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Sesser-Valier
tabs Holder as new head coach
Former Rend Lake College mentor
takes over Red Devils' program |
 08/29/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
SESSER - The Sesser-Valier search for it's next basketball coach
has ended.
The
school board has hired former Rend Lake College coach Tommy
Holder to take over the reigns of the Red Devils' boy's basketball
program.
Holder,
a Carbondale High School graduate, was the head basketball
coach at RLC for three seasons and and also an assistant coach
under Randy House at RLC before that.
Holder
inherits a successful program from former head coach Shane
Garner, who took a job at Benton High School this summer.
The
Red Devils were 168-98 under Garner with a state finals appearance
(fourth place in 2014) with four regional championships and
two sectional titles.
“The
Sesser-Valier School District is excited to welcome Coach
Holder to our basketball program. Coach Holder brings a wealth
of knowledge with him. Coach Holder has been known for his
ability to develop players throughout his coaching career.
It will be exciting for Red Devil players, parents, and fans
to see his vision for the program," said Chip Basso,
athletic director at Sesser-Valier.
Southern
Illinois basketball fans should remember Holder from his time
as one of the captains of the Carbondale Terriers team that
finished fourth in the state in 2004 in Class AA.
As
an assistant coach at Rend Lake, he helped build a team that
eventually won the NJCAA DII National Championship (2013)
and as the head coach he was Region 24 "Coach of the
Year" in 2018-19.
Last
season Sesser-Valier finished 21-9 with a regional final loss
to Christopher.
"I'm
very appreciative and thrilled about the opportunity granted
to me to become the new basketball coach for Sesser Valier.
The school as well as the community alines with me as a person
and a coach. It's equally important to me to come in and impact
the students as a mentor as well as be a great representation
as the basketball coach," said Coach Holder. "The
program has great tradition and expectation paved by all of
the great coaches before me. Specifically Coach Shane Garner
did a great job at the helm. I just want to build off the
programs previous success and add my flair to it."
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The
Blonde Bomber: A Ride With Shide
Former Lawrenceville/UK standout
Jay Shidler tells his story, his way in a new book |
07/10/2022
COMMENTARY BY JACK BULLOCK
We all have memories, each and every one of us. Although
old age makes details tougher to remember.
So it is helpful
to have documentation or other forms of information.
Some are fond, others
are painful.
The stories of our
lives have chapters that we can neither erase nor live again.
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Fehrenbacher
named Harrisburg head coach
Former Teutopolis/Salem mentor takes over
Bulldogs' program |
 06/06/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
HARRISBURG - There will be a new head basketball coach this coming
winter at Harrisburg High School. For
the first time since the 1993-94 school year, Randy Smithpeters
won't be the head basketball coach.
The
Harrisburg school board has hired former Teutopolis and Salem
head coach Andy Fehrenbacher to fill the position previously
held by Coach Smithpeters.
On
Friday Coach Fehrenbacher was hired by a 6-0 vote in a special
school board meeting.
Coach
Fehrenbacher brings to the program an impressive resume from
his stint at Teutopolis, guiding the perennial powerhouse program
to six regional championships and four sectional titles in his
eight seasons at the helm.
His
Wooden Shoes were 200-44 in that run before Fehrenbacher left
to take over a program at Salem that had just 13-wins in its
previous three seasons.
Coach
Fehrenbacher turned things around and led the Wildcats to consecutive
18-win campaigns where they reached a 3A regional championship
game in 2017-18.
His
total record overall is 254-106 (70.5 winning percentage).
He
was also a top assistant coach (nine seasons) for Hall of Fame
head coach Ken Crawford at Teutopolis, helping to lead the program
to six-consecutive regional titles (eight overall) and four
Elite Eight appearances in Class A, which included a second
place finish in 1999-00 and a third place finish in 2006-07;
the final season of two-class basketball.
In
the nine seasons at Teutopolis as an assistant, Teutopolis was
230-50 (82.1 winning percentage.
“I'm
very excited about the opportunity to come to Harrisburg to
lead the boys basketball program as head coach. First of all,
I have nothing but the utmost respect for Hall of Fame coach
Randy Smithpeters, who led the Bulldogs program for 29-years,”
said Coach Fehrenbacher. “That is quite an accomplishment
and it shows the dedication he had to the school and program.
I want to continue to build upon the success and expectations
that have already been established by Coach Smithpeters.”
Fehrenbacher
takes over for a Harrisburg legend, who was forced to resign
because of a state law that makes coaches who retire from teaching
to also step away from coaching.
Smithpeters
was allowed to reapply for the coaching position 30-days after
his retirement.
Following
a lengthy board meeting, Smithpeters was hired back however
he abruptly resigned.
Smithpeters
took over a basketball program that hadn't won a regional championship
in 23-years (since 1970-71 which was the final season of one-class
basketball in Illinois).
His
won/loss mark in his tenure was 514-316 in the 29-years as head
coach.
In
this run the Bulldogs won 12 regional championships, six sectional
championships and two super-sectional titles.
Coach
Smithpeters led Harrisburg to the school's first and only boy's
basketball state championship in 2012-13, winning the 2A championship
and finishing with a school-record 33-1 record.
The
Harrisburg boy's athletic program has the distinction of being
one of the few in the history of the state to sport state championship
teams in four major sports; Baseball (1988-89, 2003-04), Basketball
(2012-13), Football (2000-01), and Track & Field (1914-15,
1994-95, 1998-99, 2000-01).
“Harrisburg
is a very well known, respected sports town that is competitive
and has a will to win,” added Coach Fehrenbacher. “I'm
very excited about that and I look forward to working with the
young men there. I also look forward to working with the entire
athletic program and coaches of HHS.” |
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Hoepker/Turner,
Quinn are ABV POY's
Coaches Fiene, Stallman, Weathers honored as
COY's |
03-17-2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
CARBONDALE – So how does one separate two of the best players
in southern Illinois who are teammates, classmates and both had
great seasons in leading their team to a state championship?
The
answer is you don't even try.
Six-seven
senior Saxton Hoepker and 6-3 senior Isaac Turner of the 2A
state .....
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Hornets
bring home state title
Big defensive play late gives
Nashville its first championship since 1978 |
03/12/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
CHAMPAIGN - In a season in which offensive success was a struggle
and defense was the premium, it was fitting that the Nashville
Hornets clinched the program's first boy's basketball state
championship since 1978 with a defensive stop.
Six-seven
senior forward Saxton Hoepker leaped high into the air to block
the shot of Monticello's senior guard Ben Cresap in the final
moments in the IHSA 2A championship game.
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Nashville
reaches 2A title game
Hornets outlast DePaul Prep in 2OT; will
face Monticello Saturday for the championship |
03/10/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
CHAMPAIGN - It's no secret how the Nashville Hornets win basketball
games, or at least how they have done in 2021-22.
Head
coach Patrick Weathers has good athletes and he has patterned
his ball-club's offensive and defensive strategies to fit his
personnel.
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Yorkville
Christian too much for Warriors
Mustangs huge first quarter dooms
Steeleville, 70-27; Liberty also advances to title game |
03/10/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
CHAMPAIGN - The
Steeleville Warriors have had a wonderful, record breaking season.
However
the dream of winning a state championship was quickly put to
rest on Thursday afternoon against Yorkville Christian.
A
team filled with talented players, including Division I Duke
recruit Jaden Schutt, and who's
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Schutt,
Quinn top 1A team; Pence, Cole lead 2A
Hoepker 2nd Team 2A; Meisenhelter
2nd Team 1A; other ABV players make HM list |
| MOLINE
–- Here are the Illinois Associated Press Class 1A-4A
All-State boys' basketball teams as voted on by a statewide
panel of sports writers, broadcasters and internet-site reporters.
All media members covering high school basketball in the state
were eligible to nominate and vote for players. Compiled by
Steve Tappa of MC22 and QCSportsNet (formerly of the Moline
Dispatch and the Rock Island Argus). Players received five points
for a first-team vote and three points for a second-team vote.
A five-player first team and five-player second team were selected
in each class. A player must have been named on two ballots
to receive honorable mention. All selections listed in order
of voting points. NOTE: *-Unanimous first team (Schutt); #-There
was a voting tie for the final team spot (1A and 2A second teams).
There were 29 total voters (28 each in 1A and 2A; 24 each in
3A and 4A).
