Shootout tourney coming back to Valley

By JEREMY SELLEW
jsellew@yourmvi.com
In 2005, and again in 2006, two basketball traditions came to a halt when the final games were played in the annual Mon Valley Shootout and Daily News Classic basketball tournaments.
The Shootout ended in 2005 with Ringgold capping off its fourth straight title.
The Daily News Classic ended in 2006 with Thomas Jefferson, McKeesport, Serra Catholic and Duquesne participating.
Now, the tournaments have been rebranded and efforts are underway to combine the fields into the Mon Valley Independent Shootout. The showcase is scheduled to be played Dec. 11 and 12 at Ringgold High School.
The Shootout began in 1995 with Belle Vernon Area, Jeannette, Yough and Frazier participating. From 1997 to 2005, it was the same four teams: BVA, Monessen, Ringgold and Charleroi.
The Daily News Classic began play in 2002 as a boys and girls event. It was the brainchild of former McKeesport Daily News Sports Editor Norm Vargo, sportswriter Mark Kaboly and local businessman and current Allegheny councilman Bob Macey.
South Allegheny and West Mifflin also participated in the Classic.
“Being from the Mon Valley, I know one of the things that was always exciting was watching these teams play against one another,” MVI owner Naz Victoria said. “The rivalries were always intense and exciting.”
With the WPIAL realigning next season, some teams will no longer be section opponents and may not be scheduled to face neighborhood rivals.
While the showcase won’t be tournament-style, it will provide two games for teams against good, neighborhood competition.
“There’s likely to be some highly ranked and great teams among those in the Valley next season. I think many people would like to see them play each other,” Victoria added.
Plans are still being made for the event with one feature being a skills competition featuring players from participating teams in ball-handling and shooting competitions.
“I’m really excited for Ringgold to host the event,” Ringgold athletic director Laura Grimm said during a meeting Tuesday. Grimm played in the Daily News Classic as a member of Serra Catholic’s girls team.
“I remember playing in it and those were great games with great environments. I’m looking forward to it happening here.”
Also being planned is a dinner and reception the evening before the event featuring top players and coaches from each team.
“I think that’s a great way for the teams to come together. You have the players there, the media will be there. Overall, I think this is a great thing for our area and our local teams,” Victoria said.

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