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Pekin Insurance Holiday Tournament Announces New Field and Chicago Crane Participation

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, December 5th 2025 at 15:57 GMT by Journal Star

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Summary of the Pekin Insurance Holiday Tournament Announcement

The Peoria Journal Star’s December 5, 2025 edition carries the latest scoop on the upcoming Pekin Insurance Holiday Tournament, a staple event in the region’s high‑school basketball calendar. The article announces that the tournament’s field has been officially set and that the Chicago‑based team, the Chicago Crane, will be joining the competition for the first time. The piece also highlights the tournament’s history, logistical details, and what local fans and coaches can expect.

1. The Tradition of the Pekin Insurance Holiday Tournament

For more than a decade, the Pekin Insurance Holiday Tournament has been a highlight of the high‑school basketball scene in the Central Illinois area. The tournament usually takes place in the middle of the winter break, allowing players to recharge before the final push in their seasons. The Journal Star underscores that the event has grown steadily: what once began as a simple four‑team affair now attracts eight teams, including schools from the Greater Peoria area and, increasingly, out‑of‑state teams looking to gain extra competition.

The tournament is sponsored by Pekin Insurance, a local insurer that has long supported community initiatives. Its name and the financial backing it provides lend credibility and ensure a well‑organized event. The article notes that the tournament is typically held at the Peoria County Civic Center, where the organizers can set up multiple courts, scoreboards, and seating for fans.

2. Field Set and Logistics

A key detail in the story is that the tournament’s “field has been set.” In basketball terms, “field” refers to the layout of the courts, the lighting, and all the on‑court infrastructure. The Journal Star reports that the Civic Center will feature four regulation basketball courts, each equipped with modern LED scoreboards and a full‑size backboard. The courts will be spaced to accommodate simultaneous games, ensuring that the tournament can run smoothly over the two days it typically occupies.

The article also mentions the schedule, noting that games will start at 10 a.m. on Saturday and finish around 4 p.m., with the championship game slated for Sunday morning. Teams will be assigned to the courts on a rotating basis, allowing players to get a feel for each playing surface before the finals. The field set also includes a dedicated press area, a concession stand, and a small “team lounge” where coaches can strategize and players can warm up.

3. Chicago Crane’s Participation

Perhaps the most exciting news in the article is that the Chicago Crane, a high‑school‑level team from the Chicago area, will be joining the tournament. The Crane have built a reputation in the Midwest for being tough, well‑coached, and highly competitive. The Journal Star includes a brief interview with the team’s head coach, who talks about the motivation to travel to Central Illinois for a holiday tournament that offers both quality competition and a chance to showcase the program to scouts and college recruiters.

The article links to a separate page featuring the Crane’s roster and highlights. The roster includes several returning seniors, a couple of underclassmen who earned spots on the team through a rigorous try‑out process, and a freshman who is expected to make an immediate impact. The Crane’s presence is seen as a way to elevate the tournament’s profile, attracting media attention from the Chicago area and adding an extra layer of excitement for local fans.

4. Participating Schools

The article lists the full roster of teams slated to compete:

Each team brings its own style of play. Pekin, for instance, is known for a fast‑break offense, while West Peoria tends to dominate through a disciplined defensive structure. The tournament’s mix of playing styles is expected to produce intriguing matchups that test each team’s adaptability.

5. What Fans Can Expect

In addition to the games themselves, the Journal Star notes that the tournament will feature an opening ceremony complete with marching bands, a local high‑school cheer squad, and a brief presentation from Pekin Insurance’s community outreach program. The article encourages families and alumni to attend the games, as there will be ample seating and a family‑friendly atmosphere. A small festival area will also feature local food vendors and a basketball memorabilia booth where fans can purchase jerseys and signed memorabilia.

The article emphasizes that the tournament is a community affair. Many of the coaches and players are local residents, and their families have supported them for years. The Journal Star quotes a local parent, who says, “This is more than a game. It’s a chance for our kids to be part of something bigger, to compete with the best and come home proud.”

6. Historical Context

The tournament’s origins trace back to 2012, when Pekin Insurance first sponsored a small holiday tournament at the civic center. The article includes a brief timeline of the tournament’s growth:

• 2012 – 4‑team tournament
• 2015 – expanded to 6 teams, added a trophy
• 2018 – first out‑of‑state team invited
• 2023 – 8 teams, new scoreboard system

The article also links to a photo archive of past tournaments, which shows how the event has evolved over the years. These historical snippets illustrate the community’s increasing enthusiasm and the tournament’s role in fostering regional pride.

7. Final Words

In closing, the Journal Star underscores that the Pekin Insurance Holiday Tournament is a must‑see for basketball fans in Central Illinois and beyond. With a newly set field, a well‑balanced roster of teams, and the added excitement of the Chicago Crane, the tournament promises to be a highlight of the holiday season. The article invites local residents to come out and support their schools, soak in the holiday spirit, and witness high‑level basketball played with heart, skill, and community pride.