The Hawks compiled a 304-85 record and a Division IV state title in 1992 during Reese's 16 years before cancer took his life in 2000.

At the entrance of Hiland's impressive complex, appropriately named Perry Reese Jr. Community Center, is a symbol of the love this community in eastern Holmes County had for the special African-American man.

Encased in glass is "Perry's Hawk," a real-to-life-looking bird that was hand carved by Texan wood sculptor Joe. D. Shero.

"We got [Joe Shero's] name off the Internet," said Ron Mishler, whose twin sons, Kevin and Nevin, played on Reese's state-championship team.  "We called Mr. Shero and told him about Perry Reese Jr. and what he meant to our school and community.

"He said he had the perfect idea."

Commissioned on Feb. 20, 2002 to create "Perry's Hawk," Shero completed the hand-carved and hand-painted replica of the school's mascot nine months later.

It stands 22 inches high, 44 inches wide and 18.5 inches deep.

"Perry attended both of my sons' weddings like he did for a lot of other kids who played for him and knew him in this community," Ron Mishler said.  "He was such a loved fellow around here.

"Perry is deeply missed but will never be forgotten."

Culture shock:  Mt. de Chantal, an all-girls parochial school from Wheeling, W. Va., competed in the Classic in the Country for the second consecutive season.

The Classic, in itself, is always a cultural experience for every team that is invited to play but even more so for Mt. de Chantal.

Players representing six countries, including the United States, dot Mt. de Chantal's roster.

"Just being in West Virginia is a cultural shock for a lot of our kids, but their cultural experience gets a good education in Berlin," Lions coach John Rowan said.  "Most of our girls have never seen horse and buggies until they come here.

"The people here are very polite and really make you feel at home.  And just by driving around the town, you can see their work ethic is second to none.

"It's very important that our girls see that."

Never a threat:  The surrounding areas of Berlin were hit hard by flooding, but Hiland High School assistant girls basketball coach Rob Moser said it never threatened to cancel Classic in the Country.

"We waited until [last] Wednesday to email all the athletic directors and coaches from the competing schools," Moser said.  "We told them what roads to avoid, and thank goodness route 39 was clear, because that's the main road off I-77 or 71 to get you to the gym.

"Flooding wasn't our major concern.  Ice and snow was, but with the cooperation of our city workers and people who helped with this event, I think we were able to make it enjoyable to everyone."