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2008 News
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CITC keeps getting better [01/22/2008]
By ELLIOTT SCHREINER
Daily Record Sports Writer
BERLIN -- Each year the same old story gets printed about the Classic in the Country.
And every time the same report gets more and more incredible...
CITC notebook: More than teams playing show up [01/22/2008]
By ZACH BOLINGER
Daily Record Sports Writer
BERLIN -- With Orrville, West Holmes and Hiland in action, Monday provided the most local flavor to this year's The Classic in the Country.
It ranged beyond the court, though. A smattering of Smithville Smithies made the trip to watch/scout the Garaway-Orrville 10 a.m. matchup. And basically Norwayne's entire varsity roster was on hand as well. A few of the Bobcats even joined in for the basketball version of musical chairs during halftime of the Sandusky Perkins-Shaker Heights game.
Hawks roll in Classic finale [01/22/2008]
T-R Staff Report
BERLIN – After taking out Division I Brookhaven to end the first night of the Classic In the Country V, host Hiland beat on Division II’s Hathaway Brown 55-38 to end the weekend Monday night.
The Hawks improve to 15-1 on the season...
Classic in the Country - North Canton claims victory [01/21/2008]
T-R Staff Report
BERLIN -- Brittany Orban scored 28 points and Jessica Carpenter added 20 as the North Canton Hoover girls' basketball team defeated Lexington 65-60 in the final game of the second day of Classic in the Country V at Hiland High on Sunday...
Day 2 CITC capsules Regina disposes of another No. 1 [01/21/2008]
From Staff Reports
BERLIN -- Well, so much for the top two divisions in Ohio. Div. III South Euclid Regina owns them. The Royals followed up a Saturday win over the No. 1 Div. I team with a 59-57 victory over Sandusky Perkins (No. 3, Div. II) at the Classic in the Country V Sunday.
Duke-bound Shay Selby finished with 31 points and eight assists, while Florida State-bound 6-foot-5 Cierra Bravard tallied 24 points and nine boards...
Three local teams on final day of CITC schedule [01/21/2008]
By ELLIOTT SCHREINER
Daily Record Sports Writer
BERLIN -- The following is a capsule look at the Day 3 matchups at the Classic in the Country V...
Weekend reminds of Civil Rights movements [01/21/2008]
By ZACH BOLINGER
Daily Record Sports Writer
BERLIN -- The Classic in the Country, a three-day basketball bonanza in Berlin, promotes itself as a place "Where Champions Compete and Hospitality is King."
It delivers a more profound message, though...
Dream weekend for poll voters [01/21/2008]
By ELLIOTT SCHREINER
Daily Record Sports Writer
BERLIN -- As I sat down to write in my votes for this week's Associated Press poll Sunday, I felt a renewed confidence in my job.
Quite a lot of that had to do with seeing 13 games so far this weekend with about half of the best teams Ohio has to offer at the Classic in the Country V...
Day 2 CITC matchups [01/20/2008]
By ELLIOTT SCHREINER
BERLIN -- Here's a capsule look at Day Two at the Classic in the Country V...
Unranked? That has been pretty much unimportant [01/20/2008]
By TIM ROGERS
Plain Dealer Reporter
Berlin, Ohio- It didn't take long for the fifth edition of the Classic in the Country to establish itself as a girls high school basketball event where respect has to be earned.
Rankings? These kids don't care about no stinking rankings...
CITC Day 3 capsules Bravard plays 'big' for Perkins [01/20/2008]
By ELLIOTT SCHREINER
Daily Record Sports Writer
BERLIN -- Sandusky Perkins post Cierra Bravard once again proved to be larger than life at the Classic in the Country V, finishing with 24 points and 10 rebounds for the Pirates, ranked No. 3 in Div. II. Her efforts helped her team to a 50-46 win over Shaker Heights.
Day 1 CITC capsules Regina knocks off top D-I team [01/20/2008]
From Staff Reports
BERLIN -- South Euclid Regina showed a loss two weeks ago to Lutheran East was a bit fluky.
