East Moline @ Monmouth American Legion Baseball
Moline @ Galesburg American Legion Baseball
6/30/10
One thing I have sorely missed in covering this summer has been American Legion baseball, taking in just one game earlier this summer. I needed to get over to Galesburg and cover Post 285, which is a stellar program year in and year out under head coach Steve Cheesman and a group of outstanding baseball men on his staff.
It just so happened that Monmouth Post 136 was at home, hosting East Moline at 5:30, and Galesburg was hosting a cancer benefit game under the lights, with a 7:30 first pitch. I talked with Coach Cheesman in the afternoon, and my interview can be heard on the sports page at www.1590waik.com. I also made up flyers last night that I will take out to schools and events I cover, so people will have more awareness of the video coverage at IHSSN.net. I had quite a few people come up and ask me who I was with (media) at last weekend's Monmouth College shootout, so I thought it would be a great idea to print some flyers with IHSSN information, and some teasers to garner even more interest.
The flyers I made last night are one page, two-sided. On the front page (I used a flyer/newsletter template from Microsoft Office), in bold reads, "Video Coverage Today", with a brief synopsis of what IHSSN does, and consists of online. Of course, the IHSSN logo is on the front, displayed prominently, and I also stuck the 1590 WAIK logo on the front, since I would be covering Post 285 for the radio station as well. On the backside, I posted a football preview (Galesburg) and volleyball preview (Antioch), which were teasers, using just a couple paragraphs, along with a quote from Streaks football coach Wes Olson on the conference race (this gains the Moline fans interest since they both are in the Western Big 6). I wanted to tailor the teaser previews to each side (Moline/Galesburg), but did not have any area volleyball previews complete to do just that. I printed off about 50, knowing that this could be a big crowd at the game at Jim Sundberg Field, due to the event (cancer benefit) and the rivalry between the two very strong Legion programs.
It had the makings of being one of those days from the get-go, as my workload kept getting delayed by interruptions, computer and studio problems, and extra work not planned for. By early afternoon, it seemed like it was all getting streamlined, but then...poof, it turned into a 10+ hour day.
Shortly after 5:00, I headed out to Sunnylane Field, to catch the first few innings of the Monmouth/East Moline game. Post 136 (Monmouth) has vastly improved over last year, coming into this game with a (8-5) record. East Moline has been struggling (3-15). Earlier in the season, Monmouth edged East Moline, 6-5 in District play. This game was not a District game.
When I first pulled up, I walked to the East Moline dugout and talked with head coach Derek DeClerck. He gave me his lineup card, and talked about his team, that includes mostly United Township players, but does have a couple Riverdale kids, and one Moline player. He has a few guys playing at the collegiate level; Sean Bealer (Knox), Davian Giles (Des Moines Area Community College), Todd Dempsey (Carl Sandburg College), Jim Granack (Carl Sandburg College), and Jeremy Rushing (North Central).
After my talk with coach DeClerck, I headed over to the Monmouth dugout. On my way over, I ran into Drew Cole, from the Post 136 baseball team. He had missed some time recently, playing baseball in Puerto Rico. I asked him about the trip, and he said it was really rainy. In fact, his team only got four of their 10 scheduled games in, and they had to play a tripleheader at the end of the trip just to get that many in. He also said it would start raining out of nowhere, and the temperature didn't drop at all.
Coaches Shawn Temple and Rick Chick talked about last night's game, a loss to Oneida. I had wondered about the game, because normally I get the results the night of each game, and hadn't heard much. Temple said he wasn't in much of a hurry to get those results in. Overall, though, the coaches were pleased with the 2010 season, and the progress the team has made.
There was a limited crowd, and in fact, I think I counted more East Moline fans in attendance than Monmouth fans. It could have been an equal amount, but there couldn't have been more than 20 people out at the ballpark on a beautiful afternoon.
Monmouth plated a run in the first inning, when Alex Temple led off with a basehit. He would score on a wild pitch. East Moline pulled off a nice, 6-4-3 double play in the bottom of the 2nd inning, with Tanner Adams hitting into it. Bealer to Esparza to Newbanks, just doesn't have the same ring as, Tinker to Evers to Chance.
Not much else happened in the game while I was there. I headed to my car as the game headed to the bottom of the 4th inning. As I was pulling away, I saw the Post 136 players huddling at home plate, at which appeared to be following a Blaine Robinson home run. Coach Temple later texted me that Monmouth had prevailed, 11-1, in 6 innings. That win ups their season mark to (9-5).
I gassed up at Casey's before heading to Galesburg, and picked up some Kitchen Cooked potato chips and a red Powerade. I never eat potato chips, with the exception of Kitchen Cooked, my kryptonite.
I got to Sundberg Field early, so I could talk with both coaches, get lineups, and make sure my flyers were posted at the concession stand. Everything worked out just fine, and talked with coach Cheesman for a few minutes. He showed me the special t-shirt jerseys they had made. They were pink with baby blue lettering. All proceeds raised during the game with raffles an 50/50 drawings went to the Knox County Relay for Life in the name of Erica Hunter. She passed away from cancer a few years ago and is the daughter of assistant coach Les Hunter.
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After talking with each coach, I positioned myself behind home plate, to gather the video of the game. Dave Hasley joined me, as he was there to take in a good baseball game. He told me that a good event to cover would be the Moline American Legion tournament this weekend. Moline, East Moline, and Augustana are all hosting games for the three-day tournament that begins Friday and carries on into Sunday. I mentioned to Dave that I would probably be up there one or two days, because I have found nothing else to cover, plus there is going to be some great baseball to be played. We also talked about sunflower seeds, and my latest new flavor, which I was chomping on, Chili Lime. It is a flavor I had seen before, but David must have just started making it, because over the last couple weeks, I have seen it pop up nearly everywhere I go that sells sunflower seeds. It's an alright flavor, but nothing to write home about.
Sunflower Seeds Flavor Rating
As far as the sunflower seeds battle goes, here is how I would rank my first five favorites.
1) Dill Pickle (one of those flavors that I didn't care for at first, but like Jamie Moyer, they get better with age)
2) Ranch (My old standby, never lets me down, though sometimes can be a little too salty for me -- I don't consume salt)
3) Barbecue (Another longtime familiar flavor)
4) Jalapeno Hot Sauce (It can give you a kick, and I always try to make sure I have something to drink nearby, as it has caused one of those tickling cough attacks before)
5) Nacho Cheese (Went through a whole bag and just wasn't a fan, maybe a second chance is in the offing)
Moline put numbers on the scoreboard right away, jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning. Thomas Lindauer (University of Illinois) hit an RBI double that scored Grant Jasper, then Eric Ashcraft hit an RBI single, plating Lindauer.
That would be the only scoring until late in the game. In fact, Moline had a three-pitcher no-hitter going 5 2/3 innings in. Caleb Weaver had the first hit for Post 285 in the bottom of the 6th inning. Galesburg did have plenty of baserunners, though. Moline pitchers walked eight Galesburg batters in the game.
The Rally
It was the 6th inning that Post 285 scored their first run, when Chad Johnson came across the plate on an RBI single by Jacob Milligan. It was a 2-1 ball game heading into the bottom of the 9th inning. With one out, Nick Milligan hit a single and stole 2nd base. Chris Fields followed with a strikeout. With 2 outs, and facing a 3-2 count, Luke Ryan hit an RBI single to tie the game, scoring Milligan from 2nd base. Alex Lozano followed with a double, and Ryan was stranded at third base. Nate Olin then jacked the game-winning RBI single, scoring Ryan from third to win the game, 3-2, capping off an impressive 2-out, 2-run rally in the bottom of the 9th inning.
With the win, Galesburg Post 285 improves to (16-3), while Moline drops to (18-3).
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Long, Hot Day of Hoops at Monmouth College
Monmouth College Summer Shootout (Girl's Basketball)
6/26/10
There was no agenda for my Saturday coverage at the Monmouth College girl's basketball shootout (Day 2). I had pondered on going early for the first games at 9:00 a.m. and leaving early, or getting there about noon and staying the rest of the day. As it turned out, I woke up early and reached the Huff Athletic Center around 10:30 a.m.
In the early sessions, I didn't grab too much video, as I spent some time talking. Ottawa Marquette beat Lanark Eastland, 42-40. Illini Central downed Wethersfield, 37-29, Sherrard beat Jacksonville Routt Purple, 38-21, Eastland beat Ridgewood, 30-20, and Routt Gold beat Stockton, 48-20.
Before his 11:00 game against Eastland, I talked with Ridgewood head coach Bryan Brooks. He wasn't too happy with the Friday night performance, and was looking at a much better Saturday. I was going to ask him about a post player that played pretty well down low. It turns out, she will just be a freshman.
Speaking of Ridgewood, I ran into my Monmouth-Roseville football broadcast partner, Kevin Ferry. He will be taking his Velocity choir group down to Busch Stadium next Saturday, as they perform the National Anthem before the Cardinals/Brewers game. His niece, plays for Ridgewood and was there watching her.
After the pool play games wrapped up at about 12:45, the seeds were released for the single elimination tournament. The seeds were based on records in pool play. I was surprised by some of the seeds, specifically United (#22), of the 25 teams.
Before the tournament, I ran into Jerry Wilson, head coach of the Havana Ducks. I asked him to make sure how many girls he had back, and he returns all of his top players (8 or 9). I have already annointed the Lady Ducks, my preseason #1 in Class 1A for 2010-11.
I also ran into Monmouth-Roseville head coach Jim Cole upstairs, as he was watching some action on the Glennie Gymnasium courts. Sherrard guard Aimee Iverson's grandmother approached me, asking me where I was from, as she had seen me taking video of various games.
