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Manual (Ill.) PG Dietrich Richardson scores 37 points in win at Pontiac Holiday Tournament

hunterby:Hunter Shelton•12/26/24•

HunterShelton_

Syndication: Peoria Journal Star
Manual's Dietrich Richardson makes a move to the basket past Peoria Notre Dame in the second half of their boys basketball game Friday, Dec. 2, 2023 at PND High School. The Rams defeated the Irish 46-43.

It is holiday tournament season for high school basketball and there’s multiple big events happening in Illinois this week.

The Pontiac Holiday Tournament tipped off on Thursday morning, and the first game of the day delivered, as Peoria Manual defeated Plainfield North 76-74 in overtime.

Manual was carried by point guard Dietrich Richardson, who finished with 37 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and three steals. The Bradley commit shot 13-22 from the field and helped guide the Rams to overtime, as they were down double-digits with less than five minutes to play in regulation. A tip-in from Richardson tied the game at 68 with just three seconds to play.

Manual held a 2-point lead with just under eight seconds to play in overtime. Plainfield North inbounded and quickly got down the court, but the clock never ran, forcing a redo. The Tigers were unable to find the game-tying shot, leading to a big victory for the Rams.

Richardson’s impressive performance paved the way, setting the tone for what could be an electric tournament for the 6-foot-5, 175-pounder. He is the No. 232 overall prospect, No. 31 PG and No. 4 player in Illinois in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

Manual will now play Chicago Simeon in the quarterfinals on Friday. The Wolverines cruised in their first game on Thursday, defeating Bloomington 89-32. Simeon is the No. 22 team in the state, while Manual checks in at No. 49, according to the On3 Composite Rankings.

The On3 Composite High School Basketball Team Ranking is a proprietary algorithm that compiles rankings listed in the public domain by respected High School media and data companies. It includes Massey, Max Preps, ESPN and SI, creating the industry’s most comprehensive and geographically balanced High School Team Ranking.

More about the Pontiac Holiday Tournament

A brief history on the Pontiac Holiday Tournament from the tournament website:

“The Pontiac Holiday Tournament (PHT), which debuted in 1926, is believed to be the first of its kind in the country. The boys basketball tourney has been contested annually with the exception of a suspension during World War II and again in 2020 due to the pandemic.

The PHT has a history of attracting the state’s top “large school” teams, many of whom go on to hoist IHSA State Final trophies, and countless star players have played in the famed tourney through the years. In 1972, the PHT added the A.C. Williamson Award for the tourney’s top player based on both performance and sportsmanship. The honor, which recognizes legendary Pontiac coach Aubra “A.C.” Williamson, is unique in that it is selected by the tournament referees.”