The 10th Annual Wild West Shootout is set for Dec. 4-7 at Bishop Manogue Catholic High School in Reno, Nev. The Wild West Shootout brings together top high school basketball teams from northern Nevada, Portland, Ore. and Anaheim, Calif. to raise money for the University of Nevada, Reno's Early Childhood Autism Program. The tournament starts with a game between Bishop Manogue alumni and current students at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 4, and ends with the championship game scheduled for 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7.

"The Wild West Shootout has become a great way to showcase some outstanding high school basketball talent around the area before their seasons kick off," Tomas Hinojosa, Sierra Kids Foundation president, said. "And the fact that it's raising money for such a great cause is a bonus."

Funds raised through the Wild West Shootout basketball tournament go toward helping families with an autistic child attending the University's Early Childhood Autism Program, which specializes in early intensive treatment for young children with autism. The program offers comprehensive, individualized treatment that emphasizes the child's development in areas of language, communication, socialization and personal behavior. The program is also a training site for University students involved in the science and practice of treating autistic children. The program has many success stories of the children living with autism.

"The program creates an impact that lasts a lifetime for the kids and families we serve," Patrick Ghezzi, director of the University of Nevada, Reno's Early Childhood Autism Program, said. "It's very gratifying to see an undergraduate student enter the program uncertain about their career and then graduate with a career in behavior analysis clearly in mind."

Participating teams include:

• Galena High School, Reno, Nev.
• Incline High School, Incline Village, Nev.
• Bishop Manogue Catholic High School, Reno, Nev.
• Douglas High School, Gardnerville, Nev.
• Jesuit High School, Portland, Ore.
• Servite High School, Anaheim, Calif.

Daily tickets prices are $8 for adults and $6 for students and children. Four-day passes are $20 for adults and $12 for children and students. For more information, go to http://wildwestshootoutnv.org. For tickets and a complete schedule, visit www.wildwestshootoutnv.org. To find out about making a donation, email the office at info@sierrakidsfoundation.org.