Tournament Seeds
1) Havana
2) Jacksonville Routt (Gold)
3) Dunlap
4) Freeport Aquin
5) Lake Villa Lakes (Blue)
6) Burlington (IA)
7) Bureau Valley
8) Sherrard
9) Orion
10) Lanark Eastland
11) Wethersfield
12) Lake Villa Lakes (White)
13) Flanagan-Cornell/Woodland
14) Illini Central
15) Forreston
16) B-PC/A
17) Stockton
18) Pekin
19) Monmouth-Roseville
20) Ridgewood
21) Ottawa Marquette
22) United
23) Oregon
24) Burbank Reavis
25) Jacksonville Routt (Purple)
In first round games, B-PC/A beat Routt (Purple), Wethersfield beat Ridgewood, United beat Flanagan/Woodland (29-7), Eastland beat Monmouth-Roseville (16-10), Forreston beat Reavis (17-7), Sherrard downed Pekin (7-5 in OT), Stockton beat Orion (16-5), Lakes (White) beat Ottawa Marquette, and Oregon beat Illini Central (14-12).
During tournament play, I ran into Miriam Rutzen, who just finished up her freshman season playing basketball in the Ivy League, for Harvard. She told me a story about playing at Florida State, quite the difference than playing against the Ivy League competition, as far as the fans in the stands. She said she, "Couldn't put the ball in the ocean", referencing her (2-16) day from the field, though she did mention she had a very solid defensive game against the Seminoles. Rutzen averaged 16 minutes/game at Harvard this past season. She said she loves being back in the area, and is keeping very busy, giving basketball lessons to kids, and then painting when she finishes the lessons.
2nd round tournament results
Havana over B-PC/A (27-15)
Wethersfield beat Burlington (18-10)
United over Freeport Aquin (26-15)
Lanark Eastland over Bureau Valley (18-10)
Jacksonville Routt over Forreston (24-6)
Sherrard beat Stockton (16-13)
Lakes Blue beat Lakes White
Dunlap over Oregon (22-11)
Havana looked really solid in the game against their Prairieland Conference counterparts (B-PC/A). The Ducks press was really giving BPCA fits. Havana is such an unselfish ball club, and the team chemistry is amazing. I was much more impressed with Wethersfield's play on Saturday, than on Friday. The Geese have a lot of younger talent to go along with 1,000-point scorer, Shelby Steger. Aquin's post, sophomore to be, Sophie Brunner is very talented, and the United Red Storm handled the Bulldogs. United was without Augusta Chandler and Gina Long in the morning, but they made it back for the tournament. Gina Long is such a tremendous athlete, and the Red Storm will be solid this year. I was really impressed with Sherrard's defense all weekend long. They should be contending for a league title in the new West Central Conference, but my preseason favorite for the new league's north division will be (Carthage) Illini West. I saw Dunlap last weekend at the Galesburg Shootout, and was impressed by a couple of their girls. They have a really nice team, and Lexi Hobbs is really good. Of the guards this weekend, I liked Hobbs, Stockton's #14, Steger, B-PC/A's Kendra Pierce, and of course Havana's guards. My apologies because I am sure I am missing some, but those are the ones that popped out, and that I have been familiar with.
Quarterfinals
Havana beat Wethersfield (21-10)
United beat Lanark Eastland (19-7)
Sherrard beat Jacksonville Routt (15-11)
Dunlap beat Lakes Blue (25-16)
The Havana/United semifinal game had already started, and the officials were waiting on Dunlap, as their game had just finished up with Lakes Blue over in the Huff courts. It was the final game over in the Huff Center, with the rest of the games now in the Glennie Gym. The Dunlap girls came in at the doors I was at, and somebody had to tell them that they were ready to start.
How about United, making a run to the Final Four?!?! I was impressed with them all weekend, and pretty surprised by their seed (#22). I asked Monmouth College assistant women's coach Gary Martin how the seeds were drawn up, just in case I didn't understand right. He did say it was based on pool play. That does make sense, because United lost a couple close ones on Friday, and were without Long and Chandler for the two pool play games in the morning. Martin and I talked for several minutes, and he also said he was very excited about the Fighting Scots women this upcoming season. They will be running the old Nolan Richardson "40 minutes of hell".
The United Red Storm played Havana very tough in the semifinals, and it was a one-point game throughout most of the game. These tournament games were just 20 minute games, as opposed to the two half pool play games, hence the lower scores. The Ducks made a run at about the 7 or 8 minute to play mark, and would prevail by nine points, (22-13). In the other semi, Dunlap downed Sherrard, 25-13.
Dunlap would have to play four consecutive games with zero breaks in between, while Havana had quite a long break early in the tournament waiting out an overtime game, plus a bye. They also had a few minutes before the championship, since they started about five minutes before the Dunlap game.
It seemed that the more tired the Eagles were, the better they played. It looked like Dunlap would wrap up this championship, leading by as many as eight points midway through the contest. It was a four-point game throughout most of it, with Dunlap leading. Free throws at the end of the game by Havana capped off their rally, and won, 27-26 and finished (8-0) over the two days.
After a long day of a hot gym, sweating and getting pretty stinky, it was time for a break!
6/26/10
There was no agenda for my Saturday coverage at the Monmouth College girl's basketball shootout (Day 2). I had pondered on going early for the first games at 9:00 a.m. and leaving early, or getting there about noon and staying the rest of the day. As it turned out, I woke up early and reached the Huff Athletic Center around 10:30 a.m.
In the early sessions, I didn't grab too much video, as I spent some time talking. Ottawa Marquette beat Lanark Eastland, 42-40. Illini Central downed Wethersfield, 37-29, Sherrard beat Jacksonville Routt Purple, 38-21, Eastland beat Ridgewood, 30-20, and Routt Gold beat Stockton, 48-20.
Before his 11:00 game against Eastland, I talked with Ridgewood head coach Bryan Brooks. He wasn't too happy with the Friday night performance, and was looking at a much better Saturday. I was going to ask him about a post player that played pretty well down low. It turns out, she will just be a freshman.
Speaking of Ridgewood, I ran into my Monmouth-Roseville football broadcast partner, Kevin Ferry. He will be taking his Velocity choir group down to Busch Stadium next Saturday, as they perform the National Anthem before the Cardinals/Brewers game. His niece, plays for Ridgewood and was there watching her.
After the pool play games wrapped up at about 12:45, the seeds were released for the single elimination tournament. The seeds were based on records in pool play. I was surprised by some of the seeds, specifically United (#22), of the 25 teams.
Before the tournament, I ran into Jerry Wilson, head coach of the Havana Ducks. I asked him to make sure how many girls he had back, and he returns all of his top players (8 or 9). I have already annointed the Lady Ducks, my preseason #1 in Class 1A for 2010-11.
I also ran into Monmouth-Roseville head coach Jim Cole upstairs, as he was watching some action on the Glennie Gymnasium courts. Sherrard guard Aimee Iverson's grandmother approached me, asking me where I was from, as she had seen me taking video of various games.
Tournament Seeds
1) Havana
2) Jacksonville Routt (Gold)
3) Dunlap
4) Freeport Aquin
5) Lake Villa Lakes (Blue)
6) Burlington (IA)
7) Bureau Valley
8) Sherrard
9) Orion
10) Lanark Eastland
11) Wethersfield
12) Lake Villa Lakes (White)
13) Flanagan-Cornell/Woodland
14) Illini Central
15) Forreston
16) B-PC/A
17) Stockton
18) Pekin
19) Monmouth-Roseville
20) Ridgewood
21) Ottawa Marquette
22) United
23) Oregon
24) Burbank Reavis
25) Jacksonville Routt (Purple)
In first round games, B-PC/A beat Routt (Purple), Wethersfield beat Ridgewood, United beat Flanagan/Woodland (29-7), Eastland beat Monmouth-Roseville (16-10), Forreston beat Reavis (17-7), Sherrard downed Pekin (7-5 in OT), Stockton beat Orion (16-5), Lakes (White) beat Ottawa Marquette, and Oregon beat Illini Central (14-12).
During tournament play, I ran into Miriam Rutzen, who just finished up her freshman season playing basketball in the Ivy League, for Harvard. She told me a story about playing at Florida State, quite the difference than playing against the Ivy League competition, as far as the fans in the stands. She said she, "Couldn't put the ball in the ocean", referencing her (2-16) day from the field, though she did mention she had a very solid defensive game against the Seminoles. Rutzen averaged 16 minutes/game at Harvard this past season. She said she loves being back in the area, and is keeping very busy, giving basketball lessons to kids, and then painting when she finishes the lessons.
2nd round tournament results
Havana over B-PC/A (27-15)
Wethersfield beat Burlington (18-10)
United over Freeport Aquin (26-15)
Lanark Eastland over Bureau Valley (18-10)
Jacksonville Routt over Forreston (24-6)
Sherrard beat Stockton (16-13)
Lakes Blue beat Lakes White
Dunlap over Oregon (22-11)
Havana looked really solid in the game against their Prairieland Conference counterparts (B-PC/A). The Ducks press was really giving BPCA fits. Havana is such an unselfish ball club, and the team chemistry is amazing. I was much more impressed with Wethersfield's play on Saturday, than on Friday. The Geese have a lot of younger talent to go along with 1,000-point scorer, Shelby Steger. Aquin's post, sophomore to be, Sophie Brunner is very talented, and the United Red Storm handled the Bulldogs. United was without Augusta Chandler and Gina Long in the morning, but they made it back for the tournament. Gina Long is such a tremendous athlete, and the Red Storm will be solid this year. I was really impressed with Sherrard's defense all weekend long. They should be contending for a league title in the new West Central Conference, but my preseason favorite for the new league's north division will be (Carthage) Illini West. I saw Dunlap last weekend at the Galesburg Shootout, and was impressed by a couple of their girls. They have a really nice team, and Lexi Hobbs is really good. Of the guards this weekend, I liked Hobbs, Stockton's #14, Steger, B-PC/A's Kendra Pierce, and of course Havana's guards. My apologies because I am sure I am missing some, but those are the ones that popped out, and that I have been familiar with.
Quarterfinals
Havana beat Wethersfield (21-10)
United beat Lanark Eastland (19-7)
Sherrard beat Jacksonville Routt (15-11)
Dunlap beat Lakes Blue (25-16)
The Havana/United semifinal game had already started, and the officials were waiting on Dunlap, as their game had just finished up with Lakes Blue over in the Huff courts. It was the final game over in the Huff Center, with the rest of the games now in the Glennie Gym. The Dunlap girls came in at the doors I was at, and somebody had to tell them that they were ready to start.
