Brain trust doesn’t let a little nasty weather stop the show
Classic in the Country, a 20-game, three-day high school girls basketball extravaganza in the heart of Amish Country, is widely recognized across the nation as one of the country’s finest girls basketball showcases. It is an extremely detailed and labor-intensive undertaking that takes pretty much the entire year to create, and it takes the effort…
Read MoreThe show must go on
By Kevin Lynch / Staff Writer BERLIN — For the first time in the 15-year history of Classic in the Country Challenge, the three-day event at Hiland High in Berlin, weather was a factor. But thanks to the flexibility of participants, a couple teams that weren’t even scheduled to play, and the availability of an…
Read MoreBasketball tradition is still the best
By Kevin Lynch / Staff Writer BERLIN — Classic in the Country turns 15 this year. And instead of losing its luster, the annual event that brings many of Ohio’s best basketball players to town for a weekend of cultural history just continues to get better. Since the inception of this celebration of basketball, history…
Read MoreAs always, local hospitality is king, or queen, at CitC XIII
By DAVE MAST The third leg of the Classic in the Country high school girls basketball showcase is the incredible gift of hospitality exhibited by the countless volunteers who make the event a reality. Well-known throughout the state of Ohio as the finest event to which teams can be invited, that reputation doesn’t exist without…
Read MoreLady Vikings exemplify the spirit of Classic in the Country
By DAVE MAST When Tom Jenkins created Classic in the Country, the girls basketball showcase that takes place over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend every year in Amish Country, he did so with the hope that in addition to presenting some top-notch girls basketball, he could also promote the celebration of sameness in people everywhere,…
Read MoreKeeping the crowds in the game
Classic in the Country brings Mast back home By KEVIN LYNCH Staff Writer BERLIN — For one weekend a year, Esther Mast puts her life on hold to provide entertainment for the crowds at the end of quarters, at halftime and between games of the Classic in the Country Challenge. Mast was a player on…
Read MoreChipps, Knights, host Hawks all ready for Classic
By RANDY WORRELL Sports Writer BERLIN — Coaches often say that participating in this weekend’s Classic in the Country sets the stage for tournament success in March. For the Hiland, West Holmes, and Chippewa girls basketball programs, it’s a proven commodity. Each of the three local schools taking part in the 13th edition of the…
Read MoreAs usual, Classic in the Country loaded with talent
By KEVIN LYNCH Staff Writer BERLIN — The Kaufman Realty and Auctions Classic in the Country Challenge Powered by Under Armour celebrates its 13th year of bringing the best girls basketball in the state of Ohio and beyond into one venue, as Hiland hosts the event that features 20 games over three days, starting this…
Read MorePlenty of reasons to check out Classic in the Country XIII
By DAVE MAST For those who have been a part of Classic in the Country, the nationally renowned girls high school basketball showcase that takes place over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend every year for the past dozen years, these little gems are probably well-known. For those who have not been to this amazing weekend…
Read MoreCelebration of basketball
By KEVIN LYNCH Staff Writer When talking about the elite programs of high school girls basketball, Holmes County quickly comes to mind, with four state championships won by the girls at each end of the county. So, where else would you expect to find one of the most unique, high quality displays of girls basketball…
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