New Trier’s boys basketball program went 1 for 2 Monday in critical eligibility rulings handed down by the Illinois High School Association.
IHSA Executive Director Dave Fry ruled that 6-foot-9-inch Yugoslavian standout Ivan Pjevcevic will be eligible to join the Trevians after Dec. 15, while 6-6 Morgan Park transfer Todd Townsend remains ineligible pending further documentation from Townsend and the school.
New Trier coach Rick Malnati was notified of the decision just hours before the Trevians opened their season with an 8 p.m. game at the Niles West tournament.
“Now at least we know who can play and who can’t,” Malnati said. “Ivan is going to be a good player for us, and we’re excited about having him.
“Dave Fry would like Todd and us to address specific questions concerning his move from the city to Winnetka.”
Malnati said Todd’s mother surrendered legal guardianship to Joseph and Kathryn Schwaba of Kenilworth. The Schwabas came to know Townsend because of his close friendship with New Trier star guard Matt Lottich.
“Todd will have to answer Dave Fry’s specific questions of why he left his home in Chicago and how he came to get legal guardianship with the Schwabas,” Malnati said.
“I think the IHSA left the door open for Todd. It’s my understanding that if Todd can answer some specific concerns of Mr. Fry’s that there’s a chance he could eventually be ruled eligible.”