How about United, making a run to the Final Four?!?! I was impressed with them all weekend, and pretty surprised by their seed (#22). I asked Monmouth College assistant women's coach Gary Martin how the seeds were drawn up, just in case I didn't understand right. He did say it was based on pool play. That does make sense, because United lost a couple close ones on Friday, and were without Long and Chandler for the two pool play games in the morning. Martin and I talked for several minutes, and he also said he was very excited about the Fighting Scots women this upcoming season. They will be running the old Nolan Richardson "40 minutes of hell".
The United Red Storm played Havana very tough in the semifinals, and it was a one-point game throughout most of the game. These tournament games were just 20 minute games, as opposed to the two half pool play games, hence the lower scores. The Ducks made a run at about the 7 or 8 minute to play mark, and would prevail by nine points, (22-13). In the other semi, Dunlap downed Sherrard, 25-13.
Dunlap would have to play four consecutive games with zero breaks in between, while Havana had quite a long break early in the tournament waiting out an overtime game, plus a bye. They also had a few minutes before the championship, since they started about five minutes before the Dunlap game.
It seemed that the more tired the Eagles were, the better they played. It looked like Dunlap would wrap up this championship, leading by as many as eight points midway through the contest. It was a four-point game throughout most of it, with Dunlap leading. Free throws at the end of the game by Havana capped off their rally, and won, 27-26 and finished (8-0) over the two days.
After a long day of a hot gym, sweating and getting pretty stinky, it was time for a break!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Small-School Girl's Basketball: Monmouth College Shootout
Monmouth College Girl's Basketball Shootout
Day One (@ Huff Athletic Center)
6/25/10
With 25 teams in tow, the Huff Athletic Center at Monmouth College is a busy place this weekend for girl's basketball. This is the 6th season for the girl's basketball shootout here. There was plenty of parking out front, when I pulled into campus at about 4:15. The first games were scheduled to begin at 4:30.
Parking is almost always a problem at Monmouth College, with limited spaces. It really fills up fast when several teams descend upon the school for tournaments or shootouts. There are a few teams I am interested in seeing this weekend. A couple schools from the northwest tip of the state (Stockton, Freeport Aquin, Lanark Eastland, and Forreston). They all had nice seasons in 2009-10. The Blackhawks from Stockton made the Elite Eight, falling to Hinckley-Big Rock in the Supersectionals.
There are some teams I want to see, just out of excitement for the talent that returns (Havana, B-PC/A, and Wethersfield). Then, there are the teams that were stacked last season, but graduated many seniors (Ridgewood, Monmouth-Roseville, Jacksonville Routt, Sherrard).
When I walked into the Huff Athletic Center, Monmouth College head women's basketball coach Melissa Bittner and her assistant Gary Martin were standing there. I told Coach Bittner I may track her down later to get a quick interview on her basketball camp for girls (8-14), that will be held this week.
I checked out the Glennie Gymnasium first, the main court at Monmouth College. It was split into two courts, and there just didn't seem to be a good vantage point for my video taking, so I would wait to see teams on the Huff courts. I have found it easier to just film on the Huff courts, since there are four games going on at once, and they are all within view. I learned at the Lakis Shootout a few weeks back, that if I get caught up talking in Glennie with someone, I tend to lose track of the action.
The first person I ran into was Ridgewood Spartans head coach Bryan Brooks. He led his team to the IHSA State Finals this past year, and they brought home a 3rd place trophy in Class 1A. Ella Teel is the lone starter back, and Annie Gelaude saw some action as a sophomore. He told me that he has just 11 players tonight, and six of them are freshman and sophomores. Ridgewood will be young and inexperienced. I asked him about some of the teams he has seen this summer, and he mentioned United has been looking good, as well as B-PC/A.
First up, I saw Illini Central facing Lanark Eastland. Eastland jumped out to a, 9-1 lead, and led 11-3 at one point. The final score was, 20-18, with Eastland winning (I think!). In the next court over, Wethersfield was matching up with Ottawa Marquette. Marquette just graduated Bailie Bongartz, but has Cordy Murphy. The Flying Geese (Wethersfield) have been pretty young, and have some talent, led by 1,000 point scorer, Shelby Steger.
Ridgewood was facing Jacksonville Routt's Purple squad. Routt was divided up into a pair of teams (Purple & Gold). Lake Villa Lakes also had two teams (Blue & White). The Spartans held off Routt for the win, 36-31. The Routt Gold team was playing Pekin on the far court.
I headed over to the Glennie Gymnasium and ran into Coach Bittner. She said she would head back down in a few minutes for the interview. I figured she got caught up, so I took off for the Huff courts again, knowing I could find her at some point in the evening. As the second session was drawing to a close, she came over and apologized. She said she had got caught up with the scores, and then had to grab shirts, and said she actually had just gone to her office to email me an apology. She did a google search, looking for my email and my Twitter account came up. Since I was tweeting at the same time, she knew I was still in the building. Have to love technology!
Havana was playing Forreston, in a game I was looking forward to catching. Since the 2009-10 season ended, I have decided that the Ducks from Havana will be my preseason #1 team in Class 1A for 2010-11. By the way, I have a blog entry in mind regarding preseason rankings that I will post at some point in the next few days. Anyways, Havana returns eight of their top nine players, and the team has reached the Elite Eight (Supersectional) in each of the past two seasons, and forced overtimes in both of those games. I had the pleasure of broadcasting the first of the two, right here at Monmouth College two seasons ago. Havana forced double overtime with Brimfield, but the Indians prevailed and would win a 4th place trophy in Class 1A during the 2008-09 season. That game was one of my top five favorite broadcasts in my career.
Looking over at the Havana bench, there was one person missing, head coach Jerry Wilson. My guess is that he missed out due to the 25 contact days over the summer. At first, I didn't see Sam Ellsworth or Kelsie Eakle, but later noticed Ellsworth playing. The Ducks were solid, and posted an easy, 37-15 win over the Cardinals of Forreston.
Sherrard beat Oregon, 37-29, and Wethersfield beat Lake Villa Lakes "White", 32-30. I spent quite a bit of time watching the United Red Storm take on Freeport Aquin. I wanted to watch the Aquin Bulldogs, as they had a good season last year, and have a super sophomore (to be) in Sophie Brunner. The Red Storm looked pretty good. Gina Long is a sick athlete, probably the most athletic player in this whole shootout. She has the ability to take over a game. The team looked vastly improved over the last couple years. United has seen a crazy amount of success in volleyball and softball over the past three years, but that just hasn't transferred over to basketball. Brooke Armstrong came up with a nice steal, and a couple baskets. She made a deep run in the 3-point shootout this past winter. Megan Patterson hit some outside shots, and I was impressed with the athleticism of another post, Sadie VanNorman.
The B-PC/A vs. Lanark Eastland game went into overtime, tied at 37-37 after regulation. It was an exciting end. Kendra Pierce nailed a three-pointer to tie the game with about 0:30 to play. She had also just nailed a three a posession earlier. Eventually, Eastland would win in OT, 42-39.
I had a lengthy conversation with Monmouth College women's coach Melissa Bittner after our interview on her basketball camp that will be held next week. We talked about the teams in this weekend's shootout, along with the teams in the area. She mentioned that she is really excited about her incoming freshman class. Among the players coming into the Fighting Scots program are; Emily Kauzlarich (Moline), Kirsten Cagle (Pekin), Marla Willard (Pittsfield), and a couple of transfers (Haley Jones --Illinois Central College via Knoxville HS and Maddie Neukirk -- Illinois Central College via Peoria Richwoods). Tonight would also be the first time the incoming class would get to scrimmage against the rest of the squad. Bittner asked, is it October 15th, yet?
Coach Dennis Mann of the United Red Storm was walking around. I caught up with him for a few minutes. He will be retiring after this upcoming season. He has a pretty positive outlook for his team, and has been pretty pleased so far this summer. We discussed area basketball, and how many talented seniors graduated, along with the 2010-11 Lincoln Trail Conference race. It could be pretty wide open, but Princeville, Annawan, and Stark County look to be the favorites.
With all of the talking with Bittner and Mann, I didn't take in to much action during the last session of the night. Forreston rolled past Monmouth-Roseville, 33-10. The Titans really had troubles, offensively. They graduated all five starters from last year's team. Lake Villa Lakes "Blue" downed Ottawa Marquette, 27-23.
B-PC/A likes to play exciting basketball. After taking Eastland to overtime, they played an in-your-face game against Stockton. Some great defensive battles between the guards in the end. The Spartans (BPCA) held off the Blackhawks, 34-29. Another exciting finish was Sherrard/Aquin. The Tigers (Sherrard) tied the game up at, 23-23 late in the game. Aquin went downfloor, and pulled off a shot at the buzzer by Sophie Brunner to win, 25-23.
There was one last game of the night, an 8:30 game between Burlington (IA) and United. I stayed for most of the first half. When I was walking out, the Red Storm held a, 15-12 lead after a Megan Patterson three-pointer.
Pool play continues tomorrow, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The single elimination tournament starts at 1:00.
Day One (@ Huff Athletic Center)
6/25/10
With 25 teams in tow, the Huff Athletic Center at Monmouth College is a busy place this weekend for girl's basketball. This is the 6th season for the girl's basketball shootout here. There was plenty of parking out front, when I pulled into campus at about 4:15. The first games were scheduled to begin at 4:30.
Parking is almost always a problem at Monmouth College, with limited spaces. It really fills up fast when several teams descend upon the school for tournaments or shootouts. There are a few teams I am interested in seeing this weekend. A couple schools from the northwest tip of the state (Stockton, Freeport Aquin, Lanark Eastland, and Forreston). They all had nice seasons in 2009-10. The Blackhawks from Stockton made the Elite Eight, falling to Hinckley-Big Rock in the Supersectionals.
There are some teams I want to see, just out of excitement for the talent that returns (Havana, B-PC/A, and Wethersfield). Then, there are the teams that were stacked last season, but graduated many seniors (Ridgewood, Monmouth-Roseville, Jacksonville Routt, Sherrard).
When I walked into the Huff Athletic Center, Monmouth College head women's basketball coach Melissa Bittner and her assistant Gary Martin were standing there. I told Coach Bittner I may track her down later to get a quick interview on her basketball camp for girls (8-14), that will be held this week.
