NATRONA HEIGHTS — A number of Butler County players had big games Saturday during the 25th annual A-K Valley Cager Classic held at Highlands High School.

Mars senior Ava Black was named East squad MVP in the girls game. She scored 20 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and doled out six assists. Butler senior Raine Gratzmiller was selected East squad MVP in the boys game, scoring a game-high 27 points.

The girls game went into double overtime. Butler’s Makenna Mauier sank a 3-pointer at the buzzer to send the game into the first overtime. She wound up with 13 points and six rebounds, but the East squad dropped a 91-85 decision. Butler teammate Aubree Tack tallied eight points and five steals.

Mars senior Kaitlyn Pelaia scored 14 points and won the 3-point shooting competition. Knoch senior Madilyn Boyer scored 16 points and had six rebounds for the West. Knoch teammates Mackenzie McGraw (three points, three rebounds) and Lily Hawk (two points) also saw action.

The boys game also wound up in overtime, the West winning, 101-96. Butler County boys contributing to the West squad’s efforts included Mars’ Zach Schlegel, who scored 14 points, and Chris Dvorak with 11. Freeport’s Jason Kijowski scored 12 points and Knoch’s Ryan Lang eight.

Pelaia and Kijowski won a scholarship essay contest.