Chi-Town Team Gets Royal NY Beating

On Saturday, the Christ the King Royals (NY) participated in the 3rd Annual Blue Cross Blue Shield Chicago Elite Classic at UIC Pavilion.

The event held in the fabled basketball town of Chicago had marquee line-up that included Whitney Young HS (IL) , Simeon HS (IL) , Bogan HS (IL), St Rita HS (IL), Oak Park River Forest (IL), Hillcrest HS (IL) , St Joseph's HS (IL) , Fenwick HS (IL), Plainfield East HS (IL) , Southwind HS (TN), Lancaster HS (TX) , Redondo Union HS (CA) , Lone Peak HS (UT) , and the Christ the King Royals (NY).

The Royals faced the three-time defending Chicago Catholic League champion and 2014 IHSA Regional champion St. Rita Mustangs. Although the Mustangs were led by Kentucky-bound Charles Matthews (16pts) fell to Christ the King, 87-56.

In this NYC v Chicago match-up, the Royals led after the first quarter 38-24. In the second quarter, the Royals would go on an 11-0 run with the Mustangs not scoring for the first three and half minutes.

Rawle Alkins (28 points) became a one show, shooting 11-16 from the field. Royals Head Coach Joe Arbitello spoke about Akins impressive performance, "He's a special player. He dominated the game in every aspect. To do it on the road in front of 6,000 of their fans and for it to be our first game with four new starts is a special thing. They're the No 2 team in Chicago have a kid going to Kentucky and three other D1 players that's what makes it more impressive."

By way of the third the Royals dominated the Mustangs who would commit 23 turnovers and shot just 20 for 50 from the field. Heading into the fourth quarter 66-40, the NYC team never looked back finishing off the Mustangs in their hometown. Christ the Kings Tyrone Cohen added 22points, and Yashawn Bright contributed 11 points.

"We played tough and made a lot of shots," said Coach Arbitello. "Good start to the season."