I checked out the Glennie Gymnasium first, the main court at Monmouth College. It was split into two courts, and there just didn't seem to be a good vantage point for my video taking, so I would wait to see teams on the Huff courts. I have found it easier to just film on the Huff courts, since there are four games going on at once, and they are all within view. I learned at the Lakis Shootout a few weeks back, that if I get caught up talking in Glennie with someone, I tend to lose track of the action.
The first person I ran into was Ridgewood Spartans head coach Bryan Brooks. He led his team to the IHSA State Finals this past year, and they brought home a 3rd place trophy in Class 1A. Ella Teel is the lone starter back, and Annie Gelaude saw some action as a sophomore. He told me that he has just 11 players tonight, and six of them are freshman and sophomores. Ridgewood will be young and inexperienced. I asked him about some of the teams he has seen this summer, and he mentioned United has been looking good, as well as B-PC/A.
First up, I saw Illini Central facing Lanark Eastland. Eastland jumped out to a, 9-1 lead, and led 11-3 at one point. The final score was, 20-18, with Eastland winning (I think!). In the next court over, Wethersfield was matching up with Ottawa Marquette. Marquette just graduated Bailie Bongartz, but has Cordy Murphy. The Flying Geese (Wethersfield) have been pretty young, and have some talent, led by 1,000 point scorer, Shelby Steger.
Ridgewood was facing Jacksonville Routt's Purple squad. Routt was divided up into a pair of teams (Purple & Gold). Lake Villa Lakes also had two teams (Blue & White). The Spartans held off Routt for the win, 36-31. The Routt Gold team was playing Pekin on the far court.
I headed over to the Glennie Gymnasium and ran into Coach Bittner. She said she would head back down in a few minutes for the interview. I figured she got caught up, so I took off for the Huff courts again, knowing I could find her at some point in the evening. As the second session was drawing to a close, she came over and apologized. She said she had got caught up with the scores, and then had to grab shirts, and said she actually had just gone to her office to email me an apology. She did a google search, looking for my email and my Twitter account came up. Since I was tweeting at the same time, she knew I was still in the building. Have to love technology!
Havana was playing Forreston, in a game I was looking forward to catching. Since the 2009-10 season ended, I have decided that the Ducks from Havana will be my preseason #1 team in Class 1A for 2010-11. By the way, I have a blog entry in mind regarding preseason rankings that I will post at some point in the next few days. Anyways, Havana returns eight of their top nine players, and the team has reached the Elite Eight (Supersectional) in each of the past two seasons, and forced overtimes in both of those games. I had the pleasure of broadcasting the first of the two, right here at Monmouth College two seasons ago. Havana forced double overtime with Brimfield, but the Indians prevailed and would win a 4th place trophy in Class 1A during the 2008-09 season. That game was one of my top five favorite broadcasts in my career.
Looking over at the Havana bench, there was one person missing, head coach Jerry Wilson. My guess is that he missed out due to the 25 contact days over the summer. At first, I didn't see Sam Ellsworth or Kelsie Eakle, but later noticed Ellsworth playing. The Ducks were solid, and posted an easy, 37-15 win over the Cardinals of Forreston.
Sherrard beat Oregon, 37-29, and Wethersfield beat Lake Villa Lakes "White", 32-30. I spent quite a bit of time watching the United Red Storm take on Freeport Aquin. I wanted to watch the Aquin Bulldogs, as they had a good season last year, and have a super sophomore (to be) in Sophie Brunner. The Red Storm looked pretty good. Gina Long is a sick athlete, probably the most athletic player in this whole shootout. She has the ability to take over a game. The team looked vastly improved over the last couple years. United has seen a crazy amount of success in volleyball and softball over the past three years, but that just hasn't transferred over to basketball. Brooke Armstrong came up with a nice steal, and a couple baskets. She made a deep run in the 3-point shootout this past winter. Megan Patterson hit some outside shots, and I was impressed with the athleticism of another post, Sadie VanNorman.
The B-PC/A vs. Lanark Eastland game went into overtime, tied at 37-37 after regulation. It was an exciting end. Kendra Pierce nailed a three-pointer to tie the game with about 0:30 to play. She had also just nailed a three a posession earlier. Eventually, Eastland would win in OT, 42-39.
I had a lengthy conversation with Monmouth College women's coach Melissa Bittner after our interview on her basketball camp that will be held next week. We talked about the teams in this weekend's shootout, along with the teams in the area. She mentioned that she is really excited about her incoming freshman class. Among the players coming into the Fighting Scots program are; Emily Kauzlarich (Moline), Kirsten Cagle (Pekin), Marla Willard (Pittsfield), and a couple of transfers (Haley Jones --Illinois Central College via Knoxville HS and Maddie Neukirk -- Illinois Central College via Peoria Richwoods). Tonight would also be the first time the incoming class would get to scrimmage against the rest of the squad. Bittner asked, is it October 15th, yet?
Coach Dennis Mann of the United Red Storm was walking around. I caught up with him for a few minutes. He will be retiring after this upcoming season. He has a pretty positive outlook for his team, and has been pretty pleased so far this summer. We discussed area basketball, and how many talented seniors graduated, along with the 2010-11 Lincoln Trail Conference race. It could be pretty wide open, but Princeville, Annawan, and Stark County look to be the favorites.
With all of the talking with Bittner and Mann, I didn't take in to much action during the last session of the night. Forreston rolled past Monmouth-Roseville, 33-10. The Titans really had troubles, offensively. They graduated all five starters from last year's team. Lake Villa Lakes "Blue" downed Ottawa Marquette, 27-23.
B-PC/A likes to play exciting basketball. After taking Eastland to overtime, they played an in-your-face game against Stockton. Some great defensive battles between the guards in the end. The Spartans (BPCA) held off the Blackhawks, 34-29. Another exciting finish was Sherrard/Aquin. The Tigers (Sherrard) tied the game up at, 23-23 late in the game. Aquin went downfloor, and pulled off a shot at the buzzer by Sophie Brunner to win, 25-23.
There was one last game of the night, an 8:30 game between Burlington (IA) and United. I stayed for most of the first half. When I was walking out, the Red Storm held a, 15-12 lead after a Megan Patterson three-pointer.
Pool play continues tomorrow, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The single elimination tournament starts at 1:00.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
IHSSN in Heavy Preview Writing
IHSSN has begun releasing its 2010 Football and Volleyball Previews. Check them out at www.ihssn.net/2010football.htm and www.ihssn.net/2010volleyball.htm.
Help Needed
Pass the word to any coaches that you would like to see previews written on. IHSSN is still sending out questionaires to coaches, but any word-of-mouth will help.
Weekend Plans
IHSSN will be at the Monmouth College girl's basketball shootout this weekend. Video will be posted over the weekend.
Help Needed
Pass the word to any coaches that you would like to see previews written on. IHSSN is still sending out questionaires to coaches, but any word-of-mouth will help.
Weekend Plans
IHSSN will be at the Monmouth College girl's basketball shootout this weekend. Video will be posted over the weekend.
Illinois Coaches Association Class 1A/2A All-State Softball Teams
Illinois Coaches Association
1A-2A All-State Softball 2010
1st Team (16 members)
Katie Bertelsen Alexis United
Kelsea Ashton Carterville
Kirsten Verdun Coal City
Krista Watson Coal City
Taylor Orsburn Cobden
DaCota Knop Cobden
Kaley Coonce Johnston City
Courtney Washington Lebanon
Alexis Silkwood Marquette Catholic – Alton
Keali Engelkens Milledgeville
Laura Canopy Olympia
Katie Boals Orangeville
Mo Ramsey Pinckneyville
Alanna Viken Seneca
Hannah Bowen St. Jo-Ogden
Steph Canfield St. Jo-Ogden
2nd Team (32 members)
Cordan Jones Abingdon
Sommer Foster Alexis United
Alex Daviera Beecher
Erika Tatum Bishop McNamara
Kayla Quertermous Cobden
Ana Duda Cobden
Caitlynn Eeten Eureka
Jordyn Fones Farmer City-Blue Ridge
Regan Romshek Gibson City
Lacy Emrick Griggsville Perry
Allison Smiley Johnston City
Ciera Hutchinson Johnston City
Jenna Wood Lebanon
Kayti Lundin Maroa-Forsyth
Amanda Trampe Metro East Lutheran
Kaitlyn Barrett Monticello
Leslie Bridges Murphysboro
Hannah Burger New Berlin
Kimberlin Wallace Newton
Shelby Batterton Olympia
Jena Malmen Orion
Emily Miller Pinckneyville
Kourtney Crawford Pinckneyville
Brittany Burgess Peru St. Bede
Marissa Jenkins Pleasant Plains
Carlene DeCoster Scales Mound
Grace Moll Shelbyville
Ashley Parker Sherrard
Macy Shupe Toledo Cumberland
Danielle Burge Tremont
Samantha Ledbetter Tuscola
Lexi Southall Wilmington
3rd Team (52 members)
Megan Bergerud A/C Central – Virginia
Taylor Jokisch A/C Central – Virginia
Alex Stupek Argenta Oreana
Kelsie Kuhlmann Beardstown
Kara Couwenhoeven Beecher
Paige Hughey Benton
Anna Phillips Bureau Valley
Paige Rakers Carlyle
Maddie Beckmann Carlyle
Kelsey Barnes Canton
Sara Rogers Canton
Lindsey Norway Chicago Christian
Rudi Diaz Chicago Hope Academy
Yamara Rodriguez Chicago Hope Academy
Kassandra Kolthoff Dakota
Mariah Skaggs Danville-Schlarman
Chaney Tambling Dwight
Morgan Musich Earlville-Leland
Mattie Fairchild El Paso-Gridley
Jordan Wheeler Farmer City-Blue Ridge
Lyndsay Stevens Farmington
Lydia Schaver Fulton
Shelbey Miller Goreville
Claire Voss Henry-Senachwine
Amy Berchtold Illinois Valley Central
Katelyn Conenna Immaculate Conception
Rachel Bull Lewistown
Haylee Beck Manteno
Kristin Barrett Monticello
Kelly Sorfleet Morgan Park Academy
Joanna Brewer Mulberry Grove
Jax Youngman Mulberry Grove
Taylor Hanes Olympia
Sara Malanowski Pinckneyville
Allie Edwards Paxton-Buckley-Loda
Danielle Sanders Quincy Notre Dame
Karlee Gengenbach Quincy Notre Dame
Racheal Brockmeyer Raymond-Lincolnwood
Shannon Boone Shelbyville
Tarran Shaffer Sherrard
Jessica Schultz Somonauk
Audra James St. Jo-Ogden
Paige Hill Stillman Valley
Tabitha Davis Sullivan
Alison Kimble Toledo-Cumberland
Hope Webster TriPoint
Amy Aurrichio Walter Lutheran
Dana Belcher Warrensburg-Latham
Katie LaVoie Watseka
Erica Johnson Wesclin
Jenna Hansen Williamsville
Hannah Cole Windsor
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Former Knoxville Girl's Basketball Coach Rick Cline Takes Over Galva Wildcats
IHSSN has just learned that Rick Cline will take over the girl's basketball program at Galva High School. Cline has not coached girl's basketball since the 2007-08 season, when he guided the Knoxville Blue Bullets to a (23-7) final record. Cline was the head coach at Knoxville for four seasons, compiling a (66-50) record there. Cline is also the head soccer coach at Orion. He takes over for Jeremy Trill, who resigned after three seasons. The Wildcats girl's basketball program is looking for a resurgence, as it has a (27-112) record over the past five seasons, and the team was also winless (0-30), during the 2003-04 campaign, a year removed from winning a regional championship (2002-03), the only postseason championship in school history (girl's basketball).
