By JIM WALKER

Tribune Sports Editor

 

The Classic is back and even better.

A total of 11 games — one more than in past years — and some of the top talent in four states as well as the District of Columbia will be showcased Thursday and Friday in the fourth annual Ironton Classic at the Sports Center.

Tickets for the event are just $8 a day in advance at Bob Linn Sporting Goods through Wednesday and $10 at the door.

The marquee game of the Classic is — as usual — the final game on Friday as defending Ohio Division III state champion Cincinnati Taft featuring Ohio State football commitment Adolphus Washington take on Huntington Prep at 9:30 p.m.

In the past, college coaches such as Bob Huggins and Rick Pitino have visited The Classic to scout the talent.

“Last year there were 11 division one athletes for either basketball, football or baseball who played in the Classic. And these are big-time programs,” said Ironton coach and Classic director Mark LaFon.

“When you think about it, you can see some great games and talent for $2 a game.

The Ironton Fighting Tigers will face two quality opponents. Ironton plays traditional Div. I Ohio power Columbus Brookhaven at 7:15 on Thursday and then goes against Brooke Point, Va., coached by former Ironton St. Joseph coach Joe Kania at 7:45 on Friday.

Brooke Point returns almost its entire team from last year that finished 20-6. The top players are Cee Carter, Mario Gills, Ryan Corp and Phillip Holmes.

Huntington Prep has four players who have already committed including Javontae Hawkins to South Florida, Elijah Macon to West Virginia, and both Negus Webster-Chan and Stefan Jankovic with Missouri.

Huntington also features Andrew Wiggins who has been dubbed “The LeBron James of Canada” referring to his native country.

The Classic Schedule

Thursday

St. Joseph vs Sciotoville East, 2:00

Africentric vs. Cabell Midland, 3:45

Huntington Prep vs Columbus Northland, 5:30

Ironton vs. Columbus Brookhaven, 7:15

Friendship Collegiate Academy (D.C) vs. Brooke Point, Va., 9:00

Friday

Ironton Lady Fighting Tigers vs. Lucasville Valley, 12:45

Brookhaven vs. Friendship Collegiate Academy, 2:30

Hannan, W.Va., vs. Raceland, Ky.

Akron Buchtel vs. Chillicothe, 6:00

Ironton vs. Brooke Point, 7:45

Cincinnati Taft vs. Huntington Prep, 9:30