Local teams head to Young for MLK Classic

Updated: January 28, 2013 5:13PM

CHICAGO — The fourth annual MLK Dream Classic starts Saturday with games on two courts at Young.

On the first day, the No. 14 Marist (11-6) girls basketball team is featured against Zion-Benton at 1 p.m.

Teams from St. Joseph, Oak Park-River Forest and Nazareth will compete in the shootout’s third day on Monday.

A sampling of comments from players and coaches shows that there is much anticipation for the showcase event.

“We’re excited. I don’t think we played (Nazareth) in a while. They’re good. My coach (J.P. Coughlin) has scouted them on hudl.com and watched them play. He uploads our games and uploads games that he has scouted of other teams.” — OPRF senior guard Maeve Connelly.

“We are excited about the opportunity to play in this classic. This gives us the opportunity to play against solid competition that will prepare us for the remainder of our conference schedule and leading up to our regional. We are thankful to the staff of the MLK Classic for including us.” — Nazareth boys coach John N. Bonk

“It is so exciting to see so many teams come together to commemorate the birthday of one of our greatest Americans. The diversity and competition is truly an outstanding compliment from our current generation and future leaders.” — Marshall girls coach and tournament director Dorothy Gaters.

“We are honored to be playing in the event. I’ve always believed that high school athletics represent many of the principles and values that King emphasized.” — Coughlin

“We look forward to competing against a good Oak-Park River-Forest team. It will be a good nonconference game for us as we are trying to get better every day.” — Nazareth girls coach Kim Connell.

“Our girls love playing in the MLK Dream Classic. The competition is always excellent and it is a good barometer of the progress the team is making and the readiness for the postseason.” — St. Joseph girls coach Jim Maley.

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