The women’s basketball team will travel to Chicago during the long weekend to take on two of Illinois’ top high school teams in the McDonald’s Classic.

On Jan. 16 at 5:30 p.m. local time (6:30 p.m. Eastern Standard Time) the Hounds will square off against the number-one team in Illinois and defending 4A state champion, Chicago Whitney Young High School.

The Dolphins bring a spotless 12-0 record and the nation’s number-eight ranking to the match-up with the Hounds. Head Coach Scott Bowen said he expects Young to attempt to take advantage of its speed in the backcourt.

“Young is extremely young and athletic with some fast guards,” Bowen said. “They are similar to Ben Davis in terms of quickness and athletic ability, so we are really going to have to move our feet and keep the ball in front of us.”

The Hounds’ schedule doesn’t get much easier later in the weekend. Their second game will take place on Jan. 18 at 10:30 a.m. local time (11:30 a.m. EST) against Wheeling High School, the number-eight team in Illinois that will enter the tournament with a 17-2 record.

Not only will the Hounds have to face two of their toughest opponents of the season during the weekend, but they will also have to do it without two varsity players. Guards and sophomores Beth Larson and Abbey Dean are out with a concussion and sprained ankle, respectively.

For a team that began the season with only seven players on the varsity roster, these injuries could be crippling, but guard and junior Lucy DeFruscio said she doesn’t expect the team to be rattled.

“I’m sure we will respond by keeping our composure and continuing to play as a team,” DeFruscio said. By Andrew Browning <[email protected]>