Classic in the Country Preview: Ohio's best head to Hiland for super showcase
BERLIN TOWNSHIP — For the past 20 years, teams from across the country have come to Hiland High School to take part in the Classic in the Country Challenge, a premier high school girls basketball event.
This year, only one team from out of state (Belleville Tigers out of Michigan) will be among those displaying their talents in a mid-season tune up that helps prepare teams for the tournament trek ahead.
Of the 36 teams taking part in the 23-game Classic in the Country Challenge XXI, 14 of them were either state or regional qualifiers last season, including reigning D-I state champion Princeton Vikings, and their state finals opponent, the Bulldogs of Olmsted Falls, who will cap off the event on Monday night against the hosting Hawks.
Hiland will also face another outstanding D-I foe Reynoldsburg in the nightcap of the opening day of the three-day affair.
The Hawks utilize the games of the Classic in the Country to beef up their schedule so they can take on some top notch competition.
"We love being able to face quality opponents," said second-year coach of the Hawks Brady Schlabach.
Tuscarawas Valley will tip-off the event on Saturday morning at 9 a.m. against Western Brown.
The Golden Bears of Waynedale will square off against D-IV powerhouse Waterford in the second game of event, on Saturday at 10:30 a.m.
"Playing in the Classic In The Country is a tremendous privilege for our Waynedale girls' basketball program," said Golden Bears coach Rick Geiser. "Celebrating the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday while getting to play in this prestigious event against a great opponent is an opportunity we are very thankful for."
Coach Eric Nickles of the Smithville Smithies agrees.
Smithville will take on another Div. III powerhouse in Ottawa-Glandorf on Sunday, Jan. 14, at 12 noon. The Titans were regional finalists last year and could be a potential foe down the road in the tournament for the Smithies.
“We are excited for our program to be a part of Classic in the Country. It’s an honor and a privilege to get to play in this event with some of the top teams and coaches in the state of Ohio," Nickles said. "We look forward to the challenge and are really excited to play in the Reese Center.”
West Holmes will play two games in the event, squaring off against D-II state qualifier Margaretta on Saturday at 6 p.m., and then again on Monday at 6 p.m. against Strasburg.
“We are excited to play in the Classic again this year," Knights coach Lindsy Belden said. "It is a great opportunity for our kids to play in this type of environment that will prepare us come tournament time.
Top players competing at Classic
Some of the top players in the state, as well as a couple nationally recognized players will be displaying their talents at Hiland along with some of the local stars like Hiland's Ashley Mullet, Waynedale's Alyssa Geiser and Addesa Miller and Smithville's Naomi Keib.
The Golden Bears will have the tough task of trying to stop Waterford's 6-4 freshman post player Avery Wagner, while the Hawks will face Olmsted Falls star Danielle Cameron and Reynoldsburg's dynamic duo of Sa'Mahn Johnson and Daniya McDonald.
Laurel Academy sophomore Saniyah Hall is ranked as the No. 3 sophomore in the country according to ESPN scouting service. Belleville's Sydney Savoury is a freshman who is also nationally rated.
Bryce McKey of SheHoopsOH is the coordinator of the Classic in the Country, following the footsteps of his mentor, the late Tom Jenkins. Jenkins along with former Hiland coach Dave Schlabach and former Hoover coach Paul Wackerly developed the idea of this event and watched it grow into one of the premier girls high school showcases in the country.
McKey notes that hospitality is the signature of this weekend for all who come, from the players to the fans.
"Our volunteers are incredible. We couldn't do this without them," he said. "It's important to not only put together a great weekend of basketball, but to continue celebrate the many things that connect us, rather than divide us."
Ticket information
Fans can purchase tickets for the entire three-day event for $40 or buy single-day admission tickets for $15. Student tickets are $10.
Check out the website: Classicinthecountry.org for further ticket information.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Record: Girls Hoops: Previewing the 21st Classic in the Country
