Hiland High School will host the Classic in the Country over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, Saturday Jan. 17-Jan. 19.  The three day event will showcase 33 girls teams playing 20 games.

At a press conference Wednessday at Canton's Skyland Pines Banquet Center, excitement was sparked for the Classic, as well as its sister event the Maytag Hoover Classic, the boys event at North Canton Hoover.

Players and coaches from more than 30 of the participating schools were on hand, including Hiland and West Holmes.

"Enthusiasm is really beginning to pick up for the event," Hiland basketball coach Dave Schlabach said.

"It's going to be a nice opportunity for all the kids to be showcased.

"The best part about it is the matchups we have with some very good teams."

This is the fifth year for the girls basketball showcase, put on by the Ohio Girls Basketball Magazine, a scouting service for colleges.  The previous four years, it was held in Pickerington and called the Fairfield Federal Shootout.

According to Tom Jenkins, managing partner of the magazine, Hiland was a good fit for the event and he expects the Classic to be bigger than the previous four years.

"This is the best field we've ever put together," Jenkins said.  "We have some great programs, great teams, great players, great coaches and great matchups."

The highlight for area fans will be the three games involving the two Holmes County teams.

Hiland will play twice, on Jan 17 and Jan. 19, both at 8:30 p.m. Hiland will close out the opening day of the Classic with a game against Marion Local, the defending Div. IV state champions.  Hiland will close out the event against Copley a Div. II School.

West Holmes will be in action at 5:15 p.m. on Jan. 18 against Div. I Dayton Dunbar.

Along with the two Holmes County squads, four-time defending Div. III state champion Regina will be on hand, as will defending Div. II state champs Dayton Chaminade-Julienne.

Other notable schools will be Cincinnati Winton Woods, Mt. de Chantal (Wheeling, WV), Cleveland Villa Angela-St. Joseph's and Parma Heights Holy Name.

West Holmes coach Matt Voll said with that collection of teams, fans of the Knights will be treated to some exceptional basketball.

"It's going to be an eye opener for our fans," said Voll, who is excited about the shootout being moved to a 15-minute drive for West Holmes.  "They're going to see  a lot of good players.  It will bring all the best players to one place at one time.

"We've been involved the last couple years with Ohio Girls Basketball Magazine and the event in Pickerington.  Now it's coming to Holmes County, which is a special place.  I know they (East Holmes) will pull out a tremendous event."

Still over a month away, excitement for the Classic in the Country is really growing, with players even looking ahead on their schedule to the weekend slate of action.

Hiland's twin guards Launa and Leah Hochstetler were both at Wednesday's press conference and are excited to be playing in the big event at home this year.

"We'll be able to watch more of the games this year and see everyone play," Leah said.  "Since it's our home gym, we can just hang out there.

"It'll be a different atmosphere from Pickerington, playing at home."

West Holmes senior captain Tristen Dye said it will be nice having more fans at the Classic than were at Pickerington last year.

"It's going to be pretty exciting," she said.  "It's nicer being about 15 minutes away because a lot of people can come watch us play."

Schools like Winton Woods, which will be traveling long-distance (about four hours for the Cincinnati team), are just looking forward to the opportunity to be tested by other great teams.

"We're looking forward to the girls having the ability to play teams that are outstanding," said Winton Woods coach Terry Wooten.  "It will increase their competitive drive."

With all the great teams and all the fans that they will bring to the area, Schlabach said the Classic in the Country will be extremely profitable for everone involved from the East Holmes area.

"We're excited about the economic boost it will bring to our area," Schlabach said.

"We're excited to be able to return the favor to the businesses that have supported us.

"The experience for the your ladies is going to be great and the action will be fast and furious."

A portion of the proceeds from the Classic in the Country will go to the Perry Reese Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, named for the formeer legendary Hiland boys coach who died of brain cancer in 2000.