McLean County Basketball Tournament 2026: Preview and look back

Here is a look at the upcoming annual McLean County Basketball Tournament. Every year, every team gives their all not only for bragging rights but also to create lasting memories.

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by Alan Look
Best Look Magazine

Basketball season in McLean County reaches its annual peak with the 2026 McLean County Basketball Tournament, tipping off January 17th. This is the tournament where every team rises to the occasion, where pride, bragging rights, and lasting memories are on the line. Many of these players know each other off the court as teammates in travel leagues when the school season isn’t in play, adding extra intensity and rivalry to every matchup. Fans can expect fast-paced action, fierce competition, and the kind of moments that define high school hoops in our community.

The boys’ bracket kicks off in El Paso-Gridley, where first-round games promise plenty of intensity, surprises, and early fireworks as teams fight to advance. While the top seeds — Le Roy (#1) and Eureka (#2) — won’t see action until Monday, every matchup before then is a chance for underdogs to make a statement, set the tone, and earn a spot in the deeper rounds. Expect close contests, highlight-reel plays, and the grit that makes tournament basketball unforgettable.

The girls’ bracket begins at Eureka College, with first-round matchups offering the same mix of drama, speed, and hustle. Tri-Valley (#1) and Dee-Mack (#2) enter play on Monday, but the early games are packed with potential upsets, rising stars, and plenty of excitement as teams vie for a place in the later rounds. Every game is a chance to see skill, determination, and teamwork shine — the hallmarks of McLean County tournament basketball.

A Look Back: The 2016 McLean County Basketball Tournament

Before diving into 2026, it’s worth remembering the unforgettable moments from the 2016 McLean County Tournament — a year that delivered thrilling games, standout performances, and true rivalry matchups.

In the girls’ bracket, the finals pitted the Tremont Turks against the Le Roy Panthers. Tremont carried home the highly coveted McLean County Traveling Trophy with a 40-31 victory. Anchored by 6’ SIU recruit Lauren Hartman, who poured in 15 points, Tremont’s balanced attack proved decisive. Le Roy was missing their leading scorer Sammie Spencer, sidelined with a sprained ankle, but still received strong efforts from Alyssa Aupperle (13 points) and Courtney Monier (8 points). The game showcased skill, determination, and teamwork — the hallmarks of McLean County girls’ basketball.

On the boys’ side, Ridgeview captured the championship, besting Le Roy in a matchup that highlighted the county’s top talent. Both teams featured standout performers, with Matt Chastain scoring 17 points for Le Roy and Austin Ziesldorf(13) and Drew Jones (12) leading Ridgeview. A key 17-5 run in the second half helped Ridgeview seal the victory. It was a true rivalry game, full of clutch plays and moments fans still remember vividly.

Reflecting on 2016 shows why the McLean County Tournament is so special — it’s not just about the hardware, but about pride, passion, and memories that last well beyond the final buzzer.

Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or a casual fan, the 2026 McLean County Basketball Tournament promises edge-of-your-seat excitement and unforgettable plays.

For those who want to capture the action beyond the scoreboard, Alan Look Photography has been quietly documenting the soul of the heartland since 1999, while Best Look Magazine delivers the stories, highlights, and behind-the-scenes perspectives that make every tournament memorable. You can explore the galleries at alanlookphotography.zenfoliosite.com and follow coverage at bestlookmag.blogspot.com.