Bolingbrook, Montini Set for Potential Thriller in McDonald's Shootout

From the moment the pairings were released late last year, tonight's heavyweight matchup between two titans of the Illinois girls basketball scene has been circled in red ink.

As in, you're going to want to watch this game.

Tonight's McDonald's Shootout spotlight game features two of the best squads in the country, let alone Illinois.

comes in as the reigning Illinois 4A state champion; Montini Catholic High School is the defending 3A champion. The Lady Raiders are widely regarded as the best team in the state; Montini has gotten its fair share of national attention and is viewed as one of just a select few that can challenge Bolingbrook on the hardwood. Bolingbrook hasn't lost a game to an Illinois opponent since the final game of the 2007-08 season; Montini hasn't lost in 21 games this season. 

And as if you needed the proverbial cherry on top, tonight's game is a rematch of last year's McDonald's Shootout thriller—a back-and-forth game that Bolingbrook ultimately won 51-43.

"(This will be) a great game and they're a good team, said Bolingbrook head coach Tony Smith. "We'll see who's the better team Monday night. We think that we are the measuring stick for people. If they come out and play for us, that's good for them. We just have to make sure we stay the stick. We've got to come out play hard because we know they have a lot of talent."

Bolingbrook (12-2) comes into the game as winners of its last six games, including a . The only two losses have come at the hands of two of the best teams in the country, in and in the Nike Tournament of Champions.

Montini, meanwhile, has won 21 consecutive games this season and remains unbeaten. The Broncos have even crept into some national top-50 polls.

“The environment, the competition — this is why we do it,” Montini head coach Jason Nichols told the Daily Herald. “It’s girls basketball at its best. I’m glad to be a part of it.”

Be sure to check back with Bolingbrook Patch later tonight for all the latest information on the game. Or follow us on Twitter for live in-game updates.

For all the latest news and notes from the Bolingbrook girls basketball team, check out Patch's .