Rock Island, IL — Group O has announced its sponsorship of the annual Iowa–Illinois Shootout, a long‑running high school boys basketball event that brings together top programs from both sides of the Mississippi River. Beginning in 2026, Group O will serve as the tournament’s title sponsor, and the event will be known as The Group O Shootout.

The Iowa–Illinois Shootout is held each December at the Carver Center on the Augustana College campus in Rock Island.

Traditionally played on the Saturday before Christmas, the event features a full day of competition between seven Iowa schools and seven Illinois schools, highlighting some of the region’s best high school basketball talent and one of its most enduring sports rivalries.

Group O chose to sponsor the Shootout as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting local communities and regional traditions. The event has been a staple of the Quad Cities sports landscape for decades, drawing players, families, and fans together for a celebration of competition and community.

Through its sponsorship, Group O is proud to help sustain an event that showcases student‑athletes, strengthens cross‑river connections, and continues a valued local tradition for future generations.