The Royals, ranked No. 3 in Div. III, put together the best performance of Saturday's games, knocking off previously undefeated and No. 1 in Div. I West Chester Lakota West 64-58...
Hiland girls claim win over Division I squad at Classic [01/20/2008]
T-R Staff Report
BERLIN -- Hiland's girls, one of the top teams in the state in Division IV, beat one of the standout teams in Division I, Columbus Brookhaven, 51-43 Saturday in the final game of the night at Classic in the Country V at the Perry Reese Jr. Community Center.
The Hawks improve to 14-1 on the year...
Some classic matchups on opening day [01/19/2008]
By ELLIOTT SCHREINER
Daily Record Sports Writer
The following is a look at the opening day of Classic in the Country V...
Strong girls' field set for Classic in the Country [01/17/2008]
By JEFFERY WILLIAMS
T-R Sports Writer
It's now five years and going strong as the Classic in the Country V takes over the Perry Reese Jr. Community Center and the Berlin community this weekend.
Many of the top girls' basketball teams in the state and a few nationally ranked teams will attend the 3-day event, celebrating the life of Martin Luther King Jr. and one of Hiland's own, the late Perry Reese Jr.
Getting an invite to CitC Challenge about as tough as getting Super Bowl tickets [01/17/2008]
By ELLIOTT SCHREINER
Daily Record Sports Writer
BERLIN -- One of the toughest tickets in town to get Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend is at the Classic of the Country. And it's not a problem at the ticket gate, like usual.
Teams around the state of Ohio hope and dream, much like the fans, they can be part of the event when it rolls around each January. But usually only 30 get invited...
Powerhouse programs, national stars, Classic V to be a ... classic! [01/16/2008]
By JON SCHOLLES
The Budget Sports Editor
The Classic in the Country (CitC) Challenge has gone from "one of the best" to "the best girls" basketball event in America in what seems like the blink of an eye.
Classic in the Country V as good as ever [01/15/2008]
By ELLIOTT SCHREINER
Daily Record Sports Writer
Beat the Weatherman [01/02/2008]
By JOHN HOWLEY
OGBR Staff Writer
How many times have you been looking through the media guide during Classic in the Country Challenge and come across the Weatherman's predictions and thought to yourself, "What was this guy thinking?"
"I know I think that sometimes after the games are over," the Weatherman said.
Well, if you think you can pick the winner's of this year's CitC games better than the Weatherman, here's your chance. And we'll even make it worth your while...
Adopted daughters of Berlin [01/01/2008]
By JOHN HOWLEY
OGBR Staff Writer
For the past four years in January, the tiny town of Berlin has welcomed in some of the most talented basketball players the state of Ohio has to offer.
This year will be no different...
Classic in the Country economic windfall for Amish Country [12/31/2007]
By DAVE MAST
When Hiland coach Dave Schlabach and Ohio Girls Basketball Report author Tom Jenkins gathered in the basement of North Canton Hoover head coach Paul Wackerly's house five years ago, little did they understand the significance of what they were about to do.
The trio were brainstorming about how they could create a girls basketball showcase, while injecting some life in Holmes County -- an Amish community which thrives on tourism, but is nearly dormant during the winter months.
Enter Classic in the Country Challenge...
You can't top the Classics [12/31/2007]
By DAVE MAST
Five years ago, Hiland girls' basketball coach Dave Schlabach and Ohio Girls Basketball Report author Tom Jenkins created Classic in the Country Challenge to generate some interest in traveling to Holmes County during the off-season.
By bringing in more than two dozen of the very best girls basketball team in the state of Ohio to square off during one exciting weekend, they thought they could inject some excitement into the county...
Talent, tradition hit the floor for Country Classic [12/27/2007]
In a month, some of the best teams and players in Ohio high school girls basketball will descend on Berlin for the fifth annual Classic in the Country Challenge from January 19-21.
