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It's a Sparty Party for Rolling Meadows' Christie

When Max Christie grew up in Rolling Meadows he pictured himself playing basketball at his local high school and one day in college.

After three years as a starter for the Mustangs, Christie has now fulfilled his next dream. He was able to do that Wednesday morning when he signed his National Letter of Intent to play at Michigan State in a ceremony in the Rolling Meadows gym before a small crowd of family, teammates, friends, coaches and administrators.

“With the COVID, I didn't think we were going to be here in person, “ Christie said. “It is really nice to be able to sign off on one of my dreams. Rolling Meadows and the whole community has been great to me.”

Christie, who is ranked as one of the top high school basketball players in the nation, said that the COVID-19 pandemic has hurt other player's recruiting.

“I am lucky and fortunate where I am in a position that I did not have to worry about COVID affecting my recruitment,” Christie said. “Unfortunately, for some other people who are still looking for scholarships, it may throw a wrench in their system. But I am lucky that I am here and able to commit and sign a national letter of intent at this time.”

Spartans' head coach Tom Izzo, who visited Christie on Izzo's birthday last year, tested positive for COVID on Monday. Christie said he called his new coach to wish him well.

“I called him to just to make sure he was ok,” Christie said. “He is following the guidelines and I am sure he will recover stronger.”

Max's mon, Katrina, who was recruited herself to play college basketball and scored over 1,000 points at Northwestern, said that it brought back pleasant memories for her to watch Max sign on Wednesday.

“It is pretty surreal,” Katrina Christie said. “I remember my day like it was not that long ago. It is super exciting. He has worked so hard and as a parent it feels so good to have him signing at a school that we feel so connected to.”

“It is an exciting day for Max,” Mustangs coach Kevin Katovich said. “He has earned every ounce of this. Everyone knows what a great basketball player he is, but when you get to know him as a person, I think it makes it that more special.”

Rolling Meadows assistant principal Lisa DeRoche, who was sporting a Michigan State T-shirt, said she wishes Max and his Rolling Meadows teammates get an opportunity to play again this season.

“I wish him the best,” DeRoche said. “We hope we get an opportunity to see him play in this gym again.

  Max Christie stands next to the Michigan State flag after the Rolling Meadows standout signed his letter of intent to play basketball for Michigan State. His brother Cameron, dad Max Christie Sr. and mom Katrina were at the ceremony at Rolling Meadows High School which was attended by his coach and teammates. Mark Welsh/mwelsh@dailyherald.com
  Max Christie (second from right) of Rolling Meadows stands with his mom Katrina, his brother Cameron and dad Max Christie Sr. as they watch a highlight reel featuring Max playing basketball. Max was signing his letter of intent to play basketball at Michigan State. Mark Welsh/mwelsh@dailyherald.com
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