May 3, 2001

MILWAUKEE - Mark Pancratz (Schaumburg, Ill.) has signed a national letter of intent to play men's basketball at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, head coach Bruce Pearl announced today.

Pancratz, a 6-foot-3, 185-pound guard, led Schaumburg High School to the Illinois High School Association Class AA State Championship this past season. He led his team in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals.

Pancratz, the Mid-Suburban League Player of the Year, averaged 18 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.7 assists. He scored 21 points as Schaumburg upset top-ranked Thornwood and NBA lottery prospect Eddy Curry for the state title. The win by Schaumburg and head coach Bob Williams is considered one of the greatest upsets in IHSA basketball history.

Pancratz was named a second-team All-State performer by the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun Times.

During the regular season, Pancratz led Schaumburg to the Mid-Suburban League championship. He received extensive playing time as a sophomore when Schaumburg finished fourth in the state.

"Mark's value as a player goes beyond his ability to score, rebound, pass and defend," Pearl said. "He played for one of the finest coaches in the state of Illinois in Bob Williams, and has developed a toughness and will to lead his team to a state championship."

Pancratz's dad, Andy, played college basketball at DePaul, while his mom, Jeanette, is the varsity volleyball coach at Schaumburg High School.