This season, the event will welcome the reigning state champions in Division I (Cincinnati Mount Notre Dame) and Division IV (Columbus Africentric), along with Div. II finalist Shaker Heights Hathaway Brown. In addition, out of state powers Lexington Catholic (KY) and Bishop McGuinness (NC) will be in town...
2007 News
One team's trip through a Classic weekend [01/22/2007]
By DAVE MAST
Classic tourney lives up to name [01/18/2007]
By TIM ROGERS
Plain Dealer Sports Writer
It might be a high school event, but it is run with a professional attitude. The fourth edition of the 33-team event honoring the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King and benefiting the Perry Reese Memorial Scholarship Fund was a rousing slam dunk.
Weekend event has been site 'Where Champions Compete' [01/16/2007]
By ZACH BOLINGER
Daily Record Sports Writer
The Classic in the Country promotes itself as a place "Where Champions Compete."
The proof is in the pudding ... or rather, the production.
CitC is venue for players to raise their stock [01/16/2007]
By ZACH BOLINGER
Daily Record Sports Writer
Cierra Bravard was taller than her kindergarten teacher.
These days, the 6-foot-5 Sandusky Perkins junior continues to shoot up the charts.
Despite her state-ranked team losing to both Cincinnati Princeton and Cincinnati Oak Hills this weekend, Bravard did what many players at the Classic in the Country IV had hoped to do. From a prospect standpoint, the value of her stock raised with strong play.
An unforgettable day [01/15/2007]
By CRAIG GIFFORD
Daily Record Staff Writer
The Sandusky Perkins girls basketball team traveled to Berlin this weekend for a pair of basketball games as part of the Classic in the Country.
However, Saturday's loss to Cincinnati Princeton and this afternoon's match-up with Cincinnati Oak Hills was the farthest thing from the players' minds on Sunday morning.
On their day away from the basketball court, the Pirates' players and coaches spent several hours with residents of Sunset View Nursing Home, in Millersburg. It was a day they won't soon forget.
He's thankful for all he has [01/15/2007]
By CRAIG GIFFORD
Daily Record Staff Writer
Ben Mast has had to work very hard to accomplish all that he has.
The owner of the Holmes County Amish Flea Market in Walnut Creek, Mast lost his right arm to a farming accident in 1967. From then on, Mast has had to work a little harder, but can be proud of what he's done.
"That changed the ways of my thinking," he said of the accident. "Everything I do, I have to work a little harder. I'm always a very positive person. If any of my employees comes in with a negative attitude, I try to encourage them to be positive. Life could be a lot tougher."
It's that attitude that has driven Mast to be the main sponsor of the annual Classic in the Country, the girls basketball showcase in Berlin.
CitC a blueprint for OHSAA? [01/15/2007]
By ZACH BOLINGER
Daily Record Sports Writer
Let's hope Dr. Dan Ross was taking notes.
If he wasn't, somebody please send this clipping to the Ohio High School Athletic Association.
The OHSAA commissioner and his staff should follow the blueprint taken by the founding fathers of the Classic in the Country. Why couldn't the high school state championships -- boys and girls, you name the sport -- be as inviting and carte blanche?
Girls event best in entire state [01/15/2007]
By JOE SCALZO
The Vindicator Sports Writer
If you wind down Ohio route 62 just out of Navarre, past the cow crossing, the three or four horse-and-buggies and the sign that says, "Visit McDonald's! Sugarcreek's newest restaurant," you'll come to the little town of Berlin, in Holmes County, deep in the heart of the world's largest Amish community.
Players get the royal treatment [01/14/2007]
By ELLIOTT SCHREINER
Daily Record Sports Writer
BERLIN -- In keeping with the tradition of first-class treatment, the Classic in the Country pulls out all the stops in making players' experiences as memorable as possible.
Whether it's playing in front of a capacity crowd for the first time or getting some free grub it's all there for some of Ohio's finest girls basketball players.
It has been no different for the fourth edition of the Classic in the Country.
