Sophomores Tucker Bailey and Aidyn Beck are now members of the ECIC all-conference basketball team. Making this team as sophomores, at the end of the 2022-23 season, is a remarkable accomplishment for Judah’s point guard and shooting guard–power forward combo.
There are eight basketball teams in the East Central Illinois Conference: Judah Christian, Arthur Christian, Decatur Christian, Cornerstone Christian Academy in Bloomington, Calvary Christian Academy in Normal, Deland-Weldon, Greenview, and University High School in Urbana.
Each head coach in the conference votes for the most valuable players from the opposing teams. Aidyn and Tucker were two of only twelve players voted to this all-conference team and only two of three sophomores. Here are Aidyn’s and Tucker’s key stats from the season, along with their answers to seven questions about their passion for basketball.
— Grant Ipsen, class of '24
Aidyn Beck ✫ Points Per Game 21.0
✫ Assists 69
✫ Steals 57
✫ Blocks 12
✫ Offensive Rebounds 69
✫ Defensive Rebounds 163
➢ How long have you been playing basketball?
Since I was five. I started playing AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) in fifth grade.
➢ Why do you play basketball?
It’s something I’m really good at, and it brings me peace. Whenever I’m mad, if I go play basketball, I’m not mad anymore.
➢ What was your favorite memory from the season?
When Jacob Kursell got the game-winning shot against Calvary. I gave him the pass, and it was special to see him hit a game winner.
➢ What’s your pregame routine?
I eat something when I get home. Then I go with my dad and shoot around with the JV team. I have my headphones on, trying to get locked in. We watch the JV game and hype them up until the third quarter. Then we go to the locker room. That’s when I really start to lock in and put my shooting shirt on.
➢ How do you feel about being named to the ECIC all-conference team?
I’m happy and blessed to have my name in that. I worked hard, but I can do way better.
➢ What do you do in the offseason to stay ready for the regular season?
Training. I watch old games, reliving the moments and seeing how I can improve.
➢ What are your goals for the future?
I want to hit 1,000 points. I have 150 to go. I want to make a deep run in the playoffs for the next two years, go on to play college basketball, and then try to make it to the NBA.
Tucker Bailey
✫ Points Per Game 10.0 ✫ Assists 46 ✫ Steals 40 ✫ Blocks 2
✫ Offensive Rebounds 18 ✫ Defensive Rebounds 61
➢ How long have you been playing basketball?
I have been playing since I was six. I have played two seasons for AAU.
➢ Why do you play basketball?
It is a good way to hang out with friends and grow relationships with teammates.
➢ What was your favorite memory of the season?
Beating Schlarman in Danville. That win really turned the season around.
➢ What’s your pregame routine?
I like to talk to the team and listen to some music.
➢ How do you feel about being named to the ECIC all-conference team?
It feels pretty good. I’m really happy that the coaches acknowledged me.
➢ What do you do in the offseason to stay ready for the regular season?
I shoot baskets alone and lift weights.
➢ What are your goals for the future?
I want to play basketball at the college level.