Seniors Anthony Politza, Zack Soellner, and Finnley Christine will represent Tyrone in the 11th annual Altoona Mirror All-Star Classic game this Friday night at Mount Aloysius College in Cresson.

The Mirror Classic is played in memory of ‘Big’ John and Tom Riley. Big John was a local TV sports personality and was very active in the community and his son, Tom passed away in November of 2005. The annual game has featured some of the best seniors from Blair county against the top players from across the region.

Soellner, Politza, and Christine will represent Tyrone on the Blair County team.

Christine is not able to play Friday night due to an ACL injury that ended her senior season early, but was still invited to be a part of the Blair County team due to her contributions prior to the injury. Christine, a four year starter, finished her outstanding high school career with 857 points.

“It’s a bummer I don’t get to play, but it’s an honor still being invited despite my knee. It’s a fun experience getting to be teammates with the girls who were my rivals in the regular season,” Christine stated.

Has she been able to play, Christine would have been the Blair County squad’s leading scorer.  But even with her, the Blair County girls would have their work cut out for them against a stacked Central PA squad with two Division I college recruits, including 6-foot-2 UConn recruit Kayla Irwin from State College.  Four Central PA players are at least 5-foot-11.  The tallest player for Blair County is Hollidaysburg’s 5-8 Makenzie Wilkinson.

On the boys side, Tyrone’s Anthony Politza should be a force for the Blair County squad in the paint. Politza averaged 19 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 2.3 steals per game this season and finished with 932 career points.

Soellner and Politza are both excited to play with each other and also with their former rivals from other schools. “It takes some getting used to but most of the guys are chill, so while they’re rivals they are never people I hate,” said Politza.

Having a prominent role in the regular season, Soellner ‘s outstanding performances sealed him a spot on the all-star team as well.

The Blair County boys, who have only one two of the previous 10 games, will be led by Senior Bellwood all time leading scorer Nathan Davis.  The Division II Seton Hill recruit averaged over 21 points per game, 7.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 2.4 steals.

“I’m excited for the competition between Blair County and Cambria County,” Soellner stated.

The girls game will tip off at 6:30 pm, followed by the boys at 8:15 pm. Tickets for the Classic doubleheader are priced at $5 for adults and $3 for students 12 and under.