Tuesday Quick Update
Prairie State Shootout Video Recap
I was in Bushnell this past Saturday, taking some video of the Prairie State Shootout in boy's basketball. The video playlist is now posted on my homepage, at www.ihssn.net.
Speaking of Videos
IHSSN has uploaded nearly 300 videos in the past six months alone. Here is the archive to access my videos. http://www.youtube.com/user/IHSSNBeau
This Week
Once again, delays have been forced upon the release of the IHSSN Fall Previews (Football & Volleyball). Severe weather hampered my area on Monday night, forcing an extended stay at the office. Catching up on housework, to try and sell my house is on the Tuesday agenda.
Fall Previews
With my hectic June schedule, I have written very few football and volleyball previews. I was hoping to release 8 of each in the middle of the month. At this point, it looks like about six of each will be released, and I will try and post them tonight, or Wednesday at the latest.
Schedule
I can lay focus on the previews on Wednesday, and possibly again on Thursday. IHSSN coverage schedule for the weekend is still slightly up in the air. Friday night is a sure thing, covering the girl's basketball shootout at Monmouth College. We will be there again on Saturday for the early part of the day. Saturday afternoon/evening may potentially be at the IBCA boy's basketball shootout in Bloomington. Stay Tuned!
I was in Bushnell this past Saturday, taking some video of the Prairie State Shootout in boy's basketball. The video playlist is now posted on my homepage, at www.ihssn.net.
Speaking of Videos
IHSSN has uploaded nearly 300 videos in the past six months alone. Here is the archive to access my videos. http://www.youtube.com/user/IHSSNBeau
This Week
Once again, delays have been forced upon the release of the IHSSN Fall Previews (Football & Volleyball). Severe weather hampered my area on Monday night, forcing an extended stay at the office. Catching up on housework, to try and sell my house is on the Tuesday agenda.
Fall Previews
With my hectic June schedule, I have written very few football and volleyball previews. I was hoping to release 8 of each in the middle of the month. At this point, it looks like about six of each will be released, and I will try and post them tonight, or Wednesday at the latest.
Schedule
I can lay focus on the previews on Wednesday, and possibly again on Thursday. IHSSN coverage schedule for the weekend is still slightly up in the air. Friday night is a sure thing, covering the girl's basketball shootout at Monmouth College. We will be there again on Saturday for the early part of the day. Saturday afternoon/evening may potentially be at the IBCA boy's basketball shootout in Bloomington. Stay Tuned!
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Prairie State Shootout Coverage
Prairie State Shootout (@ Bushnell-Prairie City HS)
Boy's Basketball
6/19/10
No Live Blogging
I decided against setting up my laptop and doing a live blog in Bushnell. Mainly, in part, because I was too busy walking around and talking with coaches and fans throughout the four hours I spent in the Bushnell gym.
Gas Station Lunch
It was shortly after 1:00, when I left Galesburg High School, seeing all of the teams a couple times, and getting some good video footage. With stomach growling, I sought out some early afternoon lunch that I could chow down while on my next destination. Still feeling my expanding midsection from the numerous stops at fast food joints lately, I opted against the quick and easy. Well, sort of.
Mobil it was. Sure, a gas station, but the quick and easy lunch. Mobil on North Henderson in Galesburg is one of those familiar favorites on my road trips. Just like Casey's is the familiar stop in small towns along the two-lane highways, Mobil is my stop in the "Burg".
As soon as I walked in, there it was, the gas station sandwich section. Everytime I see these sandwiches, I remember a conversation while on the road covering the Macomb Bombers on K100 radio. My color commentator was Macomb football coach Kelly Sears. On one of our trips, his son, Austin, now playing football at St. Ambrose, was along for the ride. At one point, they were talking about one of their trips in the summer going to various races across the midwest. Coach Sears mentioned "gas station sandwiches", like it was a rite of a road trip. For some reason, I found it extremely funny, and had never heard the term used before. Today, it was a tuna salad, "gas station sandwich", and one of my all-time weaknesses, a small bag of Kitchen Cooked potato chips, the filet mignon of snacks.
Bushnell Arrival
A few minutes after 2:00, I pulled into the parking lot at Bushnell-Prairie City High School. Just like in Galesburg, Bushnell opted for the indoor/outdoor shootout, utilizing the football concession stand against the indoor basketball concession stand. This was a popular stop for fans in between games, with the picnic tables giving fans a little bit of a breeze on a hot day, and a little respite from the hot and sweaty gyms.
Walking in, there were just a few minutes left in the Chicago Dyett/Illini Bluffs game. Dyett had a comfortable lead, and would go on to defeat the Tigers, 37-31. With the game winding down, I scanned the gym, looking for optimal spots to take some video.
Officials Clinic
There was a gentleman on the first row of the bleachers, opposite of the benches and scorer's table, walking the sideline and taking notes. He would whisper to the officials as they walked by, and gave them pointers. I would later find out, the West Central Officials Association (or something like that), was holding their clinic in Bushnell this weekend.
A Chat with Lewis Thorpe
The next game up was Orion facing ACE Tech, a Chicago team. There were three schools from Chicago that made the trip to the farmland of downstate Illinois. ACE Tech, Dyett, and North Lawndale. Lawndale brought a varsity and a JV team.
Speaking of North Lawndale, the Phoenix have been a top team in Illinois high school basketball over the past few seasons, making a trio of trips to Carver Arena in Peoria for the state finals. Coach Lewis Thorpe, known for his snappy dressing and majestic entrances to the gym floor, was sitting in the back row taking in the game. I sat down and had a talk with Coach Thorpe. The Phoenix lost a talented group from a year ago, with 6'10" big man Paul Bunch headed out to Southern Idaho, and Thorpe's son Stephen, the point guard, heading out east to play college basketball in New Hampshire. Thorpe has one son left in school.
I asked Lewis if any of his kids were getting Division-one interest, and he said there were none, though one kid, Maurice Williams, would probably go D-1 in football. He pointed Williams out, and he had the build for a college football player. He would be suiting up for the JV squad, and looked like a man among boys, even facing the upperclassmen of opposing teams. North Lawndale's top player, Jacquez Jones did not make the trip down with the Phoenix. One of Thorpe's players came up to him, and said, "Coach, the championship game ain't till 8:00, that means we won't get back till after 2:00." Thorpe just nodded with acknowledgement. His player went on, "Coach, I got somebody waitin' on me!" with a grin on his face. Thorpe didn't have to say a word, his silent look at his player said it all. The player finished, "Aww coach, you know I'll be in the gym in the morning."
Orion Chargers and a Link To National's Pitching Sensation Stephen Strasburg
ACE Tech is located on the south side of Chicago, and somebody at the shootout had told me they thought the school was located around U.S. Cellular Field, home of the White Sox. At least, somewhere in that neighborhood.
Orion would defeat ACE Tech, and move on to play Chicago Dyett over in the junior high gym later in the afternoon. B-PC was using both the high school and junior high gyms. Apparently, the night before an ambulance had to be called after an ACE Tech player gashed his head open on something in the junior high gym. It was supposedly a very scary situation.
I took some video of the Orion Chargers, with Caleb Nesbitt coming up with a steal and layup, and Danny DeBacker launching a three-pointer in the second half. I had to get the names from Jeff Williams, Tanner Williams' dad. We had a conversation, and learned that Jeff's brother is Spin Williams. Spin is the pitching instructor for the Washington Nationals organization, and was a long-time pitching coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Williams has the most prized pitching sensations in sometime, with Stephen Strasburg. In fact, Jeff told me, that his brother was working with Strasburg on his changeup. Wow!
Spartans Update
I sat with B-PC/A Spartans head coach Matt Colston following the Orion/ACE Tech game. His team's weekend came to an end earlier in the afternoon. Colston said that his team has been doing really well in practice, and is looking forward to the season, but the Spartans struggled this weekend in the shootout. He hopes to regroup, and make a run in the all-new Prairieland Conference this winter. B-PC/A has quite a bit coming back from last year's team, and the Spartans have improved each year under Colston.
ACE Tech
Discipline and respect is something that is really pounded into the players of some of the inner-city schools. North Lawndale is one team that I have caught over the past several seasons, and their pregame routines have more of a boot camp feel, than a basketball warmup. I took my laptop bag back to my car, and the ACE Tech team was in the row next to mine, with their head coach not very happy with his team's play in their game against Orion.
Ever Heard This Line?
