Centralia Tournament Preview
In our series of Holiday Tournament Previews we look at the top events across the state! The Centralia Holiday Tournament will run from December 28 to December 30. Check out the opening round matchups, prospects to watch, and our picks!
Opening Round Matchups (December 28)
8:30 AM Carmel vs Mt. Vernon
10:00 AM Alton vs Germantown
12:30 PM Confluence vs Cahokia
2:00 PM Belleville West vs Collierville
3:30 PM Champaign Central vs Lausanne
6:00 PM Evanston vs O’Fallon
7:45 PM Centralia vs Salem
9:15 PM Marist vs Arlington
Top Prospects
SF Johnny Roeser (Carmel – 2019)
PG Kimahri Wilson (Carmel – 2021)
SG Amir Spann (Mt. Vernon – 2020)
SG Simon Wilson (Mt. Vernon – 2020)
PG Kevin Caldwell (Alton – 2018)
SG Malik Smith (Alton – 2019)
SG Donovan Clay (Alton – 2019)
SG Elijah Rice (Cahokia – 2019)
PG Cortez Brown (Cahokia – 2019)
PF EJ Liddell (Belleville West – 2019)
PF Keith Randolph (Belleville West – 2019)
SG Malachi Smith (Belleville West – 2018)
SG Tim Finke (Champaign Central – 2018)
SF Khailieo Terry (Champaign Central – 2021)
SG Lance Jones (Evanston – 2019)
PG Jahiem Holden (Evanston – 2019)
SG Blake Peters (Evanston – 2021)
SG Jaylin Gibson (Evanston – 2021)
PF Matt Hall (Evanston – 2018)
PF Jalen Hodge (O’Fallon – 2018)
PG Jaime Long (Centralia – 2020)
SG John Keeler (Centralia – 2018)
SG Jordan Maines (Centralia – 2018)
SF Damond Crosby (Salem – 2018)
PF Cord Brown (Salem – 2018)
PG Dawson Linder (Salem – 2018)
PG Morgan Taylor (Marist – 2018)
Best Unsigned Senior
PG Jalen Hodge (O’Fallon)
Hodge is a lefty point guard with a nice overall feel for the game. He has the ability to weave in and out of the defense in the open floor and get penetration off the bounce in the half court. Drive and kick distributor that can also score when needed. D2 prospect.
Top Prospect
PF EJ Liddell (Belleville West)
Liddell is the #2 overall prospect in the 2019 class and is off to a monster start to his junior season. The power forward is versatile scoring both inside and out. Quick and athletic moves on the block and has greatly improved as a face up shooter. Plus rebounder and making major strides as a shot blocker. High-major prospect.
Most Intriguing Young Prospect
SF Khailieo Terry (Champaign Central)
Terry has been very impressive with his play early this season. One of the best athletes in the state throwing down jams and swatting shots in volume! The skill level is still a work in progress, but his raw athletic ability allows him to rebound and finish as a freshman.
Most to Gain at Tournament
SG Lance Jones (Evanston)
Jones is a combo guard who has the chance to make a big impact as a junior in this tournament. Plus pull up mid-range shooter that can fill it up off from 15-18 feet. Scoring guard that is improving as a passer. If he can help lead his team in this tournament look for it to open some eyes in his recruitment.
Final Four Picks and Champion
Belleville West is the best team in the state outside of the Chicago Public League and this is the event that they will prove it. EJ Liddell and Keith Randolph are dominant forces in the paint and Malachi Smith provides a perimeter scoring threat.
Belleville West (Champion)
Alton
Champaign Central
Marist
Event Website