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IHSA Approves Fall Sports Modified Postseason

Girl's Softball to move to Louisville Slugger Complex in Peoria 2021-25;

Board hears presentation for implication of shot clock in basketball



BLOOMINGTON - The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Board of Directors met virtually for their regularly scheduled board meeting on Monday, August 24, 2020, where the Board approved a plan to conduct modified postseason state series tournaments in boys and girls golf, boys and girls cross country, girls swimming & diving, and girls tennis this fall. The approved plan will allow for a single round of regional geographic competition to be conducted the week of October 19-25, with the majority of the events expected to be held on Saturday, October 24. “The health and safety of the student-athletes, their coaches, and their school communities has been our priority from the start of the pandemic,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. “Throughout the spring and summer, we looked for ways to reengage student-athletes with their peers and coaches, and our membership has shared countless positive experiences from that initial ‘return to play’ period. We have found similar value in being able to conduct fall sports, and believe the participants deserve a culminating experience if we can offer it safely.” The IHSA State Series tournaments will meet all Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) guidelines as it relates to COVID-19. The IHSA will be finalizing and releasing details for each fall state series tournament in the coming weeks, including dates, schedules, awards, structure, and additional safety precautions. In conjunction with the modified fall state series, the Board also approved a $100 state series entry fee for any school entering a team or individual in any of the fall sports. “The IHSA office is charged with the responsibility of being a good steward of the Association’s finances,” said Anderson. “The past few months have seen a significant reduction in the IHSA’s income, given the cancellation of the IHSA Boys Basketball State Finals and the entire spring season. Financial challenges remain on the horizon in 2020-21 due to the limited number of sports currently classified as ‘low risk’ by the state, making the chances of conducting full state series tournaments unlikely at this time." The IHSA By-laws allow the Board of Directors the discretion to implement entry fees into IHSA State Series tournaments. The IHSA last charged a tournament entry fees in 2004-05. “An overwhelming number of school administrators supported the fees in recent surveys,” said Anderson. “Not charging entry fees has been a point of pride for the IHSA. We are humbled by the support of our member schools during this difficult time, and appreciative of their support.” The Board will continue to look at the postseason options by sport and season as the school year progresses, so they can accurately gauge the allowable IDPH options and most current COVID-19 data. “Interscholastic sports, like the IHSA and IESA, have rightfully followed stricter return to play guidance than non-school events since the start of the summer,” said Anderson. “While we understand and appreciate the frustration felt by high school coaches due to the stricter guidance, we also recognize the need for that added guidance, even though it may create more challenges for us. There is a responsibility that exists within the school setting to create a safer environment for the community as a whole, while non-school competitions are often conducted without any standardized safety protocols.”



OTHER BOARD ACTION:



The Board approved a recommendation for the IHSA Girls Softball State Finals to move to the Louisville Slugger Complex in Peoria beginning in 2021. The contract encompasses five seasons from 2021-2025. The Eastside Centre in East Peoria, who has hosted the state finals since 2001, also submitted a hosting proposal along with Chicago Bandits Stadium in Rosemont, the Rantoul Family Sports Complex, and Southern Illinois University.



IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson:

“Louisville Slugger is an amazing complex and we are excited to transition the tournament there. The amenities and stadium feel of the facility will provide an unforgettable experience for the student-athletes, coaches, and fans. We are excited for the tourney to remain in the Peoria area, and incredibly thankful for all that the Eastside Centre and its staff have done for this tournament through the years. Thank you to all the groups who submitted bids. They are all amazing places to watch softball and help highlight why the sport is thriving in our state.” The Board heard a presentation on the potential implementation of a shot clock in boys and girls basketball from the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association, who were represented by Michael Ellis from Evanston (Twp.), Matt Monroe from Chicago (St. Ignatius), Tyrone Slaughter from Chicago (Whitney Young) and Patrick Woods from St. Charles (East). The Board and IHSA staff will work with the presenters on potential next steps.



IHSA Board Approves Modified Schedule For 2020-21 School Year

The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Board of Directors met for a special meeting on July 29, 2020, where the Board announced its intended plans for the 2020-21 school year. The plan has been sent to the Illinois Department of Health (IDPH) for final approval. “This plan, like nearly every aspect of our current lives, remains fluid,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. “Changes may come, and if they do, we will be agile while putting safety and students first. It was important that we provide a framework today for our student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and officials to begin preparing for the 2020-21 school year.” The COVID-19 pandemic led the Board to propose unprecedented scheduling changes for the 2020-21 school year. They include playing all sports over the course of truncated fall, winter, spring, and summer seasons. As a result, several team sports will shift to new seasons, including football, boys soccer, and girls volleyball moving from the fall to the spring. “I applaud our Board of Directors for choosing a model that allows every student-athlete the opportunity for a modified season,” said Anderson. “Based on our recent conversations, it is our expectation that today’s plan meets all of IDPH’s safety guidelines and will be approved.” IHSA boys and girls golf, girls tennis, cross country and girls swimming & diving will remain as fall sports, and can proceed to start on August 10 as scheduled. Per Governor Pritzker’s announcement on Wednesday, fall sports will begin with competition limited to conference opponents and other schools in the same general geographical area. Schools will be provided more details in the coming week about the scheduling limits, and scheduling will continue to be assessed throughout each season. The condensed 2020-21 season dates will be as follows (see chart below to see where each sport falls):



