When Tom Jenkins and Dave Schlabach transformed Berlin into a winter wonderland of girls basketball over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, they knew that if they did it the right way, they could have a major impact both on the landscape of girls basketball and on the economy of Berlin during a time when tourism is usually struggling.

Over the past eight winters, Classic in the Country has achieved national recognition as one of the best high school basketball events in the nation, and it has injected millions of dollars into the local economy.

However, the two men realize that in those eight years, they have gone about as far as they can with the generous support of the local community. “The people and businesses of Holmes County have been amazing through their support and volunteering to help us make Classic in the Country a success,” said Schlabach. “We will be forever grateful to everyone who has helped us make our dream a reality.”

The Classic has grown to such proportions that collegiate scouts from near and far make a point of attending, and there is a waiting list of high school teams, not just from Ohio schools but from out of state. Schlabach said that in order to continue to grow the event to even greater heights, the sponsorship and support must come from sources outside the area that can elevate the showcase into the next stratosphere.

“We’ve been talking about taking this to the next level for the past two years, and in order to do that, we are going to have to attach our name to a national sponsor,” said Schlabach.

That possibility took a step toward reality during this year’s Classic, when Under Armour sent two representatives to take notes and see if the event was something on which the company may want to hang its hat. The representatives left very impressed, and with Under Armour’s commitment to branching out into the realm of women’s sports to promote their new product lines in areas like shoes and uniforms, a marriage between the company and the Classic could be beneficial to everyone involved.

Schlabach, Jenkins and a bevy of hosts made sure that the Under Armour representatives were well taken care of, although that isn’t any different from the way they treat all visiting guests.

“This is an amazing event, a real first-class showcase,” said Shawn Casey, Under Armour representative. “This is exactly the kind of thing that we are trying to branch into with our new products, and this is as good of a high school basketball event that we have seen. We will be going back and talking to the powers that be about getting involved.”

Schlabach had six cameras filming this year’s event, and Rob Moser will be putting together a DVD to present to Under Armour, as they present the Classic in the most favorable light possible.

What the Classic has going for it is that it provides unbelievable hospitality to visiting coaches, staff, teams, and other officials, such as those from Under Armour. Between being fed from start to finish, and escorted around the premises like visiting dignitaries, it’s easy to see why the Classic is ranked so highly by so many.

“If a national company as widely recognized and respected as Under Armour gets involved here, it will help solidify what we are trying to accomplish on a national level,” said Schlabach. “That could even turn into sponsorships from other national companies in other areas outside of footwear, clothing and sporting goods. It is the only way that we are going to be able to avoid stagnating.”

Schlabach said that he and Jenkins will travel to the East Coast soon to meet with officials from Under Armour to discuss the possibility of the company becoming the first national sponsor of the Classic, planning to fly to corporate headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland in a few weeks.

Should they secure a sponsorship, Schlabach believes it will free up the Classic staff to take the showcase to even greater heights, but he admits that the sponsorship would not alleviate the need for local community involvement.

“No matter what happens, we will still have to have local sponsorship,” said Schlabach. “That remains vital to our success. Besides, this isn’t our weekend, it is the community’s. The people here have made it what it is today by their support and willingness to get involved.”

So, after five years of trying to get a major player as a sponsor, what has made the biggest difference in this year’s effort? Simply put, getting representatives in to experience the aura and extravagance of the event.

“Until we actually get people in here to see it and experience it, we really didn’t have a chance,” said Schlabach. “We were fortunate enough this year to have them here in person, and we believe that once they experience what we provide, it becomes much easier for them to see what the benefits will be in promoting their brand.”

Saturday Results

Minster 51, Minerva 47

BERLIN — Delanie Wolf scored 18 points and Kayla Wuebker added 12 as Minster defeated Minerva to kick off the Classic in the Country at the Perry Reese Center. Minster, who sank 19 of 35 shots for 54 percent, led 30-20 at the half and took a 42-34 lead into the final frame. Two other Minster players, Tara Clune and Kayla Albers, each added eight. Chelsie Butler paced Minerva with 18 points and Taylor Maurer added 13.

Canton McKinley 52, Brookhaven 24

BERLIN —  Marquia Tuner scored 11 points and Ameryst Alston and Gabby Kendall each added 10 as Canton McKinley rolled past Columbus Brookhaven. Essence Bates-Hatch, Jasmine Johnson and Travecia Franklin had six points each for Brookhaven.

Mount Notre Dame 68, Hoover 65

BERLIN —  Kathryn Reynolds poured in 27 points and Gabby West scored 17 as Cincinnati Mount Notre Dame notched a win over North Canton Hoover. Kaylee Stroemple scored 17 points to lead Hoover, while Hannah Romano scored 13 and Erika Warren chipped in 10.

