Tri-State Basketball Tournaments Overcome Winter Storm Benjamin to Showcase National Stars
High school basketball took center stage across the Tri-State region this weekend, organizers battled Winter Storm Benjamin to host three major tournaments involving national talent. The 7th Annual Quincy Shootout attracted top recruits and scouts despite the severe weather challenges facing the region on Friday and Saturday.
Century of Tradition Meets Modern Scouting Demands
The Tri-State area has defined its January culture through tournament basketball for over 100 years. The Winchester Invitational began in 1923, the Tony Lenzini started in 1943. These events serve as social cornerstones for rural communities in Illinois and Missouri. The landscape has shifted recently with the rise of national showcases like the Quincy Shootout. This newer event transforms local gyms into scouting destinations for college programs, it brings a level of prestige that complements the historic rivalries found in older tournaments.
Top Recruits and Local Teams Shine During Weekend Action
Competition remained fierce despite the snow and ice caused by Winter Storm Benjamin. The 7th Annual Quincy Shootout featured seven top-ranked players from the Class of 2026. Standouts included Stanford commit Myles Jones and Texas Tech commit Dakari Spear. Teams traveled from as far as California and Arizona to compete against local powerhouses, this required significant coordination from public safety officials.
Regional Brackets See Major Shifts
Weather forced significant schedule changes at the 83rd Tony Lenzini Tournament in Palmyra. The Monroe City Lady Panthers defeated Palmyra 33 to 24 to reach the finals against Highland. The Monroe City boys team also advanced after beating Canton 60 to 35. Meanwhile, Calhoun took third place at the 103rd Winchester Invitational following a 66 to 59 win over Brown County. Calhoun star Lane Eilerman earned All-Tournament honors after averaging 21 points per game.
Local Economy Boosted by Influx of Visitors
The arrival of national teams generates millions in revenue for hotels and restaurants. This economic surge comes during a typically slow season for local businesses. The Quincy Shootout also strengthens the region's reputation as a pipeline to professional basketball. Five alumni from previous events are currently on NBA rosters, this raises the stakes for current players hoping to catch the eye of scouts.
Officials expect the Quincy event to continue growing into a national powerhouse like the Hoophall Classic. Recruitment commitments made following this weekend will shape the future of college basketball for years to come.