Fall: August 10 to October 24

Winter: November 16 to February 13

Spring: February 15 to May 1

Summer: May 3 to June 26 “The Board believes this plan offers the most realistic chance for student-athletes to participate in interscholastic sports while balancing the challenges of a new academic setting and IDPH Guidelines,” said Erie High School Principal and IHSA Board President Tim McConnell. “We are an education-based athletic association, and school has to come first. By delaying the majority of the team sports in the fall, it will allow our schools and students the chance to acclimate to what will be, for many, a totally new educational experience. We will do our best to try to give every student-athlete the opportunity for a season this school year.” State Series tournament decisions will be made on a sport-by-sport basis as each season progresses, but providing postseason opportunities remains a priority of the Board. This could potentially include culminating State Series Tournaments after Regional or Sectional rounds, or seeking other non-traditional means to conduct events. “I understand that today’s announcement will be met with mixed emotions,” said Anderson. “Our staff and Board have heard from thousands of people over the past few weeks with ideas, opinions, and proposals on how we should proceed. We respect and understand their passion, because we share in it. It is a great reminder that if we want high school sports to return to normal, we all need to do our part to help stop the spread of COVID-19.” The Board also extended the current Phase 4 Return To Play Guidelines, which will allow sports slated to be played in the winter, spring and summer seasons to allow an additional 20 days of contact for schools between September 7 and October 31 following IDPH Phase 4 Guidelines. The Board also verified that IHSA by-laws do not prevent schools who are conducting remote learning from participating in IHSA sports and activities. Participation will remain a local school and district decision, regardless of the learning plan a high school is utilizing. The Board discussed IHSA activities for the 2020-21 school year but did not take any action. The IHSA’s activity offerings include Bass Fishing, Chess, Debate, Drama & Group Interpretation, Individual Events, Journalism, Music & Scholastic Bowl. “We believe we can still offer many of our activities via virtual contests,” said Anderson. “The Board has asked our staff to investigate those possibilities, and we will report back soon on if and how each can be held.” Further details on items such as sport season and practice limitations will be released to IHSA schools following IDPH approval of the plan. Three IHSA Board members (Hasson, McMahan, Rogers) were present at the IHSA office for the meeting, while the other eight Board members attended electronically. The chart below outlines the new IHSA schedule for the 2020-21 school year: Sport/Activity IDPH Risk Traditional Season 2020-21 Season Start Date End Date Boy's/Girls Golf Lower Fall Fall August 10 October 17 Girl's Tennis Lower Fall Fall August 10 October 17 Boy's/Girl's C'Country Medium Fall Fall August 10 October 17 Girl's Swimming/Diving Medium Fall Fall August 10 October 17 Boy's/Girl's Basketball Medium Winter Winter November 16 February 13 Wrestling Higher Winter Winter November 16 February 13 Boy's Swimming/Diving Medium Winter Winter November 16 February 13 Cheerleading Higher Winter Winter November 16 February 13 Dance Higher Winter Winter November 16 February 13 Boy's/Girls Bowling Lower Winter Winter November 16 February 13 Girl's Gymnastics Lower Winter Winter November 16 February 13 Football Higher Fall Spring February 15 May 1 Boy's Soccer Medium Fall Spring February 15 May 1 Girl's Volleyball Medium Fall Spring February 15 May 1 Girl's Badminton Lower Spring Spring February 15 May 1 Boy's Gymnastics Lower Spring Spring February 15 May 1 Boy's/Girl's Water Polo Medium Spring Spring February 15 May 1 Baseball Lower Spring Summer May 3 June 26 Softball Lower Spring Summer May 3 June 26 Boy's/Girl's Track & Field Lower Spring Summer May 3 June 26 Girl's Soccer Medium Spring Summer May 3 June 26 Boy's Volleyball Medium Spring Summer May 3 June 26 Boy's/Girls Lacrosse Higher Spring Summer May 3 June 26 Boy's Tennis Lower Spring Summer May 3 June 26

Pop Open The "Champaign"

