Cager Classic showcases senior basketball players on April 5

The 28th annual Cager Classic will take place at Highlands High School. This event features senior basketball players from Allegheny Armstrong, Butler, and Westmoreland counties. The schedule includes practice on April 3, a skills competition on April 4, and the games on April 5 at 5:30 p.m. for girls and 7:30 p.m. for boys. The skills competition will have a 3-point shooting contest and a hot shot contest. Each player will have 45 seconds to make shots from eight different spots on the court. An MVP will be chosen for each team, and the winners will receive a $500 scholarship. Additional scholarships are available through an essay contest. Organizer Bill Heasley emphasized that the main goal is for players to enjoy themselves. He noted that girls' games tend to be more physical than boys' games but added that it’s a great opportunity for players to team up with their former rivals. Tickets are priced at $4 for students and $7 for adults. Participating schools include Apollo-Ridge, Armstrong, Burrell, Butler, and several others. Last year, both East teams won their games. The rosters for this year's teams are subject to change.