Hiland's 'Spin Doctor' makes new name during recovery [01/14/2007]
By ZACH BOLINGER
Daily Record Sports Writer
WALNUT CREEK -- Colten Hostetler turned 16 in June.
Driver's education, state test, license photo, keys in hand -- the Hiland High School sophomore went about it like any other Ohio kid. Except that Hostetler long ago received his education regarding dangers of the road.
Best of Ohio girls' teams to be in Classic [01/12/2007]
T-R Staff Report
Fourteen teams ranked in their respective top tens in the first Associated Press girls' basketball poll will be on display as the Classic in the Country IV descends upon Hiland's Perry Reese Jr. Community Center this weekend for three days of girls' hoops heaven.
Basketball bonanza in Berlin [01/11/2007]
By ZACH BOLINGER
Daily Record Sports Writer
BERLIN -- For the fourth straight Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, the small town of Berlin is doing it up big.
Hiland High School, Ohio Girls Basketball Report founder/director Tom Jenkins and close to 250 volunteers are set to again put on Classic in the Country IV. The Jan 13-15 girls basketball showcase, which will feature 33 teams and 20 games, has again been named one of the top three high school events in America by USA Today.
Off Campus with ... Tom Jenkins | Classic in the Country director [01/11/2007]
By TIM ROGERS
Plain Dealer Sports Writer
Jenkins grew up in the small tobacco town of Cary, NC, and went on to become an all-state player in high school, a North Carolina State recruit, a high school basketball coach, a civil rights attorney, and director of this week's Classic in the Country Challenge in Berlin, one of the best girls basketball events in Ohio.
Ohio's juniors considered nation's best [01/10/2007]
By JOHN HOWLEY
Ohio Girls Basketball Report
Berlin, Ohio -- a nation turns it eyes to you.
Well, maybe not the whole nation, but a big part of the college basketball nation will be making the trek to Hiland High School later this week and many more will be watching what happens at the fourth edition of the Classic in the Country.
Classic in the Country Challenge profitable for county all year around [11/20/2006]
By DAVE MAST
As Classic in the Country rolls around for its fourth year, one doesn't have to look far to see what kind of an economic impact this girls basketball event has had on Holmes County and its surrounding areas.
2006 News
Hiland's Classic in the Country profitable for county all year around [11/20/2006]
By DAVE MAST
As Classic in the Country rolls around for its fourth year, one doesn't have to look far to see what kind of an economic impact this girls basketball event has had on Holmes County and its surrounding areas.
Lodging facilities, be it bed and breakfasts or inns, are full to capacity during the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday weekend.
Confessions on the concessions [01/19/2006]
By DAVE MAST
Staff Writer
One would think that running a concession stand for the Classic in the Country would be no different than any other Friday night Hawks' boys game at the Perry Reese Community Center.
But nothing could be further from the truth, as the concession stand committee and ther faithful group of volunteers make everything extra special, including a menu that some restaurants would love to have.
State's Best convene in Berlin [01/19/2006]
By LAUREL SCHEFFEL
T-G Sports Writer
Forget the state girls basketball tournament.
Ohio teams should just try to earn an invitation to the Classic in the Country Challenge at Berlin, Hiland.
Over the weekend, 30 of the best teams in the state participated in the three-day event that drew scouts from 125 colleges around the country, including every Big Ten, Big East and SEC school and locally, Ashland University.
The classic is in its third year, but has been named one of the best in the nation by USA Today. It was easy to see why. I attended the tournament Monday for the final day, and though I didn't really know what I was getting into, it was worth the $8 cost of admission.
A visionary event remembering visionary men [01/18/2006]
By JON SCHOLLES
The Budget
When Perry Reese Jr. - a catholic, African American - came in 1983 to Berlin, known for its large Amish/Mennonite population, to become an assistant coach under Charlie Huggins, he too "had a dream." Not to change the world or bridge racial gaps but to simply win basketball games.