IHSA Boys Basketball State Finals Return To The University of Illinois in 2021

06-15-2020

BLOOMINGTON

The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) announced on June 15, 2020 (Board recap) that the IHSA Boys Basketball State Finals, known to fans throughout the Land of Lincoln as America’s Original March Madness, will return to the campus of the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana beginning with the 2021 state tournament. The event was previously held in Champaign-Urbana from 1919 to 1995. The Peoria Civic Center, which has hosted the boys state tournament since 1996, also submitted a bid to continuing hosting. “We see this as the passing of the torch from Peoria to Champaign-Urbana,” said IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. “It is bittersweet because there is incredible passion for high school basketball within these two communities, and both have done so much to elevate the state final experience as hosts. The State Farm Center is one of the best arenas in the country, and we are excited to crown state champions there once again. The timing simply felt right to make a change as the tournament format shifts in 2021.” The state final hosting bid was a joint proposal from the University of Illinois, the Fighting Illini Athletic Department, State Farm Center, Visit Champaign County, and the Champaign-Urbana communities. The proposal is a three-year bid encompassing the 2021 (March 11-13), 2022 (March 10-12) and 2023 (March 9-11) state tournaments. “We are thrilled with today’s news that the Illinois high school boys basketball state finals will return home to the campus of the University of Illinois,” said Illinois Director of Athletics Josh Whitman. “We are grateful to the IHSA and its leadership for choosing State Farm Center and Champaign-Urbana to host the state finals. We are humbled by their confidence in our community, which I know will come together to provide the players, families, and fans of the state’s best teams a once-in-a-lifetime experience. My thanks to the many people and organizations locally who collaborated on a compelling bid and proposal. We look forward to showcasing the state’s flagship university, celebrating the many virtues of Champaign-Urbana, and maximizing the full spectrum of amenities in State Farm Center to visitors from all across Illinois. The relationship between the IHSA and the University of Illinois extends back more than 100 years, and we are excited to continue this longstanding, positive partnership many years into the future.” Among the many highlights, the bid includes interactive fan elements around the arena, city and campus marketing initiatives, a special in-arena area for parents with children, and 13 local hotels locking in three-year prices for fans below rack rate. The IHSA’s Wheelchair Basketball State Tournament and Special Olympics Illinois Unified Basketball Tournament will continue to be held in conjunction with the state tournament in Champaign-Urbana as well. “We are ecstatic to welcome the IHSA Boys State Basketball Tournament back to its original home at the University of Illinois,” said Jayne DeLuce, President & CEO of Visit Champaign County. “Our community has evolved into a much broader vision incorporating sports, education, technology, and a place of diverse culture that will provide incredible experiences for all involved. We are ready to embrace a new tradition of welcoming teams, families, fans, officials, and media for the experience of a lifetime.” The State Farm Center is fresh off a $170 million dollar state-of-the-art renovation that was completed in 2016. The building has also been home to IHSA Individual Wrestling State Finals each winter since 1973. “The Illinois boys basketball state tournament is back where it belongs, right here at State Farm Center,” said Kevin Ullestad, UI Senior Associate Director of Athletics, State Farm Center Director. “Our building will provide the most memorable experience for all the teams and fans who attend this outstanding event every year. After talking with many of the former high school stars who played in the building during the state finals it was clear that playing in the state’s premier basketball facility left a lifetime memory.” The State Tournament has recently been held over the course of two weekends, but will begin a new format in 2021 that features all four classes being played over the course of three days, culminating with four state championships games on Saturday. “It’s difficult to express how grateful we are to the city of Peoria, the Civic Center, the surrounding communities, and the army of volunteers who have so vigorously supported the state tournament for a quarter of a century in Peoria,” Anderson. “We understand there may be some initial disappointment, but ultimately, we hope they are as proud as we are for overseeing one of the most decorated eras in IHSA basketball with class, grace, and innovation. We love Peoria and look forward to the numerous IHSA events we will continue to conduct there.” The IHSA will be contacting current state final season ticket holders in the near future to work with them on seating at the State Farm Center. Individuals interested in becoming new state final season ticket holders can submit their info online at https://fightingillini.com/ihsabb. The University of Illinois ticket office will follow-up with anyone who submits a season ticket inquiry form in the near future to let them know available seating, pricing and more. Since the first IHSA Boys Basketball State Final Tournament was held at the YMCA in Oak Park in 1908, just six different communities (Bloomington, Decatur, Springfield, Peoria) have hosted the event. Champaign-Urbana has hosted more than any other community, as 77 IHSA seasons have culminated there. That history includes the community’s first hosting opportunity when the state finals were held in the University’s Men’s Gym Annex (now Kenney Gym) in 1919. It remained there until being moved to Huff Hall in 1926, and then found a home at Assembly Hall (now State Farm Center) from 1963 to 1995. “IHSA basketball has deep roots and a celebrated history on the University of Illinois campus and within the Champaign-Urbana community,” said Anderson. “It’s almost indescribable when you think of all the iconic players and coaches who were a part of the state tournament here. Names like Johnny Orr, Quinn Buckner, Jack Sikma, Isiah Thomas, The Three Amigos (Donnie Boyce, Sherell Ford, Michael Finley), Deon Thomas, Dick Corn, Bruce Douglas, Sonny Cox, Gordie Kerkman, Ronnie Fields, Gene Pingatore, Jay Shidler and Flying Illini like Kendall Gill, Nick Anderson and Marcus Liberty. I could probably name 100 more. We look forward to celebrating that history, and making new memories as America’s Original March Madness returns to Champaign-Urbana and the University of Illinois.”

Illini recruit Miller name Mr. Basketball

McKay, Heaton, Conner, Dust, receive Mr. Basketball votes

Carterville's Jeniah Thompson gets Ms. Basketball votes

04-18-2020

BY JACK BULLOCK

CHICAGO - The Chicago Tribune has released the Mr. and Ms. Basketball voting results for the 2019-20 season with senior Adam Miller of Chicago Morgan Park named this season's Mr. Basketball. Miller is a Division I recruit, having committed to play for the University of Illinois next season. He is a 6-foot-4 guard who averaged 27.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 2.3 steals for the 22-9 sectional finalist. His 142 points edged DJ Steward, a senior from Chicago Whitney Young in the voting. Steward is a 6-foot-3 senior who committed to play for Coach Mike Krzyzewski at Duke University. He was the Chicago Sun-Times “Player of the Year” and is Illinois' first McDonald's All-American in four years. Steward scored 22.5 points, grabbed 4.1 rebounds and dished out 3.5 assists against some of the best teams and players in the country for a 21-9 sectional finalist ranked 6th in

the final AP state poll. Connor Heaton of Central A&M (7), Blake McKay of Woodlawn (5) and Jaccob Dust of Effingham St. Anthony (1) received votes. McKay, Heaton and Dust were first team 1A ABV this season. One other southern Illinois player, Jackson Conner of Marion, received (7) votes. The Ms. Basketball award goes to Angela Dugalic, a 6-foot-4 senior forward for Maine West who is heading to Oregon to play college basketball next season.