Walking back to the concessions area, I met up with Colston, and B-PC/A baseball coach Dave Arnold. "Arnie" basically runs the Prairie State Shootout, lining up all of the teams, and making sure everything is taken care of throughout the weekend. One of the things he is in charge of is lining up student workers for the two-day event. He shared a text message from one of his workers that would be a little late today. "Coach, had a goat die and my dad needs help burying it, so I won't be there till about 4:30." Arnie said I bet the Chicago teams' coaches have never gotten a text message like that. He shared the message with one of the coaches from the city, and the coach replied back with one a B-PC/A coach has never received. "Coach, not gonna make it today, we had a bomb go through our front window." That's one of the things that I enjoy the most about a shootout, or tournament such as this. It's a great mix of teams that have a completely different view.
Macomb/Tremont
I think I spent more time walking and talking during the Macomb/Tremont game. At one point, the Bombers had a 15-point lead on the Turks, before Tremont made a hard second half rally. Macomb broke a, 51-51 tie at the buzzer on a runner from Seth Wickert, to keep the Bombers day continue. During the game I talked with Eric Johnson, head men's soccer coach at Western Illinois University. His son is MacLean, a guard to watch out for. He has some really nice moves, and is a superb ball handler. I was really impressed by his play as a sophomore at the varsity level last year. If Macomb can put things together, I would put them as a front-runner with Orion for the West Central Conference. The Bombers have a couple post players, with Nick Heille (who also has an outside game), and big man sophomore, Nick Severs. They will be led by guards Seth Wickert and Tyler Thorman, who have both been playing varsity since their freshman years.
A Referee's Interaction With Cheap Trick
My old morning show co-host on K100, Chris Smith, came back into the gym during the Macomb/Tremont game. He had just gotten back from Las Vegas, where he had some great seats to see Cheap Trick. Through a family member who is friends with Rick Nielsen, he also had a meet-and-greet with the band before the show.
Where's Steeleville???
Besides the Chicago teams I wanted to see, I was looking forward to watching Steeleville, a deep-south team. Due to my privileges during the season, I don't get to make it south, somewhere I would really like to take in a week of basketball in the winter. Steeleville was supposed to be in Bushnell this weekend, but apparently backed out at 8:00 a.m. Friday morning. Trying to scrap things together to fill out the schedule, Lanark Eastland had interest in coming, but at the time the shootout was booked. A call to Eastland had them playing in Pittsfield, and they could make it, however they weren't going to Pittsfield, but were playing in Galesburg. Eastland did make the trip down to Bushnell and played a game. Lanark Eastland made a run to Peoria in Class 1A this past season.
That's All From B-PC
With a family function at 6:00 in Aledo, I had to make a run from basketball. Anyway, 9 hours of coverage on a Saturday in the summer was pretty good, I thought. Macomb was facing the North Lawndale varsity squad, and I was able to get some good video in the first half. I stuck around into the second half, and when I left the gym, North Lawndale held a, 49-40 lead with 10:16 to play.
Boy's Basketball
6/19/10
No Live Blogging
I decided against setting up my laptop and doing a live blog in Bushnell. Mainly, in part, because I was too busy walking around and talking with coaches and fans throughout the four hours I spent in the Bushnell gym.
Gas Station Lunch
It was shortly after 1:00, when I left Galesburg High School, seeing all of the teams a couple times, and getting some good video footage. With stomach growling, I sought out some early afternoon lunch that I could chow down while on my next destination. Still feeling my expanding midsection from the numerous stops at fast food joints lately, I opted against the quick and easy. Well, sort of.
Mobil it was. Sure, a gas station, but the quick and easy lunch. Mobil on North Henderson in Galesburg is one of those familiar favorites on my road trips. Just like Casey's is the familiar stop in small towns along the two-lane highways, Mobil is my stop in the "Burg".
As soon as I walked in, there it was, the gas station sandwich section. Everytime I see these sandwiches, I remember a conversation while on the road covering the Macomb Bombers on K100 radio. My color commentator was Macomb football coach Kelly Sears. On one of our trips, his son, Austin, now playing football at St. Ambrose, was along for the ride. At one point, they were talking about one of their trips in the summer going to various races across the midwest. Coach Sears mentioned "gas station sandwiches", like it was a rite of a road trip. For some reason, I found it extremely funny, and had never heard the term used before. Today, it was a tuna salad, "gas station sandwich", and one of my all-time weaknesses, a small bag of Kitchen Cooked potato chips, the filet mignon of snacks.
Bushnell Arrival
A few minutes after 2:00, I pulled into the parking lot at Bushnell-Prairie City High School. Just like in Galesburg, Bushnell opted for the indoor/outdoor shootout, utilizing the football concession stand against the indoor basketball concession stand. This was a popular stop for fans in between games, with the picnic tables giving fans a little bit of a breeze on a hot day, and a little respite from the hot and sweaty gyms.
Walking in, there were just a few minutes left in the Chicago Dyett/Illini Bluffs game. Dyett had a comfortable lead, and would go on to defeat the Tigers, 37-31. With the game winding down, I scanned the gym, looking for optimal spots to take some video.
Officials Clinic
There was a gentleman on the first row of the bleachers, opposite of the benches and scorer's table, walking the sideline and taking notes. He would whisper to the officials as they walked by, and gave them pointers. I would later find out, the West Central Officials Association (or something like that), was holding their clinic in Bushnell this weekend.
A Chat with Lewis Thorpe
The next game up was Orion facing ACE Tech, a Chicago team. There were three schools from Chicago that made the trip to the farmland of downstate Illinois. ACE Tech, Dyett, and North Lawndale. Lawndale brought a varsity and a JV team.
Speaking of North Lawndale, the Phoenix have been a top team in Illinois high school basketball over the past few seasons, making a trio of trips to Carver Arena in Peoria for the state finals. Coach Lewis Thorpe, known for his snappy dressing and majestic entrances to the gym floor, was sitting in the back row taking in the game. I sat down and had a talk with Coach Thorpe. The Phoenix lost a talented group from a year ago, with 6'10" big man Paul Bunch headed out to Southern Idaho, and Thorpe's son Stephen, the point guard, heading out east to play college basketball in New Hampshire. Thorpe has one son left in school.
I asked Lewis if any of his kids were getting Division-one interest, and he said there were none, though one kid, Maurice Williams, would probably go D-1 in football. He pointed Williams out, and he had the build for a college football player. He would be suiting up for the JV squad, and looked like a man among boys, even facing the upperclassmen of opposing teams. North Lawndale's top player, Jacquez Jones did not make the trip down with the Phoenix. One of Thorpe's players came up to him, and said, "Coach, the championship game ain't till 8:00, that means we won't get back till after 2:00." Thorpe just nodded with acknowledgement. His player went on, "Coach, I got somebody waitin' on me!" with a grin on his face. Thorpe didn't have to say a word, his silent look at his player said it all. The player finished, "Aww coach, you know I'll be in the gym in the morning."
Orion Chargers and a Link To National's Pitching Sensation Stephen Strasburg
ACE Tech is located on the south side of Chicago, and somebody at the shootout had told me they thought the school was located around U.S. Cellular Field, home of the White Sox. At least, somewhere in that neighborhood.
Orion would defeat ACE Tech, and move on to play Chicago Dyett over in the junior high gym later in the afternoon. B-PC was using both the high school and junior high gyms. Apparently, the night before an ambulance had to be called after an ACE Tech player gashed his head open on something in the junior high gym. It was supposedly a very scary situation.
I took some video of the Orion Chargers, with Caleb Nesbitt coming up with a steal and layup, and Danny DeBacker launching a three-pointer in the second half. I had to get the names from Jeff Williams, Tanner Williams' dad. We had a conversation, and learned that Jeff's brother is Spin Williams. Spin is the pitching instructor for the Washington Nationals organization, and was a long-time pitching coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Williams has the most prized pitching sensations in sometime, with Stephen Strasburg. In fact, Jeff told me, that his brother was working with Strasburg on his changeup. Wow!
Spartans Update
I sat with B-PC/A Spartans head coach Matt Colston following the Orion/ACE Tech game. His team's weekend came to an end earlier in the afternoon. Colston said that his team has been doing really well in practice, and is looking forward to the season, but the Spartans struggled this weekend in the shootout. He hopes to regroup, and make a run in the all-new Prairieland Conference this winter. B-PC/A has quite a bit coming back from last year's team, and the Spartans have improved each year under Colston.
ACE Tech
Discipline and respect is something that is really pounded into the players of some of the inner-city schools. North Lawndale is one team that I have caught over the past several seasons, and their pregame routines have more of a boot camp feel, than a basketball warmup. I took my laptop bag back to my car, and the ACE Tech team was in the row next to mine, with their head coach not very happy with his team's play in their game against Orion.
Ever Heard This Line?
Walking back to the concessions area, I met up with Colston, and B-PC/A baseball coach Dave Arnold. "Arnie" basically runs the Prairie State Shootout, lining up all of the teams, and making sure everything is taken care of throughout the weekend. One of the things he is in charge of is lining up student workers for the two-day event. He shared a text message from one of his workers that would be a little late today. "Coach, had a goat die and my dad needs help burying it, so I won't be there till about 4:30." Arnie said I bet the Chicago teams' coaches have never gotten a text message like that. He shared the message with one of the coaches from the city, and the coach replied back with one a B-PC/A coach has never received. "Coach, not gonna make it today, we had a bomb go through our front window." That's one of the things that I enjoy the most about a shootout, or tournament such as this. It's a great mix of teams that have a completely different view.
Macomb/Tremont
I think I spent more time walking and talking during the Macomb/Tremont game. At one point, the Bombers had a 15-point lead on the Turks, before Tremont made a hard second half rally. Macomb broke a, 51-51 tie at the buzzer on a runner from Seth Wickert, to keep the Bombers day continue. During the game I talked with Eric Johnson, head men's soccer coach at Western Illinois University. His son is MacLean, a guard to watch out for. He has some really nice moves, and is a superb ball handler. I was really impressed by his play as a sophomore at the varsity level last year. If Macomb can put things together, I would put them as a front-runner with Orion for the West Central Conference. The Bombers have a couple post players, with Nick Heille (who also has an outside game), and big man sophomore, Nick Severs. They will be led by guards Seth Wickert and Tyler Thorman, who have both been playing varsity since their freshman years.
