This episode is presented by Little Caesars Pizza!

"Hoops Heroes of Today and Yesterday" features Coach Nathan Rueter and Taylor Trame of Breese Central Girls Basketball; Steve Porter discussing the legacy of Coach Bennie Lewis of East St. Louis; and Coach Brian Madson and Lauren Flowers of Carrollton Girls Basketball.

We began this episode by recognizing Central's Girls Basketball Teams as our MESPY winners for 2A Team of the Year. Coach Nathan Rueter is back to describe his team's tenacious style, and he points out the most memorable wins from his team's incredible season. Rueter is joined in the studio by 1st Team All-State selection Taylor Trame, a 5'11' rising senior. Trame is the MESPY Winner for player of the year, and she describes herself as a "shooter," and she shares some of her goals for her last season at Central.

Next up, Hall of Fame retired sports journalist Steve Porter stops by to discuss the legacy of the late Bennie Lewis of East St. Louis Boys Basketball. "Boss" Lewis is regarded as one of the best in the history of the state, and Porter recounts some of the best games and players in Lewis's illustrious career.

Finally, we talk to Carrollton Hawks Girls Basketball Coach Brian Madson, who led his squad to the state championship game, earning the MESPY for 1A Team of the Year. Madson is joined by the 1A Player of the Year, Lauren Flowers, an Illinois State University commit for softball. Flowers discusses what she loves about basketball, winning the state championship in softball recently, and her style in both sports. Madson mentions what he'll miss about Flowers next year, and he expresses his confidence in her success at ISU.