ABV
Area Players in RED
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 CLASS
1A FIRST TEAM
NAME, SCHOOL (HT., YR., POS.) POINTS
* Jaden Schutt, Yorkville Christian (6-6, Sr., G) 140
Jalen Quinn, Tuscola (6-3, Sr., PG) 126
Benjamin Vandigo, Scales Mound (6-4, Sr., G/F) 118
Danny Stephens, Augusta Southeastern (6-7, Jr., PG-C) 93
Kellen Henze, Lanark Eastland (6-2, Sr., G) 82
CLASS 1A SECOND TEAM
NAME, SCHOOL (HT., YR., POS.) POINTS Graham
Meisenhelter, Macon Meridian (5-11, Sr., G) 47
Connor Brown, Cerro Gordo-Bement (6-5, Sr., F) 46
Paul Hart, Peru St. Bede (6-4, Sr., G) 38
# Wes Hunt, Peoria Christian (6-7, Sr., F) 33
# K.J. Vasser, Yorkville Christian (6-2, Sr., G) 33
# Marcus Williams, Sterling Newman (6-1, Sr., SG) 33
CLASS 1A HONORABLE MENTION
(26 TOTAL; IN ORDER OF POINTS)
NAME, SCHOOL (HT., YR., POS.) POINTS
Breiton
Klingele, Liberty (6-4, Sr., F) 32; Elliot
Lowndes, Cobden (6-11, Sr., C) 31; Cale Steinbaugh, Georgetown-Ridge
Farm (5-9, Sr., G) 26; Lonnel Strickland, Chicago Fenger (6-4,
Sr., G) 23; Baylen Damhoff, Fulton (6-6, Soph., F) 22; Cormaic
Flynn, Monmouth United (5-10, Sr., F) 14; Jacoby
Gross, Steeleville (6-0, Jr., G) 13; Tate Kunzeman, Griggsville-Perry
(5-11, Sr., PG) 12; Zach McGuirt, Kankakee Grace Christian (6-3,
Sr., G-C) 12; Taj McKinney, Wayne City
(6-0, Sr., G) 12; Wyatt Thompson, Dwight (6-6, Jr., F/C)
11; Ben Werner, Scales Mound (6-4, Sr., F/C) 9; Gus Abell, Jacksonville
Routt (6-5, Sr., C) 8; Dawson Feyen, East Dubuque (5-10, Sr.,
PG) 8; Ethan Hefel, Galena (6-1, Sr., G.) 8; Aidan
Dodson, Farina South Central (Jr., G) 6; Logan
Fleener, North Clay (5-10, Jr., G) 6; Collin Fosler,
Scales Mound (6-2, Sr., G) 6; John Kveck, Grant Park (Jr., F/C)
6; Ben Peacock, Lexington (5-8, Sr., G) 6; Ross Robertson, South
Beloit (6-7, Fr., F) 6; Easten Schisler, Abingdon-Avon (5-10,
Sr., G) 6; Ryan Snow, Concord Triopia (6-2, Jr., F) 6; Kyle
Stewart, Effingham St. Anthony (Sr., F) 6; Sam
Vonderheide, Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg (6-3, Sr., F) 6; Gavin
Woodland, Sesser-Valier (6-3, Sr., G) 6.
NOTE: Also receiving a single vote (thus not receiving honorable
mention): Tyler Franklin, Cobden (6-6,
Jr., G/F) 3; Tate Fullerton, Mount Sterling Brown County
(6-1, Sr., G) 3; Connor Glasgow, Galena (6-5, Soph., SG) 3;
Hayden Hoffmann, Carlyle (6-0, Sr., G)
3; Lucas Kessinger, Ridgewood (6-1, Sr., F) 3;
Noah Klimpel, Altamont (Sr., G) 3; Logan Robbins, Liberty
(6-5, Sr., F) 3; Darryl Smith, Chicago Marshall (5-10, Sr.,
SG) 3. |
 CLASS
2A FIRST TEAM
NAME, SCHOOL (HT., YR., POS.) POINTS Ty
Pence, St. Joseph-Ogden (6-6, Jr., G/F) 133
JaKeem Cole, Chicago Leo (6-0, Jr., G) 116
Dylan Arnett, Chicago DePaul Prep (6-10, Sr., F) 99
Nate Henry, Rockridge (6-4, Sr., G) 97
Ben VanderWal, Elmhurst Timothy Christian (6-7, Sr., G/F) 88
CLASS 2A SECOND TEAM
NAME, SCHOOL (HT., YR., POS.) POINTS
Mikell
Jones, Chicago Clark (6-4, Sr., F/C) 76
Saxton Hoepker, Nashville (6-7, Sr., SF)
48
Terrence Jones, Chicago Longwood (6-3, Sr., G) 42
Ben Cresap, Monticello (5-9, Sr., G) 40
# Duane Doss, Beecher (5-9, Sr., PG) 39
# Matthew Volkening, Marengo (6-6, Sr., G) 39
CLASS 2A HONORABLE MENTION
(23 TOTAL; IN ORDER OF POINTS)
NAME, SCHOOL (HT., YR., POS.) POINTS
Walt
Hill Jr., Rockford Lutheran (6-1, Jr., G) 31; Cole Certa, Bloomington
Central Catholic (6-4, Soph., G) 26; Brady
Moore, Breese Central (6-4, Sr., F) 26; Asa Smith, El
Paso-Gridley (6-3, Sr., G) 23; Cam Lawin, Chicago Orr (6-2,
Sr., SG) 22; Calvon Clemons, Murphysboro
(5-7, Sr., PG) 15; Cam Cleveland, Chicago Leo (6-3, Sr.,
G) 15; David Hise, Knoxville (Sr., G) 11; JaQuwan Payton, Chicago
Perspectives Leadership (6-1, Sr., PG/SG) 11; Christian Cummings,
Rockford Christian (5-10, Fr., PG/SG) 9; Trevor Heffren, Eureka
(6-2, Sr., G) 9; Isaac Turner, Nashville
(6-3, Sr., PG) 9; Gavin Arthalony, Petersburg PORTA (6-2,
Jr., G) 8; Suliman Agiste, Chicago Clark (6-9, Sr., C) 6;
Isaac Hosman, Massac County (6-0, Soph., PG) 6; Mikqwon
Jones, Chicago Clark (6-3, Sr., G/F) 6; Gage
Kennard, Mount Carmel (5-11, Jr., G) 6; Cannon Leonard,
Gilman Iroquois West (6-9, Jr., C) 6; Jaxson Provost, Kankakee
Bishop McNamara (5-10, Jr., PG) 6; Carter Salisbury, Bureau
Valley (6-1, Sr., PG) 6; Brenden Schoonover,
Pana (5-10, Sr., PG) 6; Caleb Siemer, Teutopolis (6-5, Jr.,
C) 6; Brandon Stone, Riverdale (6-0, Sr., G) 6.
NOTE:
Also receiving a single vote (thus not receiving honorable mention):
Drew Meyers, Aurora Christian (6-1, Sr., G) 5; Jaden Walls,
Momence (5-5, Sr., G) 5; Caleb Hannah, Chicago Orr (6-7, Sr.,
F) 3; Tyler Heffren, Eureka (6-3, Soph., F) 3; Cordy Johnson,
Chicago Clark (5-10, Jr., G) 3; MJ Murphy, Warrensburg-Latham
(5-10, Soph., PG) 3; Brendan Niebrugge,
Teutopolis (5-10, Jr., G) 3; Evan Schafer, Newton (6-2, Sr.,
G) 3. |
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Nashville
blankets T-town
Hornets dominate Wooden Shoes; 44-18;
advance to the 2A semfinals |
03/07/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
CARBONDALE – The Nashville Hornets dominating victory
over the Teutopolis Wooden Shoes can be completely explained
with one word.
“Defense.”
The
Hornets threw up a brick wall on T-Town, statistically and physically
.....
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Steeleville
advances to Final Four
Hot Warriors burn Macon Meridian
early; defense shuts down high powered Hawks |
03/07/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
CARBONDALE – The Steeleville Warriors dream of making a
trip to the state finals in Champaign became a reality on Monday
night at the 1A Carbondale Super-Sectional. For
the Macon Meridian Hawks, their reality on Monday night was
a nightmarish finish to an emotional yet successful season.
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| Macon
Meridian vs. Steeleville
Hawks migrate South to matchup with Warriors
at SIU Arena |
| 03/07/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
CARBONDALE - When it comes to teams preparing a schedule to
get a team ready for a run to the state finals, head coach Shannon
Houser might have went a bit overboard this winter.
For
a club that had a pretty tough schedule to begin with, the Macon
Meridian Hawks added some heavy hitters during the 2021-22.
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vs. Teutopolis
Hornets,Wooden Shoes clash again in the
postseason |
03/07/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
CARBONDALE - Head coach Patrick Weathers has had a pretty memorable
first year as the head coach of the Nashville
Hornets.
“Taking
the reigns” isn't the right phrase for this season and
program.
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Top
ABV teams are still alive
A quick look back at the Preseason
Rankings from November, 2021 |
| 03/05/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK - Let's take a brief look back at my ABV Preseason
Rankings that appeared on my website the week of November 22,
2022.
Although
I was still knee deep in the football season with Nashville
advancing to the 2A championship game and a trip to DeKalb on
the horizon, I managed to put together what I believed were
the top teams in 1A and 2A and also the ones who would excel
in the postseason.
The
rest of the previews came out about a week later after returning
from the state football finals.
