After receiving strong voting turnouts in a pair of competitive polls, Normal Community’s Rayna Powers and Morton’s Alex McKie became the latest winners of CSM Winter Athletes of the Weeks from their performances from Dec. 23, 2024 to Jan. 4, 2025
Both players propelled their teams to strong showings at holiday tournaments, with Powers and the Iron finishing second in the large school girls bracket of the State Farm Holiday Classic while McKie and the Potters won the Pekin Holiday Tournament for the first time in 30 years.
Read more about our winners and get to know them in Q and A’s below:
Powers won CSM Girls Athlete of the Week after receiving 46 percent of the total votes in the girls poll. The Normal Community senior guard was an all-tournament team selection at the SFHC by averaging 11.3 points per game. Powers scored six in a 57-19 win over Geneseo on Dec. 26 and 10 in a 54-43 win against Plainfield North the following day before ramping up her game in the semifinals and finals. She led Normal Community with 17 points in a 56-51 victory over a high-quality Chicago St. Ignatius squad before tallying 12 in the tournament title game, a 61-43 loss to Washington on Dec. 30. Powers is committed to play soccer at the University of Kentucky following her high school career.
Get to know Powers in a Q and A here:
What’s been your favorite memory of the season/offseason so far?
“My team winning the semi-final game in the State Farm Holiday Classic against Chicago St. Ignatius.”
If you had to be stranded on an island with a teammate, who would it be and why?
“Tatum Yokley, because she is smart and would know how to survive on the island. She’s also funny, so I know I would at least have a good time while stranded.”
Favorite music artist?
“Bruno Mars.”
Favorite food?
“Lasagna.”
Do you have any pregame routines/rituals?
“I always eat a Quaker Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip granola bar before every game.”
Who’s your favorite college or professional athlete?
“Phil Foden from Manchester City soccer.”
Do you have any hidden talents?
“No.”
Who’s your role model and why?
“My brother, because watching him grow up and become the person he is today, has been truly inspiring and makes me want to follow in his footsteps.”
McKie won CSM Boys Athlete of the Week after garnering 56 percent of the votes in the boys poll. The standout junior for Morton was an all-tournament selection at the Pekin Holiday Tournament, where the Potters knocked off multiple strong foes on their way to the championship. McKie scored 19 in a 57-49 win over Plainfield South in the first round, then dropped 19 again in a 63-44 triumph over Arlington Heights Hersey in the second round. He chipped in 10 points to help Morton beat Chicago Mt. Carmel 49-44 in the semifinals, then exploded for 22 points in a 72-55 victory over Moline to win the title. His play has helped the Potters win their last 10 games and counting.
Get to know McKie in a Q and A here:
What’s been your favorite memory of the season/offseason so far?
“Favorite memory is winning the Pekin Holiday Tournament.”
If you had to be stranded on an island with a teammate, who would it be and why?
“I would be stranded with Silas Steffen because he seems to be a smart kid.”
Favorite music artist?
“Drake.”
Favorite food?
“Steak.”
Do you have any pregame routines/rituals?
“I always drink a Bodyarmor and a smoothie pregame.”
Who’s your favorite college or professional athlete?
“My favorite professional athlete is Steph Curry.”
Do you have any hidden talents?
“I don’t necessarily have a hidden talent.”
Who’s your role model and why?
“My role model is my Dad and or grandpa because they seem to always push me to be my best self and make the right choices.”
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