Northland 39, Lakota West 29

BERLIN —  Symone Denham tallied 16 points and Tatiana Chapple added 10 to lead Columbus Northland to a 10-point win over West Chester Lakota West. Summer Reeves had nine points to lead Lakota West.

Toledo Start 60, Myrtle Beach 53

BERLIN —  Azia Bishop tallied 18 points and Maleeka Kynard added 13 to lead Toledo Start over Myrtle Beach, S.C. Tanisha Brown paced Myrtle Beach with 16 points, while Khadjiah Sessions added 15 and Keyaurna Wilson contributed 10.

Twinsburg 60, duPont Manual 56

BERLIN —  Malina Howard scored 19 points and Leah Fechko added 18 as Twinsburg topped duPont Manual. Mechael Guess had 14 points and LeAsia Wright added 13 for duPont Manual. Twinsburg held a 34-31 edge on the boards as Howard pulled down nine rebounds for the winners. Twinsburg helped itself to the victory by hitting 17 of 21 free throws.

Africentric 47, Hiland 36

BERLIN —  Kiyanna Black pumped in 17 points, including three 3-point shots and Kalyn Daniel added 15 points to spark Africentric past Hiland. McKenzie Miller had a big day for Hiland, scoring 22 points and collecting 12 rebounds. Hiland got off to a slow start, falling behind 13-2 after one quarter. The Hawks also were hurt by 18 turnovers in the game.

Sunday Results

Mount Notre Dame 50, Toledo Central Catholic 46

BERLIN —  Mount Notre Dame’s Kathryn Reynolds buried 6 of 8 3-pointers on her way to a 23-point effort to lead her club to a 50-46 victory over Toledo Central Catholic at the Classic in the Country Challenge girls’ basketball tournament at the Perry Reese Center on Sunday. Gabby West added 13 points for Mount Notre Dame. Toledo Central Catholic was led in scoring by Jamie Sobczak, who poured in 17 points. Sydney Shaffer had 10 points in the losing effort. Toledo Central Catholic led 19-11 at the half before Mount Notre Dame stormed back over the final two frames to post the win.

Harvest Prep 65, Warren Howland 57

BERLIN —  Harvest Prep got balanced scoring on the way to the win. Chelsea McKnight scored 18 points for Harvest Prep. She got plenty of help from Ayrealle Beavers (15 points), Jaren Francis (14) and Shicole Watts (11). Howland’s Taylor Williams scored 29 points to lead all scorers and Erika Nites chipped in 12. Harvest Prep outrebounded Howland 44-25. Watts had 14 rebounds for Harvest Prep and Williams collected 12 for Howland.

Wadsworth 52, Lakota West 42

BERLIN — Jessie Gearhart scored 14 points and Robyn Rotterschmidt added 13 to lead Wadsworth past Lakota West. Taylor Woods added 10 points for the winners. Summer Reeves had a game-high 25 points for Lakota West. Reeves hit 3 of 5 3-point shots and was 12 of 12 from the line as she displayed some hot shooting. Lakota West held the rebound edge 26-24. Lakota West held a 21-20 lead at half, but Wadsworth stormed back in the third quarter with a 21-8 blitz to take control of the game.

Lakota East 52, Hathaway Brown 37

BERLIN — Imani Outlaw scored 19 points, and Whitney Wyckoff added 14 as Lakota East used a strong second half to top Hathaway Brown. Lakota East trailed 25-22 at half, but outscored Hathaway Brown 30-12 over the final two frames to post the win. Vanessa Smith had 15 points to lead Hathaway Brown, and Nia Marshall added 14.

duPont Manual 61, Toledo Start 53

BERLIN — Toledo Start held a 25-19 lead at half, but duPont Manual rushed back in the second half to post the win. duPont Manual outscored Toledo Start, 42-28, over the final two frames. Mechael Guess and Destony Curry each scored 11 points to lead duPont Manual. Azia Bishop scored 21 points to lead Toledo Start, and Jaymie Jackson added 18.

Twinsburg 69, Myrtle Beach 42

BERLIN — Twinsburg was in control from the start of this one, outscoring Myrtle Beach 23-11 in the first quarter and taking a 37-19 lead to intermission. Malina Howard had a big night, pumping in 24 points and grabbing 12 rebounds for Twinsburg. Tanisha Brown scored 12 to lead Myrtle Beach.

Monday Results

Orrville 59, Fort Loramie 52

BERLIN — Orrville battled back from a 29-23 deficit at half to pull out a win against Fort Loramie. Hannah Plybon and Maggie Davault provided the offense for Orrville, hitting for 20 and 18 points, respectively. Fort Loramie’s Janel Olberding had a game-high 21 points, and Tessa Benanzer scored 11. Orrville held a 34-30 rebounding advantage as Davault ripped down nine boards. Brooke Turner had eight rebounds for Fort Laramie.

