Rock Island will take on Chicago Morgan Park in the second game of the 16th Annual McDonalds City-Suburban Showdown, put forth by The Integrity Group. The event will take place on February 19 at the University of Illinois-Chicago Pavillion.
The event, which has averaged nearly 7,000 fans, is a triple-header featuring teams from Chicago and its suburbs, although Rock Island is over 100 miles from the suburbs.
Rock Island and Morgan Park, the defending Chicago Public League champion, will tip off at 6:30 p.m. The game follows the opening game between LaGrange Lyons (16-2 as of Friday 2/4) and Proviso East (16-3). The final game will pit Chicago Simeon (17-0) and Lisle Benet (24-0).
The Rocks lost only one starter to graduation this past year, and is led by 1st Team All-Stater Chasson Randle, a 6'2" shooting guard. Randle is also a member of the USA U17 national team. Morgan Park is led by 6'5" shooting guard Wayne Blackshear. Both are rated in the top 50 in the nation. Randle has committed to play for the Stanford Cardinal after this season. Blackshear has committed to play for the University of Louisville after this season.
The Integrity Group puts on this event as well as the "High School Hoops Showdown" event each season. That event has featured area teams in years past, most recently a double-header at NIU in 2006 pitting Winnebago and Rock Falls, as well as Boylan's game with Westchester St. Joseph.
Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, and will be available through the competing schools' athletic offices in the future. Tickets can also be purchased through the UIC Pavillion Ticket Office (312-413-5700).
EDIT (2/9) -- A Rocks Basketball bus trip to Chicago is being planned for Feb. 19. Seats are first come, first serve, please contact Mr. Charles Butler (309-269-3663) if you would like to reserve a spot.
A bus will be leaving from RIHS on Saturday at Noon and returning at approximately 3 a.m. on Sunday. The price is $50 which includes a North Riverside Mall trip (shopping/lunch on your own from 2:30pm - 4:30pm) and admission (for all three games) to the UIC Pavilion and bus seating.
There are only 47 seats (as of noon, 2/9) so reserve your seat by depositing $25 (non-refundable). The final $25 payment is due by February 17th.
