Raining 3’s
Annawan guard Megan Foes tied the record for most 3-point field goals in a game with eight in a 73-64 win over previously undefeated Brimfield. Foes’ 28-point effort was only second-best for the game, as teammate Celina VanHyfte poured in 32-points.
Chasing Joey
VanHyfte’s 32-point effort pushed her to 313 career total points in the Classic. She would need to average 35-points a game in her final two contests to catch Joey Range for most points in a tournament career, a record that was set in 1997.
Sweet Spot
Normal Community Boys moved into the Large School Boys semifinal with a 53-52 win over 2012 finalist Rock Island. The 11th-seeded Ironmen won the tournament in 2008 and 2011, both times as the 11-seed.
Introducing the Titans
First-time entrant Chatham Glenwood knocked off #2-seed Normal U-High in the Large School Boys bracket behind a combined 45-point effort by Cole Harper and Peyton Allen. Allen, a Division I but unsigned prospect, hit a late 3-pointer over Ohio State signee Keita Bates-Diop to give Glenwood the lead for good.
The Next Generation
Several former Classic-participants are now guiding teams as assistant coaches, including Morton Girls assistant Brooke Bisping (Morton), Bloomington Girls assistant Emily Hanley (Normal Community), Springfield Boys assistant Isaiah Hale (Springfield) and Camp Pt. Central/Augusta SE Girls assistant Ali Schwagmeyer (Camp Pt.). All are former all-tournament selections. Bloomington Central Catholic Girls assistant Danielle Highland was a member of Central Catholic’s 2008 championship team.
Still Perfect
Rockford Lutheran won their sixth consecutive game in the Classic, downing El Paso-Gridley 72-51 in a Small School Boys quarterfinal. Returning all-tournament performer Thomas Kopelman finished with 30 points, as the Crusaders remain unbeaten in Classic play.