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Nashville
outlasts Central
Hornets head back to SIU with 47-45 overtime win
Teutopolis rolls past Mount Carmel at Flora for SIU berth |
03/04/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK - When you get to sectional championship games
your best players have to play their best.
Friday
night Nashville seniors Saxton Hoepker and Isaac Turner stepped
up and delivered the Hornets another game, this time at SIU
Arena.
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Steeleville
rallies to reach SIU
Warriors survive horrible start;
hold on late, 32-31; will face Macon Meridian Monday |
| 03/04/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
OKAWVILLE - From the opening tap in Friday night's 1A sectional
championship game at Okawville, the Steeleville Warriors were
in trouble.
Big
trouble.
Nothing
went right in the first quarter and very little went right in
the second.
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Hawks
set for trip South
Graham Meisenhelter nails
65-foot game winner in double-overtime; Meridian advances |
03/04/2022
BY DAN CHAMNESS
FOR A BASELINE VIEW
EFFINGHAM - With less than two ticks left on the clock at the
Enlow Center in Effingham, Meridian guard Graham Meisenhelter
simply threw up a prayer. His
prayer was answered as his three pointer from the right side
of the court from.....
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Hornets
edge Red Devils late
Nashville advances to sectional final, 33-30;
Breese Central awaits Friday
Mount Carmel tops Pana at the Flora 2A Sectional |
03/02/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
CARTERVILLE - In a contest that featured very few offensive
possessions, neither Nashville nor Murphysboro had much room
for error in their epic sectional showdown on Wednesday night
at the Carterville.
However
in this contest where the two teams mirrored each other statistically,
one column .....
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Christopher
sectional title game bound
Sveda scores 12 in 46-35
win over NCOE; Bearcats face Steeleville Friday night
Macon Meridian edged South Central, 60-57 to advance
at Effingham St. Anthony |
| 03/02/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
Another victory, another hero.
That
has been the M-O of the Christopher Bearcats this season as
each of the regulars for head coach Eric Stallman have stepped
up on their successful postseason journey so far.
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Central
romps past Patriots
Cougars use big second quarter run in convincing
59-24 win
Teutopolis tops Alton Marquette at Flora 2A Sectional |
| 03/01/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
CARTERVILLE - Tuesday night's 2A sectional semifinal game at
Carterville was summed up by one sentence by Massac County head
coach Joe Hosman after the contest.
“They
(Breese Central) just took us out of everything we wanted to
do tonight.”
The
Cougars broke open a close game early in the second quarter
with a .....
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Tuscola
advances to final
Quinn comes up big, again,
with 33-points, Warriors edge host Bulldogs
Steeleville eliminates Goreville at Okawville 2A Sectional,
54-40 |
03/01/2022
BY DAN CHAMNESS
FOR A BASELINE VIEW
EFFINGHAM - On Tuesday night, the Tuscola Warriors (ranked ninth
in the final IHSA Associated Press Class 1A Poll and seventh in
the final A Baseline View Poll) needed every minute, make that
every second, to eliminate the Effingham St. Anthony Biulldogs
from the sectional by a 51-48 count.
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Christopher
routs rival Red Devils
Bearcats roll to 52-20 regional
title game triumph; advance to Okawville 1A Sectional |
02/25/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
ELKVILLE - Normally when two long-time rivals get together for
a fourth time during a season, with a regional title on the
line, you expect another close game like the previous three
contests.
That
didn't happen on Friday night in the championship game of the
Elverado 1A Regional.
The
Christopher Bearcats played by far their best game of the season
while Sesser-Valier .....
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| Class
1A |
W/L |
Votes |
LWR |
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| 1.
Yorkville Christian (10) |
18-13 |
127 |
2 |
| 2.
Scales Mound (4) |
30-2 |
124 |
1 |
| 3.
Fulton |
29-3
|
114 |
3 |
| 4.
Liberty |
25-5 |
91 |
4 |
| 5.
Altamont |
26-6 |
83 |
T5 |
| 6.
Concord Triopia |
26-5 |
51 |
T5 |
| 7.
Macon Meridian |
22-6 |
39 |
T9 |
| 8.
Peoria Christian |
23-6 |
28 |
T9 |
| 9.
Tuscola |
25-6 |
21 |
T9 |
| 10.
Macon Meridian |
24-7 |
14 |
7 |
| Others
receiving votes: East Dubuque 11. Augusta Southeastern 11. South
Beloit 10. Jacksonville Routt 10. Varna Midland 10. Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg
10. Effingham St. Anthony 8. Madison 3. Edwardsville Metro-East
Lutheran 2. Farina South Central 1. Monmouth United 1. Decatur
Lutheran (LSA) 1. |
| Class
2A |
W/L |
Votes |
LWR |
| |
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| 1.
Chicago Leo (15) |
21-4 |
150 |
1 |
| 2.
Chicago Clark |
20-4 |
124 |
4 |
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3. Chicago DePaul College Prep |
21-5 |
112 |
2 |
| 4.
El Paso-Gridley |
25-2 |
102 |
3 |
| 5.
Nashville |
23-4 |
61 |
5 |
| 6.
Monticello |
27-3 |
49 |
T7 |
| 7.
Chicago Perspectives Charter-Leadership |
24-5 |
47 |
T7 |
| 8.
Breese Central |
23-5 |
44 |
6 |
| 9.
Breese Mater Dei |
19-11 |
38 |
NR |
| 10.
Rockford Lutheran |
23-6 |
33 |
T7 |
| Others
receiving votes: Chicago Orr 23. Murphysboro 9. Teutopolis 6.
Momence 6. Kankakee McNamara 5. Beecher 4. Pinckneyville 3. Hamilton
County 2. Taylor Ridge Rockridge 2. Chicago North Lawndale 1.
Columbia 1. Port Byron Riverdale 1. Princeton 1. Mount Carmel
(Ill.) 1. |
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Christopher,
Sesser-Valier set for title game
Bearcats top New Athens; Red Devils dominate
Marissa/Coulterville; Regional final Friday night |
02/23/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
ELKVILLE - On Wednesday night at the Elverado 1A Regional the
Christopher Bearcats knew what they had to do in their semifinal
matchup against New Athens to advance to the title game.
Hit
the glass.
Attacking
against the Yellow Jackets' zone ......
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Wayne
City takes care of rival Cardinals
Indians McKinney, Durham come
up big in 76-60 victory over Woodlawn
Edwards County tops Waltonville 73-44; will face WC @ Woodlawn Wednesday |
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02/19/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
WAYNE CITY - Wayne City head coach Jake Talbert was needing
something special to happen for his team in second half of their
quarterfinal game against Woodlawn on Saturday night at home.
The
Indians were struggling against a team that they had handled
easily in two previous encounters in 2021-22.
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Webber
Township advances
Trojans survive Okawville third
quarter run, hold off Rockets 46-31
Steeleville rolls past Grayville 69-27; semifinal matchup on Wednesday
night |
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02/19/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
BLUFORD - The up and down season of the Webber Township Trojans
is still alive.
Coach
Brad Beaty and his team, the number six-seed in the Sub-Sectional
A, needed a big effort on Saturday to advance to the Final Four
of the Woodlawn 1A Regional.
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Cougars
take GEC title
Hardin County finishes 7-0 with win over host
Crab Orchard |
02/18/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
CRAB ORCHARD - Friday night's game for Hardin County didn't start
out well for Coach Rodney Lane and his Cougars.
Facing
Crab Orchard on the road in a game that would decide the outright
regular season championship of the Greater Egyptian Conference,
his team struggled offensively.
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| Class
1A |
W/L |
Votes |
LWR |
| |
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| 1.
Scales Mound (3) |
28-2 |
93 |
1 |
| 2.
Yorkville Christian (7) |
16-13 |
86 |
3 |
| 3.
Fulton |
28-3 |
79 |
2 |
| 4.
Liberty |
23-5 |
58 |
5 |
| T5.
Altamont |
23-6 |
34 |
NR |
| T5.
Concord Triopia |
25-4 |
34 |
8 |
| 7.
Macon Meridian |
22-6 |
29 |
4 |
| 8.
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg |
23-5 |
18 |
NR |
| T9.
Peoria Christian |
23-6 |
15 |
7 |
| T9.
Steeleville |
22-6 |
15 |
NR |
| T9.
Tuscola |
22-6 |
15 |
NR |
| Others
receiving votes: South Beloit 14. Midland 10. East Dubuque 8.
Madison 8. Jacksonville Routt 8. Effingham St. Anthony 7. Augusta
Southeastern 6. Chicago (Fenger) 6. Edwardsville Metro-East Lutheran
3. Decatur Lutheran (LSA) 2. Monmouth United 1. |
| Class
2A |
W/L |
Votes |
LWR |
| |
|
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|
| 1.
Chicago Leo (10) |
21-4 |
109 |
1 |
| 2.