At first, Reese was met with resistance but, like Dr. King, he persevered, collecting 49 wins and just four losses his first two seasons as head coach of the Hawks (1984-85, 1985-86). Over time, his intense and passionate on-court persona and his loving, giving and respectful off-court demeanor began to entrench itself in the community, uniting the locals while making him a beloved figure.
So it is very fitting that for the past three Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend's, Hiland High School has held it annual Classic in the Country Challenge, which USA Today coined as one of the three best high school event's in the nation. The three-day event was designed to showcase the top prep girls' talent from across the state, but also to perpetuate the memory of Dr. King and Reese.
Volunteers keep stomachs full with homemade food [01/17/2006]
By ZACH BOLINGER
Daily Record Sports Writer
BERLIN - Holmes County and handcrafted items go together.
It's no different with the Classic in the Country and its concessions.
Holly Troyer, Deb DeSeyn and Naomi Troyer led a food club of 90 volunteers that served just homemade food. The trio of Troyer's and DeSeyn organized a system that went through more than 240 pounds of chicken, sold more than 400 jumbo-sized chocolate cookies, 700 fry pies and countless roasters of chicken-noodle casserole.
At 2 PM Monday they also had made 250 pounds of popcorn and used close to 100 rings of Trail Bologna for sandwiches. Across the board, they had sold double the amount from Classic in the Country II last season.
Big winner economically
Classic weekend fills restaurants, hotels, shops [01/17/2006]
By MATT TULLIS
Staff Writer
By the time the last shot tickled the twine and the final buzzer buzzed at Classic in the Country, Holmes County's economy had the biggest win of all in the 20-game basketball weekend.
Event organizer and Hiland girls basketball coach Dave Schlabach estimated the tournament, which brought in 30 teams from all over the state and West Virginia, would pump upward of $400,000 into county coffers through sales at hotels, restaurants and shops.
Reese: 'A true friend'
Family describes impact on community [01/16/2006]
By ZACH BOLINGER
Daily Record Sports Writer
BERLIN -- It may be a little over five years since the death of legendary Hiland boys basketball coach Perry Reese Jr., but Shelly and Allan Miller know Reese is living up to a promise he made.
In June 1990, Shelly and Allan were in the process of finalizing a unique adoption, a first for Holmes County. Jordan was the boy's name, and he was black -- just like coach Reese.
"All Perry said was that he would be there, and somehow, someway, I know he's watching over us now," Shelly said. "Perry insisted that if Jordan had any questions about his heritage or anything else, that Perry would answer them. He was a true friend who changed our entire community."
Dreaming big has paid off for CITC [01/15/2006]
By AARON DORKSEN
Daily reocrd Sports Editor
If you dream big, there's no telling what the result might be.
Just look at what the folks in Holmes County have done with the Classic in the Country Challenge.
Classic gears up for weekend [01/12/2006]
By DAVE MAST
Staff Writer
How much has the Classic grown in its three short years?
According to Jenkins, USA Today named it one of the three top high school events in America (in any sport); all three top national scouting services will be in attendance, including Kevin Powell of Roundball Journal, Mike White of All-Star Girls' Report and Chris Mennig of Blue Star Index; Mary Thompson, head of women's basketball marketing for NIKE will also be on hand.
"That's a pretty impressive list," said Jenkins. "Those guys won't just show up for no reason."
Classic in the Country honors two who made a difference [01/12/2006]
By DAVE MAST
Staff Writer
The incredibly short time span in which Classic in the Country has developed into what USA Today deemed "one of the best three high school athletic events in any sport in America" is amazing.
Classic in the Country a 'can't miss event' [01/10/2006]
By ZACH BOLINGER
Daily Record Sports Writer
The Classic in the Country is set for its third go-round, and the girls basketball showcase to be held Saturday through Monday continues to draw rave reviews.
2005 News
Classic response from volunteers
Community throws itself into creating the ideal event [01/24/2005]
By DAVE MAST
"This whole thing began as a Hiland girls basketball event. Now the community has taken hold and made it their own, and they have taken it very seriously. It's already at the point where we just steer it. The volunteers and community are the ones who make it work.
