Junior point guard Malachi Perkins is never content to merely be a voice for Sandburg. Perkins is a natural and essential leader who asserts his point of view with authority. “I like debating,” Perkins said with a nod. “I’m not on the school debate team, but I really like getting into it with people. I like a crowd and I like being with people. “The other guys look for me to say something, especially in crucial situations if we’re down.” Being down wasn’t a problem Friday, with Perkins tallying 12 points and five assists as the Eagles rolled to a 70-40 win over Argo in the Maine East Holiday Tournament quarterfinals in Park Ridge. Sophomore guard Daniel Morakinyo hit three 3-pointers and totaled 11 points for Sandburg (7-5). Connor Gleason and Kendall McDowell added nine points apiece as nine different Eagles scored. Junior guard Syncere Westbrook scored 13 points for Argo (6-6). Yusuf Saleh chipped in with 12. A first-time starter at point guard, the 5-foot-10 Perkins flashed his athleticism, speed and vision. He scored nine of his points in the second half while picking up five rebounds and two steals. His physical style is a natural outgrowth of his background as a starting defensive back on the football team. He combines quickness with power, making for an exciting combination. Sandburg’s Malachi Perkins, right, makes a move to the basket as Argo’s Yovani Bahena defends in the Maine East Holiday Tournament in Park Ridge on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024. (James C. Svehla / Daily Southtown) “I just like to go,” Perkins said. “My coach always tells me to be a Ferrari. Those are fast cars, and I try to go fast and find our shooters in transition. “Driving to the rim, looking through shooters, running the offense and getting set up to run a play are my game.” Last season as a sophomore, Perkins was typically the first or second player off the bench. Now, Sandburg coach John Daniels has entrusted him with the offense. On a talented but young team with seven sophomores, that freedom has opened up all sides of his game. “Over the three years, you could see his court awareness has improved,” Daniels said of Perkins. “He understands gaps and he understands passing lanes. “A point guard is a quarterback, and Malachi is reading the defense much better. Our offense is read-based, and he needs to read.” Sandburg’s Jonah Johnson, right, drives against Argo’s Jayvon King during the Maine East Holiday Tournament in Park Ridge on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024. (James C. Svehla / Daily Southtown) Perkins made those reads Friday as Gleason converted three 3-pointers at the start of the game in scoring all of his points. Perkins helped set up each open look. “Malachi gets the ball around,” Gleason said. “It just helps with how we move the ball and play together as a team. He’s a good teammate. He can drive to the hoop and score at all three levels. “He’s really developing as a player, especially his ability to get to the rim.” Perkins has learned how to balance the most important part of being the point guard, learning the difference between creating with the ball and scoring by himself or distributing for others. “I feel like the last two years I tried to create for myself,” he said. “Now, I know that teams are scouting. I have to look to find my teammates and trust them to make open shots. “I try to lead the fellas out there and get them prepared for every game. I feel like it’s on me to make sure we’re ready to play.” Sandburg’s Malachi Perkins (1) passes the ball as Argo’s Kassam Saleh, left, defends during the Maine East Holiday Tournament in Park Ridge on Friday, Dec. 27, 2024. (James C. Svehla / Daily Southtown) Perkins is the middle child with basketball roots at the school. Older brother Mike, now a student at Illinois State, preceded him as a starting point guard. His younger sister, Makaleigh Terry, is a freshman guard on the varsity girls basketball team. “Growing up, there was always a lot of competition in the front yard,” Perkins said. “I looked up to my brother as a big role model.  Watching him play I put myself in his situation. “I learned from him the competition and the willingness to win. That’s why we all play.” Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.