10 Best: Adam Lopez Tournament
We were in the house for the final day of the Springfield Lanphier Adam Lopez Thanksgiving Tournament. East St. Louis took home fifth place in a big win over North Chicago. Peoria Manual won a close third place game against…
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Continue ReadingWe were in the house for the final day of the Springfield Lanphier Adam Lopez Thanksgiving Tournament. East St. Louis took home fifth place in a big win over North Chicago. Peoria Manual won a close third place game against CBC. In the title game the host Lanphier defeated Champaign Central in overtime. Let’s give out some awards in our 10 Best series!
MVP
Da’Monte Williams (Peoria Manual – 2017)
The Manual shooting guard was at his best on Saturday in the third place game. Williams hit his first three shots with one coming from each level. He was the most aggressive we have seen in a while. Crashed the glass and passed well. 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists for Illini commit.
Play of the event
The play of the event was a flourish where Yaakema Rose hit a late three in the title game followed by a monster Tim Finke “LeBron James” block that he swatted off the backboard so hard it led to a score at the other end.
Best offensive performance
Kale Catchings (CBC – 2018)
The St. Louis wing was outstanding slashing in the half court, finishing in transition, and getting on the offensive glass for put backs. Plays with a good motor and toughness. Just has a knack for scoring. Catchings finished with 19 points.
Best defensive performance
Terrence Hargrove (East St. Louis – 2019)
Hargrove was a beast on the defensive end. He blocked shots using his length and aggressiveness. Big time quick explosion off the floor. Moves well laterally on the perimeter.
Best rebounder
Terrence Hargrove (East St. Louis – 2019)
With Tilmon in foul trouble this 6’5” small forward stepped up in a major way with his energy and intensity on the glass. He was everywhere rebounding both in and out of his area recording 16 boards.
Best passer
Neshawn Brooks (Peoria Manual – 2017)
Brooks is a strong guard that can shoot it, but was also very effective getting other guys involved finding them in spots where they could succeed.
Best catch and shoot guy
Aundrae Williams (Springfield Lanphier – 2017)
Williams shot lights out connecting on five three pointers in the win. He even banked one in from the wing. The potential D2 commit was definitely in a zone.
Best intangibles
Yaakema Rose (Springfield Lanphier – 2017)
Rose is a tough and gritty leader that didn’t play great early in the championship game, but he stepped up late making key plays on both ends to help lead his team to the win.
Best under-the-radar performance
Arthur Carter (East St. Louis)
Carter is a senior guard who doesn’t get a ton of recognition, but is fairly consistent. He got to the rim and scored in the paint. Also hit the glass at a nice clip. He had 19 points and 11 rebounds.
Best underclassmen
Adam Miller (Peoria Manual – 2020)
Miller wasn’t great in the first half, but the front runner to debut at #1 in the 2020 class picked it up in the second half. Miller is a dynamic ball handler that can change directions in tight spaces. Best slashing to the rim.