A year ago, Normal West’s Francis Okoro was a non-factor in a running clock loss to Lanphier in the Pekin Holiday Tournament championship game. On Friday night, the junior big man was the best player on the court. Okoro, who was named tournament MVP, scored a game high 19 points and grabbed 14 rebounds as Normal West beat Lanphier 52-48 to spoil the Lions’ quest for a third straight title.
Okoro, who is garnering looks from Illinois, Kansas and Purdue and many other top majors, iced Normal West’s first ever Pekin title with four free throws in the final minute of the game.
Lanphier’s Cardell McGee was held scoreless in the first half, but finished with 13 points, eight rebounds and eight turnovers, all team highs.