A native of Serbia, Dugalic averaged 20.7 points, 10.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists for a 30-3 supersectional team. She is a member of the Serbian National Team and would have been on the squad for the summer Olympic had the games been played. Dugalic easily out distanced the second place finisher, Darrione Rogers of Roselle Lake Park. Carterville senior Jeniah Thompson received 11 points off of two ballots and finished tied for 11th on the annual list. The 5-foot-10 senior and SIU-Carbondale recruit averaged 14.3 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.6 assists for the 30-2 Lions who finished third place in the 2A state tournament. The complete list is below. 63 ballots cast, first-place votes in parentheses; 5-3-1 vote value. Top 10

1. Adam Miller, Chicago Morgan Park, Sr., 142 points (21)

2. DJ Steward, Chicago Whitney Young, Sr., 140 points (19)

3. Max Christie, Rolling Meadows, Jr., 37 points (3)

4. Ray’Sean Taylor, Collinsville, Sr., 30 points (3)

5. Bryce Hopkins, Oak Park Fenwick, Jr., 27 points (2)

6. Dom Martinelli, Glenbard South, Sr., 25 points (3)

7. Ahron Ulis, Chicago Marian Catholic, Sr., 15 points (1)

8. Isaiah Rivera, Geneseo, Sr., 13 points

9. Ramean Hinton, Chicago Curie, Sr., 11 points

T-10. Jackson Connor, Marion, Sr., 7 points (1)

T-10. Connor Heaton, Moweaqua Central A&M, Sr., 7 points Others receiving multiple votes: Kam Craft, Buffalo Grove, Jr., 4 points; Nate Shockey, Elmhurst York, Sr., 3 points; Troy D’Amico, Niles Notre Dame, Jr., 2 points. DJ Williams, Thornton, Sr., 5 points; Cooper Larsen, Indian Creek, Sr., 5 points; Blake McKay, Woodlawn, Sr., 5 points; RJ Ogom, Homewood-Flossmoor, Sr., 5 points; Beau Frericks, Cary-Grove, Sr., 5 points; DaRon Hall, Glenbard East, Sr., 5 points; Connor Dillon, Peoria Notre Dame, Sr., 3 points; Taaj Davis, Aurora Christian, Sr., 3 points; Aquan Smart, Niles North, Sr., 3 points; Kaden Froebe, Lincoln, Sr., 3 points; Antoine Bloxton, Chicago Bogan, Sr., 3 points; Dante Maddox Jr., Chicago Heights Bloom, Sr., 3 points; Jaccob Dust, Effingham St. Anthony, Sr., 1 point; Darius Burford, Bolingbrook, Sr., 1 point; Robbie Avila, Oak Forest, Sr., 1 point; Jaylin McCants, Galesburg, Sr., 1 point; Ty Johnson, Chicago DePaul Prep, Jr., 1 point.



2020 ILLINOIS MS. BASKETBALL VOTING:

-- NOTE: 69 ballots cast, first-place votes in parentheses; 5-3-1 vote value.

1. Angela Dugalic, Maine West, Sr., 166 points (24)

2. Darrione Rogers, Roselle Lake Park, Sr., 84 points (8)

3. Aneesah Morrow, Chicago Simeon, Sr., 73 points (7)

4. Lindsey Dullard, Morton, Sr., 48 points (6)

5. Taylor Gugliuzza, Lincoln-Way West, Sr., 33 points (4)

6. Kylie Feuerbach, Sycamore, Sr., 26 points (3)

T-7. Amber Storr, Kankakee, Sr., 24 points (3)

T-7. Halle Douglass, Lake Forest, Sr., 24 points (3)

9. Erin Henze, Lanark Eastland, Sr., 20 points (3)

10. Anna Heffren, Lewistown, Sr., 17 points (2) Others receiving votes: Jeniah Thompson, Carterville, Sr., 11 points (2); Kayla Green, Chicago Whitney Young, Sr., 11 points (1); Emily Klaczek, Palatine Fremd, Sr., 8 points (1); Capria Brown, Danville Schlarman, Sr., 5 points (1); Lydia Coatney, Lanark Eastland, Sr., 6 points; Brooke Schramek, Lisle Benet, Sr., 5 points; Erin Henze, Lanark Eastland, Sr., 3 points; Peyton Kennedy, Rockford Boylan, Sr., 2 points; Kendall Holmes, Lisle Benet, Sr., 2 points.

McKay, Zurliene are ABV POY's

Coaches Gamber, Schadegg honored as COY's

03-14-2020

BY JACK BULLOCK

MT. VERNON – Back in February before the Woodlawn at Sesser-Valier game I noticed that the Cardinals were getting ready to take the floor wearing shirts sponsored by local insurance agent Scott Owens. So I walked up to Blake McKay, who was getting ready to lead his team out onto the floor and I said “So are you Blake from State Farm?” It got a chuckle from everyone standing there.





Mater Dei crushes Murphysboro

Knights produce big defensive effort in 46-26 victory

03-10-2020

BY JACK BULLOCK

CARBONDALE – For the Mater Dei Knights on Tuesday night at the 2A supersectional, it was all about precision. Defensive and offensive precision. Coach Ron Schadegg's club did a number on the Murphysboro Red Devils.



Goreville heads back to Peoria

Blackcats top Central A&M, 71-64, improve to 35-2

03-10-2020

BY JACK BULLOCK

CARBONDALE – Too many weapons. That was what turned out to be the difference in Tuesday night's 1A Carbondale Supersectional game between Goreville and Central A&M. The deep and talented Blackcats eventually got the best of the reigning supersectional .....



Supersectionals are set

Breese Mater Dei, Goreville, Murphysboro, Madison post Friday night wins

Central A&M heads back to SIU

Raiders roll late, 57-43, for third consecutive sectional title

02-06-2020

BY JACK BULLOCK

CASEY - Turnovers are always a big factor when it comes to high school basketball games. Perhaps even more importantly are “points off of turnovers.” The Central A&M Raiders forced Effingham St. Anthony into 14 miscues .....



St. Anthony "survives" scare

Bulldogs improve to 29-3 as they edged past host Warriors

03-04-2020

BY JACK BULLOCK

CASEY - The mantra of all teams in bracketed tournaments, especially in the postseason, is to “survive and advance.” On Wednesday night at the 1A Casey-Westfield Sectional semifinals, Effingham St. Anthony did both.



Cardinals cruise past Cobden

McKay's 31 points pushes Woodlawn to sectional title game

03-03-2020

BY JACK BULLOCK

NORRIS CITY – On Tuesday night at the NCOE 1A Sectional, the Woodlawn Cardinals once again proved that the postseason is where they shine the brightest. And 6-foot-1 senior guard Blake McKay was the guiding light.