Chicago DePaul College Prep (1) |
21-4 |
97 |
2 |
|
3. El Paso-Gridley |
25-2 |
81 |
4 |
| 4.
Chicago Clark |
19-4 |
79 |
3 |
| 5.
Nashville |
21-4 |
42 |
T5 |
| 6.
Breese Central |
23-5 |
27 |
7 |
| T7.
Chicago Perspectives Charter-Leadership |
24-5 |
26 |
T10 |
| T7.
Monticello |
27-3 |
26 |
8 |
| T7.
Rockford Lutheran |
23-6 |
26 |
9 |
| 10.
Chicago Orr |
15-5 |
24 |
6 |
| Others
receiving votes: Breese Mater Dei 19. Teutopolis 14. Beecher 7.
Murphysboro 7. Momence 6. Kankakee (McNamara) 6. Hamilton County
4. Rockridge 2. Riverdale 1. North Lawndale 1. Eureka 1. |
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Harrisburg
holds off late Massac rally
Bulldogs win, 47-43, improve to 10-16 overall;
Patriots fall to 18-11 |
| 02/15/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
HARRISBURG - For the Harrisburg Bulldogs and assistant coach
Richard Dwyer it was an interesting night to say the least.
With
Dwyer in charge because of head coach Randy Smithpeters' game
ejection in the teams' previous contest (a 77-33 loss to Murphysboro)
they needed to overcome some foul trouble ....
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Appleknockers
handle Shawnee
Cobden reaches 20-wins with 69-42 victory; Franklin
nets 26-points |
| 02/14/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
CARBONDALE - For Cobden it was a chance to play another home/road
game on Monday night.
As
the Appleknockers haven't technically played at home since the
season began because of their old gym deemed unplayable (condemned)
so Coach Wendell Wheeler's club has gotten on the bus all year.
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Final
ABV Rankings for 2021-22
The state tournament will separate
the 'contenders' from the 'pretenders' |
| 02/14/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
CARBONDALE - As we head into the final week of the regular season
there are still some conference races in the ABV that are yet
to be decided.
In
the National Trail Conference, a 1A league that is one of the
few that has thrived this winter, the game Tuesday night (Altamont
@ Effingham St. Anthony) will likely decide the NTC championship.
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Cisne
rolls to road victory
Runnin' Lions stay unbeaten in MTC, 65-45;
Improve to 21-6 overall |
| 02-12-2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
WOODLAWN - It was 2004-05 during one of the final seasons of
two-class basketball in Illinois and the Cisne Lions finished
undefeated in the Midland Trail Conference and were outright
regular season champions.
It
was head coach Kevin Bowen's second season at the school.
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Hawks
outlast Tuscola, 81-73 OT
Graham Meisenhelter nets
32-points in come-from-behind win for Macon Meridian
Warriors' Jalen Quinn tosses in 45-points in the loss |
| 02-11-2022
BY DAN CHAMNESS
FOR A BASELINE VIEW
TUSCOLA - Like the famed 1971 fight between Joe Frazier and
Muhammed Ali, people left the Tuscola gymnasium on Friday night
hungering for more.
While
that a rematch between the two heavyweight greats was up in
the air, a rematch between the Tuscola Warriors and Macon Meridian
Hawks is not in question.
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Hornets
take down rival Panthers
Nashville edges Pinckneyville
on the road, improves to 21-4/6-0; Panthers fall to 21-5/5-2 |
| 02/11/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
PINCKNEYVILLE - It was a the type of game that happens when
two defensive minded programs, that know each other far too
well, get together.
Friday
night the Nashville Hornets led by as many as 12-points in the
first half before they finally put away their rival Pinckneyville.
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| Class
1A |
W/L |
Votes |
LWR |
| |
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| 1.
Scales Mound (5) |
25-1 |
96 |
1 |
| 2.
Fulton |
24-2 |
91 |
3 |
| 3.
Yorkville Christian (7) |
14-13 |
90 |
2 |
| 4.
Macon Meridian |
21-5 |
76 |
5 |
| 5.
Liberty |
22-5 |
61 |
4 |
| 6.
Tuscola |
21-4 |
52 |
6 |
| 7.
Peoria Christian |
22-4 |
46 |
10 |
| 8.
Concord Triopia |
23-4 |
34 |
8 |
| 9.
South Beloit |
21-4 |
28 |
7 |
| 10.
Jacksonville Routt |
20-5 |
25 |
9 |
| Others
receiving votes: Midland 17. Altamont 14. Steeleville 9. Madison
8. Chicago (Fenger) 4. Brown County 2. Cerro Gordo 2. East Dubuque
2. Monmouth United 1. Windsor-Stewardson-Strasburg 1. Augusta
Southeastern 1. |
| Class
2A |
W/L |
Votes |
LWR |
| |
|
|
|
| 1.
Chicago Leo (12) |
18-3 |
120 |
1 |
| 2.
Chicago DePaul College Prep |
18-4 |
105 |
2 |
| 3.
Chicago Clark |
19-3 |
84 |
4 |
| 4.
El Paso-Gridley |
23-2 |
75 |
5 |
| T-5.
Nashville |
19-4 |
45 |
6 |
| T-5.
Chicago Orr |
15-5 |
45 |
7 |
| T-5.
Breese Central |
22-3 |
45 |
3 |
| 8.
Monticello |
24-3 |
32 |
8 |
| 9.
Rockford Lutheran |
20-6 |
24 |
9 |
| T-10.
Breese Mater Dei |
15-10 |
21 |
NR |
| T-10.
Chicago Perspectives Charter-Leadership |
24-5 |
21 |
NR |
| Others
receiving votes: Murphysboro 11. Momence 9. Pana 6. Kankakee (McNamara)
5. Teutopolis 5. North Lawndale 3. Rockridge 2. Riverdale 1. Hamilton
County 1. |
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Red
Devils nip Herrin
AJ Walker's basket with :02.3 gives Murphysboro
26-24 sluggfest win |
| 02/08/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
MURPHYSBORO - It was fitting that the game between Murphysboro
and Herrin would come down to a final possession.
As
neither team could do much offensively on the night, it took
a big offensive set and big time last second shot to separate
the teams at the end.
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Eagles'
comeback was a real 'Treat''
Vienna storms back from 21 down, stuns
Johnston City, 68-58
Sophomore Owen Treat nets career-best 38-points |
| 02/07/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
JOHNSTON CITY - Monday night at Johnston City the visiting Vienna
Eagles needed a spark in the second half of their Black Diamond
Conference West Division contest.
The
visitors were in deep trouble.
They
had shot the ball horribly in the first half and had just surrendered
an 11-0 run
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Rankings
and Seedings
An indept look at the upcoming
postseason and how it should be seeded the ABV way |
| 02/07/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
CARBONDALE - As the season moves forward into the first postseason
since 2019-20 it is time for the coaches to do the online politicking
for the seeding of the state tournament.
I've
never been a fan of the whole process and doing in online makes
it even worse.
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Scales
Mound, Leo top 1A/2A
Breese Central still third in 2A, Nashville
sixth in 2A
Macon Meridian, Tuscola fifth and sixth in 1A
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| Class
1A |
W/L |
Votes |
LWR |
| |
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| 1.
Scales Mound (4) |
21-1 |
100 |
1 |
| 2.
Yorkville Christian (7) |
13-12 |
97 |
2 |
| 3.
Fulton |
22-2 |
84 |
3 |
| 4.
Liberty (1) |
19-4 |
70 |
5 |
| 5.
Macon Meridian |
19-5 |
65 |
4 |
| 6.
Tuscola |
19-4 |
53 |
7 |
| 7.
South Beloit |
18-3 |
38 |
6 |
| 8.
Concord Triopia |
23-4 |
36 |
NR |
| 9.
Jacksonville Rout |
17-5 |
23 |
8 |
| 10.
Peoria Christian |
17-4 |
27 |
4 |
| Others
receiving votes: Madison 16. Altamont 16. Midland 14. East Dubuque
8. LeRoy 7. Steeleville 3. Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg 3. Monmouth
United 2. Metro-East Lutheran 1. Brown County 1. Christopher 1. |
| Class
2A |
W/L |
Votes |
LWR |
| |
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| 1.
Chicago Leo (10) |
16-3 |
117 |
1 |
| 2.
Chicago DePaul College Prep |
17-4 |
96 |
2 |
| 3.
Breese Central (2) |
22-3 |
95 |
3 |
| 4.
Chicago Clark |
16-3 |
89 |
5 |
| 5.
El Paso-Gridley |
22-2 |
61 |
7 |
| 6.
Nashville |
19-4 |
52 |
8 |
| 7.
Chicago Orr |
22-2 |
43 |
4 |
| 8.
Monticello |
22-3 |
29 |
9 |
| 9.
Rockford Lutheran |
19-6 |
14 |
NR |
| 10.
