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Motiv Supports the Mark Mitchell Classic at Taft High School

Four people in yellow shirts pose around a sponsor sign in a school hallway. They're smiling and pointing at sponsors' logos. The mood is cheerful.
Motiv team members at the Mark Mitchell Classic

Motiv was proud to volunteer and sponsor the Mark Mitchell Classic, a two-day high school basketball showcase hosted at Taft High School. Our team spent the weekend working concessions and selling event merchandise created to honor the life and legacy of Mark Mitchell—ensuring that every purchase directly supported the purpose behind the event.


Why the Mark Mitchell Classic Matters

The Mark Mitchell Classic exists for more than competition. It was created to honor Mark Mitchell’s lasting impact on Cincinnati high school basketball and the people he influenced through mentorship, leadership, and service. The event brings together programs from across the city and region to celebrate community, opportunity, and the positive role athletics can play in young people’s lives. That mission closely aligns with Motiv’s belief that sports are a powerful platform for connection, character, and growth.


A person in a gray hoodie energetically points ahead, looking intense. Blurred referee in black-and-white stripes in the background. Blue signage visible.
Mark Mitchell | Photo by Cincinnati Enquirer

How Motiv Contributed

Motiv supported the Classic in two primary ways:

  • Volunteering on site by helping run concessions and ensuring a smooth experience for families, athletes, and staff.

  • Supporting event merchandise sales, with apparel and gear designed specifically to honor Mark Mitchell and commemorate the Classic.

For us, this was about showing up and doing the work—helping the event operate successfully while contributing to a cause rooted in community impact.


Game Schedule

The Classic featured two full days of matchups highlighting local and regional programs:

Sunday – Day 1

  • 12:00 PM | Seven Hills vs. Oyler

  • 2:00 PM | Withrow vs. Gamble

  • 4:00 PM | Dunbar vs. Woodward

  • 6:00 PM | Clark vs. Spencer

  • 8:00 PM | Taft vs. Goshen

Monday – Day 2

  • 12:00 PM | Clark vs. Taft JH Boys

  • 2:00 PM | Gamble vs. Seven Hills

  • 4:00 PM | Oyler vs. Beachwood

Basketball game in a gym; players in action near hoop. Audience watches. Red team uniforms visible. Green banners and "VISITORS" sign in background.
Taft vs. Goshen Game, January 20, 2026

Looking Ahead

Supporting the Mark Mitchell Classic reflects what Motiv stands for—backing schools, honoring the people who make high school sports special, and investing time and resources where they matter most. We’re grateful to Taft High School, the event organizers, volunteers, and participating programs for allowing us to be part of a weekend that meant far more than wins and losses.


Three people sit smiling indoors by a window. Two wear bright yellow "Mark Mitchell Classic" shirts, one wears black. Casual, cheerful setting.
Motiv co-founders with Taft Athletic Director Austin Gullett, M.Ed, RAA

Motiv looks forward to continuing to support events and initiatives that strengthen school communities and celebrate the positive impact of high school athletics.

 
 
 
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