NCOE, C-W host sectionals

Eight teams have a combined record of 216-40

03-01-2020

BY JACK BULLOCK

NORRIS CITY - A long time basketball coach once told me something that has stuck in my hard drive when it comes to analyzing the state tournament. “It is better to be lucky than good. But I find the harder I work, the luckier I get.” On the other hand I have always looked at sports luck coming .....



Ham Co, Shelbyville host sectionals

Eight teams have a combined record of 199-57

03-02-2020

BY JACK BULLOCK

MCLEANSBORO/SHELBYVILLE - If you are looking for IHSA boy's basketball name recognition, the Deep South sectionals have you covered in this season's 2A events at both McLeansboro Hamilton County and Shelbyville. The ones who advanced with regional wins all have had success (some more than others) over the years in this tournament.



Okawville nabs sixth straight regional title

Rockets roll past cold shooting Marissa-Coulterville, 52-33

02-28-2020

BY JACK BULLOCK

STEELEVILLE - The Okawville Rockets, year after year, prepare themselves for the postseason. And for the sixth consecutive time, and the eighth time in the four-class era, Coach Jon Kraus has led his club to a regional championship.

Lions "vandalize" Vandalia

Marshall forces 19 turnovers, advances to title game

02-25-2020

BY JACK BULLOCK

FLORA - Heading into the postseason, the top-seeded team in Sub-Sectional A of the Shelbyville 2A Sectional wasn't exactly playing its best basketball. Or so it seemed.

Bulldogs barely hang on

Carmi-White County edges West Frankfort, advances to semifinals

02-24-2020

BY JACK BULLOCK

CARMI - If you were to use analytic thinking in a horse racing sense in describing the first round game of the 2A Carmi-White County Regional on Monday night it might be worded like this in the Daily Racing Form of past performances.





Anna-Jonesboro picks up senior night win

Pena leads Wildcats with 19 points, beat Sparta, 70-55

02-21-2020

BY JACK BULLOCK

Head coach Mike Chamness was expecting a great effort from his Anna-Jonesboro Wildcats as they suited up for their senior night in the finale of the 2019-20 regular season. He got that and then some in their 70-55 victory over Sparta in front of a large home crowd Friday night.

Patoka edges Webber Township

Alexander, Belcher lead Warriors to road victory, 54-51

02-15-2020

BY JACK BULLOCK

BLUFORD – Senior Tyler Alexander has been battling a cold the last few days but he gutted out a big performance for his Patoka Warriors on Tuesday. The 5-foot-10 guard scored 20 points and came up big in the final moments of a 54-51 road win over Webber Township.



02-17-2020

BY JACK BULLOCK

So here we are, folks. The end of another high school basketball season. With the final regular season games on tap for this week the teams will now prepare for the postseason, or as I have said for many years, the only games that matter.



Rangers defense keys big win

Benton picks up second 2019-20 SIRR Ohio win over Massac County, 43-34

02-15-2020

BY JACK BULLOCK

BENTON - The Benton Rangers jumped back into River-to-River Ohio Division championship contention on Saturday night on the strength of a late game defensive stand against visiting Massac County.



Trailing 34-33 with 6:24 remaining in the contest, Coach Ron Winemiller got the stops that they needed as they shut out the Patriots the rest of the way.



Fairfield romps past Foxes

Mules race away to 71-32 win; improve to 8-0 in the BDC East

02-11-2020

BY JACK BULLOCK

MCLEANSBORO – The Fairfield Mules, coming off of an resume building signature win over Nashville at the Rich Herrin Classic at Benton on Saturday, were perhaps primed for a let down when they traveled to Black Diamond Conference East Division rival Hamilton County on Tuesday night.

That notion turned out to be nonsensical as the game was practically over before Hamilton County got the license plat number of the truck that hit them.



Woodlawn picks up key road win

McKay, Rynski shine in 57-38 win over Sesser-Valier

02-04-2020

BY JACK BULLOCK

SESSER – If anyone was expecting a regional championship-type atmosphere on Tuesday night when rivals Woodlawn and Sesser-Valier hooked up in their annual February regular season battle, they didn't get it. What the pretty good sized crowd for a Tuesday night saw, and what turned out to a 57-38 win by the visiting Cardinals, was simply one team out-shooting the other.



Knights finally get rolling late

Metro-East Lutheran's big second half dooms CORL

02-03-2020

BY JACK BULLOCK

CENTRALIA – The Metro-East Lutheran Knights were late arriving for their rescheduled game at Christ Our Rock Lutheran on Monday night. The varsity only game was schedule for 6:15 pm start but the game got under way about 6:30 pm.





NCOE nabs first ever GEC tournament title

Fighting Cardinals use big third quarter ending in 47-33 win over Crab Orchard

Pope County, Hardin County pick up final day hardware

02-01-2020

BY JACK BULLOCK

HARRISBURG – For the Norris City-Omaha-Enfield Fighting Cardinals, it was a long wait to hoist the championship trophy of the Greater Egyptian Conference Tournament. Having moved to the GEC after a long stay in the now defunct Mid-South Conference, this program hadn't been able to secure this title in its previous 12 tries of the event.

Crab Orchard, Gallatin County win at GEC

Trojans roll past Thompsonville; Hawks edge Hardin County

01-28-2020

BY JACK BULLOCK

HARRISBURG – The Crab Orchard Trojans, by their own standards, played a pretty poor offensive first half against the Thompsonville Tigers in the first round of the Greater Egyptian Conference Tournament on Tuesday night. Coach Jon Brown's squad struggled to just a 22-17 lead at the half.

