The Riverside-Brookfield girls basketball team’s holiday wish list includes winning the Morton College Minuteman Holiday Classic this year. The Bulldogs have been close to achieving their goal the last three seasons, claiming an overall 8-4 record and three top-four finishes at the annual tournament which features a solid eight-team field.
Led by prolific scorer Maggie McCloskey, the Bulldogs enjoyed an auspicious 2005 tourney debut, advancing all the way to the title game before falling 58-54 to Proviso West.
Off to a perfect 8-0 start this season, the red-hot Bulldogs are optimistic that their fourth time will be the championship charm at Morton College.
“It’s a tough tournament,” said RB coach Larry Rocco. “I know Hinsdale South, Proviso West and St. Joseph are all playing well.”
Last year, Hinsdale South defeated Lane Tech 53-44 in the championship game, while the Bulldogs’ 45-27 win over Morton earned third place honors for RB.
The tournament is divided into a pair of four-team pools. Defending champion Hinsdale South (4-6), St. Joseph (5-4), Reavis and Lane comprise the Blue Division, while RB joins Argo, Morton and Proviso West in the Orange Division.
Riverside-Brookfield will renew acquaintances with Morton in the two teams’ tournament opener on Friday, Dec. 26 (7:30 p.m.) at the Henry J. Vais gym.
“We feel well prepared for Morton,” Rocco added. “We have scouted them.”
The Bulldogs also play Argo on Saturday, Dec. 27 (6 p.m.) and Proviso West on Monday, Dec. 29 (7:30 p.m.). The championship round will be held Tuesday, Dec. 30 with the title game scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off.
Ranked No. 22 in the Chicago Sun-Times last week, RB is receiving excellent production from a bevy of experienced players, notably guard Rachel Buccieri (4.2 assists per game), forward Regan Riley (7.5 rebounds per game), center Fallon Ryan, guard/forward Jessie Hutchens and forward/center Shaquita Slater.
Rocco is also optimistic that shooting guard Molly McCloskey, who recently had knee surgery, will return in time for the Minuteman tourney.
“Molly has been practicing and she’s looking good,” Rocco said. “The trainer has cleared her, but she still has a doctor’s visit.”
Although they are not considered the home team, the Bulldogs feel as if Morton College is their hoops home around the holidays.
“Our kids really love playing in this tournament and look forward to it every year,” Rocco said. “The [tournament organizers] do a great job of promoting and running the event.”