CitC's high-octane action to heat up again at Hiland
Classic in the Country XXII Jan. 18-20 is slated to once again bring plenty of fans, some great high school girls basketball action, fine food, and the promotion of unity and togetherness among all people to Hiland High School for what should be an entertaining weekend over Martin Luther King Day.
For the past two decades, some of Ohio’s finest female athletes have graced the floor at the Perry Reese Community Center at Hiland High School for the annual Classic in the Country Challenge.
The CitC, which will take place this year Jan. 18-20 at Hiland High School in the Reese Center, has pitted some of the greatest girls high school basketball teams against one another, and while it has seen teams from all around the country grace the hardwood in prior years, organizer Bryce McKey, who operates SheHoopsOhio, has turned his attention to bringing in Ohio’s best for this year’s slate of 23 games.
“We really tried to prioritize inviting some of the best talent and teams throughout Ohio to this year’s event,” McKey said. “Ohio is one of the nation’s top high school girls basketball states, and we have plenty of great athletes and teams to showcase, which is what we want to focus on this year.”
In doing so, McKey said he has brought in several first-time teams to the CitC, teams he knows were eager to have the opportunity to attend the atmosphere surrounding this showcase.
“We’ve had so many quality programs waiting for their turn to experience the atmosphere here because they’ve heard how special it is,” McKey said. “I’m excited to be able to provide that opportunity for them this year, and I think we’ve created a really exciting slate of 23 games that will thrill fans and give each team and its players the memories they hope to experience.”
Classic in the Country XXII marks the 22nd year of celebrating high school girls basketball and the memory and purpose of Martin Luther King Jr. and Perry Reese Jr., along with a community effort that is second to none as local businesses and volunteers roll out the red carpet for the visiting teams, coaches, officials and fans who come in by the thousands.
From inception the event was under the guidance of Tom Jenkins, former owner of Ohio Girls’ Basketball Report, who ran the event until his passing three years ago. Since then McKey, one of his proteges, has taken the reins and continued an event recognized nationally for its quality and hospitality.
“We’re very excited to bring another great showcase of high school girls basketball to Berlin again this year,” McKey said. “We stayed mainly in Ohio this year because of the great talent in teams and individuals, and we really worked hard to mix in a lot of local teams who should compete well.”
While hoops remain the focal point, what also drives the event and has kept people coming back year after year is the hospitality, with a committed crew of volunteers providing a memorable weekend for everyone, from visiting players and coaches to every single fan.
“The support we have received from the very beginning of this event has been incredible and has been a major part of why people continue to mark this weekend on their calendar every year,” McKey said. “Hospitality has been and always will be what continues to make this event even more special than just basketball. We want this to be an experience that everyone will remember.”
When Classic in the Country was first created more than two decades ago, it was done with the thought of promoting unity and breaking down racial barriers, something that was in the forefront of longtime promoter Tom Jenkins’ heart.
McKey said that focus remains, and he knows Jenkins, who passed away June 18, 2021, would be thrilled to know his vision of promoting the sameness in all people is still a massive part of the weekend festivities.
“Tom was such an iconic person, and he was so passionate about promoting unity among all people, and I know he would be happy to see it remains a big part of the weekend,” McKey said. “It’s important to me and to all of us to not only put together a great weekend of basketball, but to continue to celebrate our togetherness and unity, and we continue to have those conversations that we need to come together and celebrate the many things that connect us rather than divide us.”
The schedule this year is as scintillating as ever, with many of the competing teams likely to be at state come March, and McKey said people can expect some sensational play, especially from a core group of younger talent.
“The talent and excitement will be as great as ever,” McKey said. “We’re excited to present a showcase that continues the incredible tradition that has been a part of this showcase since its beginning.”
For a complete look at the updated schedule, visit www.classicinthecountry.org.
To purchase entry to all 23 games is $40, with single-day admission passes available for adults at $15 and $10 for students.
CitC sponsor WKLM 95.3 will livestream each game, with pay-per-view available by going to https://portal.stretchinternet.com/wklm. Audio-only broadcasts are no charge, and every game will be on WKLM FM 95.3.