Fighting Cardinals, Pirates win on opening night

NCOE dispatches Galatia; Pope County routs Carrier Mills

01-27-2020

BY JACK BULLOCK

HARRISBURG – Coming into the week long annual Greater Egyptian Conference tournament, the Norris City-Omaha-Enfield Fighting Cardinals have already guaranteed at least a share of the regular season title, having already played the league games and finishing 6-1. But Coach Jim Tucker and his club would love to take home the tournament championship, also.



Cardinals edge Indians for MTC title

Rynski nails down two free throws with :08.2 left, Woodlawn tops Wayne City 55-53

Odin, Cisne pick up final day victories

01-25-2020

BY JACK BULLOCK

WAYNE CITY - The Woodlawn Cardinals have had ownership of the Midland Trail Conference tournament championship trophy for a long time. In fact they only have one tournament loss since they joined the league in 2007-08; a 49-48 championship game defeat to Odin in January of 2014.



Mater Dei, Nashville reach NIT title game

Knights take care of Breese Central; Hornets edge Mascoutah

01-24-2020

BY JACK BULLOCK

NASHVILLE – The Mater Dei Knights have won six Nashville Invitational Tournament championships in the previous 37 years of the annual event. Coach Ron Schadegg has his club in the championship game of the 38th edition with a chance at number seven .



Altamont overcomes sluggish offensive night

Indians rally past North Clay in key NTC battle, 56-40

01-23-2020

BY JACK BULLOCK

LOUISVILLE – It wasn't exactly pretty but the Altamont Indians accomplished what they set out to do on Thursday night in a make up game of a previously scheduled National Trail Conference contest at North Clay. Despite some major offensive deficiencies by both teams .....

Murphysboro rallies past Warriors

Red Devils improve to 2-0 in Pool B with 51-39 victory over Steeleville

Waterloo, Freeburg also pick up wins

01-22-2020

BY JACK BULLOCK

SPARTA - The Murphysboro Red Devils needed a big defensive effort on Wednesday night against Steeleville at the 56th annual Sparta “Mid-Winter Classic.” Coach Daryl Murphys club looked a bit lethargic for the first three quarters of the game offensively as they trailed the Warriors for much of the game heading into the fourth quarter.

Egyptian rolls past Tornadoes

Pharaohs dominate in 72-38 triumph; Lovejoy, Elverado post wins

01-21-2020

BY JACK BULLOCK

TAMMS – The Egyptian Pharaohs, the hosts of the fourth annual Egyptian “Mid-Winter Classic,” began there part of the pool play tournament with a resounding 72-38 win over Zeigler-Royalton on the second night of the event. Head coach Allen Pearman's club jumped on the Tornadoes with a 13-0 run and never looked in the rear view mirror, kept the pedal to the floor and romped to the easy win on Tuesday night.



Rangers top Hamilton County

Coach Winemiller notches 200th win at Benton, Reece Johnson reaches 1K career points

Pinckneyville, Vandalia post easy wins on opening night of the BIT

01-20-2020

BY JACK BULLOCK

BENTON - It was a milestone night at Rich Herrin Gymnasium on Monday as the Benton Rangers kicked off their 47th annual event. Head coach Ron Winemiller picked up his 200th win at the school and junior guard Reece Johnson reached the 1,000 point club as the Rangers cruised past long time rival Hamilton County 51-34 in the finale of the three game opening night.



Cobden picks up big road win

Appleknockers' return trip to West Frankfort ends in 62-54 win

01-18-2020

BY JACK BULLOCK

WEST FRANKFORT – It had been a long time since a Cobden Appleknockers' boy's basketball team had stepped onto the hardwood floor of Max Morris Gymnasium. How long was it you might ask? It was Tuesday night, March 17, 1964, to be exact.



Chester advances to title game

Yellow Jackets never trail in 62-47 win over Saxony Lutheran

Valmeyer moves to consolation title game, 61-27 over Shawnee

01-16-2020

BY JACK BULLOCK

CHESTER - Basketball has always been considered a game of scoring runs. On Thursday night at the Chester Invitational Tournament, the host Yellow Jackets' runs were bigger and better. The hosts will now have a chance on Saturday night to defend its CIT championship.



Steeleville stays Cahokia unbeaten

Warriors put away Red Bud, 50-34; 5-0 in Kaskaskia Division

01-14-2020

BY JACK BULLOCK

RED BUD - The Steeleville Warriors, so far in 2019-20, have dominated the Cahokia Conference Kaskaskia Division. Coach Aaron Fiene's club improved to 5-0 in the league with a 50-34 win Tuesday night on the road at Red Bud.





M-C takes down Odin

Meteors fly higher than Eagles, 53-41 in non-conference battle

01-13-2020

BY JACK BULLOCK

MARISSA - On Monday night at home, the Marissa-Coulterville Meteors did just enough to pick up a pretty good victory over another highly regarded 1A team as head coach Scott Wine's club improved to 11-5 on the season. But the triumph was anything but easy.

Central A&M powers past T-Town

Raiders overcome tought start, romp to 80-64 win.

Neoga, Newton, Effingham, Paris, Dieterich all post victories

01-11-2020

BY JACK BULLOCK

EFFINGHAM – Great teams over the years, in any sport you care to choose, night after night, game after game, are able to overcome adversity. Especially when you wear a bullseye each time you step on the floor. The ABV Top Ranked 1A team and state ranked Central A&M Raiders .....



Nokomis rolls past EAWR

Redskins win fifth straight game, 59-24, Record now stands at 6-5

01-08-2020

BY JACK BULLOCK

WOOD RIVER - The Nokomis Redskins' boy's basketball program is one of the few in the state that doesn't participate in a holiday tournament. So coming into this week, Coach Steve Kimbro's club hadn't played a game since December 20th. After a very “sluggish” 39-24 win over Litchfield on Tuesday night, the Redskins traveled .....



