Boys Basketball Game of the Week: Morgan Park (Ill.) at No. 1 St. Frances

Morgan Park (Ill.) (15-7) at No. 1 St. Frances (22-2)

When: Saturday, 2 p.m.

Coaches: Nick Irvin, Morgan Park; Nick Myles, St. Frances

KEY PLAYERS

Morgan Park: Adam Miller, So., G; Cameron Burrell, Sr., F

St. Frances: Adrian Baldwin, So., G; Elijah Epps, Sr., G

ExpandAutoplay

Image 1 of 78

The junior shortstop went 10-for-11 with five extra-base hits, drove in eight runs and scored nine runs in four games last week to lead the Falcons to their first state softball championship since 2003. During the playoffs, Kline set a state single-season record for hits with 69. The previous record of 59 was set by Northern-Calvert’s Lindsey Schmeiser in 2012. In the 13-0 victory over Northwest Saturday for the Class 4A championship, Kline went 2-for-2 with two triples, drove in three runs and scored two. In the state semifinal Wednesday, a 10-0 win over Flowers, Kline was 4-for-4 with a double and two triples. She drove in three runs and scored four. In a May 21 doubleheader, the No. 1 Falcons (25-2) defeated South River, 3-1, and Glen Burnie, 5-0, for the sectional and regional titles. Kline went a combined 4-for-5 with two walks, two RBIs and three runs scored. For the season, Kline batted .750 with 39 RBIs, eight home runs and 26 extra base hits. She drew eight walks and struck out just once. She also had 13 stolen bases. Defensively, she made just two errors and had a fielding percentage of .964. She was a first-team All-Metro selection last season. A veteran of the Wagners club softball team, Kline has committed to play for Maryland. Also considered: Caitlyn Bobb, Harford Tech, track; Tylar Colbert, Franklin, track; Crystal Johnson, Western Tech, track; Anna Ruby, Westminster, lacrosse; Jordan Vincent, South River, lacrosse. (By Paul W. Gillespie / Capital Gazette)

KEYS TO VICTORY

The opening game of the Charm City vs. Windy Cindy Shootout has the top-ranked Panthers against perennial Chicago power Morgan Park, which won the Illinois Class 3A state title last season and is ranked No. 6 in The Chicago Tribune’s Top 20 poll. The Panthers, ranked No. 25 nationally in USA Today’s Top 25, have been on a roll playing one of the area’s toughest schedules. A deep roster has been the key with Baldwin running the show and Epps providing leadership and game-changing plays. Rajeir Jones, Jordan Toles, Koran Moore, Edward Ferguson, Jason Murphy and Bassirou Diop have all pitched in with big minutes. The Mustangs have a largely new cast from last year’s championship team because of graduation, transfers and injuries, but they still have been able to thrive. With their talented one-two senior frontcourt punch of Ayo Dosunmu and Tamell Pearson out with injuries, they have leaned on their sophomore backcourt duo of sharpshooting Miller and point guard Marcus Watson to lead the way with Burrell the threat inside. The second game of the showcase at St. Frances features No. 5 Poly against Simeon Academy, which is ranked No. 1 in Chicago. Game time is set for 4 p.m.

OTHER GAMES TO WATCH

Boys

Edmondson at N0. 4 Dunbar, Friday, 5:15 p.m.

No. 8 McDonogh at No. 2 John Carroll, Friday, 7 p.m.

Meade at No. 13 Old Mill, Friday, 7 p.m.

No. 5 Poly vs. Simeon (Ill.) at St. Frances, Saturday, 4 p.m.

No. 1 St. Frances at No. 8 McDonogh, Monday, 6:15 p.m.

Girls

No. 3 Roland Park at No. 2 McDonogh, Friday, 6 p.m.

No. 12 Poly at No. 5 Western, Tuesday, 5:15 p.m.

No. 1 St. Frances at No. 3 Roland Park, Tuesday, 5:30 p.m.