Newark 67, Kenton Ridge 49

BERLIN — Newark was all over Kenton Ridge from the start, building a 43-19 lead by half on the way to a win. Paige Cashin led four Newark players in double figures with 18 points. Maggie Mitchell was right behind with 17 points, Kayla Bear hit for 12 and Chelsea Steen added 10. Brooke Purvis scored 14 points to pace Kenton Ridge, while Mariah Harris added 12. Lindsey Fenwick reached double figures with 11 points.

Indian Hill 53, West Holmes 35

BERLIN — Sarah Arington and Kelsey Matthews each fired in 18 points to lift Indian Hill to a 53-35 win over West Holmes at the Classic in the Country Challenge girls basketball tournament at the Perry Reese Center on Monday. Nicole Bell added 15 points for the winners. West Holmes’ Lindsy Snyder scored 16 points to lead the Knights, and Laina Snyder just missed double figures with nine. West Holmes had a tough time finding the net, hitting just 14 of 40 shots from the floor.

Sycamore 60, Wadsworth 50 (OT)

BERLIN — Wadsworth rallied in the fourth quarter to knot the game, but Sycamore came on strong in the extra frame to pull out the victory. Ashley Schaefer and Alexis Newbolt each scored 13 points to lead Sycamore. Chloe Pavlech scored 12 points and Lauren Hancher added 10. Wadsworth was led by Taylor Woods’ 13 points. Sycamore made 18 of 21 free throws, which turned out to be a key to the win. Wadsworth made 22 of its 33 shots from the charity stripe.

Princeton 63, Midpark 48

BERLIN — Princeton’s Kesley Mitchell ripped the nylon for 32 points, including 5 of 9 3-pointers to lead her team past Midpark. Shakeira Lang added 12 for Princeton. Midpark got 15 points from Rachel Theriot, and Kaila Barber chipped in with 12. Midpark hit just one of 14 attempts from 3-point range. The game was knotted at 15 after the first quarter before Princeton outscored Midpark 24-13 in the second frame to take control of the game.

Fairborn 59, Hathaway Brown 49

BERLIN — Brooklyn Pumroy paced Fairborn with 22 points en route to a win over Hathaway Brown. Jaymee Veney added nine points for the winners. Tanisha Lawler led Hathaway Brown with 13 points and Vanessa Smith added 12.

Walsh Jesuit 35, Hiland 32

BERLIN — Maddie Sheppard scored 13 points to lead Walsh Jesuit to a three-point win over host Hiland in the final game of the Classic in the Country, Hiland led 10-9 after the opening frame and Walsh held a 22-20 lead at the half before taking a 28-25. Walsh made 15 of 36 action shots and 3 of 6 free throws. McKenzie Milled paced Hiland with nine points and Regina Hochstetler added seven. The Hawks were 10 of 35 from the floor and 9 of 16 from the line.

It seemed appropriate to honor Reggie Lee during Martin Luther King Jr. weekend. Lee, the girls head basketball coach of the Brookhaven Bearcats for the past 30 years, steps down this year as one of the most successful coaches in the state of Ohio. Lee was honored in front of a packed house at the Perry Reese Community Center on Saturday, Jan. 15, and the honor was as much for what Lee has done off the court as what he has done on it, where he has fashioned a state power.

“I am truly humbled by this,” said Lee, having no idea it was coming. “For 30 years, this has always been about these girls. I feel like I am one of the most blessed men on the earth to coach girls basketball.”

In his tribute to Coach Lee, Tom Jenkins, executive director of Ohio Girls Basketball Report and one of the coordinators for Classic in the Country Challenge, one of the nation’s premier high school girls basketball events, praised Lee for his unyielding commitment to his players over the years. The Classic, which also makes a dedicated effort to honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Perry Reese and other African Americans whom have made great social impacts on the world. Jenkins spoke about the impact Lee has had in dissolving racial barriers through his time spent on and off the court. Jenkins said that Lee was instrumental in bringing many of Ohio’s top black basketball programs into the Classic.

“For 30 years (Coach Lee) has used athletics to teach life lessons to our young people,” said Jenkins. “For 30 years, he has used athletics to teach young people the principals and core values we all share, black, white, brown and yellow. He has bridged all cultural differences in uniting girls basketball in Ohio, and has become known as the Urban Legend. All of us in the Reese Center here today should be thankful for his efforts and impact.”

For Lee, the step into coaching girls basketball came almost as an afterthought three decades ago. Lee said he had always loved the game of basketball, noting that he has played with some incredibly talented players over the years. One day, while watching over a study hall at East High School, where he taught, he was approached by a school administrator, who informed him that the girls’ head coach was sick that day, and asked him if he would take over coaching duties, just for that one game, in his absence. That was the start of something special.

“We lost that game by 45 points to Walnut Ridge,” said Lee with a laugh. “But through it all, I kept encouraging the girls to keep fighting and playing hard to earn their respect. I felt it was extremely important for them to understand that you don’t ever give up.”