Chamber, Classic team up to help bring hoops visitors back [01/24/2005]
By DAVE MAST
The Holmes County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism rolled out the red carpet to patrons visiting the second annual Classic in the Country Challenge over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend.
Sunset View residents thrilled by hoops visitors [01/24/2005]
By DAVE MAST
The residents of Sunset View Nursing Home and Scenic View Retirement Center were blessed with a visitation of a very talented and giving group of high school girls during the Classic in the Country last week.
Event, in memory of Perry Reese Jr., provides experience, opportunity for players [01/22/2005]
With all the excitement, both on the court and off, that surrounds the Classic in the Country, event organizer and Ohio Girls Basketball Report director Tom Jenkins said the most important thing is not to forget the meaning of the event and exactly why it is held over Martin Luther King Jr. weekend.
Girls basketball sequel even better; event showcases 31 talented teams [01/22/2005]
By CRAIG GIFFORD
Staff Writer
Last year's inaugural Classic in the Country, the 31-team, 20-game girls basketball showcase held at Hiland's Perry Reese Jr. Center in Berlin, was considered to be one of the top three girls basketball events in the nation.
It would seem difficult to surpass such a high billing, but this year's Classic held last weekend over the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, did just that.
20-game showcase over three days [01/20/2005]
By KEVIN LYNCH
Sports Editor
In the opening game of Classic in the Country II, Mount de Chantal of Wheeling, West Virginia built an early lead and held on to defeat defending Division II state champion West Branch 33-28, Saturday at the Perry Reese Jr. Community Center.
Gabrielle Marginean and Ivana Catic paced the Lions with nine points apiece. West Branch got eight points apiece from Tori Arndt and Stacey Braden.
In the second game, Lakota West freshman sensation Amber Gray lived up to the billing, pumping in 19 points to help the Firebirds run past Wooster 57-38.
Hiland honors coach with hawk [01/20/2005]
By BOB FORTUNA
Plain Dealer Reporter
Berlin, Ohio -- To say late Hiland High School boys basketball coach Perry Reese Jr. was bigger than life in the tiny, Amish-dominated town of Berlin is an understatement.
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.
A truly Classic event [01/19/2005]
By JON SCHOLLES
Staff Writer
It didn't take long for me to realize, when I stepped into the Reese Center on Saturday, January 15, that I wasn't there for just a girls' basketball event.
There was a special feeling lingering in the air.
And it wasn't the fact that the top girls' basketball squads in the state congregated for a weekend-long demonstration of their talent.
It was a celebration. Not for basketball. But for two men, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Perry Reese Jr.
More than 100 college recruiters scout talent at 'Classic' [01/18/2005]
By ZACH BOLINGER
Sports Writer
"Ohio is a gold mine for (girls basketball) talent. There are at least five to 10 'big time' players every year, and quality players for every level," said Eastern Michigan recruiting coordinator Lisa Rathbun. "Being a mid-major, I'm in my car non-stop -- we recruit in Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and ... Of all the states I mentioned, I truly believe Ohio is the most loaded with talent year in and year out."
Finally, I have some memories of Reese [01/18/2005]
By ZACH BOLINGER
Sports Writer
BERLIN -- I've seen Ohio State win a national championship, and I get paid to play golf seven times a year.
There are still a lot of things I would like to do just once, though.
How about surfing in the crystal clear waters off Hawaii? Or how about actually keeping a New Year's resolution for once? Dunking a basketball would be fun.
All three of those might actually happen someday -- don't forget about adjustable, seven-foot high hoops -- but there is one thing I wish I could do that I absolutely can not. That would be meeting the man who was Perry Reese Jr.
Weekend of magic
Eastern Holmes digs deep to sponsor basketball event [01/17/2005]
By ZACH BOLINGER
Sports Writer
Intentionally scheduled over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, the Classic in the Country is intended to celebrate the legacy of Dr. King and the memory of former Hiland boys basketball coach Perry Reese Jr. -- the first black man in Eastern Holmes County, a man who died of a brain tumor in November 2000 but changed a community's views on race before he died.
