WREX.com – Rockford’s News LeaderRising Stars basketball tournament returns with new format

Rising Stars basketball tournament returns with new format

PRESS RELEASE

Loves Park --- Access Services of Northern Illinois is pleased to present the 13th Annual Rising Stars Seniors Classic Basketball Tournament at Harlem High School, Machesney Park on Saturday, March 27, 2010. This fundraiser is a way of recognizing the efforts of high school seniors who play in our 13 county service area in Northern Illinois. To date, over 570 area high school senior girls and boys basketball stars, have displayed their talents in the Rising Stars Classic.

Matt Toohey, Executive Director announces, "We are excited to announce the change of format in the 13th Annual Rising Stars Tournament to NIC-10 vs. the Area. This should prove to be an exciting change noting the talent throughout our service area in Northern Illinois. A tournament not to miss!" In the past, teams have been taken from 1A, 2A, 3A and 4A with 1A/2A playing 3A/4A.

Nomination forms have been sent to the Boys/Girls Varsity Basketball Coaches in our 13 county area, which include the following counties: Boone, Bureau, Carroll, DeKalb, JoDaviess, LaSalle, Lee, Marshall, Ogle, Putnam, Stephenson, Whiteside, Winnebago. Coaches have been invited to nominate their Senior players who are worthy of be chosen as a Rising Star to play in the tournament held on March 27th. A pre-selected media team will pick the stars with alternates from the nominees and put the teams together on March 1, 2010. The Rising Stars teams will have one scheduled practice session on Thursday, March 25th and the games will take place with the Girls game beginning at 4:00p.m. and the Boys game beginning at 6:00p.m.

The Rising Star Senior Classic Basketball Tournament was created by Access Services of Northern Illinois as a fundraiser to give back to the communities they serve and support their mission. Access Services of Northern Illinois assists infants, children, their families, adolescents and adults with developmental delays and disabilities. Their programs, Child and Family Connections/Early Intervention and Individual Services Coordination help access needed supports and services so they are able to grow and develop and be a viable part of their community. For more information about the Rising Stars Senior Classic Basketball Tournament or the programs of Access Services of Northern Illinois go to www.accessni.com or call 815-282-8824.