One year as an assistant led to a head coaching job, and the rest is three decades of defining a man whom has set the coaching bar very high in terms of dedication, commitment and teaching not just basketball 101, but life skills.

One such example of that is Lee’s drive to make sure that every single one of his players has a top-notch education and stellar GPA. Seeing Lee’s player’s touting GPAs upwards of 3.0 is nothing new. For him, the teaching of how to properly prepare yourself for your adult life down the road is as important as anything he teaches on the gym floor.

“You create your own culture in life, whether it is in the classroom or on the gym floor,” said Lee. “This coaching job has always been more to me than just basketball. This is about life, and teaching these kids that what they do now, and how they approach whatever they do, will make them who they are as an adult. I think that one of the best memories for me will be seeing so many of these girls going on to college, and not only getting scholarships and playing ball at the next level, but becoming successful as they move on in life. I take great pride in seeing kids work hard in the classroom, because it matters.”

And as a black coach applying his beliefs with mostly black players, Lee has been a rock-solid foundation in promoting the idea that nothing should ever hold back African Americans in their efforts to achieve greatness. But at the same time, he said color plays no part in how kids should approach the gym, the classroom, their community or their dreams.

“When I’m coaching and teaching, I don’t see any colors,” said Lee. “All I see is a group of kids with a lot of potential, and it is up to us as coaches to draw that potential out of them. This isn’t about colors, it is about helping our youth understand that they can make something positive of themselves if they work hard at whatever they do. That is why I have always put such a high premium on making sure our kids excel in the classroom, because education needs to be our focus.”

Lee sees his role as a coach one in which winning programs come from the ground up. He believes that great talent may win a lot of games, but great people will win even more.

“Anyone in a position of authority, as a coach or whatever, needs to understand that the spirit in how they approach their task is so important,” said Lee. “There is a time to be demanding, because you want kids to learn to work at what they do and take pride in it. There is also a time for praise, because kids need to know that they are successful. Those two things work together to make our young people successful.”

Lee said that he enjoys nothing more than seeing former players come home for visits, or to talk with his current crop of players, having become successful adults. Those players were like daughters to him in their playing days, and today, that is no different. Once a member of the Lee family, always a member of the Lee family.

On this day, Lee’s Bearcats were handed a brutal 52-24 beating at the hands of Canton McKinley, the state’s top-ranked Div. I team. A joy… no. A learning opportunity for the kids… definitely. Lee spoke about how his team wasn’t tough enough, nor physical enough, to withstand the competition the Bulldogs provided. He felt they could play with McKinley. They didn’t, but that doesn’t make the kids a failure to Lee. It only means they have work to do to get better, to make improvements and adjustments, to play better the next time out.

Coach Lee, always the teacher, always the inspiration; demanding they give their best, yet providing leadership just like a father.

Asked what he will miss following his retirement, it is not the Xs and Os and wins and losses, nor even the championships that he mentioned, but rather the relationships with his players, and with his staff, that will leave the biggest empty spot in his life. He vows that he will not step away from this game he loves completely. He will be there when his advice and expertise is needed. You just don’t give up something you love with great ease.

“My staff, I will definitely miss the interaction that comes with this game,” said Lee. “I absolutely would not be coaching if I did not have the support and love of them. For 30 years, they have been right here with me, and they have the same ideal that we are family. Over the years they have been like parents to these kids. The past 30 years has been all about relationships. That is what I will miss the most.”

Coach Lee accepted his awards during the special ceremony before his final game at The Classic, a huge grin on his face, amidst a few verbal, good-natured jabs from Jenkins, with an adoring crowd providing a standing ovation. Lee graciously accepted the wave of affection, having made a difference in so many lives over the years, not just as a coach, but as someone who cares about the future of countless young people, be they any color.

BERLIN — All the games on the final day of Classic in the Country VIII turned out to be one-sided affairs determined by double digits, even the lone overtime game of the 20 played at this year’s event.

GAME 15

Newark 67, Kenton Ridge 49

The dynamic duo of Paige Cashin and Maggie Mitchell were too much firepower for Kenton Ridge to contain. The 6-foot-4 Cashin scored 18 points on 9-of-11 shooting from the floor, and Mitchell knocked down a pair of 3-pointers en route to 17 markers to lead the Wildcats past the Cougars.

Two other Newark players scored in double figures as the Wildcats cruised to the one-sided win. Kayla Bear scored 12 and Chelsea Steen chipped in 10. Newark took control of the contest early on, jumping out to a 45-19 lead by intermission.

Kenton Ridge had three players score in double figures, led by Brooke Purvis’ 14. Mariah Harris added 12 and Lindsey Fenwick tossed in 11.

GAME 17

Sycamore 60, Wadsworth 50 OT

This tug-of-war went back and forth for 32 minutes and nothing was decided until the extra session, when the Aviators took off on an 8-0 run that propelled them to victory.