A Referee's Interaction With Cheap Trick
My old morning show co-host on K100, Chris Smith, came back into the gym during the Macomb/Tremont game. He had just gotten back from Las Vegas, where he had some great seats to see Cheap Trick. Through a family member who is friends with Rick Nielsen, he also had a meet-and-greet with the band before the show.
Where's Steeleville???
Besides the Chicago teams I wanted to see, I was looking forward to watching Steeleville, a deep-south team. Due to my privileges during the season, I don't get to make it south, somewhere I would really like to take in a week of basketball in the winter. Steeleville was supposed to be in Bushnell this weekend, but apparently backed out at 8:00 a.m. Friday morning. Trying to scrap things together to fill out the schedule, Lanark Eastland had interest in coming, but at the time the shootout was booked. A call to Eastland had them playing in Pittsfield, and they could make it, however they weren't going to Pittsfield, but were playing in Galesburg. Eastland did make the trip down to Bushnell and played a game. Lanark Eastland made a run to Peoria in Class 1A this past season.
That's All From B-PC
With a family function at 6:00 in Aledo, I had to make a run from basketball. Anyway, 9 hours of coverage on a Saturday in the summer was pretty good, I thought. Macomb was facing the North Lawndale varsity squad, and I was able to get some good video in the first half. I stuck around into the second half, and when I left the gym, North Lawndale held a, 49-40 lead with 10:16 to play.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Limestone/Pleasant Valley Update
At halftime, Limestone trailed Pleasant Valley (IA), 17-16. I talked with the parents of Limestone's Jenna Brooks to get some numbers for the Rockets. I shot a couple videos from the first half.
On the other court, Geneseo and Alleman's fresh/soph teams are playing. I am sitting in our WAIK broadcast booth with my laptop, and I have fielded numerous complaints about the scoreboard, and points. The scoreboard operators are on the floor at center court, opposite of where I am. So I just smile, and say I have nothing to do with keeping the score.
My Internet is going EXTREMELY slow, and I am still in upload mode. As soon as this latest video is online, I am headed out for some lunch, and then down to Bushnell for boy's Prairie State Shootout.
On the other court, Geneseo and Alleman's fresh/soph teams are playing. I am sitting in our WAIK broadcast booth with my laptop, and I have fielded numerous complaints about the scoreboard, and points. The scoreboard operators are on the floor at center court, opposite of where I am. So I just smile, and say I have nothing to do with keeping the score.
My Internet is going EXTREMELY slow, and I am still in upload mode. As soon as this latest video is online, I am headed out for some lunch, and then down to Bushnell for boy's Prairie State Shootout.
Slow Internet, and a Change of Venue Calling
My Verizon Wireless card is really, really frustrating me!!! It looks like I will be changing venue earlier than expected, with no new teams coming into Galesburg that I wanted to catch. Limestone is playing Pleasant Valley, game just started. Natecia Augusta is still not ready to play, and watching from the sidelines. I still would like to get some video on the Rockets. Knoxville just wrapped up a 27-21 win over Alleman.
My next stop is food. I just had two cups of coffee and two bananas for breakfast, and hunger is setting in. A healthier choice today, as I felt guilty all night for the Burger King dinner at 10:00 p.m. last night.
It's a road warriors lunch, eating in the car down Route 41, heading to the Prairie State Shootout in Bushnell for some boy's basketball. Hopefully this video uploads sooner than later!!!
My next stop is food. I just had two cups of coffee and two bananas for breakfast, and hunger is setting in. A healthier choice today, as I felt guilty all night for the Burger King dinner at 10:00 p.m. last night.
It's a road warriors lunch, eating in the car down Route 41, heading to the Prairie State Shootout in Bushnell for some boy's basketball. Hopefully this video uploads sooner than later!!!
Alleman/Knoxville Update
Halftime between Alleman and Knoxville, with the Pioneers up, 11-9. Some Pioneers fans are saying that there should be two more points (13-9, instead). Scoreboard reads, 11-9 as we begin the second half.
Jay Hatch is not here, as to not go over number of days coached in the summer.
Jay Hatch is not here, as to not go over number of days coached in the summer.
Update From Thiel Gymnasium
Galesburg varsity downed Belvidere North, 44-28. Streaks made some nice passes. Galesburg has shifted away from last year's Grinnell-style, run-shoot-run-shoot-run-shoot, offense. Looks like Coach Massey has modified the system a bit. Sophomore Rainee Sibley has played well in her first time with varsity. Kat Mangieri is not playing basketball this season.
Talked with my buddy Jimmie Carr, who was a member of coach John Thiel's 1958-59 Streaks team that went down to state and trophied. He talked about this year's team and some of the up-and-comers. I asked sophomore coach Mike Rux about a tall freshman, Jaylen Cruz. She did really well this past spring in track and field, going to state for Lombard Junior High. She has some great post size, and Rux is looking at her this summer.
As I type, Alleman facing Knoxville. No Jay Hatch sightings this weekend, I will try to find out where he is.
Talked with my buddy Jimmie Carr, who was a member of coach John Thiel's 1958-59 Streaks team that went down to state and trophied. He talked about this year's team and some of the up-and-comers. I asked sophomore coach Mike Rux about a tall freshman, Jaylen Cruz. She did really well this past spring in track and field, going to state for Lombard Junior High. She has some great post size, and Rux is looking at her this summer.
As I type, Alleman facing Knoxville. No Jay Hatch sightings this weekend, I will try to find out where he is.
Galesburg Summer Shootout Update
As I was filming some footage from the Knoxville/Peoria Christian game, Galesburg coach Evan Massey walked by and commented, "You have toooo much time."
Talked with Belvidere North head coach Mike Bradford, who likes to come down and see some downstate competition. This is his fourth year at the school, which is still in its infancy. One thing he said he is looking for this year, is a higher field goal percentage with his team's inside game.
Belvidere North is taking the floor as I write, warming up to face Galesburg.
Talked with Belvidere North head coach Mike Bradford, who likes to come down and see some downstate competition. This is his fourth year at the school, which is still in its infancy. One thing he said he is looking for this year, is a higher field goal percentage with his team's inside game.
Belvidere North is taking the floor as I write, warming up to face Galesburg.
Live From Galesburg Girl's Basketball Summer Shootout
Shootout began this morning at 9:00 a.m. I didn't arrive until about 9:40, and caught the last couple minutes of the two games at Thiel Gymnasium. Limestone handled the Galesburg sophomores, 47-14. Didn't see the score of Galesburg/Pleasant Valley (IA).
Galesburg sharp shooter Jessica Howard finished up her game against P.V. then went to work as one of the scoreboard operators for the second set of games. At halftime, she went to work out on the floor taking shots. That's dedication to the game!
Peoria Christian and Knoxville are playing a close game, it was 13-11 at halftime with PC up. Knoxville has gone on a 6-point rally to start the second half. The other game is ROWVA/North Scott (IA).
Galesburg sharp shooter Jessica Howard finished up her game against P.V. then went to work as one of the scoreboard operators for the second set of games. At halftime, she went to work out on the floor taking shots. That's dedication to the game!
Peoria Christian and Knoxville are playing a close game, it was 13-11 at halftime with PC up. Knoxville has gone on a 6-point rally to start the second half. The other game is ROWVA/North Scott (IA).
Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association All-State (Class 4A)
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Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association All-State (Class 3A)
ILLINOIS HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL COACHES ASSOCIATION
CLASS 3A ALL-STATE
Name School Position Year in School
Jacob Reese Chatham Glenwood H.S. Catcher Senior
Austin Jarvis Burlington Central H.S. Catcher Senior
Josh Ferry Lemont H.S. Pitcher Junior
James Mulvaney Mt. Vernon H.S. Pitcher Senior
Matt Murphy Grayslake Central H.S. Pitcher Senior
Phil Maton Chatham Glenwood H.S. Pitcher Junior
Chad Green Effingham H.S. Pitcher Senior
Nick Hibbing Lakes H.S. Pitcher Junior
Joe Kelch East Peoria H.S. Infield Junior
Ben Dafgard Richards H.S. Infield Senior
Ryan Dzingel Wheaton Academy H.S. Infield Senior
Jake Ingold Chatham Glenwood H.S. Infield Senior
Trey Russell Urbana H.S. Infield Senior
Mike Hurwitz Sacred Heart Griffin H.S. Infield Senior
Tim Barry Oak Forest H.S. Outfield Junior
Jon Ryan Richards H.S. Outfield Senior
David Kuhn Metamora H.S. Outfield Senior
Caleb Howell Jacksonville H.S. Outfield Senior
Cory Johnson Oswego H.S. Outfield Senior
CLASS 3A ALL-STATE
Name School Position Year in School
Jacob Reese Chatham Glenwood H.S. Catcher Senior
Austin Jarvis Burlington Central H.S. Catcher Senior
Josh Ferry Lemont H.S. Pitcher Junior
James Mulvaney Mt. Vernon H.S. Pitcher Senior
Matt Murphy Grayslake Central H.S. Pitcher Senior
Phil Maton Chatham Glenwood H.S. Pitcher Junior
Chad Green Effingham H.S. Pitcher Senior
Nick Hibbing Lakes H.S. Pitcher Junior
Joe Kelch East Peoria H.S. Infield Junior
Ben Dafgard Richards H.S. Infield Senior
Ryan Dzingel Wheaton Academy H.S. Infield Senior
Jake Ingold Chatham Glenwood H.S. Infield Senior
Trey Russell Urbana H.S. Infield Senior
Mike Hurwitz Sacred Heart Griffin H.S. Infield Senior
Tim Barry Oak Forest H.S. Outfield Junior
Jon Ryan Richards H.S. Outfield Senior
David Kuhn Metamora H.S. Outfield Senior
Caleb Howell Jacksonville H.S. Outfield Senior
Cory Johnson Oswego H.S. Outfield Senior
Prairie State Shootout (Friday Results)
Prairie State Shootout
Boy's Basketball (@ Bushnell)
Friday 6/18/10
Boy's Basketball (@ Bushnell)
Friday 6/18/10
SCORES FROM FRIDAY
RED POOL
TREMONT 51 NORTH FULTON 31
MERCER COUNTY 51 CANTON 38
TREMONT 53 MERCER COUNTY 41
CANTON 45 NORTH FULTON 35
Record Points Against
TREMONT 2-0 72
MERCER COUNTY 1-1 91
CANTON 1-1 86
NORTH FULTON 0-2 96
BLUE POOL
PUTNAM COUNTY STEELEVILLE FFT.