Chicago Perspecitives-Leadership |
22-4 |
12 |
NR |
| Others
receiving votes: Momence 11. Murphysboro 10. Kankakee (McNamara)
6. Teutopolis 5. Breese Mater Dei 4. Hamilton County 4. Pana 4.
Pinckneyville 4. Rockridge 2. Riverdale 1. Massac County 1. |
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| Warriors
top Cobden
Steeleville earns quality win
over Appleknockers in a battle of ABV ranked teams |
| 02/01/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
BOSKYDELL - When you are heading into a postseason seeding meeting,
in which coaches around the state will convene next week online
to decide who will get the top spots heading into the regionals,
it helps to pick up an extra win on the road against a good
team.
The
Steeleville Warriors did just that on Tuesday night on the road.
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Altamont
keeps title at home
Indians snap losing streak against St.
Anthony, 48-41 in title game
Winsdor/Stewardson-Strasburg, South Central, Neoga win
final day contests |
| 01/29/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
Although it wasn't a perfect game, it was a the type of contest
that the Altamont Indians needed.
Getting
out to an early lead and doing the right things on both ends
of the floor, the hosts of the 86th annual National Trail Conference
Tournament didn't disappoint anyone wearing Orange and Black.
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Tigers'
rule LIC tournament
Richland County dominant early/late
in 57-39 victory; Robinson, C-W pick up hardware |
| 01/28/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
CASEY - For the Olney Richland Tigers basketball team heading
into the title game of the 51st annual Little Illini Conference
Tournament championship game on Friday night, it was a solemn
occasion.
Earlier
in the day the grandmother of one of the key players and a friend
.....
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Scales
Mound, Leo take top spots
Breese Central, Murphysboro move
up, Nashville drops in 2A
Macon Meridian, Tuscola stay in Top 10; Steeleville slips out of Top
10 in 1A |
| Class
1A |
W/L |
Votes |
LWR |
| |
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|
| 1.
Scales Mound (5) |
20-1 |
113 |
2 |
| 2.
Yorkville Christian (7) |
12-12 |
102 |
1 |
| 3.
Fulton |
20-2 |
78 |
3 |
| 4.
Macon Meridian |
16-5 |
77 |
7 |
| 5.
Liberty (1) |
17-4 |
75 |
5 |
| 6.
South Beloit |
17-3 |
69 |
6 |
| 7.
Tuscola |
18-4 |
46 |
10 |
| 8.
Madison |
11-7 |
34 |
8 |
| T-9.
Jacksonville Rout |
17-4 |
27 |
NR |
| T-9.
Peoria Christian |
17-4 |
27 |
4 |
| Others
receiving votes: Varna Midland 25. Steeleville 25. Concord Triopia
19. Farina South Central 16. Cerro Gordo 10. Effingham St. Anthony
6. Somonauk 4. Cobden 4. Monmouth United 4. Wayne City 3. Altamont
2. Mounds Meridian 2. Windsor-Stewardson-Strasburg 1. Cisne 1. |
| Class
2A |
W/L |
Votes |
LWR |
| |
|
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|
| 1.
Chicago Leo (11) |
13-3 |
126 |
2 |
| 2.
Chicago DePaul College Prep |
16-3 |
104 |
3 |
| 3.
Breese Central (1) |
20-3 |
88 |
9 |
| 4.
Chicago Orr |
11-5 |
83 |
4 |
| 5.
Chicago Clark |
15-3 |
73 |
6 |
| 6.
Murphysboro (1) |
19-1 |
66 |
7 |
| 7.
El Paso-Gridley |
20-2 |
48 |
8 |
| 8.
Nashville |
18-4 |
47 |
1 |
| 9.
Monticello |
20-3 |
24 |
5 |
| 10.
Teutopolis |
15-5 |
15 |
10 |
| Others
receiving votes: Rockford Lutheran 8. Pana 7. Momence 6. Breese
Mater Dei 5. McLeansboro Hamilton County 4. Fairbury Prairie Central
3. Riverdale 3. Rockridge 2. Chicago Perspectives Leadership 2.
Pinckneyville 1. |
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NCOE,
Galatia move forward
Fighting Cardinals outlast Gallatin County; Bearcats
shock Crab Orchard |
| 01/25/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
HARRISBURG - A hot streak in the third quarter by Norris City-Omaha-Enfield
and an overall mistake fill/poor shooting performance by Gallatin
County proved to be the difference in the Fighting Cardinals
54-37 semifinal victory over the Hawks Tuesday night in the
74th annual Greater Egyptian Conference Tournament quarterfinals.
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Pope,
Hardin win opening night
Cougars roll past Thompsonville; Pirates outlast
Carrier Mills |
| 01/24/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
HARRISBURG - The Pope County Pirates advanced to the semifinals
of the 72nd annual Greater Egyptian Conference Tournament on
Monday night by doing two things really well.
Coach
Jim Simmons' club grabbed 10 offensive rebounds, including five
in the pivotal fourth quarter against Carrier Mills-Stonefort.
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Murphysboro
rallies for title game triumph
Red
Devils get big plays late, edge Freeburg, 45-42; Steeleville, Red Bud,
Lovejoy win |
| 01/22/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
SPARTA - Most high school basketball fans in southern Illinois
are aware of the exploits on the basketball floor of Murphysboro
5-7 senior guard Calvon Clemons.
In
Saturday night's contest against Freeburg in the title game
of the 57th annual Sparta “Mid-Winter Classic” the
play-maker led all scorers with 22-points.
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Mater
Dei stuns Hornets
Knights upend Nashville, 37-36;
hosts still advance to title game on 3-way tie-breaker
Breese Central tops Mascoutah to win Pool A; Hornets/Cougars meet Saturday
night |
| 01/21/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
NASHVILLE - This past Wednesday the Nashville Hornets were voted
#1 in the most recent Associated Press Class 2A poll while they
remain the top team in the weekly ABV Rankings.
As
it is well known in the world of sports, the top teams will
always get the opposition's “A-Game” anytime they
take to the floor.
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Long
time rivals set for title tilt
Cisne, Wayne City win MTC semifinal
games; Webber, CORL drop to third place game |
| 01/20/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
BLUFORD - The Cisne Runnin' Lions have been a on a roll this
season and their victory last Saturday over Mount Carmel was
a signature win for the program and this mostly young squad.
That
momentum has carried over into the Midland Trail Conference
Tournament.
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Nashville
takes top spot in 2A
Hornets get (9) first place votes;
Leo, DePaul Prep, Orr, Monticello round out Top 5
Yorkville Christian leads 1A; Macon Meridian, Steeleville, Tuscola make
Top 10 appearance |
01/13/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
The latest Associated Press Polls have been released for January
19, 2022 and the Nashville Hornets are now the top ranked team
in 2A.
The
Hornets gathered in nine of the 15 first place votes to gain
the top spot with 138 of a possible 150 votes
Yorkville
Christian, is still the top 1A team in the state in the polls,
in spite of an 11-10 mark.
The
Mustangs play an almost all large school schdule of games. |
| Class
1A |
W/L |
Votes |
LWR |
| |
|
|
|
| 1.
Yorkville Christian (8) |
11-10 |
130 |
1 |
| 2.
Scales Mound (6) |
16-0 |
118 |
2 |
| 3.
Fulton |
18-1 |
103 |
4 |
| 4.
Peoria Christian |
16-2 |
84 |
5 |
| 5.
Liberty |
15-3 |
69 |
6 |
| 6.
South Beloit |
17-2 |
64 |
8 |
| 7.
Macon Meridian |
13-5 |
47 |
3 |
| 8.
Madison |
10-4 |
36 |
9 |
| 9.
Steeleville |
15-4 |
35 |
7 |
| 10.
Tuscola |
15-4 |
24 |
10 |
| Others
receiving votes: Cerro Gordo/Bement 11. Farina South Central 10.
Effingham St. Anthony 7. Okaw Valley 5. Mounds Meridian 5. Cisne
5. Jacksonville Routt 4. Christopher 3. Cobden 2. Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg
2. Lanark Eastland 2. Altamont 2. Concord Triopia 1. Monmouth
United 1. |
| Class
2A |
W/L |
Votes |
LWR |
| |
|
|
|
| 1.
Nashville (9) |
18-2 |
138 |
3 |
| 2.
Chicago Leo (4) |
11-3 |
127 |
3 |
| 3.
DePaul College Prep |
14-3 |
109 |
4 |
| 4.
Chicago Orr |
9-3 |
95 |
T1 |
| 5.
Monticello |
19-1 |
81 |
6 |
| 6.
Chicago Clark |
9-3 |
55 |
5 |
| 7.
Murphysboro |
15-1 |
54 |
T7 |
| T8.
Breese Central |
17-3 |
51 |
T7 |
| T8.
El Paso-Gridley |
17-3 |
51 |
9 |
| 10.
Teutopolis |
14-4 |
20 |
NR |
| Others
receiving votes: Momence 14. Pana 9. Hamilton County 7. Rockford
Lutheran 3. Breese Mater Dei 2. Pinckneyville 2. Rockridge 2.
