Rick's Rants: Hoops Showdown features area teams

As reported here on Feb. 15th, four local teams will account for two-thirds of the teams in the 12th Annual High School Hoops Showdown, set again next year for the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates.

The pairings and date for the high school basketball event were confirmed this morning by The Integrity Group of Lisle. It will be held Saturday, Jan 23. Mark your calendar now.

The marquee matchup, set to start at about 8:30 p.m. will feature Gordie Kerkman's West Aurora Blackhawks taking on Todd Sutton's Neuqua Valley Wildcats.

That game will be preceded by a new feature to the event, a rivalry matchup featuring Aurora Central and Marmion Academy (6:30 p.m.).

Festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. with Glenbard East meeting Algonquin Jacobs.