Pekin girls basketball standout Abby Guise has signed to continue her athletic career at Central College, celebrating the milestone with a signing ceremony at Pekin High School surrounded by friends, family, teammates, and coaches.
Guise said she is eager to begin the next chapter of her life, both on and off the court. She plans to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education while playing for the Dutch.
A major factor in her decision was her connection with Central head coach Justin Weiland, who is entering his fourth season leading the program. Guise said Weiland reminded her of her high school coach, Neil Hartz, with whom she developed a strong relationship during her senior season.
Weiland expressed strong enthusiasm about adding Guise to his program. “As far as Abby and her decision to commit to our Central Women’s Basketball program, overall I think it was a perfect fit for all sides,” Weiland said. “Central has one of the best programs around in the area she wanted to study, she wanted a great community, and the style of play was exactly what she was looking for.”
Weiland went on to highlight what stands out most about Guise as a player. “One of the best parts of Abby’s game is her motor,” he said. “She is constantly working her hardest and willing to do whatever it takes to make the winning play regardless of how long she has been playing or how tired she may be. She is obviously tough to stop getting downhill and finishing around the rim and rebounds amazingly for her size and as a guard.”
He closed by expressing confidence in what Guise will bring to the program beyond just her on-court ability. “That versatility and drive will give her a great chance to grow her game and leave a good impact on our program not just on the floor, but off the floor as well,” Weiland said.
Guise wrapped up a standout senior season in which she averaged 12 points and 10.6 rebounds per game, led the team in assists with 52 and steals with 67, and earned unanimous first-team All-Southeast Iowa Superconference North honors. She was a key contributor as Pekin finished above .500 in conference play for the first time since the 2019-20 season, going 11-12 overall and 9-7 in the league. Over the course of her four-year career, Pekin improved its win total every season Guise was part of the program. She also earned second-team All-SEISC North honors as a junior.
Looking back on her time at Pekin, Guise said the friendships she built with her teammates stand out as her most cherished memories. She also said the biggest lesson she took away from her years in the program is one she plans to carry with her to Central — that nothing worthwhile comes without effort.
Photo provided by the Pekin Lady Panthers Basketball Facebook page.
