This year’s fifth annual 205 Tip-Off Classic will have a little California flavor to it.

The high school boys basketball tournament – which runs Nov. 19, 20, 21, 23, and 24 at all four of our RPS 205 high schools – announced today that one of the teams scheduled to compete will be Marina High School from Huntington Beach, Calif. The Vikings went 16-12 last season and are led by eight-year coach Nick Racklin.

“We like to travel to different parts of the country so that our players can see what else is out there outside of California,” Racklin said. “These trips are great for our team to bond, and represent our school and our state well by playing some good basketball.  We look forward to competing against some very solid teams from Chicago and the surrounding areas.  Illinois basketball has a great reputation and we welcome the challenge.”

Marina will be the first team from the west coast to participate in the tourney.

Three additional out-of-state programs will compete in tournament. Those teams will be  announced on Wednesday.