SPRINGFIELD — There might not be quite as many butterflies for some local basketball players when this season begins thanks to a new initiative by the Ohio High School Athletic Association Foundation.

Schools in Ohio will be allowed for the first time to designate one of their basketball scrimmages as a "foundation game," to benefit the OHSAA Foundation and designated school charities.

The scrimmage will be the same as a regular-season game in every way, including length and atmosphere, except it won't count. Each school must donate $250 of the gate to the foundation, then split anything that's left.

The foundation will use the funds to put on coaching clinics, among other services.

"It's a good opportunity to use a scrimmage in a game-like situation, so the first time out, under the lights, the kids are not going to be shell-shocked," said Kris Spriggs, Kenton Ridge athletic director and boys basketball coach. "At the same time, the proceeds can help a charity."

The Kenton Ridge girls team is donating its proceeds to a memorial fund in the name of former principal Chuck Foss' son, Nick, who died unexpectedly last year. The Cougars boys are donating to the KR alumni booster scholarship fund.

Spriggs even has his kids going a step further.

"We're also doing a nonperishable food drive at both games to donate to the county's food pantry," Spriggs said.

Graham's boys will play in a foundation scrimmage on Dec. 5 at Centerville — opening night of the regular season for many high school boys teams. The Falcons plan to donate their proceeds to the Mandy Deppen Scholarship Fund.

"Mandy would have been a senior this year and was close to several of our senior basketball players," said Graham AD and boys hoops coach Brook Cupps. "She was an excellent soccer player and student. She died unexpectedly the summer after her sophomore year ... a great, great kid.

"We are happy we can be a part of recognizing Mandy in some way."

AD's Jeff Hobby of Northwestern and Bob Price of Shawnee have their boys teams participating in the Nov. 30 "Healing Through Hoops" event at Vandalia Butler.

Said Hobby: "It gives our school and student-athletes a chance to make a positive impact in our community. It also allows us to provide an educational experience for everyone involved — players, cheerleaders, coaches and community members."

According to responses from area ADs, six boys teams and three girls squads will participate this first year. All are excited about the possibilities.

"It's a win-win situation," Spriggs said. "I think it is just going to explode from here in the coming years. We're glad to be a part of the inaugural year."

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0364

or krowe@coxohio.com.

Girls games

Nov. 21: Jon. Alder at Kenton Ridge, 8 p.m.

Nov. 25: WLS at Urbana, 6 p.m.

Boys games

Nov. 25: London at Kenton Ridge, 8 p.m.

Nov. 30: Northwestern vs. Bethel at Vandalia Butler, 1 p.m.

Nov. 30: Shawnee vs. Piqua at Butler, 3 p.m.

Nov. 25: WLS at Urbana, 8 p.m.

Dec. 5: Graham at Centerville, 7:30 p.m.