SPORTS DIGEST || Struthers to host sixth and final Hope Classic

Struthers to host sixth and final Hope Classic

STRUTHERS

The Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley will present its sixth and final Hope Classic: High School Basketball Showcase on Dec. 9 at the Struthers Field House.

The action begins at 3 p.m. and will feature four straight game sessions. The afternoon’s scheduled lineup is:

Game 1 (Girls — 3 p.m.): South Range vs. Brookfield.

Game 2 (Girls — 4:30 p.m.): Howland vs. Struthers.

Game 3 (Boys — 6 p.m.): LaBrae vs. Struthers.

Game 4 (Boys — 7:30 p.m.): South Range vs. Malvern.

Additional activities include an exhibition game between the LaBrae and Struthers sixth-grade boys teams. The game will take place during halftime of the LaBrae-Struthers game.

All proceeds will benefit the Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley. Since its inception in 2012, this event has raised thousands of dollars for chronically/terminally ill children in the Mahoning Valley.

Tickets are available for purchase at the door and cost $7 for adults and $4 for youth age 12 and under. Each ticket is valid for admission to all four basketball games. For more information, contact Nancy Knight, Struthers Athletic Director, at 330-750-1062, ext. 41395.

Poland to host sixth United Way Classic

POLAND

The sixth annual United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley’s Basketball Classic is set for Dec. 9 at Poland High School.

The schedule of games includes:

Game 1 (Boys — 1:30 p.m.): Salem vs. Niles.

Game 2 (Boys — 3 p.m.): Mentor vs. Boardman

Game 3 (Girls — 4:30 p.m.): Poland vs, Niles.

Game 4 (Boys — 6 p.m.): Poland vs. Girard.

Earnhardt wins most popular for 15th year

LAS VEGAS

Dale Earnhardt Jr. wrapped up his final season as a NASCAR driver with one last piece of hardware. He won the Most Popular Driver Award on Thursday night for the 15th consecutive time.

The award is based on a fan vote and sponsored by the National Motorsports Press Association. Only Bill Elliott won the award more than Earnhardt — 16 times between 1984 and 2002 — before he removed his name from consideration.

Earnhardt retired as a full-time driver following NASCAR season finale, and he will move to NBC’s broadcasting team next year.

Earnhardt was presented as NASCAR’s most popular driver during the annual season-ending awards ceremony, which is meant to fete all the playoff drivers and Cup champion Martin Truex Jr. But this week has truly been a send-off for Earnhardt, who was also named Grand Marshal for February’s season-opening Daytona 500 — just one of the many ambassador gigs the superstar is nabbing for the sport he loves so much.

Analyst Zaun out after inappropriate behavior

TORONTO

Toronto Blue Jays television analyst Gregg Zaun has been fired from Sportsnet for “inappropriate behavior and comments” toward female employees.

Rick Brace, President of Rogers Media, said in a statement Thursday that the company was terminating Zaun’s contract immediately.

“This week, we received complaints from multiple female employees at Sportsnet regarding inappropriate behavior by Gregg Zaun in the workplace,” the statement said. “After investigating the matter, we decided to terminate his contract, effective immediately. This type of behavior completely contradicts our standards and our core values. We believe in a professional workplace where all employees feel comfortable and respected. We are grateful to our employees who spoke with us and we will take every measure to protect their privacy.”

The 46-year-old Zaun was a catcher for 16 major league seasons, including in Toronto from 2004-2008.

Staff/wire report