The game was tied at 7-all after the first quarter and Sycamore led 19-17 at intermission.

The Aviators had five players in double figures. Alexis Newbolt and Ashley Schaefer led the way with 13 apiece. Newbolt made 9-of-11 free throws. Chloe Pavlech had 12 points and 13 rebounds, and Lauren Hancher and Kari Kiehst each added 10 points for the winners.

Taylor Woods paced the Wadsworth attack with 13 points. Jessie Gearhart finished with nine points.

Wadsworth dipped to 9-3 with the loss, while Sycamore improved to 11-3.

GAME 18

Princeton 63, Midpark 48

Vikings freshman Kelsey Mitchell came up a point shy of the Classic in the Country record single-game scoring record when she poured in 32 points to lead Princeton past the Meteors.

Utilizing her blazing speed, Mitchell poured in 24 in the first half, including four of her five 3-pointers, as Princeton opened up a 39-28 lead at the break.

Shakeira Lang added a dozen for the 13-0 Vikings.

Rachel Theriot scored 15 and Kaila Barber added 12 for the Meteors.

GAME 19

Fairborn 59, Hathaway Brown 49

A 17-7 run in the second quarter helped lift the Skyhawks over Hathaway Brown in an otherwise evenly matched game.

The Blazers led 14-13 after the first quarter, but wound up trailing by nine (30-21) at the half, and could get no closer the rest of the way.

Brooklyn Pumroy paced the Fairborn attack with 22 points and six rebounds. Jaymee Veney and Alexis Gassion added nine points apiece for the winners.

Tanisha Lawler (13 points) and Vanessa Smith (12) provided the one-two punch for the Blazers.

BERLIN — The second day of action at the Classic in the Country started off with a barn burner that came right down the end. Mount Notre Dame bounced back from a tough three-point loss on Saturday to eke out a 50-46 triumph over Toledo Central Catholic.

Kathryn Reynolds capped off a fantastic weekend of action with 23 points to lead the Cougars to victory. The future Iowa Hawkeye was 6-for-8 from 3-point range. She had an assist and five steals. Gabby West chipped in 13 for the winners. In her two games at Classic in the Country, Reynolds scored 50 points on 11-of-18 shooting from beyond the arc.

Jamie Sobczak led the Fighting Irish with 17 points. Sydney Shaffer added 10.

GAME 9

Harvest Prep 65, Howland 57

It was an uphill climb the entire game for the Howland Tigers, but after climbing all the way back to tie the game at 42, reigning D-IV champion Harvest Prep fended off a gallant comeback attempt to pull out a hard-fought victory.

The Warriors jumped out to a 9-0 lead on three 3-pointers, two from Jaren Francis and another by Chelsea McKnight, leading 18-7 after one. It was 30-23 Warriors at intermission.

McKnight led the balanced attack of Harvest Prep with 18 points. Francis finished with 14. Ayrealla Beavers (15 points) and Shicole Watts (11 points and 14 rebounds) were also in double figures.

Taylor Williams led the Howland offense with 29 points and 14 boards. Erika Nites chipped in a dozen points.

GAME 10

Wadsworth 52, Lakota West 42

The Grizzlies snapped a three-game losing skein at the Classic with a solid victory over the Firebirds.

“I’m proud of the way my kids played,” said Wadsworth coach Andy Booth. “We were very consistent. That’s the best we’ve done versus a good opponent.”

Wadsworth had won its first five games played in Berlin before losing the next three.

“It’d good to get back on track,” Booth added. “I was afraid they’d revoke our invitation to the Classic if we lost again.”

A trio of players scored double digits to lead the Grizzlies’ attack. Jessie Gearhart led the way with 14. Robyn Rotterschmidt added 13 and Taylor Woods chipped in 10. The balanced attack of Wadsworth offset a 25-point performance by Summer Reeves of the Firebirds, which included 3-of-5 from 3-point range and 12-for-12 from the foul line.

GAME 11

Lakota East 52, Hathaway Brown 37

Coach Nikki Drew and her Thunderhawks made some serious adjustments at halftime that helped topple the Blazers.

“They prepared well for us and did a good job exploiting our weaknesses,” HB coach Paul Barlow said.

The Blazers lack a true point guard, and the Thunderhawks’ defense forced 29 turnovers.

Lakota East’s inside-outside combo of Imani Outlaw (19 points) and Whitney Wyckoff (14 points, 10 rebounds) led the Thunderhawks.

Vanessa Smith (15 points) and Nia Marhsall (14) led the Blazers on offense.

GAME 12

DuPont Manual 61, Toledo Start 53

A balanced attack by the girls from the Bluegrass state that handled the pressure of the Spartans sent the girls from Toledo to their first loss of the season.

“That balance is the story of our team,” said Dupont coach Stacy Pendleton.

