3 Takeaways: Richwoods vs Pekin

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tuesday night PHI took in a central Illinois contest between host Pekin and Peoria Richwoods.&nbsp; Early on in this contest it was Pekin who controlled the game jumping out early and leading at the half.&nbsp; The second half was owned by Richwoods as they were outstanding behind their freshman duo winning 61-53.&nbsp; We look at it all here in <strong>3 Takeaways: Richwoods vs Pekin!</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2028 PHI Watch List Prospects Smith-Holley and Moore Shine in Win</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We picked an a good game to evaluate the Peoria Richwoods talented freshman duo of [player_tooltip player_id='2531961' first='Amarion' last='Smith-Holley'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2362360' first='Anfernee' last='Moore'].&nbsp; Smith-Holley is a lead guard that has a chance to be toward the top of his position group if he continues to progress.&nbsp; He jumped on our radar at the Prep Hoops Freshman Showcase in August and has made strides since then.&nbsp; He is a high IQ guard that is so slick with the rock in his hands.&nbsp; Consistently blew past defenders in one on one situations, coast to coast takes in transition, and when he got in the paint was excellent at finishing shielding the ball along with using body control.&nbsp; He is a solid passer that is good in the drive and kick game.&nbsp; His defense was really good in this one.&nbsp; Pekin has a solid sophomore guard and Smith-Holley was in his grill all game long putting constant pressure on the ball from the jump.&nbsp; Active hands and anticipates well getting an array of steals taking them the other way with speed.&nbsp; Went for 19 points in the win.&nbsp; Moore is a strong small forward that brings physicality to the game.&nbsp; He gets on the glass high pointing them on both ends of the floor.&nbsp; Scores well in the paint and has a nose for the ball.&nbsp; He made winning plays all night long!&nbsp; Moore finished with 14 points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Richwoods Seniors Bring Depth</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The two freshman are definitely the headliners, but this team played around 10 guys and each showed flashes.&nbsp; Kingston Caldwell is a senior wing that plays with a ton of athleticism, energy, and crashes the glass.&nbsp; Craven Bailey is a wing with size that looks the part and flashed his athleticism.&nbsp; Elijah Barksdale is a plus spot up three point threat!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Small College Seniors to Track on Pekin</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There were a pair of 2025 prospects that caught our attention for Pekin in [player_tooltip player_id='2245713' first='Peyton' last='Hess'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2815700' first='Tyler' last='Filarski'].  Hess is a ranked prospect that has been on the radar for the last couple years.  He was very good in the first half knocking in a couple threes as well as attacking on straight line takes to the cup.  Cuts well off the ball for layups going for 13 points.  Pekin's point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2815700' first='Tyler' last='Filarski'] is a 6'2” combo guard that has good strength and passing instincts.  Can hit an open three while also being crafty on drives and even a post up for 16 points.  Young guard to track here is Bray Kormah.  The 5'9” lanky sophomore is a solid passer with handles who is one to keep an eye on long term.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->