MILWAUKEE- The defending WIAA Division 1 boys state basketball champion, Madison Memorial, is scheduled to play Milwaukee Rufus King at the Converse/Eastbay Classic in the marquee game December 19 at the Al McGuire Center.

The first Converse/Eastbay Classic was considered a success by many throughout the state of Wisconsin. The classic saw top notch programs from all across the country including traditional powerhouse Oak Hill Academy. So far this has been the only game announced for the one-day event.

“The first year was a complete success as we are in the midst of awarding four scholarships to four individuals from the money made last December,” said King coach Jim Gosz. Gosz was instrumental in starting the Classic.

However, Gosz and former Custer coach Marc Mitchell, who is in charge of scheduling the games for the Converse/Eastbay Classic, admit that they want to keep this years’ classic more in state.

“Due to the economy and recession we thought it would be best to keep this on more of a local slate rather than spend the money to fly teams in from across the country,” said Gosz.

This year’s classic will feature a girls basketball game, as well.

Now the stage is set. Madison Memorial defeated Racine Horlick in the WIAA Division 1 state final, 56-41, in March.

The defending champs get to play a King team which was unable to play in last year’s WIAA postseason tournament.

“We contacted Steve (Collins) and he was all for it, as well,” said Gosz. “ I think Steve and I have the same philosophy when we schedule games for the season in that nothing really matters ‘til the calendar says March.”

Since 2000 King and Memorial have combined for four WIAA Division 1 state titles, three second-place finishes, and 10 state-tournament berths.