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Former Lanphier star McBride back at PCCC as coach of Cairo

By TODD ENGLE (todd.engle@sj-r.com)
THE STATE JOURNAL-REGISTER

As usual, the latest incarnation of the AthletiCare/SportsRadio 1450 Shootout at the Prairie Capital Convention Center will feature future Illini players — such as Chicago Orr High School’s Mycheal Henry and a couple of others who also could sign with Illinois.

This year, the shootout also will feature one former Illini (and Lanphier Lion): Richard McBride. McBride is in his first year as boys basketball coach of Cairo. McBride and the Pilots will play Calvary Academy in the opening game at 10:30 a.m. today.

“It’ll be a fun experience for the kids, a chance to get them some exposure in the middle of the state,’’ McBride said. “It’ll be fun for them, I think. My high school career ended there (at the convention center in 2003 with Lanphier’s 59-52 Class AA sectional semifinal loss to Lincoln), but overall I have good memories .... won more than I lost there. It’s been a good place for me, hopefully it can be for my team too.”

McBride will have a grand total of three games of (head) coaching experience under his belt coming into the game.

“Last year I was under some great coaches at Lanphier (as an assistant). Now I’m coming into my own. Jim Drew is mentoring me also,” McBride said, referring to the Cairo athletic director and former coach at Calvary and Sacred Heart-Griffin. “I’ve been playing basketball all my life. It’s second nature. It’s different on the sideline, but I think I’m doing a pretty good job.”

The shootout also will feature four Central State Eight teams. Chatham Glenwood will play Troy Triad at noon, followed by SHG’s game against Champaign Centennial.

Southeast will play one of the most talented — not to mention biggest — teams in the state when it faces Chicago Whitney Young at 6 p.m. Lanphier will play in the nightcap, against Orr at 7:30 p.m.

Todd Engle can be reached at 788-1546.

AthletiCare/SportsRadio 1450 Shootout
WHEN: Today starting at 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: Prairie Capital Convention Center
TICKETS: $10 at the door, $5 for students with a valid I.D. Tickets are good for admission to the entire shootout.
RADIO: All games will be broadcast by WMFB (1450 AM).

Game capsules

CALVARY (4-1) VS. CAIRO (0-3)

WHEN: 10:30 a.m.

ABOUT CALVARY: The Saints won their first four games of the season before losing to Athens 58-50 in the final game of the Athens Classic. Calvary has a sizable frontcourt with 6-foot-6 Collin Mingo and 6-7 Clayton Whitlock. Senior guard Justin Tournoux has had a hot start to the season as well.

ABOUT CAIRO: The Pilots are coached by former Lanphier standout and Illinois player Rich McBride.

FOOTNOTE:

Final Score...

Calvary 71
Cairo 55

At the time of this posting, the Pilots were en route to Du Quoin for tonight's 6:30 p.m. contest against Waltonville.

UPDATE from Du Quoin:

Cairo salvaged the final game of the week by defeating Waltonville by a score of 72-60.

The Du Quoin Tip Off Classic all-tournament team included Cairo's Cori Williams, Hershel Graham, and Devin Mayfield, Benton's Cody Smith, Caleb Suver, Tyler Lefler, Waltonville's Trey Witges and Luke Stanhouse, Du Quoin's Seth Baxter, J.C. Davis, and Connor Wheeler. The sportsmanship award went to Levi Kabat.