Potters, Beavers ready for Holiday Classic

EAST LIVERPOOL - The holiday season just wouldn't seem complete without some Potter basketball.

East Liverpool will once again host the annual Potter Holiday Classic Monday and Tuesday as area teams look to end 2009 on a high note.

"I like it," East Liverpool coach Matt Cashdollar said. "Playing through the holiday season is good. I've been places where you have a couple of weeks off. This keeps you playing and allows kids from college or out of town a chance to see the Potters. Hopefully, we'll put on a good show for everybody."

This edition of the two-day tournament will include East Liverpool, Beaver Local, South Side and Youngstown Ursuline.

The Rams replace Linsly from last year's participants.

"It's nice to have a local flavor," Cashdollar said. "Having them come in increases the attendance."

Last season, the Irish stole the show by defeating Linsly and then East Liverpool in the finals.

On the first night of games, South Side and Ursuline will square off at 6 p.m., followed by East Liverpool against Beaver Local.

On Tuesday, the two losing teams will play at 6 p.m., followed by the championship game.

All eyes will be on the opening matchup which pits the two cross-town rivals.

"It's a really big rivalry," Beaver Local coach Jake Walgate said. "With the closeness of the schools, the kids are friends. On the court, though, it's all business."

For Walgate, an East Liverpool graduate, stepping back into Potter Fieldhouse is always a memorable experience.

"It's always good to be able to go back as a former Potter," he said. "It's a great venue. The people are in for Christmas and they get to check out the rivalry."

While both teams are struggling in the early going of the season, the Holiday Classic could be a turning point.

"The tournament was really good for us last year," Cashdollar said. "I hope it will be even better this time around. It can be a springboard for us. I'm looking forward to it. It can get the season moving in the right direction."

Cashdollar isn't underestimating the Beavers, despite their struggles in recent seasons.

"They've definitely improved," he said. "I was impressed when I saw them. They've got some veterans back and they're gaining confidence and getting better."

Walgate also believes his team has taken great strides.

"We got that first win," he said. "We're playing well and gaining confidence. We've just got to put 32 minutes together, and we can compete with anyone."

Regardless of who wins the tournament, both coaches agree that participating should be a positive for their teams.

"Getting to play is always good," Walgate said. "Being out of school, the kids kind of get out of their routine, but when you're playing East Liverpool, that always gets you ready."

Cashdollar concurred.

"That fact that's it's Beaver Local always adds excitement for the kids," he said. "It gives you the incentive to be ready. And if you win that first game, then you want to win your own tournament."