10 things every basketball fan should know about the Mercy v IND game

This story is written by Meredith Bower , Baltimore Private Schools Examiner and the photo is courtesy of Varsity Sports Network www.varsitysportsnetwork.com

To those in the know, the annual Mercy v IND (Institute of Notre Dame) basketball game is simply called "The Game." It's a girls' school rivalry seeped in tradition and the spirit of competition. And, while the players from the two schools each have plenty of talent, it is the tradition of "The Game" that is most meaningful to the students, alumnae, family and fans.

Following are 10 things you should know about "The Game:"

The 46th annual IND v Mercy High School basketball game will be held Friday, January 27, 2012 with pre-game activities at 7:10 p.m. and tip-off at 7:30 p.m.
Between 3,000 and 3,800 fans are expected to attend "The Game" at the Towson Center.
The IND Penguins v Mercy Magic game has attracted the largest crowd to view a high school girls' basketball game in the State of Maryland.
The first meeting of the teams took place at the Baltimore Civic Center, now the Baltimore Arena. Over the years the venue has changed to accommodate the growing number of fans that show up to support their teams and watch good basketball. Other locations have included UMBC, Loyola College, Loyola High School and Mt. St. Joseph's High School.
Both the Super Bowl and "The Game" began in 1967 and will be played for the 46th time this year.
IND won the first game with a score of 31-23. Since 1967, the IND Penguins have won 16 times and Mercy Magic boasts 29 victories.
Pre-game excitement begins the week before "The Game" as the schools host a Spirit Week. At IND, Spirit Week includes class competitions in locker room decorations, dance, posters, spirit. Mercy’s Spirit Week includes a faculty v JV basketball team game after school, class color day, minute to win it contests at lunch and a pep rally on Friday.
The pageantry surrounding the event makes it more than just one more game on the schedule for both teams. The competition between the cheerleaders, pep squads, and alumnae and students singing their Alma Maters make it a homecoming.
Tickets are on sale now at both schools. Tickets sold at the door at the Towson Center on the night of the game will cost $12. Tickets sell fast so make sure you get yours early before they sell out.
Both team include legacy players. Mercy's co-captain Samantha Hruz '13 is the daughter of Marianne Kelly Hruz '83 who played in "The Game" in the early 80s. IND senior Jennifer Staab is also the daughter of a former player.