Muddy River Showcase Spotlight: West Hancock’s Alec Hymes

The Muddy River Showcase featuring 40 of the area’s top senior basketball players from Illinois and Missouri takes place June 17 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center. The girls game begins at 4 p.m. with the boys game to follow at 6 p.m. Admission is $10 at the door.

WARSAW, Ill. — Alec Hymes isn’t a stat stuffer, although the numbers he put up for the West Hancock boys basketball and baseball teams were eye-catching if you look close enough.

What Hymes did in helping the Titans win 24 games on the hardwood last winter and 16 games on the diamond this spring was provide the right kind of leadership. His unselfish play, willingness to get gritty and ability to parlay success on the field to success in the classroom made him an example to follow.

The Titans reached the Class 2A regional championship game last winter as Hymes averaged nine points and five rebounds per game for one of the most unselfish teams in the area. This spring, he hit .325 with five home runs and 21 RBIs as the Titans lost to Macomb in the Class 2A regional.

Hymes will represent West Hancock on the Illinois squad for the second Muddy River Showcase, taking place June 17 at John Wood Community College’s Student Activity Center.

Here are six things you should know about Alec Hymes:

Where you plan to go to college: Culver-Stockton College

What you plan to study: Exercise science

Reason you wear your number: I’ve worn it since my freshman year.

Favorite high school basketball memory: Getting to the regional championship my senior year.

Best piece of advice you have ever received: “Always be five minutes early” — coach Reno Pinkston.

Best advice you’d give younger teammates: Stay consistent and together.