Beecher 2. Warrensburg-Latham 1. Riverdale 1. Gilman Iroquois
West 1. |
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| Two
games, two routs
Massac County, Graves County roll into "Superman
Classic" semifinals |
| 01/18/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
METROPOLIS - There isn't too much to say about the Massac County
78-32 first round win over Fort Campbell (KY.) at the 38th annual
Metropolis “Superman Classic” on Tuesday night.
The
Patriots poured it on early, often and when they wanted.
They
jumped out to an early lead over the over-matched Falcons in
a ....
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Vienna
continues winning story
Eagles improve to 15-4 with 63-58 win; Anna-Jonesboro
drops to 1-15 |
| 01/15/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
ANNA - When a program hasn't been accustomed to success it can
take time to envision just how to win games.
The
Eagles have been figuring things out this season.
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| Wesclin
picks up key road victory
Warriors
remain in control of Illinois Division; top Sparta 51-45
|
| 01/14/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
SPARTA - For Wesclin and head coach Brent Brede this has been
a learning season for his mostly young kids playing in a new
division of their long standing Cahokia Conference.
While
the non-conference schedule has been difficult, including games
against former Mississippi Division programs, the Warriors have
managed to thrive so far in the Illinois Division.
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Nashville,
Orr tied for top spot in 2A
Yorkville Christian leads 1A
polling; Many other ABV teams receive votes |
 01/13/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
The latest Associated Press Polls have been released for January
12, 2022 and Yorkville Christian is still the top team in 1A but
Nashville and Chicago Orr are now tied at for the top-ranking
in 2A. The
Hornets gathered in five first place votes and Orr was number
one on three ballots.
Yorkville
Christian, a 1A that plays almost only large school competition,
topped Chicago Orr, 81-72 on Tuesday night before the polls
were tabulated.
Other
ABV Area teams ranked include Macon Meridian, who suffered a
tough 59-57 defeat at 2A Pana on Tuesday night where they had
two late shots to win misfire before the buzzer.
Steeleville
(#7) is now 13-4 after a Wednesday night loss to 3A Waterloo
while Tuscola (#10) sits at 13-3.
Others
receiving votes from down south in the ABV 1A include Christopher,
Altamont, Effingham St. Anthony, South Central, Okaw Valley
and Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg.
In
2A Murphysboro (15-1) and Breese Central (16-3) were tied for
seventh while Pinckneyville came in at 10th and the Panthers
are now 13-2.
Another
team to keep an eye on is El Paso-Gridley who currently sits
at 15-2.
For
southern Illinois fans Nashville and El Paso-Gridley will square
off at the annual Benton “Rich Herrin Classic” Shootout
on February 5th.
Others
in the 2A poll receiving votes from the ABV area include Teutopolis,
Pana, Mount Carmel, and Newton. |
|
| Class
1A |
W/L |
Votes |
LWR |
| |
|
|
|
| 1.
Yorkville Christian (8) |
11-9 |
115 |
1 |
| 2.
Scales Mound (5) |
12-0 |
105 |
5 |
| 3.
Macon Meridian |
12-4 |
104 |
3 |
| 4.
Fulton (2) |
16-1 |
102 |
2 |
| 5.
Peoria Christian |
13-2 |
83 |
6 |
| 6.
Liberty |
14-3 |
57 |
7 |
| 7.
Steeleville |
13-4 |
51 |
9 |
| 8.
South Beloit |
12-2 |
44 |
4 |
| 9.
Madison |
10-4 |
41 |
8 |
| 10.
Tuscola |
13-3 |
24 |
10 |
| Others
receiving votes: Jacksonville Routt 15, Concord-Triopia 13, Aurora
Christian 13, Christopher 9, Freeport Aquin 9, Altamont 7, Somonauk
6, Effingham St. Anthony 6, South Central 5, East Dubuque 5, Galana
3, Okaw Valley 3, Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg 2, Augusta Southeastern
2, Monmouth United 1. |
| Class
2A |
W/L |
Votes |
LWR |
| |
|
|
|
| t-1.
Nashville (5) |
15-2 |
119 |
3 |
| t-1.
Chicago Orr (3) |
7-2 |
119 |
1 |
| 3.
Chicago Leo (6) |
9-2 |
118 |
4 |
| 4.
Chicago DePaul College Prep |
11-3 |
93 |
2 |
| 5.
Chicago Clark |
10-3 |
68 |
5 |
| 6.
Monticello |
17-1 |
55 |
6 |
| t-7.
Murphysboro |
14-1 |
38 |
9 |
| t-7.
Breese Central |
16-3 |
38 |
8 |
| 9.
El Paso-Gridley |
15-2 |
27 |
10 |
| 10.
Pinckneyville |
13-2 |
24 |
NR |
| Others
receiving votes: Teutopolis 21, Petersburg PORTA 12, Warrensburg-Latham
11, Pana 6, Prairie Christian 5, Mount Carmel 4, Newton 3, Taylor
Ridge-Rockridge 3, Rockford Lutheran 2, Momence 2, Macomb 1, Beecher
1. |
| Class
3A |
W/L |
Votes |
LWR |
| |
|
|
|
| 1.
Chicago Simeon (11) |
12-1 |
110 |
1 |
| 2.
Chicago Mount Carmel |
17-0 |
92 |
2 |
| 3.
Country Club Hills Hillcrest |
14-3 |
83 |
3 |
| 4.
Chicago Hyde Park |
12-3 |
81 |
4 |
| 5.
East St. Louis |
14-4 |
59 |
5 |
| 6.
Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin |
17-2 |
49 |
T7 |
| 7.
Peoria Notre Dame |
13-2 |
46 |
6 |
| 8.
Burlington Central |
14-2 |
36 |
T7 |
| 9.
Lake Forest |
14-2 |
18 |
NR |
| 10.
Centralia |
13-2 |
13 |
9 |
| Others
receiving votes: Decatur MacArthur 12, Harvey Thornton 4, Rock
Island 1, Rockford Boylan 1. |
| Class
4A |
W/L |
Votes |
LWR |
| |
|
|
|
| 1.
Glen Ellyn Glenbard West (10) |
16-0 |
100 |
1 |
| 2.
Chicago Kenwood |
12-4 |
84 |
2 |
| 3.
Glenview Glenbrook South |
14-1 |
81 |
3 |
| 4.
Chicago Curie |
16-1 |
74 |
4 |
| 5.
Chicago Whitney Young |
10-4 |
54 |
5 |
| 6.
Normal Community |
18-1 |
45 |
6 |
| 7.
Winnetka New Trier |
18-1 |
32 |
7 |
| 8.
Elgin Larkin |
17-1 |
25 |
9 |
| 9.
Wheaton Warrenville South |
16-1 |
23 |
8 |
| t-10.
Oswego East |
18-1 |
6 |
NR |
| t-10.
Rolling Meadows |
16-2 |
6 |
NR |
| Others
receiving votes: Quincy 5, Rockford Auburn 3, LaGrange Lyons 3,
O'Fallon 3, Chicago Brother Rice 2, Homewood-Flossmoor 2, Wilmette
Loyola 1. |
|
|
|
| |
Bobcats
roll past Shawnee
Mounds Meridian stays undefeated in SEC; win 83-21 |
| 01/11/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
WOLF LAKE - Tuesday
night's game between Mounds Meridian and Shawnee was a mismatch
going in but the game, like the rest of the South Egyptian Conference
schedule, must be contested.
One
can take away two things from this game.
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| |
Gibault,
New Athens advance
Hawks
hammer winless Perryville; Yellow Jackets load up on Valle Catholic |
| 01-10-2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
CHESTER - Perhaps it was just one of those nights, one excellent
offensive performance, one special moment in time for this version
of New Athens Yellow Jackets basketball and their head coach
Conrad Widdersheim.
Coming
into the quarterfinal game of the 58th annual Chester Invitational
Tournament the Yellow Jackets were averaging a modest 54.8 points
a game as a team and were .....
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Cougars
take care of home business
Hardin County stays unbeaten in GEC play; top
Tigers 66-37 |
| 01/08/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
ELIZABETHTOWN - On a rainy Saturday night in Hardin County,
the host Cougars more than 'dampened the spirits' of rival Thompsonville.
Coach
Rodney Lane's club out-played the Tigers in nearly every phase,
with big early and late offensive runs and an overall defensive
effort on the night to keep the game in hand, Hardin County
rolled to a 66-37 Greater Egyptian Conference win in a game
that was originally .....
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Hornets
stay unbeaten in SIRR
Nashville romps past DuQuoin
Friday night, 65-31; 3-0 in the Mississippi Division |
01/07/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
DUQUOIN - It is always a nice feeling when you can pick up a conference
road win to open the second half of the season.
