Wheeling, WV — The 7th annual Cancer Research Classic produced yet another successful weekend of high-quality high school basketball from local and out-of-state teams.
The weekend produced seven teams ranked in the first USA Today High School Sports Top 40 as well as 13 nationally ranked players by ESPN. That quality of play is one that is not seen around the area and it brought ESPN U and ESPN 2 to the Wheeling Jesuit University McDonough center as well as other various major media outlets.
The CRC has come a long way since its first year of it’s existence where it showcased five games during a single day of play that featured three OVAC schools as well as bigger schools from the east that housed players such as Tyreke Evans and Kris Joseph. It is an event that it’s creator, Dr. Gregory Merrick planned to not only help with cancer awareness, but help highlight the valley.
“My dream was to make this a national event.” Said Merrick, “To be able to highlight our valley, our people, our institutions, and to make this something bigger than just a high school event and I think we’ve done that.”
Not only has he made this event a success, but the way he and the volunteer CRC staff have run this event are second to none.
A snowstorm on the days leading up to the event caused travel problems that delayed some and forced others to cancel all-together. The first day’s schedule was narrowed from four games to two, but Merrick and his staff were able to adjust on the fly allowing a third contest to be played and a full four-game schedule on the second day.
The group also delivered with the best off-site accommodations for visiting teams at the Oglebay resort and lodge as well as a pre-tournament dinner with Stan Van Gundy as the guest speaker.
They didn’t stop with the hospitality there. During the tournament, a hospitality room was set up for players, coaches, staff and media which was stalked with catered food, soft drinks, water and snacks which rivals ones set up for NCAA Tournament games.
The event only grows as now teams from all over the country, not only the east, come to showcase their players and team on the big stage. It’s the way Dr. Merrick saw it from day one to help a cause that has touched the lives of millions.
“We wanted to use the celebrity of basketball to increase the awareness of men’s health. The CRC provides an opportunity for men not only to witness a day of great high school basketball, but also, obtain free health screenings.”
With the help of this non-profit tournament, the proceeds can go towards helping to find a cure while showcasing the young talent of the nation.
