Top Performers from Each Day This Past Week

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another week of high-level performances across Illinois featured record-breaking nights, explosive scoring outputs, and continued dominance from some of the state's top prospects. Here's a day-by-day look at the standouts who stole the spotlight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Monday | Jan. 19</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1845359' first='Keison' last='Peoples'] – Bismarck-Henning (2026)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Peoples continues to solidify himself as one of the premier scorers in the state. The 6-3 guard poured in 41 points in a win over Hoopeston showing off his full offensive arsenal. Peoples knocked down seven three pointers on the night, but his impact went beyond just shooting. A crafty guard who understands how to score at all three levels, Peoples consistently found ways to put pressure on the defense and get buckets in a variety of ways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tuesday | Jan. 20</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2125668' first='Nedas' last='Venckus'] – Lockport (2027)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Venckus delivered a breakout performance against Lincoln-Way Central, finishing with 36 points while connecting on six triples. The athletic wing played with a nonstop motor impacting the game in multiple areas. Beyond the perimeter shooting Venckus capitalized in transition off steals, attacked the rim, and cleaned the glass. He capped the night with five rebounds and five steals showcasing his two-way upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wednesday | Jan. 21</strong></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 historic night at Whitney Young the future Tennessee Volunteer erupted for 51 points in a blowout win over Manley. Clark broke the former Dolphins single-game scoring record previously held by Quentin Richardson. A high-level scoring guard, Clark's ability to score at all three levels continues to separate him.&nbsp; This performance further cements his place among the best guards to ever come through the program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Thursday | Jan. 22</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2125627' first='Ethan' last='Vahl'] – Oswego (2028)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vahl reached a major milestone this week surpassing 1,000 career points while continuing his strong sophomore campaign. In a marquee matchup against fellow Class of 2028 standout [player_tooltip player_id='2531973' first='Brady' last='Pettigrew'] Vahl finished with 30 points scoring from all three levels. He displayed excellent pace with the ball, converting floaters, stop-and-pop jumpers, and perimeter looks. Vahl's body of work this season has him firmly in the discussion among the top players in his class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Friday | Jan. 23</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1552440' first='Adam' last='Anwar'] – McHenry</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Anwar remains one of the most intriguing uncommitted forwards in the state and continues to fly under the radar in the Northern Suburbs. Against Huntley, the 6-7 forward posted a strong stat line of 27 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Anwar scores effectively inside and out. His physical presence on the block stands out. Ability to finish through contact is a major draw for college coaches evaluating his game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Saturday | Jan. 24</strong></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>Despite the loss during an unusual trip to Evanston, Smith-Holley once again showed why he's regarded as a top three player in the Class of 2028. The explosive guard consistently won off the bounce using change-of-pace moves and created separation with step-back and pull-up jumpers. He was lethal in the open floor, attacking downhill with speed and burst. In the second half, Smith-Holley lived at the free-throw line by relentlessly getting to the rim. He also flashed strong playmaking instincts early making quick decisions off live dribbles. Smith-Holley finished with 30 points in the outing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->