Wahama’s Bryce Zuspan (3) defends as his father and head coach, Billy Zuspan, looks on in the background during a game in Mason, W.Va. (Courtesy photo)

PARKERSBURG — The 21st edition of the annual Battle Against Cystic Fibrosis All-Star Basketball Classic set for tonight inside Parkersburg South’s Rod Oldham Athletic Center most definitely already has a special place in the heart of West Virginia head coach Billy Zuspan.

Currently leading the White Falcons of Wahama on the baseball diamond, coach Zuspan was asked by game coordinator Bill Camp if he’d guide the Mountain State roundball team into action against Ohio in the annual charity event to raise money for cystic fibrosis.

Not only will Zuspan get to coach White Falcon Sawyer VanMatre one more time, but he’ll also be with his son Bryce, who has CF.

“He called to let me know that Bryce was selected and Sawyer and asked if I would be willing to coach it,” Zuspan said of the call from Camp. “Bryce has lived with cystic fibrosis. He was diagnosed when he was nine months old. It’s something he’s lived with and we’ve lived with, and had to live with.

“It’s just something that’s genetic. Something you are born with. Basically, it attacks the lungs and the digestive system, so there’s a lot of daily treatments and stuff like that. The medicines have really advanced and that’s been because of the CF Foundation. Basically, he’s been very healthy for being a CF patient.”

Zuspan, who is pretty well versed on the Buckeyes’ roster and is fairly familiar with most of his own players, said this is the first time he’s coached in an all-star game.

“Going to call coach Camp and coach (Mick) Price and some others. Get a little input and get some of their insight on the approach,” coach Zuspan said while adding of having another game with his son “it is kind of full circle. We’ve seen firsthand how a lot of the medicines have advanced.

“The CF community quality of life is getting better through some of that and it all comes through the research hospitals and the CF Foundation, and a lot of pulmonary doctors who have been on this. Just being able to participate in a sport we love to coach and Bryce loves to play, it’s kind of special and we are really looking forward to it.”

Host Parkersburg South will be represented by Cole Joy, Jackson Smith and Triston Walker.

Parkersburg Catholic’s Gideon Wilson, Williamstown’s Payton Bunch, Doddridge County’s Brandon Hileman, Tyler Consolidated’s Zade Billings, Calhoun County’s Landon Bennett as well as Ravenswood teammates Beau Bennett and Logan Alfred round out the contingent of Little Kanawha Conference players.

West Virginia also boasts Paden City’s Mickey Guerra and Buckhannon-Upshur’s Jaden Westfall.

“I’m looking forward to it. I’ve seen the list,” coach Zuspan said. “Obviously, they are all good players. It’s an all-star basketball game. A lot of kids that we have seen in the league, both baseball and basketball.

“To be able to compete with them on the same team for once is going to be kind of fun I think, too. There’s a couple there I wasn’t really familiar with, but we’ll look forward to getting to know them in the practice and the game. I’m sure the South boys over there are good players and stuff.”

When asked about strategy since West Virginia and Ohio are tied at 10 victories apiece after the Mountaineers stopped the Buckeyes’ five-game winning streak last year the coach said, “we’re probably just going to try and match up and I’m sure it’s going to be different configurations on the floor throughout different times in the game and just try to stay matched up on that.

“On the offensive end just emphasize spacing and ball movement and stuff like that and let guys play basketball, and try to stay out of their way a little bit and let them showcase some of the abilities they have because obviously they’re good players. Looking forward to being able to just coach them and enjoy having that many good players on one team.”

Obviously, coach Zuspan would like to help the Mountain State start another winning streak, but he considers himself just blessed to have the opportunity.

“It’s a real privilege and honor to have been asked to coach the West Virginia team,” he said. “A lot of respect for the players and their coaches and their schools and programs to be able to get the opportunity, and then just for the cause.

“The fact they are raising money for the CF Foundation, just thankful for what that organization has been able to do for the CF community and all the families who have been a benefactor of that.

“Just looking forward to it. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun. Bryce has dealt with this his whole life, but he’s never used it as an excuse or as a crutch. It’s been an obstacle, but it’s something he’s always just dealt with and actually I think it’s made him kind of the kid and the athlete that he’s been. Just a tough kid.”

Contact Jay Bennett at jbennett@newsandsentinel.com