The
Nashville Hornets picked up right where they left off in 2021
with a decisive 65-31 victory over host DuQuoin on Friday night
at Anders Gymnasium to begin 2022.
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| Yorkville
Christian, Orr remain top ranked
ABV teams Macon Meridian, Steeleville,
Tuscola ranked in 1A;
Nashville, Breese Central, Murphysboro, Teutopolis ranked in 2A |
 01/06/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
The latest Associated Press Polls have been released for January
5, 2022 and Yorkville Christian and Chicago Orr are still the
top two teams respectively in 1A and 2A. Both
the Mustangs and Spartans were voted the top teams in the preseason
poll back in the first week of December.
In
1A the top ABV teams ranked include Macon Meridian, the 2009
1A state champions, who check in at #3.
Steeleville
(13-3) and Tuscola (11-3) are teams that feed into the 1A Carbondale
Supersectional for the state tournament are #8 and #10 respectively.
In
2A Nashville, who was tied for #8 in the preseason poll, sits
at #3 behind Chicago teams Orr and DePaul College Prep.
Other
southern Illinois ABV teams include #7 Teutopolis, #8 Breese
Central and #9 Murphysboro.
Teutopolis
started its week with a win over previously unbeaten a #6 2A
squad Monticello (14-1) while Breese Central upset 3A #10 Centralia
on the road Wednesday.
Murphysboro's
lone loss was in the semifinals of the Pinckneyville Duster
Thomas Classic to the host Panthers. |
|
| Class
1A |
W/L |
Votes |
LWR |
| |
|
|
|
| 1.
Yorkville Christian (7) |
10-8 |
106 |
1 |
| 2.
Fulton (2) |
15-1 |
92 |
5 |
| 3.
Macon Meridian (1) |
11-3 |
89 |
2 |
| 4.
South Beloit |
10-1 |
71 |
3 |
| 5.
Scales Mound (3) |
9-0 |
56 |
NR |
| 6.
Peoria Christian |
10-2 |
43 |
4 |
| 7.
Liberty |
12-3 |
40 |
7 |
| t-8.
Madison |
10-4 |
32 |
NR |
| t-8.
Steeleville |
13-3 |
32 |
6 |
| 10.
Tuscola |
11-3 |
29 |
10 |
| Others
receiving votes: Cerro Gordo/Bement 23, Christopher 17, Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg
14, Concord Triopia 13, Augusta Southeastern 11, Effingham St.
Anthony 7, Jacksonville Routt 6, Champaign St. Thomas More 6,
East Dubuque 5, Altamont 5, Sesser-Valier 5, Cisne 4, Monmouth
United 3, Crab Orchard 2. Midland 2. Okaw Valley 2. ABV Editor's
Note: In the poll the voters had Windsor and Stewardson-Strasburg
as separate teams when in fact they are one. I combined their
separated votes. |
| Class
2A |
W/L |
Votes |
LWR |
| |
|
|
|
| 1.
Chicago Orr (6) |
7-2 |
104 |
1 |
| 2.
Chicago DePaul College Prep (2) |
10-1 |
80 |
2 |
| 3.
Nashville |
12-2 |
76 |
8 |
| 4.
Chicago Leo (3) |
7-2 |
74 |
T8 |
| 5.
Chicago Clark |
11-3 |
52 |
6 |
| 6.
Monticello |
14-1 |
46 |
NR |
| 7.
Teutopolis |
12-3 |
40 |
7 |
| 8.
Breese Central |
13-3 |
33 |
3 |
| 9.
Murphysboro |
11-1 |
23 |
NR |
| 10.
El Paso-Gridley |
12-2 |
19 |
NR |
| Others
receiving votes: Macomb 18, Pana 15, Pinckneyville 15, St. Joseph-Ogden
15, Newton 9, Rockford Lutheran 8, Eureka 7, Columbia 7, Mount
Carmel 6, Warrensburg-Latham 5, Tolono Unity 4, Hamilton County
2, Rockridge 1, Beecher 1. |
| Class
3A |
W/L |
Votes |
LWR |
| |
|
|
|
| 1.
Chicago Simeon (10) |
10-1 |
100 |
1 |
| 2.
Chicago Mount Carmel |
15-0 |
80 |
NR |
| 3.
Chicago Hillcrest |
12-2 |
66 |
2 |
| 4.
Chicago Hyde Park |
9-3 |
63 |
NR |
| 5.
East St. Louis |
11-3 |
60 |
4 |
| 6.
Peoria Notre Dame |
9-2 |
30 |
3 |
| t-7.
Burlington Central |
12-2 |
28 |
NR |
| t-7.
Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin |
15-2 |
28 |
NR |
| 9.
Decatur MacArthur |
13-2 |
27 |
NR |
| 10.
Centralia |
12-2 |
24 |
10 |
| Others
receiving votes: Lake Forrest 20, Rock Island 5, Oak Forrest 5,
Harvey Thornton 4, Chicago Heights Marian Catholic 3, Metamora
3, Lincoln 2, Richland County 1, Rockford Boylan 1. |
| Class
4A |
W/L |
Votes |
LWR |
| |
|
|
|
| 1.
Glenbard West (10) |
14-0 |
100 |
1 |
| 2.
Kenwood |
12-2 |
87 |
3 |
| 3.
Glenbrook South |
13-1 |
72 |
T4 |
| 4.
Chicago Curie |
15-1 |
71 |
T4 |
| 5.
Chicago Whitney Young |
7-4 |
50 |
2 |
| 6.
Normal Community |
14-1 |
38 |
T7 |
| 7.
Winnetka New Trier |
4-0 |
36 |
6 |
| 8.
Wheaton-Warrenville South |
14-1 |
26 |
NR |
| 9.
Elgin Larkin |
14-1 |
18 |
NR |
| 10.
Homewood-Flossmoor |
9-2 |
14 |
NR |
| Others
receiving votes: Rolling Meadows 11, Oswego East 7, Moline 6,
Bolingbrook 6, Chicago Brother Rice 4, O'Fallon 4, Chicago St.
Rita 3, Rockford Auburn 1. |
|
|
| |
CORL
stays unbeaten in MTC
Silver Stallions improve to 2-0/5-5
overall with 59-44 road win at Webber Township |
01/05/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
BLUFORD - When you crunch the numbers for Wednesday night's
Midland Trail Conference battle at Webber Township it was simply
a case of the host Trojans having a clear letdown after a big
MTC victory the night before.
After
a 46-43 win over rival Woodlawn less than 24-hours prior, the
hosts were in way too giving of a mood on Wednesday.
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| |
Benton
picks up division win
Rangers take care of business,
56-42; improve to 10-4 overall; Bulldogs fall to 4-8 |
| 01/04/2022
BY JACK BULLOCK
BENTON - On Tuesday night in their SIRR Ohio Division home game
against Harrisburg, the Benton Rangers took a while to get things
going offensively.
The
issue for head coach Ron Winemiller and his club?
Not
being very accurate when shooting the ball.
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Sesser-Valier
wins tournament title
Red Devils edge rival Christopher,
37-31; Altamont, Goreville, Sparta win final games |
| 12/30/2021
BY JACK BULLOCK
SESSER - Thursday night's title game of the 40th annual Sesser-Valier
Holiday Tournament was a defensive struggle between familiar
rivals.
It
turned out that the foul line would prove to be the difference.
The
top-seed in the tournament Christopher trailed by just a point
heading into .....
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Herrin
leaves little doubt at EHT
Tigers 'pounce' early,
run away with 53-36 championship win
Hamilton County takes third place, Eldorado fifth, Hardin County
nabs consolation title |
| 12/29/2021
BY JACK BULLOCK
ELDORADO - It took very little time for the Herrin Tigers to
take total control of the title game of the 57th annual Eldorado
Holiday Tournament on Wednesday night.
Just
a few minutes was all they needed.
Running
their halfcourt offense with precision, head coach Sayler Shurtz
.....
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Red
Devils advance to Final Four
Sesser-Valier tops Red Bud; Christopher,
Cobden, Altamont win quarterfinal games
New Athens, Waltonville, Thompsonville, Sparta move on in consolation
bracket |
| 12/28/2021
BY JACK BULLOCK
SESSER - The Red Bud Musketeers couldn't have picked a worst
time to have a bad night shooting the ball than the quarterfinals
of the 40th annual Sesser-Valier Holiday Tournament Tuesday
night against the host Red Devils.
In
fact after the game head coach Dane Walter was a bit shocked
by how bad the numbers .....
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Hawks
win two on day one
Macon Meridian shakes off rust,
tops T-Town JV, Vandalia in Pool A
Okaw Valley, Pana (2), Flora among first round winners |
12/27/2021
BY JACK BULLOCK
VANDALIA - Heading into the 49th annual Vandalia Holiday Tournament,
the Macon Meridian Hawks couldn't help but be a bit rusty.
After
all, Coach Shannon Houser's group had not played a game since
December 10th (17-days ago) before having to play two games
within a few hours on the first day.
