Recap of Recent Holiday Tournaments in Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball

The winter holiday season has ushered in a flurry of excitement across the court as teams in boys’ and girls’ basketball face off in holiday tournaments. Here’s a detailed look at some standout performances and thrilling matchups from recent tournaments.

Boys’ Basketball Highlights

Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin/Heritage Holiday Tournament

Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin vs. Milford
In a commanding matchup, the Blue Devils triumphed over the Bearcats, finishing with a score of 78-59. Keison Peoples emerged as a superstar, leading his team with 26 points. His contributions were complemented by Micah Tidwell (13 points), Reed Zarate (12 points), and Connor Benjamin (11 points). For the Bearcats, Jack Van Hoveln led the way with 20 points, while Hixon LaFond and Brown contributed 16 and 14 points, respectively.

Salt Fork vs. Georgetown-Ridge Farm
Salt Fork secured a modest win with a final score of 46-37. Maddax Stine propelled the Storm with 12 points, while Ian Church added 10 points. The Buffaloes struggled to find their rhythm, with Jase Latoz being their standout player, scoring 13 points.

Providence Cristo Rey vs. Milford
In a heart-pounding game, the Bearcats nearly clawed back from a slow start, scoring 32 points in the fourth quarter but ultimately fell 62-56. Jack Van Hoveln was a powerhouse for Milford with 24 points, with Brown and Muehling also contributing with 10 points each.

Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin vs. Phalen Academy
Keison Peoples continued to shine, scoring a program-record 56 points in a thrilling 75-69 victory, breaking the previous record held by Brandon McCorkle, who scored 42 points.

Salt Fork vs. Heritage
In a decisive win, Salt Fork beat Heritage 60-45. The Storm had a balanced scoring effort led by Maddax Stine (12 points), Ian Church (11), Weston Church (10), and Braxton Clem (10). Brayden Jones stood out for Heritage, racking up 20 points.

Dieterich Holiday Tournament

Sullivan vs. Grayville
Sullivan dominated the court against Grayville, winning 73-37 behind Mitchell Hooten’s 20 points, along with 19 from Teagan McRill and 18 from Drayden Watkins.

Sullivan vs. Robinson
Showing no signs of slowing down, Teagan McRill exploded for 25 points as Sullivan edged Robinson 54-48, propelling the team to the championship game.

Kankakee Holiday Tournament

Armstrong-Potomac vs. Peotone
The Trojans pulled off a solid win at 64-57, thanks to a strong start and a standout performance from Rhys Showalter, who netted 18 points.

Rantoul vs. Thornton Fractional North
In a thrilling overtime match, Rantoul managed to emerge victorious at 57-51, with key contributions of 11 points each from Braydyn Wallace and Iysean Autman.

Monticello Holiday Hoopla

Tuscola vs. Oakwood
Tuscola continued their winning streak, now 12-0, defeating Oakwood 75-49. Logan Kurtz was remarkable with 24 points, while Caiden Russo had a double-double with 17 points and 18 rebounds.

Final Match Stats
Paxton-Buckley-Loda held onto a slim lead to finish 68-61 against Clinton, while Monticello’s performance (65-48) highlighted contributions from Ayden McCool (26 points) and Matthias Rudolph (20 points, 13 rebounds).

Girls’ Basketball Highlights

Blue Devil Classic

Centennial vs. Hoopeston Area
Dominating their matchup, Centennial defeated Hoopeston Area 61-28, with Dariah Horton scoring 20 points while four other players added to the score.

North Vermillion vs. Oakwood
North Vermillion experienced a tough game, succumbing 60-29. Caydence Vermillion managed a team-high 12 points amid the loss.

Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin vs. Attica
The Blue Devils showcased a strong defense, leading them to a convincing 45-18 victory. Giana Brown led the scoring with 12 points.

Coles County Holiday Tournament

Champaign Central vs. Mattoon
Champaign Central bounced back with a strong performance, defeating Mattoon 44-21. Eden Harding led with 15 points and seven steals.

Effingham vs. Danville
Effingham demonstrated their prowess with a 66-27 victory, while Danville found their groove later in the day, topping Charleston 64-33.

Dieterich Holiday Tournament

Marshall vs. Arcola
Despite strong efforts from Ema Simpson (11 points) and Olivia Gisinger (9 points), the Purple Riders fell 64-31 in search of their first win.

Monticello Holiday Hoopla

Clinton vs. Ridgeview
A fabulous showing for Clinton saw Carly Anderson lead the charge with 17 points and 13 rebounds en route to a 63-33 win.

Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley vs. Warrensburg-Latham
The Falcons powered through with a 67-40 win, with notable contributions from Lily Sizemore (20 points) and Jillian Rosendahl (14 points).

State Farm Holiday Classic

St. Joseph-Ogden vs. Rochester
St. Joseph-Ogden’s Addie Brooks put on a show, scoring a staggering 18 points through six three-pointers, securing a win of 49-35.

These tournaments not only showcase the talent and determination of young athletes but also bring communities together, fostering school spirit and local pride. Keep an eye on these teams as the season progresses, as they aim for even greater heights on the court!