Local girls’ teams get their Shootout
By the Mon Valley Independent
On the heels of the success of the first annual MVI Shootout Classic that kicked off basketball season last fall, the Mon Valley Independent is proud to announce that a MVI Girls Shootout Classic is coming the Mon Valley.
Much like the boys’ showcase, the girls’ event will feature local teams battling for bragging rights over a span of two days.
The first annual girls event will be held Jan. 13 and 14 (Martin Luther King Jr. weekend) with California Area High School serving as the host.
Trojans head coach Melanie Greco, along with California administration, Belle Vernon Area coach Kaitlyn Slagus and MVI sports editor Jeremy Sellew are spearheading the event.
“We’re very excited to be able to put this event together and hold it here at California,” Greco said. “Ten years ago, we started the girls’ summer league, which was modeled after the boys league. We saw a lot of success with that and I really think the quality of play around the area has been better. I believe this tournament, sponsored by the MVI and other primary sponsors will be as successful as the boys tournament.”
Games will tip off beginning at 2 p.m. Friday with four games. On Saturday, two additional regional teams will join the mix to make a five-game slate.
“When we first discussed the idea, I was in for it right away,” Sellew said. “I think the level of play around the area has gone up because of the MVI Summer Basketball League and the league in Cal, so I think it’s going to be fun to give the girls an arena to play against other local teams.”
Another plus of the tournament will be teams having the chance to get a junior-varsity game. JV games will be held Saturday just over the hill at California Middle School.
“I think Saturday will be a great opportunity for the programs attending to get some young players experience,” Greco said. “Especially for us smaller schools, it’s difficult during the season to get JV games because not all the programs can field a team.”
Local teams participating from the MVI’s coverage area include California, Belle Vernon, Charleroi, Elizabeth Forward, Monessen, Serra Catholic and South Allegheny.
Brownsville will have games both days with Thomas Jefferson and South Park joining Saturday.
“We had some teams that were looking for a game and we’re happy to accommodate them,” Sellew said. “We’re excited to have South Park coming Saturday with former EF boys coach Matt Loftis now coaching them. Thomas Jefferson has a new coach as well.”
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