WELLSTON -- A big name joins a big event.

The National Hoops Classic will be held Friday and Saturday at Wellston High School and joining this year's field will be Oak Hill Academy.

John Carpenter, who has been one of the tournament directors the past eight years, said the addition of perennial powerhouse Oak Hill Academy will make for a marquee event.

"It's a pretty big deal. I'm looking forward to it. It just gets bigger and better every year," Carpenter said.

Oak Hill is averaging 104 points a game and features Ohio State signee Isaac Harris. Oak Hill, whose coach Steve Smith has a 501-32 career record, will play a game on Friday and Saturday.

For the third straight year, the Chesapeake Panthers are scheduled to play in the classic. The Panthers face Marion Pleasant at 3:30 p.m. Saturday.

Last year, a heavy snow prevented the Panthers from making a trip to Columbus.

Marion Pleasant won the Division V state football championship last Saturday.

Portsmouth will play at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday against Reedsville Eastern, a Division IV state qualifier two years ago.

Carpenter, who owns the world's largest personal sports memorabilia collection, will be signing autographs of his Ripley's Believe It or Not cartoon signifying his collection accomplishment.

Fans may buy tickets at Chesapeake High School at $9 in advance. Tickets at the gate are $10. Each ticket is good for one day only.

Friday's schedule

4 p.m. -- Wellston girls vs. Oak Hill Academy

5:45 p.m. -- John Glenn vs. Laurinburg (N. C.) Institute

7:30 -- Wellston vs. Jackson

9:15 -- Oak Hill Academy vs. Lima Senior

Saturday's schedule

9:30 a.m. -- Wellington vs. Vinton County

11:30 -- Logan vs. Alexander

1:30 -- Portsmouth vs. Reedsville Eastern

3:30 -- Chesapeake vs. Marion Pleasant

5:30 -- Willard vs. Laurinburg Institute

7:30 -- Abundant Life Christian (N. C.) vs. Sugarcreek Gateway

9:30 -- Wellston vs. Oak Hill Academy