New Year’s Extravaganza: Steve’s Sunday Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The second day of the <strong>New Year's Extravaganza</strong> shifted locations to Crane High School, where six games were played on Sunday. Much like day 1, the event featured a strong mix of established teams some champions from holiday tournaments. Below are the standout performers from day two of action.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2531961' first='Amarion' last='Smith-Holley'] | Peoria Richwoods | 2028</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith-Holley's trip to Chicago went exactly as planned as the 6-0 put on a scoring clinic in Richwoods' blowout win over St. Laurence. Most of his damage came attacking the paint where he consistently finished through contact in transition. When the game slowed down Smith-Holley showed polish as a scorer knocking down mid-range jumpers and connecting from beyond the arc. His ability to score at all three levels continues to stand out for a young guard and he finished the day with 24 points in an impressive performance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2839863' first='Michael' last='Nee'] | Glenbard East | 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The South Dakota State commit once again showed why he's one of the more reliable shot-makers in the state. Nee was effective both off the bounce and coming off screens doing a great job of staying locked in even with defenders trailing closely. He heated up in the second half, where the majority of his damage came from deep. Nee finished with 27 points knocking down multiple threes while also dishing out five assists reinforcing his value as more than just a scoring threat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1552475' first='Marquis' last='Clark'] | Whitney Young | 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In a matchup featuring two of the top point guards in Illinois Clark emerged as the difference-maker. The future Tennessee Volunteer scored efficiently at all three levels using crafty isolation moves, physical post-ups, and downhill attacks in transition. Clark also consistently put pressure on the defense by getting to the free-throw line. He led all scorers with 27 points while adding 10 rebounds and six assists powering Whitney Young to the victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2362360' first='Anfernee' last='Moore'] | Peoria Richwoods | 2028</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moore set the tone early with his activity around the basket consistently being in the right place at the right time for dump-off passes and second-chance opportunities. The 6-3 forward continues to show steady improvement with each viewing particularly with his motor and finishing ability. His presence inside helped propel Richwoods to a dominant win over St. Laurence as Moore contributed 20 points and controlled the glass throughout.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2323617' first='Markese' last='Peoples'] | St. Laurence | 2027</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite the loss Peoples had his moments for St. Laurence. He showed an ability to create space and score through contact around the rim using solid footwork and a pair of effective up-and-under moves in the second half. Early foul trouble limited his minutes in the second quarter, but he remained aggressive after the break. Peoples finished with 21 points in the double-digit defeat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1552445' first='Charles' last='Barnes Jr']. | Marist | 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Barnes had an efficient night in Marist's blowout win over Crete-Monee. He scored comfortably at the rim and consistently knocked down his patented mid-range jumper. Barnes also made his presence felt on the glass helping control the tempo throughout the game. He led Marist with 17 points and eight rebounds in a steady, workmanlike performance after coming off an MVP showing at Centralia Holiday Tournament!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->