A bevy of high school basketball is on tap at Marietta College this weekend when the Ohio River Classic returns following a one-year hiatus.
Fenton Court is the site for 11 games over a two-day period beginning Friday.
For the first time since the event began in 2008, a conflict in dates prevented Francis Tullius and his tournament committee from conducting the basketball showcase last year.
"We try to get a mixture of local teams who fans want to see and bring in some teams from out of the area they don't get a chance to watch," Tullius said.
In the past, the entire schedule consisted of seven games. This year, the event has maxed out at 11 games - three on Friday beginning at 6 p.m. followed by eight on Saturday, with the first tip-off set for 9 a.m.
Boys basketball will rule Friday's action with Alexander vs. Huntington St. Joseph (6 p.m.); St. Clairsville vs. Columbus-based Upper Arlington (7:45 p.m.); and Belpre vs. River Valley from Bidwell, Ohio (9:15 p.m.)
Fact Box
Ohio River Classic
Friday Dec. 28: Doors open at 5:30 p.m.
6 p.m.: Alexander Spartans vs Huntington St. Joe Irish
7:45 p.m.: St. Clairsville Red Devils vs Upper Arlington Golden Bears
9:15 p.m.: Belpre Golden Eagles vs River Valley Raiders
Saturday Dec. 29: Doors open at 8:30 a.m.
9 a.m. Alexander Lady Spartans vs Williamstown Lady Yellow Jackets
10:45 a.m.: Fort Frye Lady Cadets vs Reedsville Eastern Lady Eagles
12:30 p.m.: Warren Lady Warriors vs Parkersburg South Lady Patriots
2:15 p.m.: Eastern Eagles vs Martin Luther King Jr. Crusaders
4 p.m.: Warren Warriors vs Upper Arlington Golden Bears
5:45 p.m.: Harrison Central vs Federal Hocking Lancers
7:30 p.m.: Parkersburg South Patriots vs Fort Frye Cadets
9:15 p/m/: River Pilots vs Athens Bulldogs
Three girls games kick off the action on Saturday with Alexander vs. Williamstown (9 a.m.); Fort Frye vs. Eastern (10:45 a.m.) and Warren vs. Parkersburg South (12:30 p.m.)
Rounding out the final day are Eastern vs. Cleveland-based Martin Luther King Jr. (2:15 p.m); Warren vs. Upper Arlington (4 p.m.); Harrison Central from Cadiz, Ohio vs. Federal Hocking (5:45 p.m.); Parkersburg South vs. Fort Frye (7:30 p.m.); and River vs. Athens (9:15 p.m.).
Pre-sale tickets can be purchased at participating schools. Tickets at the door for Friday are $5 for adults and $3 for students. Tickets at the door for Saturday are $7 for adults and $5 for students.
"We didn't think this event would become this big," Tullius said. "Marietta College has been more than helpful."
