It?s being billed the “rebirth of a basketball tradition.” After a nine-year break, Baltimore will host a major high school basketball showcase this afternoon, when five local and three squads from other states play in the Charm City Classic at Loyola College.
Before the hiatus, Baltimore was home to prestigious events that featured future NBA stars such as Tracy McGrady, Rasheed Wallace, Stephon Marbury and Juan Dixon.
This year?s has plenty of star power, too. But most importantly, it gives several of the top teams from the Baltimore area the chance to play some of the best squads on the East Coast.
John Carroll (28-8) will play St. Mary?s (24-7) in the only game between Maryland teams.
“One of the things we?ve done since we?ve taken over is to make sure we play in national tournaments,” John Carroll coach Tony Martin said. “I don?t think they?ll be fazed by it, but it?ll add some greater opportunities for them.”
Towson Catholic coach Josh Pratt guided the Owls to a 32-6 record last year, winning the MIAA A Conference and Baltimore Catholic League titles.
“It?s a great opportunity,” Pratt, whose team faces Rice of Harlem, N.Y. “People think I?m kind of crazy for playing the schedule I?m playing. I?ve always been a believer that you want to play good teams early to see where you are and where you need to be. Whatbetter test than playing Rice?”
Rice, which is led by UConn-bound guard Kemba Walker, finished 27-4 last year and opened the season ranked 11th nationally in USA Today?s Super 25 poll.
“I think it?s going to be a tremendous challenge,” Pratt said. “They?ve got some really big-time players. It?s going to see where we are as a team.”
Calvert Hall (15-17) will play Gonzaga from Washington, D.C., in the second game.
The aim is to return the event to a tournament format in the future.
“It?s going to mean a lot to the Baltimore area to get some great teams in from out of state,” Martin said. “It has a great tradition, and I?m sure it?s going to come back to a high level again.”
