Community Corner

17th Annual "HIGH SCHOOL HOOPS SHOWDOWN"

17th Annual “HIGH SCHOOL HOOPS SHOWDOWN”

The event, which has averaged close to 5,000 fans, moves to Hinsdale Central H.S., in Hinsdale, Ill. and will be played on Saturday, January 25.  It will feature some of the top teams in the Midwest, along with some of the top players in the country.

In Game 1 (6:30 p.m.), it's an interstate battle as Milwaukee-Hamilton (5-5) takes on Lisle-Benet Academy (9-4).  The “Wildcats”, who finished last season with a record of 22-3 are off to a slow start while adjusting to a new coach, the loss of a key transfer prior to the season, and a brutal opening schedule.  In Kevon Looney (Sr. F/C – UCLA), they feature the top player in Wisconsin, and one of the Top-10   players in the country.  

The “Redwings”, who have won 103 of 121 games going into this season, feature big man Sean O’Mara who is among the scoring and rebounding leaders in the western suburbs, and led all scorers in the prestigious Proviso West Holiday Tournament.  Like Hamilton, they have one of the toughest schedules in the state and play in a conference that features the likes of highly ranked Marian-Catholic, St. Viator, Niles-Notre Dame, and St. Patrick.

In Game 2 (8:30 p.m.), it's two of the best up-and-coming teams in the western suburbs as Hinsdale Central collides with Oak Park-Fenwick.  The “Red Devils” (11-4), #6 in the Daily Herald rankings (just above Benet Academy), are led by Jr. Matt Rafferty (6-7, F/C).  They have size, shooting, and play tough defense (two of their four losses came in OT).

The “Friars” (12-4) who also have size, shooting, and play tough defense have stepped up this season while awaiting the return of their top player (Scott Lindsey).  They are currently one of the top teams in the Catholic League-North.  New Head Coach, Rick Malnati, has put together a team with a nice mix of youth and experience that plays hard to the final buzzer.  This game figures to go down to the last shot and could be decided at the line with seconds remaining on the clock.

Tickets, which are currently available at the schools, are all General Admission and priced at $10 for the double-header event.  For more information, go to our web site at www.integritygrp.com.


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