Hope Classic high school basketball showcase - 21 News Now, More Local News for Youngstown, Ohio -

STRUTHERS, Ohio - Intense competition, sportsmanship, basketball's best and the spirit of giving will all come together at the Struther's Field House for the first ever Hope Classic high shool bsketball showcase.

The Hope Classic, sponsored by the Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, will take place on December 8th.

Both boys and girls scholastic teams from the region will compete in a one-day game with teams they would never ordinarily face. There will be a total of five games beginning at 2:00 p.m. with the final game beginning around 8:30 p.m. The admission fee gets you in to all the games.

Anthony Spano, Founder and Executive Director of The Hope Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, says all the money raised will go to help chronically and terminally ill children in the Mahoning Valley.

The Wal-Mart Foundation and Sam's Club donated a check for $750 dollars to the charitable event that has the support of Struther's Mayor Terry Stocker, State Senator Joe Schiavoni, and Mahoning County Commissioner Anthony Traficanti.

Struther's boy's basketball coach, Joe Savka, whose team has won the district championship for the last two years says it is a wonderful opportunity for the athletes, the community and the children who benefit.

John Grandy, the Struthers girl's basketball coach, says it's not just about the game, but giving back. "It's quite an honor to play in this game because it's more than a game and our girls will appreciate that, and I know Joe (Coach Savka) does with his program. In Struthers we always tell our kids to give to others. It's one of life's lessons to give to other people," Grandy said.

To find out more about what teams will take part in the event, log on to www.hopemv.org.