always enjoy playing in the United Way Classic.,” Hannon said. “Both the United Way and Poland High School do an excellent job of hosting and it is a great showcase for both our players and the area programs that are involved.”
Fitch (1-1) opened its season with a 74-40 win over Liberty and head coach Brian Beany returns six of his top eight players from a season ago. The Falcons feature Dominic DiFrancesco (13-0 points, 7 rebounds), Anthony Pangio (15.0 points, 8 rebounds) and Scotty Duffy (12.0 points, 4 assists) with Brian Beany and Derek Gunter rounding out the starting unit.
Krizancic has 558 career wins, but his Cardinals will enter the weekend without the services of starting guards Andrew Valeri (ankle sprain) and Kyle McIntosh (knee sprain), both of whom are out for two to three weeks.
Tadas Tatarunas and Jack Korsok are two players to watch.
“I’ve always known that the Mahoning Valley is one of the great places in the country for sports and athletes, and I’m truly looking forward to getting back home for this game,” Krizancic said.
In the nightcap, the Poland boys will take on West Middlesex with Bulldogs head coach Ken Grisdale excited to build on his team’s 3-0 start.
The Bulldogs’ floor leader is Jared Burkert (22.0 points) with Matt Baker (13.5 points, 12.0 rebounds), Nick Buccieri (15.5 points, 7.0 rebounds), Jake Burns (12 points) and Mike Gajdos (12 points, 4.0 assists) players to watch.
“We are excited about the opportunity to play an excellent West Middlesex program for the second time in four years. Getting to showcase your program in a quality event like the United Way Holiday Basketball Classic is such an honor,” Grisdale said.
Doors open at 11 a.m. with tickets $8 for adults and $4 for students.
Further information can be obtained by calling the United Way offices at 330-746-8494.