2025 Pecatonica MLK Memorial Tourney: More Standouts

Pecatonica, IL –MLK Jr Day means many prep basketball tournaments are taking place throughout the Prairie State. I saw Day 1 action 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 is the multitude and diverse set of conferences represented both from big schools and smalls schools. It was great to watch a couple of NUIC teams get 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.    Fundamentally sound, runs the floor well, and works hard in the paint on both ends. Crashes to the glass consistently from the offensive and defensive sides. Uses his body to his advantage well against defenders while trying to gain positioning for paint touches. Good IQ on both ends and is poised and patient when needed.     Tough with the ball as a point guard and tough on the ball as a defender. Hard nosed but under control. Head is on a swivel when he's attacking looking to pass but can finish in traffic while changing necessary speeds. Pushes the ball off a made or miss and forces defense to play fast.     Catches and shoots well from 3. Secondary ball handler if necessary and is comfortable under pressure. Will dribble drive and make kick outs to an open man. Hardnosed defender on the ball and plays selfless.     A speedy guard that plays with an edge with or without the ball. High competitor who does not like to lose and has scored over 2,000 career points. Has quick hands defensively and can create turnovers while using that same quickness ability to make drives to the hole off the bounce while finishing well over height and in traffic. Plays with a joy and has the free will to shoot it and convert from long distance.     The off guard and second half to the dynamic and talented front court. Can drive and kick it very well to his teammates especially when the defense collapses. Ball handling skills are well rounded but can obviously score as he is coming up on the 2,000 point mark in his career. Will take it strong to the cup and create some havoc on the defensive end as well knowing when to take risks and create turnovers.     Does a lot of little things away from the ball well that affects the game positively. Will crash the boards consistently and screen and cut hard. Has the ability to catch and shoot the 3 but also will take it hard to the rim under control. Great role player for 2 other star plays on the team.     Offensively is not a threat but plays very hard and selflessly. Is athletically quick with his feet and uses that to his advantages playing on the ball defense vs. skilled players. Will crash the boards at a good rate and be collectively poised moving the ball.     Is a good role player that does a lot of the fine details correctly. Gives a spark when needed at important times and seems to always be in the play. Bold player in the paint using his body well while screening and moving away from the ball. Well rounded athlete.

Pecatonica, IL –MLK Jr Day means many prep basketball tournaments are taking place throughout the Prairie State. I saw Day 1 action 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 is the multitude and diverse set of conferences represented both from big schools and smalls schools. It was great to watch a couple of NUIC teams get 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.