Shootout Classic schedule set
By JEREMY SELLEW
jsellew@yourmvi.com
As the COVID-19 pandemic has squashed any hopes of high school sports being played this spring, it’s never too early to start looking ahead to high school sports for next season.
Specifically, we’re looking ahead to the beginning of next basketball season and announcing the schedule for the Mon Valley Independent Shootout Classic showcase.
The event was formed as a rebirth of two classic tournaments, the Mon Valley Shootout and the Daily News Classic. The event will tip off the season for 10 local teams Dec. 11 and 12 at Ringgold High School.
“Releasing the pairing for the tournament brings with it an added level of excitement, not only because it hints at the return of sports but more so because it makes the return of the tournament official,” Ringgold athletic director Laura Grimm said. “I fondly remember playing in the Daily News Class as a high school freshman at Serra Catholic with all the great rivalry matchups we had there. Now, as the AD at Ringgold, it’s a privilege to see this tournament revived and be able to serve as the host site.”
Ringgold was chosen as the host site due to its central location and accessibility for all the schools involved.
While the event is a revival of the two tournaments, it will not feature bracket play. It will be played as a showcase featuring five games each day.
This year’s event features WPIAL Class 4A runnerup Belle Vernon Area, perennial power McKeesport, Class 3A semifinalist South Allegheny, Ringgold, Monessen, Charleroi, Serra Catholic, Clairton, Elizabeth Forward and Thomas Jefferson. All 10 teams were in the playoffs a year ago.
“We’re really excited to be able to have a field of talented local teams,” MVI owner Naz Victoria said. “There is a lot of talent here in the Mon Valley and we’re excited to be able to put on an event where all the talent can be on display close to home.”
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