Local News

New Name for Litchfield Tournament Unveiled

Tue, 15 Jan 2019 10:59:27 CST

The 52nd annual Litchfield Invitational Boys Basketball Tournament tipped off Monday evening, but a new name was unveiled prior to the games.

The tournament will now be known as the Rick McGraw Memorial Invitational, named after the late Litchfield resident and longtime sports booster. McGraw passed away last March at the age of 67.

McGraw's involvement with the Litchfield school district included funding for the weight room at the high school, funding scholarships including the Ray Kroc Youth Achievement Scholarship and the Middle School Scholar Athlete Award, and hosting McDonald's McTeacher Nights.

Nokomis defeated Mt. Zion, 44-33, in Simmons Gymnasium for the first win of this year's tournament. In other games, Greenville defeated the Taylorville Junior Varsity squad, 54-41, Taylorville defeated Pana, 82-58, and Metro East Lutheran defeated Lebanon, 63-30.

The tournament continues Tuesday evening with Civic Memorial taking on Nokomis, Lebanon playing Hillsboro, Taylorville JV playing Litchfield, and Pana facing Roxana. Games will be split between Panther Gym at the Middle School and Simmons Gym at the High School.