Press Release
For Immediate Release; May 1, 2008
Contact: Scott Chandler (630-963-7355)
12th Annual “H. S. Hoops Showdown” Announced
Lisle, IL --- The Integrity Group today confirmed the pairings for next
season’s “High School Hoops Showdown”, and that they will continue the
exciting changes implemented this season in both format and content. The
nationally known event, which has averaged close to 5,500 fans, will
return to the new Sears Centre Arena, in Hoffman Estates. The
triple-header event is scheduled for Saturday, January 17, 2009.
The action kicks off in Game 1 (4:30 tip-off) with Hoffman
Estates-Conant taking on Barrington. The “Cougars” (20-7), the defending
Mid-Suburban Champion, returns four Juniors who played significant
minutes, and will be led by Tony Rizzo (6-4, G). The “Broncos” (8-20)
could be the surprise team next year as they return eight players who
saw significant time in a rebuilding season. They will be led by Thomas
“Mack” Darrow (6-7, C). This is a rivalry game that figures to see
intense play on both ends of the court.
In Game 2 (6:30 tip-off) it’s Schaumburg (19-10) taking on
Algonquin-Jacobs (26-3). The “Saxons”, who lost to Class 4A runner-up,
Zion-Benton in the Barrington Sectional Final, return several key
players and are led by Cully Payne (6-0, PG). The “Golden Eagles”, who
won their first Regional title since 1998, return key starters and
several key reserves, and are led by Conrad Krutwig (6-6, C), one of the
top-rated players in the Fox Valley Conference.
Game 3 (8:30 tip-off) figures to be one of the top games of the season
as two state powers collide for the first time. Chicago-North Lawndale,
the Class 2A Champions (30-4) will meet Westchester-St. Joseph (21-7),
a top Class 3A team. Both return the majority of their starters and
feature several top-rated players in the state. The “Phoenix” will be #1
again in the Class 2A pre-season polls and lead by Jonathan Mills (6-5,
F). The “Chargers”, winners of five straight East Suburban Catholic
Conference titles, are led by Diamond Taylor (6-3, G - Wisconsin).
Last year’s triple-header “showdown” included great teams and great players. In Game 1, which featured two to the top Girls teams in the state, Gurnee-Warren stopped defending state champion Fenwick by a score of 60-46. The “Blue Devils” were led by Player of the Year, Sarah Boothe (Stanford). In Game 2, Fenwick’s Boys stopped Jacobs, and their 13-game winning streak, 66-57. In the finale, Batavia gave the eventual Class 3A Champion, Chicago-Marshall, all they could handle but ultimately fell short, losing 56-55. Next year figures to maintain the same high standards and quality match-ups fans have come to expect.
Tickets, priced at $13.00 for Adults and $11.00 for Students (18 and under), will be available at the schools, Sears Centre Box Office, by calling 1-888-SEARSTIX (732-7784), or on-line at www.searscentre.com, and select Amcore Banks. All seats are reserved and sold on a “First Come, First Served” basis.
For more information on the event, you can call The Integrity Group
at 630-963-7355, or e-mail us via our online
contact form.
