Pekin Tournament Preview
In our series of Holiday Tournament Previews we look at the top events across the state! The Pekin Holiday Tournament will run from December 27 to December 29. Check out the opening round matchups, prospects to watch, and our picks!
Opening Round Matchups (December 27)
9:00 AM Normal West vs Limestone
10:30 AM Lake Zurich vs United Township
12:45 PM Morton vs Plainfield East
2:15 PM Freeport vs Richwood
3:45 PM Moline vs Champaign Centennial
6:30 PM Pekin vs Hersey
8:00 PM Lanphier vs Mt. Carmel
9:30 PM Washington vs Rockford Boylan
Best Unsigned Senior
SG Cardell McGee (Springfield Lanphier)
McGee is one of the best wings remaining on the board in the 2018 class. The Laphier senior is a plus athlete that when he is on he is really good. He has stepped up to the plate as a senior scoring at a nice clip and leading his team.
Top Prospect
C Francis Okoro (Normal West)
Okoro is the best 2019 prospect in the state of Illinois. The center is a physically imposing post that finishes with force around the hoop. One of the best rebounders nationally and a force blocking shots. High-major player.
Most Intriguing Young Prospect
PG PJ Edwards (Springfield Lanphier)
Edwards is a combo guard with size, strength, and the ability to take over a game in stretches. He can get to the rim and finish at the rim as well as hit threes off the catch. Potential as a defender. D1 prospect.
Most to Gain at Tournament
SF Ryan Kutsor (Lake Zurich)
Kutsor is a prospect that we have been fans of for a while with his play for Kessel Heat. He has a strong supporting cast this year at Lake Zurich and with his ability to stretch the floor could open some eyes of college recruiters with his play. D3+ prospect.
Final Four Picks and Champion
There is a pretty clear favorite at Pekin this year. Despite the graduation of two great guards Blake Turner just reloads at Lanphier with another strong group of guards led by Cardell McGee and PJ Edwards. Bouncy four man Karl Wright will have a big impact!
Lanphier (Champion)
Lake Zurich
Richwood
Moline
Event Website