25 Central IL players to watch
By Ryne Turke
Sawyer Hill – Athens
Averaging a team best 11 points per game, the sophomore guard has been the engine of the Warriors all season. Athens has tons of youth getting big-time minutes. They’re a team on the rise.
Cooper Carter – Auburn
One of the top scorers in the Sangamo Conference, Carter can take over any game thanks to his ability to score anywhere on the court. Auburn is one of the deepest squads in our area and should be a favorite to make a run to Champaign.
Cleon Djafalo – Beardstown
The sophomore forward’s average of 10 points and eight rebounds per game lead the run-and-gun Tigers. Djafalo has the tools to be the franchise player for Beardstown. A mismatch nightmare on both sides of the court, big things are coming for Djafalo.
Jackson McNeff – Brown County
The Hornets boast one of the most impressive sophomore classes in the area. McNeff is a future superstar in the WIVC and this postseason will be his moment to shine on the big stage.
Lane Eilerman – Calhoun
Noticing a sophomore trend here? There’s nothing Eilerman can’t do with the ball in his hands. He made a splash in the playoffs last year and I’m expecting a repeat performance. There’s a lot to like about the Warriors, who’ve gotten hot heading into the postseason.
Joshua Long – Calvary
Luke Blackford’s 27 PPG has gotten all the headlines for the Saints this year, but if Calvary wants to make a run, they need key contributions from the supporting cast. Long has put together a solid season of 10 points and five assists a night. Look for the junior to get his moments in March.
Dom Alepra – Carlinville
The Cavaliers went 12-10 in non-conference games with Alepra leading the way. The 1,000 career point scorer is one of four Carlinville players averaging over nine PPG. Carlvinville will be looking for some upsets.
Buddy Holmes – Carrollton
The Hawks took steps in the right direction this season picking up wins over Calhoun, Triopia and GNW. Carrollton has a very athletic starting five with the sophomore Holmes being the best pure scorer of the group.
Alex Peacock – Edinburg
The top scorer at the Waverly Holiday Tournament, Peacock has been the go-to option for the showtime Wildcats. Edinburg’s resume speaks for itself: 23 wins and an offense scoring 64 points a night.
Brody Rush – Griggsville Perry
It’s been a breakout season from the sophomore guard, who has put up 11 points a night and played hard on both ends of the court. Rush and Garrett Woodward will look to lead the charge for the Tornadoes.
Wyatt Stuart – Greenfield Northwestern
My pick for the most improved player of the year in the WIVC. Stuart’s 13 points and eight rebounds a night was the missing piece GNW needed. The Tigers are a legit contender this postseason.
Troy DeFrates – Jacksonville
The junior forward has been on a tear the last month, averaging double digit points a night and throwing down the best slams in the Central State 8. If he continues his top notch play, the Crimsons could pull some upsets.
Reed Sparrow – Liberty
The 6’4” forward has done most of his damage from downtown, averaging 14 points a game. Four of the five leading scorers for the Eagles are sophomores, proving the future is extremely bright for this club.
Aydin Littig – New Berlin
The floor general of the Pretzels has thrived in his leadership role. Despite a sub 500 record, the Pretzels defensive intensity gives them a shot to win every night.
Brody Berry – North Greene
Luke Farris and Garret Hazelwonder may be the faces of the program, but Berry sets the tone every night for the Spartans. His defensive effort makes him an unsung MVP of North Greene.
Luke Alexander – North Mac
A true freshman phenom, Alexander has been one of the top shooters in the area, averaging double digit points a night and raining 3s from way behind the arc. Buy stock in Alexander while you can.
Blake Schwartz – Payson Seymour
Payson’s new all-time leading scorer, Schwartz has been a standout for the Indians from the first day he stepped on the court. Payson pulled off some big upsets in the postseason two years ago, this group is always dangerous when March rolls around.
Drew Marr – PORTA AC
Stephen Price is without question one of the up and coming coaches in our area. PORTA cruised through the regular season with 23 wins and features a roster of electric guards and physical post players. Look for the senior Marr to fill the stat sheet in the postseason as a great shooter and even better passer.
Brady Turner – Routt Catholic
Bryson Mossman has been fantastic and Adam Abell has taken his game to the next level, but Turner’s physical presence in the post is vital to the Rocket’s postseason success. One of the top rebounders in the WIVC and the anchor of a stout Routt defense, Turner deserves recognition for his part in Routt’s success.
Carter Fretueg – Rushville Industry
Fretueg was a standout at the Triopia Tournament, scoring at will for the Rockets. Rushville could be a sleeper team in the Bushnell Prairie City Regional.
Bishop McDannald – South County
Maybe the most underrated player in our area, McDannald can catch fire at anytime with his solid jumper and smooth handles. South County is a sleeping giant heading into the postseason.
Parker Cloyd – Springfield Lutheran
The Crusaders have won five of six games down the stretch with the 6’5” senior Cloyd delivering the bulk of the offense. Lutheran falls into a loaded Winchester Regional, so they’ll need a few upsets to claim some hardware.
Avery Neathery – Triopia
Freshman of the year Avery Neathery didn’t take long to make his splash in the WIVC. The double-double machine is ready to deliver more highlights in his playoff debut.
Caden Meyer – West Central
The senior does all the little things for the Cougars: tough defense, battling for rebounds and proving key buckets in the clutch. The Cougars have depth and one of the best Xs and Os coaches in the state. They’re hunting for back-to-back state titles.
Brayden Saling – Williamsville
The Bullets are even better than last year’s squad that made the final four. Saling is a born scorer and one of three Williamsville starters averaging more than a dozen points a night. This team is dangerous.
