By: Seth Jenkins Kunz
INTRODUCTION-
Before we fully get into this write up of day 1 of the 28th Annual Williamsville Holiday Tournament, I want to take the time to thank everyone who joined the Williamsville Wire to help us try to accomplish something that a year ago was a dream, for that I am grateful.
GAME 1: PRAIRIE CENTRAL 77 - DEER CREEK MACKINAW 27
This game kicked off the Holiday Tournament, and I only had one question. "Is Prairie Central as good as advertised?" and I would say that the answer is yes. Prairie Central entered this game averaging 69.9 points per game, and they kept pace and then some in this one. The Hawks looked impressive all the way through. The Hawks shot threes, they drove the paint, they even put up shots in the mid range and everything seemed to fall for them.
Biggest Concern: Prairie Central- During the game they lost number 10 Drew Haberkorn to injury. He left Williamsville High School at halftime, I'm hoping that he is able to fully recover. It was difficult to see a kid with so much talent and leadership skill get injured.
Deer Creek Mackinaw- They are a very young team, and it seems like this is definitely getting them prepared for the future to better their program. They have some solid leadership, hopefully this team can grow
GAME 2: PEORIA CHRISTIAN CHARGERS 61 - WARRENSBURG LATHAM CARDINALS 50
This game had everything. Two evenly matched teams, and a great back and forth during the third quarter. Peoria Christian was able to pull away late in this one, but neither team truly dominated the other. It was a perfect 8 vs 9 game. Malacki Persinger of Peoria Christian had 21 points which was propelled by a huge 1st quarter. Drew Gohring also had a solid day for the Chargers as he put up 15. Kaiden Gardner was impressive, along with Alex Harding of Warrensburg-Latham.
Biggest Concern: Neither of these teams have much that concerns me. As long as both teams can stay positive, I think they will both have some success in this tournament
GAME 3: TOLONO UNITY ROCKETS 62 - ILLINI CENTRAL 26
It seemed like Tolono Unity has a lot of guys that can score. They spread the ball around and a lot of guys get a lot of good looks. Tolono was able to limit Trenton Dietrech, and that slowed down Illini Central.
Biggest Concern: Tolono Unity looked solid all the way around.
Illini Central: I would love to see them get more guys involved
GAME 4: PORTA BLUEJAYS 58 - DELAVAN PANTHERS 38
This game was tight up until about mid way through the third quarter. Gavin Arthalony played an amazing game, and really powered the PORTA Bluejays to victory.
Biggest Concern: PORTA Bluejays: Their next opponent is a solid Tolono Unity team. Tolono is going to key in on Arthalony
GAME 5: EAST PEORIA RAIDERS 68 - ROANOKE BENSON ROCKETS 27
Everything went well for the Raiders in this one. They were one of the most impressive teams of day 1
GAME 6: CALVARY SAINTS 83 - BEARDSTOWN TIGERS 56
Calvary stayed hot as they separated themselves from Beardstown. It was an impressive outing from the Saints, and they are going to try to upset the two seeded Raiders from East Peoria on Day 2
Biggest Concern: Calvary really heated up and separated themselves in the third quarter. My biggest concern is how their first half will look tomorrow night. If they take the energy from the second half into tomorrow nights game, we will be in store for a great 6 PM game
GAME 7: WILLIAMSVILLE BULLETS 74 - HAVANA DUCKS 30
The Bullets came out and definitely defended their home court. There is a lot of good energy around this Williamsville Bullet team right now. Sam McCoy and Jacob Finley both looked great for the Williamsville Bullets. McCoy and Finley both make their living down low, but they do it in different ways. McCoy is quick, and he uses that to his advantage by splitting defenders, and pulling in boards. Finley is huge. He towers over his defenders, and he is able to make a lot of plays by using his size.
Biggest Concern: The Bullets looked good, but you never want to get complacent with where you are.
GAME 8: TREMONT TURKS 60 - PEORIA QUEST GATORS 55
Rounded out the day with a close game. It wasn't the cleanest game, but both teams felt it out and improved throughout the game.
Biggest Concern: Tremont- Tremont has to commit less turnovers. Peoria Quest- They got into a lot of foul trouble.
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