5 Takeaways: Manual vs Lanphier

<p>We have seen Peoria Manual and Springfield Lanphier play quite a few times over the last few years at Thanksgiving time.  This is however the first matchup at the Kevin Brown Memorial Tournament of Champions in Washington, Illinois.  Both teams mirror each other with tons of quality guards and wanting to push in the open floor.  Peoria Manual won this one 63-53.  Take a look at our <strong>5 Takeaways: Peoria Manual vs Springfield Lanphier</strong>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Pee Wee Brown is a Winner</strong></p> <p>Senior shooting guard <strong>Pee Wee Brown</strong> proved it last March taking his team to state.  He did it again all summer carrying his Peoria Area Elite squad into the #1 overall seed in the 17U Hard Work Region division of the PrepHoops Circuit.  The 2020 wing is off to another great start this year.  Brown is a tough as nails kid that operates from the mid-range in.  Knocks down 15 footers with regularity.  So aggressive attacking the cup for difficult layups.  Plays with such tenacity.  D2s and JUCO’s should be on him heavily!  Went for 19 points.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Small College Gems</strong></p> <p>A few excellent small college 2020 prospects were on the court in this one.  Really like what Manual’s <strong>Myriece</strong> <strong>Byrd</strong> brings to the table with his speed at the point guard position.  Jet quick getting in the lane for scoop shots and has a quality pull up game.  Crisp ball handler and solid passer.  <strong>Andreas</strong> <strong>Bailey</strong> is a 6’0” guard for Manual that made plays on the defensive end and the lefty knocked in a three.  Storm Hagen is another Manual guard at 6’3” with a strong body to track.  Hit several jumpers.  On the Lanphier side <strong>Jaden</strong> <strong>Snodgrass</strong> is a no brainer at the D3 level as a shooting specialist.  Plus size and strength at 6’4”.  Big time shot maker pulling up and off the catch.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Strong Junior Classes for Both Squads</strong></p> <p>Both squads should be good next year with their core of juniors.  For Lanphier <strong>Michael</strong> <strong>Ousley</strong> had a big night!  The 2020 6’0” shooting guard tried to bring his team back in this game multiple times.  Lengthy guard hit several threes and got to the cup including a nifty finger roll en route to 19 points.  <strong>TJ</strong> <strong>Price</strong> stands at 6’2” and this lefty has range on his shot as he drilled a DEEP three in the first half.  On the Manual side <strong>Brian</strong> <strong>Tyler</strong> emerged with a breakout performance.  The 6’4” 2021 two guard has a slender build and was slippery through traffic all game long driving to the hoop for up and unders along with spinning layups on his way to 19 points.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Lanphier 2022 Backcourt</strong></p> <p>Two of the most exciting prospects on the floor were Lanphier’s sophomore backcourt of <strong>Tye</strong> <strong>Banks</strong> and <strong>Mekhi</strong> <strong>Phillips</strong>.  Banks is a top 10 junior that can change the game as a scorer with his strength and feel for the game.  Went for 7 points.  Phillips is a primetime shooter that loves to let it fly from deep!  He hit three triples for 9 points.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Manual Could Make Back to State</strong></p> <p>Last year Peoria Manual made it to the state final four in 3A with a great run in March.  They have most of the pieces from that group back.  With another year of experience under their belt there is no reason to believe they won’t be back.  Class 3A is more difficult this year as a whole, but Manual is even better than they were last year.</p>