Record Setter
Annawan’s Celina VanHyfte isn’t just a reigning three-time all-tournament selection in the Small School Girls Division. With 22 points in Annawan’s opening-round win over Downs Tri-Valley, VanHyfte broke the Classic individual player record for most tournament points in a career, surpassing Zahna Medley (Springfield – Texas Christian University). VanHyfte, who now has 281 tournament points, also garnered her 1,000th career rebound in the win.
No Anthem, No Problem
When the National Anthem CD malfunctioned before the opening Large School Girls Bracket at Normal Community, Chatham Glenwood’s Lauren Gregg stepped in and saved the day, singing the anthem before an appreciative crowd. Gregg refers to herself as a Co-co-co Assistant Coach for the Titans.
Coffee and Donuts for One
Geneseo girls coach Scott Hardison spent the first game in the hospitality room while assistant Claire Hermie, a former Monmouth College volleyball standout, led the Maple Leafs in their opening game. Hardison was serving a one-game suspension after receiving two technicals in their previous game against LaSalle-Peru at the Ottawa Tournament.
Double Digits
Three returning scoring champions all posted double-digit efforts in their opening games. As noted, reigning Small School Girls Bracket scoring leader Celina VanHyfte of Annawan posted a 22-point performance against Downs Tri-Valley. In the Large School Girls Bracket, Olivia Elger scored 11 points in Peoria Richwood’s opening victory over Mahomet-Seymour. Finally, Keith Mack (pictured) of Chicago North Lawndale posted 18 points in a losing effort against Champaign Centennial in the Boys Large School Bracket.
Top Performances
Chatham Glenwood’s Peyton Allen posted the first-day’s best scoring effort with 32 points in the Titans’ open-round victory over Calumet City Thornton Fractional North. Normal University High and Ohio State signee Keita Bates-Diop also hit the 30-point mark in the Pioneers’ overtime win against Plainfield South.
Exit Right
Despite coming into the tournament with an 0-6 record, Quincy Notre Dame forward Barry Welper hit a 3-pointer as time expired to lead the Raiders to a 59-56 victory over Downs Tri-Valley in the Boys Small School Bracket. QND, a perennial contender on the winner’s side of the bracket, posted their first Classic victory under first-year coach Bob Sheffield. Sheffield replaced former coach Scott Douglas, who amassed three Classic championships and three second-place finishes during his tenure.
