Game off for Hales, North Lawndale

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Hales and North Lawndale are no strangers to controversy. From illegal uniforms to abandoned state championships, the two small school basketball powerhouses have spent some time in the headlines over the past five years.

According to Hales, the Phoenix had agreed to play a varsity game at Hales on Tuesday. North Lawndale did not show up. According to North Lawndale, Hales agreed to reschedule the game after North Lawndale told the Spartans they only had three varsity players eligible.

“We lost some guys because of academic eligibility,” North Lawndale coach Lewis Thorpe said. “I called Hales and told them we only had three eligible players and would have to bring up some sophomores. They said we could reschedule the game. I thought everything was fine.”

“They basically let us know yesterday (Monday) that due to severe ineligibility things they wouldn’t be able to compete this evening,” Hales athletic director Lawrence Nalls said. “They did ask about rescheduling but we don’t have the time.

Hales also made enquiries to the Illinois High School Association about sanctions against North Lawndale for breaking the contract, which had no date for the game on it.

“Our president did not want to pursue that route,” said Nalls.

North Lawndale will also be shorthanded for Wednesday’s Public League playoff game at Curie.

“We will have a lot of sophomores up for that and just see how it goes,” Thorpe said.

Contributing: Mike Clark