Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski Girls honorary captain Jill (Tate) Norris and boys honorary captain John "Goose" Marin take the floor.

Friday night’s Altoona Mirror Classic basketball game showcased the best players in Blair, Cambria and surrounding counties.

The game has always presented itself as a chance for all the senior players in the Mirror coverage area to lace up their sneakers one last time.

Naomi Crispin of Saint Joseph’s, unfortunately, suffered an injury during the playoffs, and was unable to participate for the Central PA team in the Classic Friday night. Despite the setback, she enjoyed being a part of the atmosphere.

“I think this is a cool game,” Crispin said. “I didn’t realize this was a thing until I got invited. I think it’s a really cool opportunity just to connect with other people.”

Crispin also had a smile on her face for another reason. Her father, former Penn State men’s basketball star and NBA player Joe Crispin, recently accepted the head coach position at the Air Force Academy.

“I’m excited for him. He’s very excited,” Naomi Crispin said. “He’s wanted to be a head coach for a while, and I think he will be good for a military school. He’s always been super disciplined.

McCabe remembers

Portage High School head baseball coach Larry McCabe served as the public address announcer for the boys and girls’ games at the Classic.

As a youngster, he had an affinity for the style of announcing turned in by the late Dave Zinkoff, who was the PA announcer for the Philadelphia 76ers.

“He never held anything back,” McCabe said. “He made comments that the people in the stands would appreciate.”

As the former PA voice of Saint Francis basketball, McCabe enjoys announcing the Classic every year.

“It’s a lot of fun; I enjoy it,” McCabe said. “I always liked to do it so when the opportunity was there I did it.

Goose returns

Former Penn State Altoona standout John “Goose” Maren served as the honorary captain for the boys game.

Maren was the two-year starting center when the Cougars played in two Penn State Commonwealth Campus championship games.

“It’s very good,” Maren said. “Just to see the kids play, that’s great.”

Maren is a unique story having served two years in the Army and later was discovered competing in the local recreation leagues by then Penn State Altoona coaches Tom Brouse and Bill Socey.

While Maren appreciates the honorary captain recognition, he still wishes he could play in the new Adler gym.

“It’s nice to see the kids come out, and it’s nice to see them play,” Maren said. “I just wish I could have got a chance to play on that (the new floor) one time.”

A numbers game

The estimated attendance at the Adler Gymnasiumm at Penn State Altoona on Friday night was at 1,000 fans.