The Crimsons had two girls in double figures with 11 (Destony Curry and Mechael Guess), and two more players with nine (April Wilson and LeAsia Wright) and another with eight (Kara Wright).

“We need that balance to compete with a team like Start,” Pendleton said.

Azia Bishop scored 21 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Jaymie Jackson chipped in 18 points and seven rebounds. Ohio State-bound guard Maleeka Kynard struggled from the field (2-for-17) but still managed eight points.

BERLIN — The following are some random thoughts and observations from the Classic in the Country Challenge VIII.

After all these years of watching games and seeing hundreds of college coaches at the Classic in the Country, I just discovered on Saturday that the coaches have no contact with the players while visiting Berlin. They are here to observe, mostly and chart development and potential of players performing on a fairly large stage.

* Out-of state teams traditionally have not faired well at the Classic in the Country. Including the first day at this year’s event. The out-of-staters are 8-12 since the Classic began in 2004.

Mount de Chantal from West Virginia was the first victim, falling twice to reigning state champ Cincinnati Mount Notre Dame and then to Cincinnati Winton Woods.

The Lions won their next four games over the next two seasons before the private school closed its doors.

The Cougars of Mount Notre Dame were the main culprit in mistreating the out-of-state teams during their four-year run as D-I state champions. The coaches from out of state are always seeking the best competition to see how their kids stack up against Ohio’s best.

Even one of the nation’s top teams, Potters House Academy out of Florida, tasted rare defeat, falling by three to Toledo Start after blasting Hiland by 23.

DuPont Manual (Ky.) coach Stacy Pendleton marveled at Twinsburg after the Tigers nipped the Crimsons on Saturday. “They are phenomenal. Nobody in Kentucky is that good,” he said.

Myrtle Beach, S.C., coach Brian Kiper said there is a big difference in the style of play between Ohio teams and Carolina hoops. The ability to make adjustments on the fly is the sign of a good team, he said.

Both Kiper and Pendleton commented on the more physical style of play by the Ohio teams.

Hiland coach Dave Schlabach pointed out that the teams coming in from out of state are at a disadvantage because they have to deal with the long road trips to get here, but most coaches are not into making excuses.

* I couldn’t believe my ears. Kiper has been living in South Carolina for four years, yet he didn’t slip one “Ya’ll” into his interviews.

“Four years down south doesn’t combat 34 years of living in Ohio,” Kiper quipped.

The former Triway player and coach still has his Ohio cell phone number. When his players were complaining about no service, he smiled and said, “I’ve got service.”

Let me tell you something about coach Kiper. He has it tough. During the offseason when he isn’t coaching girls basketball, he is the girls golf coach at Myrtle Beach High School. The Seahawks’ home course is right on the ocean. Must be tough.

* An amazing statistic that really caught my attention was the horrendous free throw shooting at Classic in the Country. These are among the best high school hoopsters in the state and beyond, yet the free throws clanked off the rim at an alarmingly high rate after the first day of action. There were 223 free throws attempted on Saturday. Only 131 of them fell, a dismal 59 percent. I could shoot 59 percent.

Things improved some on Day 2, thanks to a 12-for-12 effort from Lakota West’s Summer Reeves in a losing effort.

Through the first three games on Sunday, the free throw percentage for the six teams hovered around 70 percent (91-for 128), upping the total through the first 10 games to 63 percent.

It’s a good thing none of the games came down to needing a free throw to clinch the win.

BERLIN — There were a trio of down-to-the-wire games, one 10-point affair and one blowout in the five games not featuring area ties on Day 1 of the Classic in the Country. Myrtle Beach, coached by Triway alumni Brian Kiper and the hosting Hiland Hawks, were also in action (see related stories).

GAME 1

Minster 51, Minerva 47

Minerva was outscored 18-6 in the second quarter, and that stretch proved to be the undoing of the Lions against Minster in the tipoff game of the Classic in the Country Saturday at the Perry Reese Jr. Community Center.

“That’s been our downfall in all the games we’ve lost. We just go through those five-minute stretches where we don’t get any shots,” said Minerva coach Bruce Wright.

In spite of the second-quarter hiccup, the Lions roared back from a 13-point deficit to pull within two in the waning seconds of the game. Kayla Wuebker (12 points) iced the win with two free throws. Delanie Wolf paced the undefeated Wildcats (12-0) with 18 points.

Minerva (7-4) was paced by 6-foot-4 Marquette-bound senior Chelsie Butler’s 18 points and five rebounds.

GAME 2

Hoover 68, Mount Notre Dame 65

A pair of traditional D-I powers went toe-to-toe in the second game of the Classic, and the Vikings hung on for a wild win.

Hoover jumped out to a 24-10 lead after the opening period of play behind a balanced attack from the inside (freshman Kaylee Stroemple) and outside (sophomore Samantha Pavkov).

