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2008 Peoria Illinois Classic Comes to an End
by Pat Benninger
May 19, 2008

The 2008 Peoria Illinois Classic Presented by MidStateHoops.com came to a conclusion Sunday evening at Illinois Central College in Peoria, Illinois.  It was a very exciting event that provided as a great day of competition, entertainment, and evaluation for all fans, players, coaches, and even college scouts.

13 and Under Division

The 13U title game was the most competitive of all. It was an exciting overtime-bound matchup that saw the Illinois Wildcats barely overcome Next Generation.

14 and Under Division

Peoria Stars dominated the Kentucky based Hooptown Hoyas in the title game.  It was pretty much over from the tip.  6'5" Romeo Johnson was literally a man among men as he stood over everone on the opposing team. He blocked shots, grabbed almost every rebound, and scored from everywhere.  Antonio 'BoBo' Drummond showed off his athleticism earlier in the day and his scoring ability in the championship.

15 and Under Division

Illinois Elite came away with a victory in the 15U championship game against Quad City Select.

Lawrence Kinney (Elite) is small but his impact on games is anything but.  He's a very good ball handler, quick, and can shoot it from the 3 and midrange area. He lacks the size of his older brother James but definitely has the skills.

David Quarles (Elite) recently transferred to Champaign Central from Indianapolis Pike. He was long and looked good attacking the rim for scores.  He didn't handle it much except for when he looked to score the ball but it was obvious Coach Kinney had faith in him as he was one of two that played up in the 17U title game.

6'7" Josh Piper (Elite) showed good potential.  Just a freshman, he runs the floor well, blocks shots, and attacks the rim. If he continues to grow and develop and learns to be more aggressive, he could have a shot at being a good mid major player.  Like Quarles, Piper got minutes in the 17U title game as well.

Denzell McCauley (Select) was just solid when we first watched him until we were informed that he was an incoming freshman playing up on the 15U level.  We were even more impressed to learn that he was young for his grade at just 13.  He's about 6'6" 180 lbs and is very raw but is long and athletic, very active on the glass, and even hit a couple of short range baskets.  It is scary to fathom what he would have done against his own age group.

16 and Under Division

Rising Stars defeated Team Illinois in the 16U title game after Team Illinois knocked off a loaded Peoria Carver squad.

Mike Springs (Stars) proved himself to be a skilled point guard.  He's smooth, quick, and handles it well.  He can shoot the 3 and pass the ball (especially when attacking the rim).

Team Illinois forwards 6'5" Nathan Haynes and 6'8" Brad Hallstein were very impressive.  Haynes is very skilled with great footwork and a soft touch.  He was very aggressive and played with a will to win.  He dominated theboards and there was NO ONE better than him in the title game.  Hallstein has a lot more size than Haynes is a very good 3-point shooter. Though he's not as aggressive, he does look to block shots and could very well be a Division I guy.

Adam McIntosh (Team Illinois) is a 6'3" shooter out of the guard-orientated Bloomington Central Catholic system.  He has an unorthodox form but rarely did it not fall.  He made an effort to rebound and always spotted up as he knows his limitations as a player.  He was the difference against Peoria Carver as he poured in 25 points. He looks to project as a solid Division II shooting guard.

17 and Under Division

Illinois Elite's 17U beat a very tough Peoria All-Stars squad that that was playing up and did not go down without a fight.

The story of this game is James Kinney (Elite).  The smooth playmaker was on a mission hitting shot after shot and getting the ball where it needed to be.  Also, he had a thunderous jam in traffic on a fast break that brought the crowd to their feet.  It's no wonder offers are pouring in as of late, including Colorado State and Evansville this past week. Every time you watch him you have to ask, is there a point guard better?

Mikel Brigham (Elite) had a quiet game after a strong semifinal with five dunks, two 3's, and numerous baskets around the rim.  In the title game, he had a solid second half as he got some blocked shots and rebounded the ball but he wasn't very noticeable offensively.

Tony Frazier (Peoria) didn't really have a position but he was very active and was a big time part of team's makeup make up.  He's long, athletic, and played very aggressive. He showed that he was a capable shot maker and finished around the rim.  Also, he rebounded and blocked shots.

Tylon Deal and Aaron Davis (Peoria) helped steer the team.  They were both good at attacking the rim as Deal looked to dish and Davis looked to score.

All in all, the event had a great turnout, exposed some players, and helped to build a foundation as we will come back and make it even better next season!

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