EDWARDSVILLE — Eli Ramey, a senior-to-be point guard for Collinsville, helped lead the Kahoks to a 49-31 win over Bayless in the opening game of the Edwardsville Live showcase event on June 26 at Lucco-Jackson Gym, delivering a steady performance as college coaches and recruiters watched from the stands.
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Ramey, one of three returning seniors for Collinsville, is expected to take on a larger leadership role this season for a young Kahoks team. In the win over Bayless, he set an example by diving for loose balls, handling pressure and scoring key baskets.
“We just played real good,” Ramey said. “We took care of the ball, and it got us to victory. In the second half, they started picking up the pressure a little bit, but we stayed calm, and that’s what pushed us through for the win.”
The showcase drew college coaches and recruiters over the weekend to evaluate talent from the St. Louis area, along with teams from Missouri, Illinois and Iowa. For Ramey, the setting carried added significance as he looks to continue his basketball career in college.
“It means a lot,” Ramey said, “especially being a senior. I know I’ve got dreams to go play in college, and just pursue my dreams of making it far in basketball. So, I take this really seriously, especially being a senior.”
Ramey said he has not yet decided where he wants to attend college and plans to closely study any opportunities that come his way.
“To be honest, I haven’t really started looking at that yet,” Ramey said. “But I know if I get looks to play college, I’ll be really research-heavy on what they do, and how they work.”
Asked about his strengths as a player, Ramey pointed to his defense, ball-handling and ability to create offense.
“My defense and ball-handling are probably my keys to the team's success,” Ramey said. “I have a pretty good mirroring game, and I have a pretty good touch around the rim. And I can playmake.”