Iowa-bound Kathryn Reynolds and Gabby West lit it up from 3-point range for Mount Notre Dame in the second quarter to bring the Cougars back to within six, 35-29, at intermission.

The Cougars clawed their way back from a 10-point deficit to take a one-point lead to open the fourth quarter, only to see the Vikings go on a 10-1 run to wrest control of the contest.

Mount Notre Dame again pulled back to within two on a 3-pointer by West (17 points), but the Vikings were able to fend off the late charge by the Cougars.

Stroemple led Hoover’s balanced attack with 15 points and eight rebounds. Hannah Romano added 13, Erika Warren 10, and Kelsey Peare pitched in nine.

Reynolds led all scorers with 27 points, including five 3-pointers.

GAME 3

Northland 39, Lakota West 29

The Vikings of Columbus Northland improved to 12-0 on the season, riding a strong second half to victory over the Firebirds.

Lakota West jumped out to a 15-8 lead after the first quarter, but only scored three in the second quarter and four in the third as the Vikings surged ahead 30-22 after three.

Symone Denham led the way for Northland with 16 points. Tatiana Chapple added 10 for the winners. Summer Reeves scored nine to lead the Firebirds (8-4).

GAME 4

McKinley 52, Brookhaven 24

The Bulldogs started barking right from the opening tip, and the top-ranked team in the state manhandled the Bearcats.

McKinley had a trio of players score in double figures, led by Marquita Turner’s 11. Gabby Kendall came off the bench to score 10 and grabbed 10 rebounds. Ameryst Alston added 10 points and Laneisha Lennon just missed double figures with nine.

“They were everything we expected… and more. A lot more,” said Brookhaven coach Reggie Lee. “They were physical and we didn’t answer that physical challenge.”

Briana Holmes, who came into the game averaging 17 points for Brookhaven, was held to two points with no field goals.

GAME 6

Twinsburg 60, DuPont Manual 56

The Crimsons came to Ohio for a dose of Buckeye basketball, and the Twinsburg Tigers gave the girls from DuPont Manual all they could handle.

“They are phenomenal. Nobody in Kentucky is that good, ” Crimsons coach Stacy Pendleton said. “It was a great game, very physical. We did a poor job of finishing.”

The Tigers jumped out to a 17-5 lead behind the inside-outside game of 6-5 Malina Howard and Leah Fechko. Howard paced the Twinsburg attack with 19 points and nine rebounds. Fechko added 18 points.

The Crimsons outscored the Tigers 21-8 in the second quarter to take a 26-25 halftime lead, thanks to a trapping press that led to many of the 33 Twinsburg turnovers.

The Tigers adjusted in the second half to the trap and regained the lead 39-34 by the end of the third quarter.

DuPont Manual got 14 points from Mechael Guess and 13 from LeAsia Wright.

By Dave Mast

One point for a free throw; two points for a lay-up; three points for a long-range bomb. Indeed, basketball is a game of numbers. But the biggest numbers in this contest will be five and 10.

Five is for Wadsworth’s starting combo, a talented and athletic group that plays with great intelligence, while 10 stands for Lakota West’s depth, where Andy Fishman runs players in and out, wearing down opponents.

Ashland-bound seniors, power forward Robyn Rotterschmidt and guard Taylor Woods, hope to make their senior year a memorable one. Wadsworth coach Andy Booth said of his two leaders, “Rotterschmidt is so smart, and Woods can do everything from the point guard spot. Add in the fact that they are truly quality people, and they make up the heart of this team.”

Adding some much-needed athleticism to the team is classmate Sharlee Bailey, who returns after missing last season with a knee injury. They are joined in the starting five by junior guard Kara Long and sophomore Ally Malkowski. Christy Cingel serves as Booth’s calming influence, and is a player Booth said he wants out there at the end of the game. Jessie Gearhart, the team’s best defender, is
long and quick, and often times will take on the task of guarding the opposition’s point guard.

How do the Grizzlies match up with Lakota West’s depth and athletic play? That is what is going to play out in this game of opposites.

“Getting Sharlee back is a big key for us,” said Booth. “Christy is nothing flashy, but she just gets the job done. At 5 (feet) 10 (inches), Kara is a big wing who can really shoot the three. We know that stopping Pavlech is going to be a chore. She is one of the top point guards out there, so we’ve got our work cut out for us.

“You can’t go to sleep on this Grizzlies team,” said OGBR’s Tom Jenkins. “This is a team that is certainly capable of stinging Canton McKinley in that Regional.

Lakota West is a lot deeper than most teams, and talented too, but this will be their second game in the Classic weekend, and Andy Booth’s team is very disciplined. It’s going to be a game of contrasting styles of play.”

Wadsworth will be left to deal with 6-foot-3-inch Olivia Wrencher, who, is one of the top post players in the nation, should be a handful for the Grizzlies. The Firebirds also have the athletic defenders to shut down Wadsworth on offense, including Adrianna McNeal and Ronni Grandison at the wing positions.

