Central Illinois: Storylines from Week 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taking a look at some of the highlights in the first week of action for high school hoops in Central Illinois, here are some performances that stood out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Unsigned Seniors Shining Early</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are many Central Illinois prospects still available for 2024 and a handful are making their names known to start the season. [player_tooltip player_id='1838431' first='Keagan' last='Faulkner'] scored 42 points for Midland in a tough fought win vs Peoria Christian. Faulkner is an elite 3P shooter and hit six 3's in that matchup. Another small school player [player_tooltip player_id='2318226' first='Tyler' last='Heffren'] posted 35 points and 20 rebounds for Eureka in a win vs Peoria Quest. Heffren is an underrated athlete who can score comfortably from midrange and the perimeter, and is a great rebounder for the wing position. Big man [player_tooltip player_id='1285518' first='Nick' last='Feather'] filled up the stat sheet at the Washington ToC with big performances vs North Tampa Christian (20 Pts 19 Reb) and Thayer (18 Pts 12 Reb). At 6'8, Feather uses his strong frame to dominate in the paint and shows potential as a perimeter threat. Keauntrey Barnes is off to a hot start for Farmington scoring 25 vs Havana and 24 vs North Fulton. Barnes eclipsed 1000 points on Wednesday night with a soaring dunk in transition, showcasing his effortless bounce. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">EP Freshmen Takeover</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A pair of 2027's are putting up big numbers to start their high school careers at East Peoria. [player_tooltip player_id='2125674' first='Quinton' last='Kitt'] scored 20 points in a close loss to Dixon, followed by a monster 20 point 16 rebound performance in a win vs North Chicago. Kitt is a wing who can score at all levels and plays with a high motor defensively and on the boards. To match Kitt's scoring efforts, fellow freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2323592' first='Cole' last='Dubois'] had 21 vs Dixon and 24 vs North Chicago. Dubois is a scoring combo guard who thrives both on and off the ball. These two will be interesting prospects to track moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>Metamora Shows Fight</strong> <strong>Shorthanded</strong></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After a 64-45 bashing of Peoria Notre Dame to start the week, Metamora played their remaining 3 games at the ToC without star junior wing [player_tooltip player_id='1545146' first='Matthew' last='Zobrist']. Iowa commit [player_tooltip player_id='1157231' first='Cooper' last='Koch'] did everything he could to will the Redbirds to a win in a close OT loss to Dale (OK). Koch is a bucket getter with soft touch who is bound to have a great college career at Iowa. Winona State commit [player_tooltip player_id='1750712' first='Tyler' last='Mason'], who is a steal at the Division 2 level, showed his athleticism and scoring ability. Unsigned power forward [player_tooltip player_id='1750597' first='Luke' last='Hopp'] is a prospect that Division 2 schools should be all over. Skilled, versatile, efficient scorer around the rim and plays with great IQ.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Morton finishes 3-0 at ToC as Gray Ribbon Showdown Champions</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a stacked field of teams including North Tampa Christian (FL) and Thayer (MO), Morton was very impressive. The Potters won their bracket and were led by unsigned guard [player_tooltip player_id='1750614' first='Gus' last='Rugaard'] who is a high percentage shooter from 3 and is great at finding space off the ball to get his looks. Rugaard and junior [player_tooltip player_id='1232827' first='Wes' last='Gudeman'] were named to the All-Tournament team at Kevin Brown Memorial ToC. Gudeman is a strong body wing with a solid perimeter game and uses his frame to gain position in the paint as a good area rebounder. Junior guard Tripp Rugaard won the Kevin Brown Hustle Award after playing with a high motor and flying around defensively all week. A lot to like about this Morton squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->