Mercy High School in Baltimore and Maryvale Preparatory School in Lutherville announced Dec. 10 they will begin a new tradition in girls basketball Feb. 25 when the two all-girls schools compete in “The Classic” — a new annual match-up that builds on the legacy of previous rivalries between area Catholic schools.
The Mercy Magic and the Maryvale Lions will play at 7:30 p.m. at Towson University’s SECU Arena.
This signature event builds on a friendly rivalry between Mercy and Maryvale spanning more than 50 years in multiple sports, according to a news release. The Classic will be the culmination of a week of spirited activities between the two schools, including JV and alumnae games, pep rallies and a fundraising challenge among each school’s graduates.
The contest has its roots beginning in 1964 when Mercy High School competed against the old Seton High School in a three-year series at the Civic Center. In 1967, a new rivalry formed between Mercy and the Institute of Notre Dame. For 54 years, “The Game” between Mercy and IND was the largest girls athletic contest in Maryland. IND closed at the end of the last academic year.
Tickets for The Classic will go on sale in mid-January. Fans are encouraged to check mercyhighschool.com/athletics/the-classic or maryvale.com/the-classic for updated information.
“Mercy is thrilled to partner with Maryvale on The Classic, which highlights the excellence of our two schools and highlights how an all-girls environment empowers girls as leaders–on and off the court,” said Mary Beth Lennon, president of Mercy High School and a 1985 graduate of the school.
Mercy Athletic Director Nick Gill added, “We are excited to give Mercy and Maryvale athletes the opportunity to showcase their abilities on a big stage. This is a big win for girls’ athletics.”
“It is an honor to have been asked by Mercy to join them as new partners in this long-standing athletic tradition,” said Tracey H. Ford, president of Maryvale Preparatory School. “Maryvale looks forward to our first game and the unique opportunity it provides for students, players, alumnae and the community.”
“We are excited to launch a new era of this tradition with Mercy,” said Maryvale Athletic Director Terri Moeser. “This will be a great game and a fantastic experience for all of our student athletes.”
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