“Lakota West is a fine, athletic team that can get out and run,” said Jenkins. “This ought to be a very good game. Wrencher may cause some real problems for the Grizzlies inside.”

By Dave Mast

While it is usually the players on the floor who make the highlight reels, Lakota East’s coaching staff certainly could apply when you’re looking for star quality. Head coach Nikki Kremer-Drew left Xavier University after her senior year as an All-American who became the school’s all-time leading scorer. She also played professionally in France before settling into the coaching ranks. She is joined by assistant coach Brooke Wyckoff, an All-American at Florida State University, and a former WNBA all-star.

However, Kremer-Drew’s talented team will have its work cut out, trying to tame Paul Barlow’s Blazers. All Barlow’s teams have accomplished over the past four years is four straight Final Four appearances, including back-to-back championships.

“We know they are coached very well and they are very tall up front,” said Kremer-Drew. “They are a pretty tall order for our first trip to the Classic in the Country.”

That Blazers height includes two of the top 10 junior prospects in Ohio, 6-foot-1 guard Vanessa Smith and 6-foot forward Nia Marshall. But the biggest Blazer is 6-foot-2-inch Molly Crosby, who is headed to Loyola University in Chicago, and 6-foot-4 Sarah Poland, who will be taking her skills to Cornell University.

Lakota East (14-11 last season) will feature five juniors who bring plenty of experience. Molly Blomer, transfer Tazzie Shaw, who averaged eight points, five assists last year with Lakota West, Whitney Wyckoff, Alyssa Grevenkamp and Bernice Satterwhite, who is returning from a lost season due to a knee injury. They will be led by returning starting point guard Aeth Pashi, who is an experienced veteran who knows the game.

“We’ve got great experience and I can play five perimeter players who are very versatile,” said Kremer-Drew. “We will run a wide-open offense and have the personnel to move around a lot. “But best of all, we’ve got a lot of really unselfish kids who don’t care who gets the credit, and play very well together as a team.”

One thing that will definitely play to the Blazers’ advantage will be playing at the Reese Center in front of a huge crowd. Hathaway Brown, who cleaned up to the tune of 23-4 last season, will be making its eighth and ninth appearances at the Classic this year, and have an understanding of what the weekend is all about.

“I’ve been to the Classic as a spectator, and it is an awesome experience,” said Kremer- Drew. “It is fabulously run, a first-class weekend, and I told the kids that we can be very excited about the opportunity to come there and play in one of the nation’s best showcases for girls basketball. It will also be fun for them to experience a new way of life in Amish Country. We are looking forward to a good time and an exciting game.”

By Dave Mast

Chalk this one up as the grizzled veterans who seem to take everything in stride against an upstart team that grew through addition.

The Cincinnati Sycamore Aviators finished last year 13-11, but it was a very good learning year for head coach Paula Hayden’s crew, plus they played in the meat grinder Greater Miami Conference, which boasts about as many State-hopefuls as any in the state. Sycamore returns a load of talent, and in addition was the recipient of some of the fallout at Mount Notre Dame.

Guard Courtney Tucker and point guard Kelly McDonald transferred in after playing for the Cougars, and will join 6 foot-1-inch junior post player Keri Kleist, who transferred in from Mason. That trio will cohort with returning senior wing player Ashley Schaefer, junior wing Alexis Newbolt, and 5-foot-10-inch sophomore Hannah Locke. They will all play supporting roles to Chloe Pavlech, a junior wing bound for the University of Maryland.

“Pavlech is a tremendous talent, who is capable of taking over games,” said Tom Jenkins. Andy Booth’s talented and disciplined Grizzlies will present a good challenge for Sycamore, especially since they have played eight times to date under the bright lights and big crowds of the Classic in the Country, and have performed well, carving out an impressive 5-3 record.

Because of all of the transfers coming in to Sycamore, the team has instantly been transformed into a legitimate contender for the Greater Miami Conference title, and a threat to do some real damage on the tournament trail.

Booth said that even though his team enjoys playing an up-tempo style, they are more than willing to settle in on both sides of the court, doing whatever it takes to force mistakes from their opponents.

“We stress to the kids that we want to be the team that forces mistakes, not the one that makes them,” said Booth.“This is a good veteran group that really understands the game, and what we want to achieve. We like to play fast, but we’re not helter-skelter out there. We’d like to think of it as controlled chaos.”

With his top six players returning, Booth is anticipating a fantastic tournament run, and has bolstered his non-league schedule with six of the state’s top-tier teams.

“This is a team of hard workers, great leaders and we are coming off the best summer we’ve had since I’ve been here,” said Booth, “We’ve got great chemistry on this team.

The question is, will Sycamore’s fresh faces gel in time for the Classic, and will the Grizzlies be able to continue to play superb fundamental basketball.