Indians' defense makes difference

Wayne City holds on for 46-38 non-conference win over NCOE

McKinney, Taylor, Dickey lead balanced attack

01-07-2020

BY JACK BULLOCK

NORRIS CITY - The Wayne City Indians picked up an important road win on Tuesday night as they traveled to Norris City-Omaha-Enfield to snag a 46-38 triumph. On a night when they offense wasn't exactly pretty, the Indians' defense stood out like a “lime green road worker's vest” as the club improved to 9-6 on the season.





Host Cardinals romp past Webber Township

North Clay leads from the start in 73-29 shootout finale victory

01-04-2020

BY JACK BULLOCK

LOUISVILLE – While the first seven games of the North Clay Shootout were relatively close games, the nightcap was anything but a “nail biter.” The host Cardinals “took no prisoners” with a lopsided 73-29 romp over Webber Township to close the day.



Herrin overcomes tough start

Tigers storm back with fourth quarter scoring burst, top Massac County 69-59

01-03-2020

BY JACK BULLOCK

Herrin – The Herrin Tigers got off to such a hapless start offensively that it even messed up the varsity cheerleaders' normal routine. As each game begins at home, the Tigers' cheer squad set up around the court and, when the Tigers score their first field goal, the cheerleaders then toss an orange Herrin tee shirt into the crowd.



Goreville wins SVHT

Blackcats "win-dex" championship, 74-65 over Altamont

Marissa-Coulterville, Sesser-Valier, Sparta snag hardware

12-30-2019

BY JACK BULLOCK

If you are looking for one stat that gave the Goreville Blackcats a 74-65 victory over Altamont to win the 39th annual Sesser-Valier Holiday Tournament championship, look no further than the rebounding totals. Coach Todd Tripp's Cats pounded the boards on Monday night, grabbing 16 offensive rebounds on their way to a dominating 36-18 overall edge.



Pharaohs take home top prize

Egyptian goes 3-0, Trexler reaches 2K career points

12-28-2019

BY JACK BULLOCK

Dongola – The Egyptian Pharaohs were on the verge of winning the Dongola Christmas Tournament last December after winning it's first two games. All they needed to do was to triumph over Joppa-Maple Grove in the finale. But Coach Allen Pearman saw his club “stub its toes” against the Rangers, forcing a ....

Murphysboro falls in third place game

Red Devils' tank hits "empty" in 81-53 loss to Lutheran North

DuQuoin, Cairo drop trophy games on final day

12-29-2019

BY JACK BULLOCK

CARBONDALE – The Murphysboro Red Devils suffered a heart wrenching 63-61 overtime loss to St. Mary (MO.) in the semifinals of the 56th annual Carbondale Holiday Tournament Sunday afternoon. Coach Daryl Murphy's disappointed squad gave it a go in the third place game against St. Louis (MO.) Lutheran North a few hours later but things didn't go so well.



DT Championship stays at home

Host Panthers cruise past Woodlawn in title game victory

Mt. Carmel, Olney, Chester among final day winners

12-28-2019

BY JACK BULLOCK

PINCKNEYVILLE – As each game goes forward, Pinckneyville senior guard Dawson Yates continues to show how important he is to his Panthers' success story for 2019-20. The 6-foot-2 three year starter scored 16 points, handed out six assists and drilled home 8-of-8 free throws his team defended their 2018 tournament championship with a 68-42 rout of Woodlawn in the title game on Saturday night at the Duster Thomas “Hoops Classic.”



Mater Dei, Nashville post wins Friday

Knights take care of Okawville; Hornets put away Wesclin

12-27-2019

BY JACK BULLOCK

BREESE – It's been nine seasons since the Mater Dei Knights claimed the title of their own holiday tournament. Coach Ron Schadegg's has his team in the running after two days of the 59th annual event. It wasn't easy to say the least, but the Knights are sitting at 3-0 in Pool B after .....



Hawks hold off South Central

Macon Meridian finishes Day 1 at 2-0; Pana also wins both of its games

Vandalia, Okaw Valley also stay unbeaten in pool play event

12-26-2019

BY JACK BULLOCK

VANDALIA – For Macon Meridian head coach Shannon Houser, the third quarter of his team's second game on Thursday at the 48th annual Vandalia Holiday Tournament could have been a really bad omen for his relatively young team. After leading for most of the first half and holding a 34-27 spread at halftime, the Hawks came out flat in the second half of its second contest of the day.



The 39th annual looks strong

Goreville, Christopher, Altamont, Marissa-Coulterville loom large

Cobden, host Red Devils, Odin, Sparta round out the top eight

12-25-2019

BY JACK BULLOCK

SESSER-VALIER – For the first time since 2001, the Sesser-Valier Red Devils will come into their own holiday tournament as the defending champions. Last season the Red Devils beat Marissa-Coulterville in the championship game, 57-54, to win their first SVHT title since 2000.



Indians roll past Hillsboro

Eirhart, Jarhaus pace Altamont in 67-50 win; Tribe remains undefeated

12-23-2019

BY JACK BULLOCK

ALTAMONT – On Monday night the Altamont Indians triumph over Hillsboro turned out to be “The Kaden and Aiden Show.” Six-foot-two junior guard Kaden Eirhart and 5-foot-11 senior guard Aiden Jahraus put on an offensive show as they led the Indians past the Hiltoppers, 67-50 in a non-conference contest that was a tuneup for this coming holiday tournament season for both teams.



