FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
12th Annual MLK Basketball Classic
Top teams, Top student-athletes return for long-standing event
Mesa, AZ (January 14, 2015) – The MLK Basketball Classic Committee is pleased to announce the line-up of games for the 12th Annual MLK Basketball Classics scheduled Monday, January 19 at Wells Fargo Arena on the campus of Arizona State University in Tempe.
“Speaking on behalf of the committee, we’re excited for the schedule of games this year as the MLK Basketball Classic continues to progress with competitive games involving solid programs.” said Co-Director and Mesa Public School District Athletic Director Dr. Steve Hogen. “With Arizona State University hosting high school games for the 12th Annual event, the MLK Basketball Classic is now a mainstay on the high school athletic calendar in the state of Arizona. Overall, we’re proud of that accomplishment, as we continue to create educational opportunities for students, involve student organizations, and raise awareness for MLK/Civil Rights Day.”
The game will feature three student-athletes associated with the event host, Arizona State. Armani Hawkins (Mountain View) and Bryce Perkins (Chandler) have both committed to ASU in women’s basketball & football, respectively. In addition, Markus Howard, a sophomore guard for Perry, has verbally committed to the men’s basketball program at ASU.
Regarding the schools involved, MaxPreps’ #1 girls’ basketball team in Arizona, Dobson, comes in the event with an 18-1 record and two holiday tournament titles. Pinnacle, which has been to four consecutive state tournament final fours, is the top boys’ team as the Pioneers are ranked #3 in Arizona according to MaxPreps.
The MLK Basketball Classic is regarded as one of the elite holiday basketball events in the country. Each year, talented boys and girls teams in the state of Arizona compete for bragging rights and school pride during this mid-season showcase.
MLK Basketball Classic Schedule of Games:
Arizona State University - Monday, January 19, 2015-
Noon – Chandler Hamilton vs. Phoenix Mountain Pointe (girls)
1:30p – Mesa Mountain View vs. Mesa Dobson (girls)
3p – Phoenix St. Mary’s Catholic vs. Laveen Chavez (boys)
4:30p – Phoenix Pinnacle vs. Mesa High (boys)
6p – Chandler Perry vs. Chandler High (boys)
The more prominent alumni of the MLK Basketball Classic include Jahii Carson (ASU), Jerryd Bayless (Boston Celtics/UA), Brandee Walton (New Mexico State), Mickey McConnell (San Antonio Spurs/St. Mary’s), Ty Abbott (ASU), Katherine Hamilton (San Diego), Royce Woolridge (Kansas/Washington State/Grand Canyon University), Brendon Lavender (UA), Cameron Forte (Georgia), Danielle Williams (Michigan), Kayla Pederson (Tulsa Shock/Stanford), Harper Kamp (California), Terrell Stoglin (Maryland), Joey Shaw (Nevada), Rebecca Woodberry (Nebraska), Daniel Bejarano (Colorado State), Courtney Ekmark (UConn). Nick Johnson (UA), Matt Carlino (BYU), Dominique Williams (UCLA), Lawrence Hill (Stanford), Gavin Edwards (UConn), Blondy Baruti (Tulsa), Maurice Kirby (Virginia Tech), Cody McDavis (Northern Colorado), Chantel Osahor (Washington), Christian Polk (UTEP), Kendall Wallace (UNLV), Tim Derksen (USF), Dymond Simon (ASU), Bo Barnes (ASU), Sybil Dosty (ASU), Shilpa Tummala (Harvard), Courtney Walton (Louisville), Eric Jacobsen (ASU), Cody McDavis (Northern Colorado), Joy Burke (ASU), and Arnecia Hawkins (ASU), Calaen Robinson (ASU), Avery Moss (Nebraska), Andrus Peat (Stanford), Dorian Pickens (Stanford), Michael Humphrey (Stanford), Sydney Wiese (Oregon State).
