62nd Plano Christmas Classic Quarterfinals were OFF THE CHAINS!!! WHAT AN ATMOSPHERE!! Last three games were PACKED! Three more sophomores enter the chat, one off the bench,one a two sport monster!!!!

School is in the boonies, about 20 minutes off the main highway, but the last two years have been worth the trip. Southern Illinois Edwardsville commit Jayden Riley of Christian (Yorkville) was close to a triple double, went on a scoring tangent in the fourth quarter. Here we go:

Sophomore Gavin Pickett (6'0" combo guard) of Hinckley Big Rock had 16 points in a consolation loss but he showed three level scoring and warmed everyone up for the packed quartetfinals that started right after their game.

Big man battle of senior Marc Gamble of Timothy Christian (Elmhurst) and junior Jeffrey Hassan of Kaneland (#34) was a draw. Gamble owned the first half, Hassan the second in this blowout for Kaneland. Gamble was bringing Hassan to the perimeter and scored on a three and a couple of attacks to the rim. Gamble then got in foul trouble, and Hassan was scoring in the paint in the second half (15 of his 17 points) along with 9 rebounds. Scored on the block, on drives to the rim from 10 feet. Had a blocked shot. Gamble didn't score in the second half and ended up with 10 points 6 rebounds 1 steal and 4 fouls. Grand Valley State commit senior point guard Marshaun Cocroft (#3) owned the game with 22 points 5 assists and 3 steals. Senior Jalen Carter had 12 points (4/8 from three) 1 block for Kaneland.

MARION PERSICH SHOW COMMENCED:

He's just a sophomore!!!!!!! Big Tim #22 ranked player in Illinois for Class of 2028. Two sport star 6'4" 220 pound wing showed a do everything game in win vs Ottawa. Started out with a bucket posting up on the block, a three, then almost decapitated the rim with a hard dunk attempt. If that wasn't enough, he had a step back jumper making a defender fall down. https://x.com/marion_persich/status/2005121924096266742?s=46&t=ezsHjTlNjXUojYF-QtVkoQ .Moves body well, inside/out dribbles, uses his body to shield defender and get space for scoring at the rim. Showed a soft touch on his shots in the paint, and at the free throw line (3/4 FT). Had 25 points in the game. Grabs rebounds with big hands and can't knock it away from him. Fluid player on the basketball court. Big time basketball player but.......HE'S A BIG TIME DUEL THREAT FOOTBALL QUARTERBACK AS WELL!!!!! He's one of the best in his class in America and #1 in Illinois.

Note: Senior Jameson Hill (#11) had 10 points in the game.

Christian (Yorkville) escapes Mendota with a near triple double by senior Jayden Riley (#3)

First three quarters Riley was inefficient shooting the baksetball. Had a few wild shots in the lane and committed an offensive foul, and could have had another one but nothing was called as he made the basket. Shot 8/18 for first three quarters. Then the fourth quarter commenced. HE WENT ABSOLUTELY NUTS!!!!! Was scoring on mid range pull-up jumpers. The Southern Illinois Edwardsville commit scored 16 points in the quarter (6/8 FG, 4/4 FT to close the game out). Was efficient and in control as Mendota didn't bring a second defender till late in the game. Riley just had his way at clutch time. He had 9 rebounds, 8 assists and 1 steal in the game. He was assisted by the Alford brothers, Trey (#4 junior) had 19 points (5/10 from three), 2 steals, and Jayden (#24 freshman) with 10 points 2 steals. Mendota was led by senior Aden Tillman (#11) with 16 points (4/9 three), junior Drew Becker with 15 points 10 rebounds (double/dobule), and sophomore Cole Tillman (#1) with 12 points 2 blocks.

Sophomore Jayden Zepeda (#22) of Plano enters the chat:

The 5'9" point guard is not on my Top 50 list of best players in Class of 2028. I may have to reconsider that as he came off the bench in the second quarter in rivaly game with Sandwich and immediately changed the game with his energy, and aggressiveness on both ends. He was a menace on defense, attacked the rim on offense, and hit a three in the quarter for 11 points in the quarter and Plano led 30-25. Startes second half on the bench, enter the game in middle of the quarter and kept the energy going. Had 2 steals but put pressure on the ball, and got to the free throw line 6 times. Young man ended up with 22 points 4 rebounds 2 steals in the win. Senior Alan Contreras had 12 points for Plano. Sandwich was led by senior Nick Michalek with 14 points 5 rebounds and 1 steal. Junior EJ Treptow had 9 points 13 rebounds 3 blocks.

SEMFINAL MATCHUPS:

Kaneland vs LaSalle Peru:

Can Persich be effective in the paint vs Hassan?

Christian (Yorkville) vs Plano:

Can Riley and his teammates deal with a hostile crowd? Not sure how long it's been since Plano has been this far in their own tournament? I can imagne the excitement in the community tomorrow night.