Hoop dreams realized for area players

Champaign native and St. Thomas More graduate Tori McCoy received big news earlier this week when the Ohio State forward earned Big Ten freshman of the week accolades.

The recognition continued Tuesday with McCoy named the first national freshman of the week by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association after she averaged 21 points and 8.5 rebounds in two wins last week for the Buckeyes while shooting 17 of 18 from the field.

Which got us to thinking: how are other former area standouts now playing Division I basketball faring this season?

Men

Corvon Butler Alabama State

The former Centennial and Champaign Central standout has played in six games for the Hornets (1-8), with the fifth-year senior…