Top girls' squads will be in action at 'Classic' [01/14/2005]
T-R Staff Report
Last year was a banner inaugural season for the Classic in the Country. More than 10,000 fans filled the Perry Reese Jr. Community Center with average attendance exceeding 1,200 per game.
Eighty-three college coaches attended last year’s event with Illinois women’s coach Theresa Grentz even stating, “The Big Ten should send their tournament committee to Berlin, Ohio, to see how to put on an event.”
Great THEATER
Girls basketball teams from around the state gather at Perry Reese Jr. Center in Berlin this weekend for the Classic in the Country [01/13/2005]
By TIM ROGERS
Plain Dealer Reporter
BERLIN, OHIO -- Hollywood is calling.
Oh yeah, Hollywood is calling. And they want to tell the Perry Reese Jr. Story. Have your people call his people and we will all do lunch in Bel Air to talk about the story most people in these parts already know.
The real-life story will be made for the silver screen ...
Second-year and first-time teams bring excitement
Coaches share views on classic called one of nation's top girls basketball events [01/13/2005]
By CRAIG GIFFORD
Staff Writer
Coaches who are bringing their teams back for a second go-round as well as coaches whose teams will be there for the first time are all excited about this weekend's second-annual Classic in the Country at Hiland's Perry Reese, Jr. Center.
Classic in the Country II set to return to Hiland [01/12/2005]
By JON SCHOLLES
Staff Writer
Lady Hawks Coach Dave Schlabach believes that the event offers many positive benefits for the players involved and for the community.
"I think this provides a State tournament-type atmosphere, a chance for teams around the state to come in and get a quality game against somebody they normally wouldn't play," said Schlabach. "Finally, the exposure to the colleges; 85 colleges aren't going to come watch Berlin Hiland play on a Thursday night somewhere, but they are going to be there this weekend. It's a good opporutnity for kids to get seen."
Berlin soon to be hopping with hoops
Second annual Classic in the Country set to tip off Saturday at Perry Reese Jr. Community Center [01/11/2005]
By ZACH BOLINGER
Daily Record Sports Writer
Tucked away in the heart of Berlin's Amish country is an 1,800-seat gymnasium -- one of a kind as far as high school facilities are concerned.
A vast majority of the time, a quiet breeze and peaceful pace surround this Perry Reese Jr. Community Center located behind Hiland High School.
That will all change Jan. 15-17, as after a more-than-successful inaugural Classic in the Country, "Ohio Girls Basketball Report" and Hiland High have joined together for the Classic in the Country II.
Classic II will be even better
Girls basketball showcase will feature nationally ranked teams, state champions [01/10/2005]
By CRAIG GIFFORD
Staff Writer
"As great as it was last year, this year's field is even better," Jenkins said. "It's extremely hard to single out one game that will be the highlight this weekend because every game serves a purpose for the teams competing in it."
Classic in the Country II: Premier girls basketball showcase [09/10/2004]
By Holmes County Chamber of Commerce
Berlin Hiland High School located in Berlin, Ohio will be hosting the second annual "Classic in the Country Challenge". The event will be held over Martin Luther King Day weekend taking place January 15, 16, 17, 2005.
The #1 single-state scouting service in the country, Ohio Girls Basketball Report, has put together 20 marquee games featuring over 60 Division I college prospects.
2004 News
Classic teams take time out [01/26/2004]
By DAVE MAST
The residents at Scenic View Nursing Home and Sunset View Nursing Home received a much-welcomed visit from a pair of unexpected sources over the Classic in the Country weekend.
'Electric atmosphere' [01/26/2004]
By DAVE MAST
For 14 months, Hiland coach Dave Schlabach, Ohio Girls Basketball Magazine owner Tom Jenkins, AD Colin Mishler and a host of volunteers toiled, slaved over, rehashed, tweaked and fretted over every last detail concerning the inaugural Classic in the Country
A weekend of winners [01/24/2004]
By CRAIG GIFFORD
BERLIN -- Martin Luther King Jr. weekend was a winning situation for just about anyone who traveled to Berlin and, more specifically, Hiland High school for the inaugural Classic in the Country.