North Clay claims WCHT title

Cardinals' rally past Crab Orchard, 70-62, take home first WC title since 1980

Cisne, Wayne City, Webber Township post final day wins

12-21-2019

BY JACK BULLOCK

WAYNE CITY – For the 2019-20 season head coach Josh Zink decided to play some early tough competition to get his team ready for bigger and better things. Taking on a “Murderer's Row” of state ranked teams produced an 0-3 record after three contests. The dividends started paying off this week at the 66th annual Conrad Allen Wayne City .....



St. Anthony stays unbeaten

Bulldogs rule the boards, win 66-49; Dust gets double-double

12-20-2019

BY JACK BULLOCK

DIETERICH – Getting defensive stops is an important product of every successful basketball program. But if you can't keep the other team from getting second and third chances, the results usually end up in the favor of your opponent.



Crab Orchard advances to championship game

Trojans "clean the glass" in 54-46 win over Webber Township

North Clay, Cisne also also stay alive; Cardinals, Lions set to clash Friday night

12-19-2019

The Crab Orchard Trojans will play in their first Conrad Allen Wayne City Holiday Tournament championship game since 2014 after their 54-46 win over Webber Township on Thursday night . Coach Jon Brown's program has won two WCHT championships (2009, 2011) and will go for number three Saturday night at 7:30 pm after winning Pool A with a 3-0 mark. The Trojans are now 12-1 on the season.



Pirates "sail" past W/SS

Cumberland handles Hatchets; Host Eagles, Patoka also advance

12-18-2019

BY JACK BULLOCK

ST. ELMO – “It's really nice to get back to .500.” That was one of the first things that Cumberland head coach Justin Roedl said after his team's 58-40 win in the opening round of the 60th annual St. Elmo Holiday Tournament on Wednesday night. Shaking off the rust of inactivity since having no practice or games since last Friday's win .....



Red Devils romp past JC

Bates, Gunter, Kirk pace S-V in 45-25 conquest

12-17-2019

BY JACK BULLOCK

SESSER-VALIER – It seems like every year the Sesser-Valier Red Devils have someone who can take on a scoring role for the team. So far in 2019-20, the spot has been filled by 6-foot-1 senior veteran Peyton Bates. Bates on Tuesday night, in a non-league home contest against Johnston City, led the .....



Crab Orchard out-guns host Indians

Trojans go the distance in 83-69 win over Wayne City

North Clay, Gallatin County, Cisne also post opening wins

BY JACK BULLOCK

While the first three games of the 66th annual Conrad Allen Wayne City Holiday Tournament were defensive minded, low scoring contests, the match up between Crab Orchard and the hosts was anything but. The Trojans and Wayne City combined for an NBA like 124 field goal attempts in a 32 minute game nearly identical results.

Mules "manhandle" Eldorado

Fairfield romps to 74-40 BDC win; improves to 6-1

12-13-2019

BY JACK BULLOCK

FAIRFIELD – The Eldorado Eagles and head coach Josh Bradley arrived in Fairfield for their conference matchup with the Mules riding a seven-game winning streak. After the first few minutes of action Friday, there was zero chance win number eight was going to happen on this night.

66th annual event starts Saturday

Host Indians, defending champs Red Hill, lead balanced field

North Clay, Crab Orchard look strong

12-13-2019

BY JACK BULLOCK

WAYNE CITY – The phrase “wide open” is often used in an assessment of a upcoming tournament and high school basketball is no different. If you put that moniker on the 66th annual Conrad Allen Wayne City Holiday Tournament, you wouldn't be wrong.

Cobden puts away Meridian late

Franklin (s), Brumleve lead Appleknockers to league road victory

12-10-2019

BY JACK BULLOCK

MOUNDS – To even the most casual boy's high school basketball fan in the deep part of southern Illinois, the Mounds Meridian Bobcats have been “commander and chief” of South Egyptian Conference for the last decade. With only one loss in just over 10 regular season league contests, this program dominated regular season meetings.



Massac County completes sweep

Patriots win title, 68-59 over host Indians; Red Bud nips Cairo

12-07-2019

BY JACK BULLOCK

DUQUOIN – Most championship basketball teams excel in the skills that it takes to win. Usually they can rebound the ball, play strong defense to get important stops and hit free throws, especially in the clutch. On Saturday night at the DuQuoin “Tip-Off Classic” Coach Joe Hosman's Massac County .....

Warriors spoil Cardinals' homecoming

Casey-Westfield rallies past North Clay, 74-56

BY JACK BULLOCK

Friday night's homecoming game against visiting Casey-Westfield couldn't have started any better for Coach Josh Zink and his North Clay Cardinals. For the first few minutes and trips down the floor, the Cardinals took it right to the ABV 1A second-ranked Warriors. They jumped on the visitors and took an early 9-0 lead which was triggered by junior .....



Woodlawn, Pinckneyville set for rematch

Cardinals hold off Okawville; Panthers wear down Freeburg

BY JACK BULLOCK

On Thursday night at the Carlyle “Kaskaskian Classic” the Woodlawn Cardinals jumped out to an early lead and held off a rally by Okawville to move into their second consecutive title game in this, the 21st annual event. The Cardinals hit their free throws (11-of-11) with nine-straight made tosses in the fourth quarter to win Pool B by going 3-0 to earn a shot at the title.

Trico tops Sparta

Lodge, Cleland lead Pioneers to win, 51-39; Steeleville holds off Galatia

BY JACK BULLOCK

On Wednesday night at the Trico Invitational Tournament the host Pioneers jumped out to an energetic early lead with a near flawless first quarter and survived a near meltdown in the last three frames to secure a 51-39 triumph over rival Sparta to improve to 2-0 in the event and also the young season. Six-foot-three sophomore Wilson Lodge was a beast on the inside, when he wasn't on the bench with foul trouble.



Christopher takes home top prize

MVP Motsinger leads Bearcats to 75-69 title game triumph

NCOE, Waltonville, Webber post final day wins