The high-flying Kinyon Hodges will be jumping to the next level of his career after officially announcing Wednesday that he signed with Eastern Illinois University. Hodges played three years at Three Rivers taking advantage of a COVID season after playing for Cape Central High School. “I’m very excited to join Eastern Illinois,” Hodges said. “I can’t wait to put that uniform on and compete for them.”

Hodges averaged 11.6 points per game this past season for the Raiders, third on the team, as he was a regular fixture in coach Brian Bess’ lineup with 29 starts. The 6-foot-2 guard was in double figures in 19 games with a high of 21 points. Hodges was named All-Region XVI and All MCCAC and was part of coach Gene Bess’ final recruiting class. “I think my name will be remembered around Three Rivers,” Hodges said. “I was a fan favorite here and I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished.” Prior to Three Rivers, Hodges led Cape Central to the Class 4 state quarterfinal in his senior season in 2019 as the Tigers finished 26-4.

Eastern Illinois plays in the highly competitive Ohio Valley Conference, meaning Hodges will get to play in his hometown of Cape Girardeau once a year when the Panthers play Southeast Missouri State. “I really liked the coaching staff at Eastern Illinois,” Hodges said. “It’ll also be cool when I get to come back home once a year and have friends and family see me play.”

The coaching staff at Eastern Illinois are equally as excited to have Hodges aboard. “Kinyon is an exciting and explosive guard to watch,” Eastern Illinois coach Marty Simmons said in a press release. “With his quickness and elite athleticism, Kinyon has a chance to make an immediate impact on our program... “We are thrilled to have Kinyon join the Panther family and look forward to him arriving in Charleston.” In the classroom, Hodges said he’s undecided for a major, but will make that decision shortly after arriving to campus in the fall.

Robert Augsdorfer - Daily American Republic