A true Classic [01/22/2004]
By KEVIN LYNCH
The Classic in the Country, a 33-school, 20-game girls basketball feast, featured three defending state champions, a host of the current top teams in the state, as well as a couple of nationally ranked teams along with some of the brightest individual stars Ohio girls basketball has to offer.
Classy tourney -- classic hoops [01/22/2004]
By KEVIN LYNCH
"This was the most first-class run operation I've ever been a part of," said Copley head coach Steve Coon. "Berlin did a great job in every aspect of it. They did a great job of communicating with us; they had a host to meet us at the door; they had great competition -- we got exactly what we wanted out of this weekend.
Civil rights a big part of Hiland's tourney message [01/20/2004]
By DAVID HARPSTER
"I grew up in a small community in North Carolina and have always believed that athletics bridged the racial gap," Jenkins said. "Our coach always told us that the definition of team is individuals with different personalities from different backgrounds working together to achieve a common goal. To me that's what Dr. King taught us: We have to work together to make this world a better place."
'Family affair in a lot of ways' [01/20/2004]
By DAVID HARPSTER
BERLIN -- When the village decides to throw a party, almost everyone has a hand in the festivities.
That was the case this weekend when Hiland High School played host to the inaugural Classic in the Country Challenge. The guests of honor were 33 girls basketball teams from around the state, fans, college coaches and anyone else who wanted to get a glimpse of some quality basketball while also enjoying some Holmes County hospitality.
CitC features the best in girls basketball [01/17/2004]
By CRAIG GIFFORD
Thirty-three of Ohio's top girls teams will compete in 20 games in the first-ever Classic in the Country to be held at Hiland's Perry Reese Jr. Community Center...
CitC hopes to make Berlin the hot spot for girls basketball [01/16/2004]
By DAVID HARPSTER
With more than a year worth of planning behind it, it's safe to say that most of the I's have been dotted and T's crossed in anticipation for this weekend's Classic in the Country girls basketball showcase at Hiland's Perry Reese Jr. Community Center.
Nearly 150 volunteers have been lined up and given their assignments. The 72-page media guides have been printed. The caterers have been contacted and the Amish-style meals are bound to satisfy plenty of appetites.
It's Classic Time [01/15/2004]
By JEFFERY WILLIAMS
Several area teams will be participating in high-profile basketball events this weekend as the Classic in the Country for girls takes place at Hiland, while the Dover and Hiland boys' teams travel to North Canton for the Maytag Hoover Classic.
Teams look forward to Classic [12/13/2003]
By CRAIG GIFFORD
"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.
A real hoops 'Classic' in the making [12/11/2003]
By JEFFERY WILLIAMS
"Any opportunity that we can have to keep his story alive and to promote something that he thought was very important, which was the scholarship fund, we're going to do," Schlabach said. "He was a gentleman who changed our area forever. What he did didn't have to do with wins and losses. He showed how one person could change an area and a community if you do the right things."
All systems go for Classic in the Country [12/11/2003]
By DAVID HARPSTER
"It's a heckuva an honor (to be invited)," Gallagher said. "It's like a who's who of girls basketball down there. It's a great chance to showcase your kids and play against somebody different
OGBM Event Director for 2004 CitC Challenge [09/16/2003]
By OGBM Staff
Voted the #1 single-state scouting service in America, OGBM conducts four in-season exposure events and six out-of-season events per year.
Berlin Hiland to host premier basketball event in Ohio [04/29/2003]
By Holmes County Chamber of Commerce
Berlin Hiland High School located in Berlin, Ohio will be hosting the first annual " Classic in the Country". The event will be held on Martin Luther King Day weekend taking place January 17, 18 and 19, 2004.
Classic in the Country Challenge. All rights reserved.