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SVHT
looks 'wide-open'
Christopher, Altamont, Sesser-Valier,
Goreville are favorites but others look formidable |
12/26/2021
BY JACK BULLOCK
SESSER - When preparing the preview of the 40th Annual Sesser-Valier
Holiday Tournament its apparent that for the first time in recent
memory a case can be made for many of the teams to win the championship.
Each
of the top seeds in the event (the top eight are seeded) all
could make a case to at least reach the winner's bracket final
four.
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| |
Top-seed
Herrin searches for 1st EHT title
Carterville, Massac, Ham Co., Fairfield also in
the hunt |
12/26/2021
BY JACK BULLOCK
ELDORADO - The 57th annual Eldorado Holiday Tournament begins
on Monday and the Herrin Tigers
are the top-seeded team.
Since
the event was seeded two weeks ago, Herrin hasn't won a game
since.
Herrin
sits at 3-4 on the year, with three-straight road losses to
fellow River-to-River ......
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| |
| Indians
overcome poor shooting night
Altamont defense, rebounding
allow for narrow home win over Hillsboro; 55-51 |
12/18/2021
BY JACK BULLOCK
ALTAMONT - If you're looking for an example of the old basketball
expression of how 'defense and rebounding' can overcome even
the worst of shooting nights, the Altamont victory over Hillsboro
Wednesday night at home should be considered the 'poster child'
of that phrase.
The
shooting touch for the Indians was MIA, and if the performance
was any worse it would likely need an APB to find it.
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| |
Mules'
great beginning holds up
Fairfield jumps out early on Eldorado; picks up
BDC East victory |
12-22-2021
BY JACK BULLOCK
FAIRFIELD - According to Coach Scott McElravy statistically
speaking his Fairfield Mules had been struggling hitting shots
from the 3-point arc so far during the 2021-22 season.
You
wouldn't know it from their shooting performance on Wednesday
night at home.
In
a make-up game from a December 10th weather postponement .....
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Bearcats
pick up 'workmanlike' win
Christopher takes care of host Spartans,
stays unbeaten at 7-0 |
12/21/2021
BY JACK BULLOCK
WALTONVILLE - For the Christopher Bearcats a trip into Jefferson
County to take on rival Waltonville on Tuesday night must have
seemed more like a 'chore' than a pleasurable outing.
Having
completed finals earlier in the day it looked like some 'rust'
had developed since their most recent win last Friday.
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| |
Foxes
roll to non-conference win
Hamilton County overcomes 'shaky'
first half; romps past Webber Township, 64-44 |
12/20/2021
BY JACK BULLOCK
BLUFORD - Despite a multitude of problems on Monday night the
Hamilton County Foxes leaned on their defense to get a road
win.
Coach
Doug Miller's club was foul plagued in the first two quarters
but they forced turnovers with pressure once they stopped the
sending Webber Township to the line.
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| |
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| |
Hatchets
win St. Elmo title
Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg
third quarter push gives club first SEHT title
South Central, Patoka/Odin, Ramsey post final day wins |
12/18/2021
BY JACK BULLOCK
ST. ELMO - Three weeks ago the Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg
Hatchets led host Cerro Gordo/Bement by 15-points in the first
half of the title game of the Broncos' Turkey Tournament only
to see the hosts rally for a 65-60 win.
On
Saturday night, even though Coach Bob Lockart's club struggled
offensively ......
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Wayne
City reaches title game
Host Indians outlast Edwards
County 67-58; Cisne, Crab Orchard post wins |
| 12/17/2021
BY JACK BULLOCK
WAYNE CITY - The saying “All Hands On Deck” has
its origins from the Navy but on Friday night the adage came
into play for head coach Jake Talbert and his Wayne City Indians.
The
Tribe found themselves in a real 'dog fight' with rival Edwards
County and the host school of the 67th annual Conrad Allen Wayne
City Holiday Tournament needed to dig deep .....
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| Tigers
top Zeigler-Royalton
Thompsonville's scoring punch produces 76-53 Thursday
night win |
12/16/2021
BY JACK BULLOCK
THOMPSONVILLE - If you're a fan of old-school basketball and were
looking for a defensive struggle you would have been disappointed
had you attended the Zeigler-Royalton at Thompsonville contest
Thursday night. Then,
again, if you like your basketball 'up-and-down' the floor,
you would've been treated to plenty of made shots and points.
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Columbia
edges host Warriors
Eagles hit free throws late,
hold off Steeleville rally, 53-48; Both teams now 6-2 |
12/14/2021
BY JACK BULLOCK
STEELEVILLE - With just one senior returning from last season
and zero varsity minutes coming back head coach Mark Sandstrom's
Columbia Eagles are 'learning on the fly'. In
their two previous losses (Mascoutah and Triad) they led each
game at halftime only to succumb to a big second half run which
led to each defeat.
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Webber,
WC romp in tourney openers
Trojans lead all the way; Indians
have little trouble; Both are 1-0 in respective pools |
12/11/2021
BY JACK BULLOCK
WAYNE CITY - Head coach Brad Beaty was hoping his Webber Township
Trojans would get out with to a good start in their early afternoon
game against Grayville at the 67th annual Wayne City Holiday Tournament.
He
got what he wanted.
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Cardinals
win home opener
Woodlawn
takes 'gate-to-wire' 41-27 win over Patoka/Odin |
12/09/2021
BY JACK BULLOCK
WOODLAWN - For the first week of the 2021-22 basketball season,
Woodlawn and head coach Dawson Verhines played against some good
competition, going 1-3 at the Carlyle “Kaskaskian Classic.”
With
a win over Okawville after three straight defeats in the tournament,
Woodlawn was hoping to keep things going forward when they hosted
Patoka/Odin on Thursday night.
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| |
Herrin
ends Cougars' winning streak
Harrison's double-double paces
Tigers' 47-33 win; Central falls to 5-1, Herrin is 2-1 |
| 12/04/2021
BY JACK BULLOCK
MARION - With the Herrin Tigers it starts with defensive end
of the floor, according to head coach Sayler Shurtz, and it
showed Saturday night at the Marion Shootout in their contest
against previously undefeated Breese Central.
The
Tigers held Central to just 14-of-42 from the floor and forced
13-turnovers as they improved to 2-1 on the season.
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Trojans
edge Pope County
Crab Orchard unbeaten at 5-0 with 51-49
win; Pirates fall to 3-1 |
12/03/2021
BY JACK BULLOCK
GOLCONDA - It was definitely a wild one in the Greater Egyptian
Conference on Friday night in Golconda. A
contest that featured 50 personal fouls called with 51 free
throws attempted, (counting a couple of lane violations) a bench
technical foul and the outcome not decided until the final horn
sounded.
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Carmi-White
County tops WF
Bulldogs overcome foul issues, win 55-44;
Conner nets 25 in victory |
11/30/2021
BY JACK BULLOCK
DUQUOIN - Bryce Conner stepped up for his teammates in a big way
on Wednesday night against West Frankfort at the DuQuoin Tip-Off
Classic. With
him and his teammates in first half foul trouble and struggling,
he carried the offensive burden by netting a game best 25-points.
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| Meteors
hold on for road win
Marissa/Coulterville early lead
holds up at Elverado; Hurst nets 23-points for M/C |
11/30/2021
BY JACK BULLOCK
ELKVILLE - After going 1-3 to open the season at the Edwardsville
Metro-East Lutheran Turkey Tip-Off Coach Scott Wine and his club
were looking to get off to a good start in their non-conference
road test at Elverado on Tuesday night. Marissa/Coulterville
probably couldn't have started out any better.
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| Carbondale
Holiday Tournament ends 56 year run |
05/14/2021
BY JACK BULLOCK
CARBONDALE - It was announced Tuesday Carbondale High School athletic
director Mark Albertini that the Carbondale Holiday Tournament,
after 56 years of existence, has ended. The
ending was inevitable.
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| Prep
Football? Why not?
A Baseline View expands to A Sideline
View |
 03/24/2021
BY JACK BULLOCK
CARBONDALE - Not unlike what a politician would do when looking
into running for president, ABV is working on another website.
I
have purchased “A Sideline View” (asidelineview
dot com) domain name.
In the next few weeks I will be working towards adding High
School Football to my prep sports coverage.
The
teams and conferences will be the same as the ones I currently
cover for boy's high school basketball in southern Illinois.
SIRR,
LIC, BDC and SCC are the ones I will focus on along with the
few independent teams that fall into the geographical area of
which ABV previews each year for hoops.
I'm
going to use the spring games currently going on to gather information
and photos for a 2021 preview.
After
that it will be game coverage like I do for basketball.
The
first year will be a “baby steps” year in which
things will build towards the future.
Since
moving from Mount Vernon to Carbondale, I've decided to focus
more on my sports and this is the first/next step.
It
might be complicated at first and the initial season of football
will have its issues, but as of this exact moment, Football
is on the docket. |
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