Pecatonica MLK Memorial: Day 1 Stars

Pecatonica, IL - MLK Jr Day brings a wealth of prep basketball tournaments throughout the Prairie State. I caught Day 1 action live from Pecatonica High School watching 1 Quarter Final Game and both Semi-Final Games which consisted of the top ranked 1A school, an undefeated 2A school, along with another ranked 1A school. The best part of this tournament was the multitude and diverse set of conferences represented both from big schools and small schools. It was great to watch a couple of NUIC teams have a chance to compete against a Big Northern team and a NIC 10 team. Other conferences represented were the Little Ten, Kishwaukee River, Interstate Eight, and the Noble Public/Noble League.   RESULTS   Quarterfinal #4: Pecatonica 85 - UIC College Prep 50 Semifinal #1: Eastland 62 - Rockford Christian 51 Semifinal #2: Pecatonica 62 - Harlem 52    Consistently makes mid-range jump shots from 5 - 15 feet off the dribble. Shot those consistently the most out of any other type of field goal attempt and was confident in doing it. Uses his quickness effectively on offense as well as on the ball defensively. Plays with toughness, leads his team as a captain, and is coachable.     Plays an undersized 5 man for his team but would more so be considered a 3 or 4 at the next level. Athletically moves well, plays hard on both ends, and crashes the glass well. Can attack and finish at the rim while staying with it after a missed shot. Defensively tries to use his strength to his advantage in the paint.     Gets out and controls the tempo for his team on offense by pushing the ball while speeding the game up. Has strong dribbling skills as the primary ball handler and is very tough around the rim creating strong finishes. Is a team leader and defensively is a major asset to an already tough team. Throughout the day had a couple dunks but most importantly just has a solid IQ and natural feel for the game.     Was the best spot up 3 point shooter of the day off the pass. Shoot it as a high percentage. Has a slower dribble but is deceivingly capable of still getting out of pressure if need be. Is an undersized 2 but plays his part as a role player very well for the top ranked 1A team in the state.     Strong bodied off the ball guard but can offensively play a forward position and defensively uses his strength to his advantage in guarding bigger guys. Has a good keen feel for the game and plays with good pace. Can really play any of the 5 positions if need be and offensively knows when to space and get to the the right spots which opens the floor for other scorers. Takes charges and sacrifices doing the little things right for his team.     Overall the best well rounded player in the gym today as only a sophomore. Plays with a quiet confidence but gets after it on both sides of the ball hungry for more and can dribble well at 6'5. Is long, athletic, and plays with good poise when he catches it on the block. Has good finishing moves while having 3 dunks today in which one was an alley-oop off the backboard from his point guard.     A tough slashing guard that dribbles well with control against pressure. Offensively can drive and finish against length, catch and shoot, and has good overall court vision. Knows when to attack off the dribble and when to not. Defensively plays with quick hands and can create turnovers.     Plays the primary point guard for his team and has good size and body for that position. Has a passing first mentality once attacking into the lane. Brings a solid court vision and can catch and shoot the 3 as well.

Pecatonica, IL - MLK Jr Day brings a wealth of prep basketball tournaments throughout the Prairie State. I caught Day 1 action live from Pecatonica High School watching 1 Quarter Final Game and both Semi-Final Games which consisted of the top ranked 1A school, an undefeated 2A school, along with another ranked 1A school. The best part of this tournament was the multitude and diverse set of conferences represented both from big schools and small schools. It was great to watch a couple of NUIC teams have a chance to compete against a Big Northern team and a NIC 10 team. Other conferences represented were the Little Ten, Kishwaukee River, Interstate Eight, and the Noble Public/Noble League.