Plainfield East Closes Strong to Knock Off Wheaton Academy

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>***Use Code “BLACKFRIDAY2025” for 50% off your annual subscription THIS WEEK ONLY***</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Day two of the St. Charles East Thanksgiving Tournament delivered one of its most anticipated matchups as Wheaton Academy, led by top junior big man [player_tooltip player_id='2125634' first='Hayden' last='Schroeder'], squared off against Plainfield East and their fast rising junior guard [player_tooltip player_id='2406554' first='KJ' last='Miller'].&nbsp; The contrast in styles was evident from the opening tip. Wheaton Academy controlled the pace for most of the game leaning on their interior advantage and disciplined half-court offense. Plainfield East stayed within striking distance and when the fourth quarter hit the Bengals made winning plays on both ends to steal a 65–61 comeback victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Performers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2125634' first='Hayden' last='Schroeder'] (2027) – Wheaton Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top junior big man in the state delivered a dominant performance. Schroeder poured in 31 points scoring in a variety of ways that highlight why he's one of the premier frontcourt prospects in Illinois. He attacked off the bounce, showcased polished footwork, and repeatedly created contact to earn trips to the free-throw line. Schroeder's ability to establish deep post position and his savvy use of shot fakes made him nearly unguardable. His highlight of the night came on a catch at the top of the key where he ripped through, took two deliberate dribbles, and hammered home a dunk through a defender. A play reminiscent of a certain 6'6 Northwestern star currently leading the Wildcats in scoring. Schroeder rounded out his night with 8 rebounds and 2 blocks putting together one of the most impressive individual performances of the tournament so far.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1552473' first='Alijah' last='Little'] (2026) – Plainfield East</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The senior guard gave Plainfield East exactly what they needed in toughness, aggression, and timely scoring. Little finished with 18 points repeatedly attacking downhill and finishing through contact. He took advantage of his matchups whenever he touched the ball and knocked down several contested pull-up jumpers that halted Wheaton Academy runs. Little's physicality and poise were essential in East's late-game push.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2406554' first='KJ' last='Miller'] (2027) – Plainfield East</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6'7 guard continues to show why he's one of Illinois' most intriguing junior prospects. Miller's versatility was on full display with his shooting, playmaking, and defensive presence all making a significant impact. He knocked down two big threes in the third quarter to help trim Wheaton Academy's lead to single digits. Then he shifted into facilitator mode finding teammates for clean looks and attacking lanes for finishes. He stuffed the stat sheet again with 14 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 blocks.&nbsp; A complete and mature performance that helped Plainfield East close the door late.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2388062' first='Justin' last='Paszkowski'] (2026) – Plainfield East</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Paszkowski came up huge from the perimeter and finished with a team-high 18 points. The 2026 guard showed great confidence as a catch-and-shoot threat burying multiple threes and converting tough floaters in traffic. His shot-making was crucial in keeping East within range before their fourth-quarter surge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Camren Smith (2026) – Plainfield East</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith provided the spark off the bench that every winning team needs. He knocked down a corner three early to establish rhythm then brought disruptive energy defensively pressuring opposing guards into several mistakes. Smith added 9 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals, supplying momentum at exactly the right moments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->