Alex Panos has made a rapid ascension from role player to go-to guy for Lincoln-Way Central.
All the while, the senior guard is making 20-point performances look routine for the Knights. He has certainly surprised his teammates and coaches. But not himself.
“I had big expectations for myself coming into the season,” Panos said. “I knew I had to step up with four starters gone from last year. This is what I expected and I’m glad I’ve been able to do it.”
Panos did things in a major way at the Kankakee Holiday Tournament, leading Lincoln-Way Central to a runner-up finish and nearly lifting the Knights to a surprise championship.
Panos averaged 24 points over three games at Kankakee. He scored 30 points in a 67-38 win over T.F. North, followed up with 24 in a 63-49 victory over Lindblom and then finished with 18 in a 54-50 last-second loss to the host Kays.
Overall, Panos has impressed coach Brian Flaherty with his ability to carry the team when needed.
“The thing I admire most about the kid is he’s absolutely fearless,” Flaherty said. “He doesn’t care if he makes the mistake at the end. He wants to be the one who has the opportunity to make the play.
“At the end of the game, he wants to be the guy with the ball and he’s come through in those situations way more times than not.”
The Knights (10-3) even led most of the way in the Dec. 28 championship game against Kankakee (10-1), which is widely considered to be one of the top teams in the state.
After the Kays surged in front late, Panos’ 3-pointer with 1:02 left forced a 50-50 tie. That score remained until Kankakee hit four free throws in the final six seconds to escape with a win.
“We fought the whole way and it’s a bummer we lost the way we did, but it shows what kind of team we are,” Panos said. “We can compete with anyone.”
Sandburg’s strong-willed star
Senior guard Will Johnson took some big hits in Tuesday’s Maine East Holiday Tournament championship game against Hoffman Estates.
Johnson hit his head on the floor after one hard foul and landed on his elbow twice. But he kept getting back up and fighting for the Eagles.
“We play physical in practice and I take those shots then and it prepares me to take them in games,” Johnson said. “They were physical on me, but I’m ready for that.”
Johnson, who averaged 18.3 points over four tournament games, scored 16 points and pulled down 10 rebounds in the finale, but Sandburg fell short in a 51-43 loss.
Still, Johnson likes what he’s seeing from Eagles (10-4).
“I think we played great, especially in times when we were down,” Johnson said. “We find energy from our bench. We play amazing defense. Offense, we need to keep working on that, but we’re going to get there.”
Dipper dandies
For the first time in the 52-year history of the Big Dipper, no teams from the Southland made the semifinals. Warren won the tournament.
But a pair of star sophomore guards continued to impress for Thornwood (12-4), which had the highest finish of any local team by placing sixth.
Mekhi Young averaged 17 points in the Big Dipper, while Lester Watson was next at 14.3. Young hit a game-winning jumper with nine seconds left as the Thunderbirds beat Rich Township 48-46 in a consolation game.
“I felt like I was the best guy to take that shot and I’m thankful my teammates and coaches trust me,” Young said. “Lester and I are only sophomores, but we’ve put in the work and we’re ready.”
Downstate delight
Led by MVP Charles Barnes, Marist (12-1) won the Centralia Holiday Tournament for the first time since 2016.
In a New Year’s Eve doubleheader, Barnes delivered 31 points in a 73-60 semifinal win over Evanston. He scored 14 points in a 50-42 win over the host Orphans in the championship game.