Annual Coaches Vs. Cancer Showcase Set for Jan. 19
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire County High School Girls' Basketball Coaches, in partnership with the Berkshire County Athletic Directors Association and American Cancer Society, will present the annual Coaches Versus Cancer Showcase on Saturday, Jan. 19.
Each of Berkshire County's girls' high school basketball teams will be participating in the event scheduled at Taconic High School.
In addition to local student-athletes showcasing their skills on the court, the participating players, coaches, referees and schools have worked diligently to raise awareness and funds for the cause. All proceeds from the sixth annual showcase will benefit the American Cancer Society and Jimmy V Foundation for Cancer Research.
Beginning at 10:30 a.m., this all-day event will feature six varsity games pitting local rivals against each other. In an effort to schedule extremely competitive games between comparable teams, the match-ups for the Coaches Versus Cancer Showcase will be announced on Jan. 17 based on current league standings and team records. It is anticipated that the results of the Coaches Versus Cancer Showcase games will have significant implications associated with postseason eligibility for Berkshire County teams — truly making the event unique.
The event schedule is as follows:
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10:30 a.m.: Mount Everett vs. McCann
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Noon: Mount Greylock vs. St. Joe's
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2 p.m.: Taconic vs. Monument Mountain
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4 p.m.: Drury vs. Wahconah
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6:15 p.m.: Hoosac Valley vs. Lenox
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8 p.m.: Pittsfield vs. Lee
In addition to the Coaches Versus Cancer Showcase, the weekend will also be highlighted by the Inaugural Berkshire County High School Girls' Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Weekend.
Eighteen individuals — including 15 players, two coaches and one contributor — lead the diverse group of inductees that will be honored over the weekend.
The Hall of Fame festivities will feature an inaugural induction banquet on Friday, Jan. 18 at the ITAM Lodge. Open to the public, banquet tickets are $15 per person and include a buffet-style Italian meal and programming related to local girls basketball and the Hall of Fame inductees. Anticipated attendees include representatives of the past, present and future of local girls basketball. Advanced tickets to the Friday night induction banquet are available by calling 413-499-4656. The inductees will then be honored again briefly the following day at the Coaches Versus Cancer Showcase, where the Hall of Fame banner will be unveiled.
Each participating high school team has taken part in a variety of fundraising initiatives in their respective communities in anticipation of the events. In addition to funds generated through ticket sales and team fundraisers, the Berkshire County Board of Basketball Officials is also donating all of their time and referee fees to the cause. It is estimated that the weekend events will raise over $10,000 for cancer research.
A variety of activities are planned on and off the court throughout the day — including raffle prizes, music and more. A "Wall of Hope" will also be built throughout the day, allowing all spectators the opportunity to sign a card in memory or in honor of the fight against cancer.
For additional information, or to make a donation in advance, contact Drury High School coach John Franzoni at 413-652-1381 or Pittsfield Public Schools Athletic Director Jim Abel at 413-499-9522.
