3 Takeaways: East Peoria vs Limestone

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The state tournament kicked off on Monday night with regional quarterfinal games across the state.&nbsp; There were a lot of great games, but the one I decided to evaluate was East Peoria led by their dynamic freshman duo against Limestone.&nbsp; It was close all game long.&nbsp; After a three to close the third quarter East Peoria to give them the lead they blew it open late to win 52-40.&nbsp; Here are our <strong>3 Takeaways: East Peoria vs Limestone</strong>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kitt has Next in Peoria</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There has been a lot of talk about the “Big 4” freshman in Chicago as the headliners of the 2027 class and rightfully get a ton of pub as multiple of them are already go to players on state title contenders.  East Peoria 2027 small forward [player_tooltip player_id='2125674' first='Quinton' last='Kitt'] has a chance to burst into that group this summer.  The 6'4” small forward has a ton of physical upside with his size already, incredible length, and baby strength.  He is going to continue to grow.  Moves a little like Ciaravino did at a young age.  His body is going to continue to mature and get more athletic.  The skill set is so intriguing.  He opened the game putting it on the deck for a sweeping layup banking it in.  Scored on multiple back cuts and out of bounds plays making the simple read and putting it in.  Swished in a corner three to close 3^rd stanza of the contest.  Excellent rebounder that high-pointed them all game long.  He got on the offensive glass for quite a few extra points getting fouled and making his free throws.  Such a pure stroke from the line and off the catch from three.  Passes well making good decisions and finding teammates on cuts.  Good instincts on the defensive end recording multiple steals with his long arms.  He had 19 points in the win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Young Backcourt Shines for East Peoria</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What makes this East Peoria squad so intriguing long term is they are more than just Kitt.&nbsp; He has a fellow 2027 in point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2323592' first='Cole' last='Dubois'] who is a heady floor general.&nbsp; Crisp passer that has blow by ability off the bounce for runners and layups.&nbsp; Also hit a three and was tenacious defensively.&nbsp; Runs the show and finds his spots to score as he had 13 points.&nbsp; Another young guard in 2026 Jackson Ahrens emerged in this one.&nbsp; Slick driver that is crafty finisher around the hoop and bombed in a trio of threes for 16 points.&nbsp; This will be a team to watch the next 2-3 years if this group stays together!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Scrappy Limestone Squad Uses Balance to Stay in Game for 3 Quarters</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Limestone came into this game with a 7-22 record.&nbsp; They gave everything they had in the first three quarters before letting it get away from them late.&nbsp; Alec Williams was their best player.&nbsp; The 6'4” junior small forward scored in the paint and got to the line for 9 points.&nbsp; Kamar Sanders came off the bench to provide a spark with his athleticism, speed, and shot making recording 8 points.&nbsp; Logan Sprout and Joe Lamberti each chipped in 6 in the loss.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->