NORTH LAWNDALE 48 MACOMB 45
MACOMB 52 PUTNAM COUNTY 36
NORTH LAWNDALE STEELEVILLE FFT.
Record Points Against
NORTH LAWNDALE 2-0 45
MACOMB 1-1 84
PUTNAM COUNTY 1-1 52
STEELEVILLE 0-2 00
GREEN POOL
ILLINI BLUFFS 59 BPCA 16
NORTH LAWNDALE JV 59 CHICAGO DYETT 36
NORTH LAWNDALE JV 48 ILLINI BLUFFS 38
CHICAGO DYETT 52 BPCA 28
Record Points Against
N. LAWNDALE JV 2-0 74
ILLINI BLUFFS 1-1 64
CHICAGO DYETT 1-1 87
BPCA 0-2 111
BLACK POOL
ORION 35 ABINGDON 25
KEOKUK 39 CHICAGO ACE TECH 22
ORION 46 KEOKUK 39
CHICAGO ACE TECH 27 ABINGDON 18
Record Points Against
ORION 2-0 64
KEOKUK 1-1 68
CHICAGO ACE TECH 1-1 57
ABINGDON 0-2 62
Bloody Knuckles: A Tribute To My Neighbor's Hound Dog
Saturday morning, 5:37 a.m.
I awoke from a dream. A very strange dream, in which I was sitting at a Peoria Chiefs baseball game, and a football team was sitting in front of me. One player, who ran out onto the field, tripped and hurt his ankle. He then vomitted in the row ahead of me. What was in that Burger King I ate last night?
It wasn't the beyond strange dream that woke me up, it was the morning howl of a neighbor's hound dog that startled me from a deep sleep. Normally, it would grind my gears, especially this early on a Saturday. But....my alarm was set for 4:30 a.m. because I had to be at the radio station.
4:30 was actually the awake time alarm. That's the first alarm I set to get me going. Usually, I snooze for another 10-15 minutes. Today, I took one of those, "Oh, I'll just lay here for a few minutes to think about getting up," approaches. Nine times out of ten, the end result is falling back asleep, resulting in tardiness.
So was the case today, though not tardy...in a way. I had originally set my alarm extra early, just to make sure I had time to gather everything, and get to the station around 6:00, instead of the normal 5:30 I come in on rotating Saturday's. Since I was at the station until after 10:00 p.m. on Friday night, I took some time to get things recorded that I normally do on Saturday morning. With that done, I had an extra cushion to give me an extra 20-30 minutes.
I should have known! With the lightning strike, it has made the radio station run like a bottle rocket being launched. You never know where it's gonna go. The bright side is, we get a lot of nicer, new toys (nerdy electronics-speak).
Hurredly, I threw together everything I thought I needed for the rest of the weekend, and took a quick shower. Getting dressed, I threw my arms in the air....with my left hand getting a wake up call from a ceiling fan on high. It kind of hurt, and I have a couple of knicked knuckles as a not-so-friendly reminder of my manic morning.
A couple hours, and I will be back in the gym for some relief.
Coverage today from Galesburg girl's basketball shootout, then down to Bushnell for the Prairie State Shootout in boy's basketball. I am still targeting Sunday night to release the first football and volleyball previews.
I awoke from a dream. A very strange dream, in which I was sitting at a Peoria Chiefs baseball game, and a football team was sitting in front of me. One player, who ran out onto the field, tripped and hurt his ankle. He then vomitted in the row ahead of me. What was in that Burger King I ate last night?
It wasn't the beyond strange dream that woke me up, it was the morning howl of a neighbor's hound dog that startled me from a deep sleep. Normally, it would grind my gears, especially this early on a Saturday. But....my alarm was set for 4:30 a.m. because I had to be at the radio station.
4:30 was actually the awake time alarm. That's the first alarm I set to get me going. Usually, I snooze for another 10-15 minutes. Today, I took one of those, "Oh, I'll just lay here for a few minutes to think about getting up," approaches. Nine times out of ten, the end result is falling back asleep, resulting in tardiness.
So was the case today, though not tardy...in a way. I had originally set my alarm extra early, just to make sure I had time to gather everything, and get to the station around 6:00, instead of the normal 5:30 I come in on rotating Saturday's. Since I was at the station until after 10:00 p.m. on Friday night, I took some time to get things recorded that I normally do on Saturday morning. With that done, I had an extra cushion to give me an extra 20-30 minutes.
I should have known! With the lightning strike, it has made the radio station run like a bottle rocket being launched. You never know where it's gonna go. The bright side is, we get a lot of nicer, new toys (nerdy electronics-speak).
Hurredly, I threw together everything I thought I needed for the rest of the weekend, and took a quick shower. Getting dressed, I threw my arms in the air....with my left hand getting a wake up call from a ceiling fan on high. It kind of hurt, and I have a couple of knicked knuckles as a not-so-friendly reminder of my manic morning.
A couple hours, and I will be back in the gym for some relief.
Coverage today from Galesburg girl's basketball shootout, then down to Bushnell for the Prairie State Shootout in boy's basketball. I am still targeting Sunday night to release the first football and volleyball previews.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Weather, Interrupted
As expected, my night was cut short at the Galesburg Summer Shootout. I was keeping track of the National Weather Service radar on my laptop from my WAIK broadcast booth at GHS. At 7:35, a severe thunderstorm warning popped up for Henderson County. Funny thing was, there was no "color" on the radar in Henderson County, hence why I was so behind on it. The main cell I was following had just moved past Ottumwa, Iowa. This, my friends, is why I stick to sports...not weather patterns.
As I hurredly picked up and put stuff away, the Normal U-High vs. Bettendorf first half was coming to a close. I had seen quite a bit of basketball for a night, but I really wanted to stick around and see the final session, featuring Galesburg vs. Springfield.
I made it back to the radio station, just in time for the severe thunderstorm warning to expire, because it had weakened. I cursed for a moment, and decided to vent my frustrations my uploading more video from tonight's action, LOL.
Another topic on my mind is where to eat. Stomach grumbling, I really, really....really need to pass on fast food, but Chen's Garden is sounding awfully tasty, right now....even with it's overloaded sodium content. At this point, I'm tired...I'm hungry...and I've been working for 13 hours straight. Making matters worse, I have a 35-minute drive home, only to wake up around 4:00 a.m. to make a return trip back for the morning shift...and then basketball all day. The funny thing is, I prefer this type of schedule over an 8-hour work day. I would go crazy if I only worked 8 hours a day.
With that said...back to work....
As I hurredly picked up and put stuff away, the Normal U-High vs. Bettendorf first half was coming to a close. I had seen quite a bit of basketball for a night, but I really wanted to stick around and see the final session, featuring Galesburg vs. Springfield.
I made it back to the radio station, just in time for the severe thunderstorm warning to expire, because it had weakened. I cursed for a moment, and decided to vent my frustrations my uploading more video from tonight's action, LOL.
Another topic on my mind is where to eat. Stomach grumbling, I really, really....really need to pass on fast food, but Chen's Garden is sounding awfully tasty, right now....even with it's overloaded sodium content. At this point, I'm tired...I'm hungry...and I've been working for 13 hours straight. Making matters worse, I have a 35-minute drive home, only to wake up around 4:00 a.m. to make a return trip back for the morning shift...and then basketball all day. The funny thing is, I prefer this type of schedule over an 8-hour work day. I would go crazy if I only worked 8 hours a day.
With that said...back to work....
Midway Update From Galesburg Girl's Shootout
The 6:40 games at Thiel Gymnasium had a varsity matchup between Springfield and Belvidere North, and a fresh/soph game between Belvidere North and Normal U-High. In the varsity matchup, Springfield cruised to a 45-18 win.
Next up, Knoxville taking on the River Queens, and Belvidere North facing Alleman. Though, it looks like my schedule is off. Warming up, is Normal U-High vs. Bettendorf and on the other court the River Queens and Alleman. It doesn't look like Jay Hatch is here, so maybe this is their fresh/soph squad....I will find out.
Storms-a-brewin. It looks like a nasty front is moving across Iowa. My shootout coverage may be cut short to turn from sports guy to weather man.
Next up, Knoxville taking on the River Queens, and Belvidere North facing Alleman. Though, it looks like my schedule is off. Warming up, is Normal U-High vs. Bettendorf and on the other court the River Queens and Alleman. It doesn't look like Jay Hatch is here, so maybe this is their fresh/soph squad....I will find out.
Storms-a-brewin. It looks like a nasty front is moving across Iowa. My shootout coverage may be cut short to turn from sports guy to weather man.
Live From the Galesburg Girl's Basketball Shootout
Galesburg Girl's Basketball Shootout
(6/18/10)
I don't think I will have time this weekend to write in-depth travel blogs, so I am set up in my WAIK broadcast booth at John Thiel Gymnasium at Galesburg High School, uploading videos as I shoot them.
I got here right as the first games begun, shortly after 4:00 this afternoon. Galesburg faced Dunlap, and handled the Eagles fairly easily, though the Silver Streaks' shooting was pretty cold. I was able to get some video as I sat with the GHS legend, Jimmie Carr. The Streaks varsity had a new girl, #24, up and neither Jimmie or I knew who it was. I asked sophomore coach Mike Rux, who was standing in the doorway next to the outdoor concession stand. He said it was sophomore-to-be Rainee Sibley. She played on the freshman team last year, and is extremely fast, as she went to state this past spring as a freshman and was on a couple of the juggernaut Galesburg relay teams. She has been seeing quite a bit of time with the varsity during their first two shootout games.
The gem I wanted to catch was last year's Class 3A third place Springfield Senators, led by future D-1 player, Zahna Medley. She will be a junior, and struggled at times, but played extremely well, of course. Kasi Korza is another returning starter for the Senators. Galesburg won their game against Dunlap, 55-36, and Springfield handled Bettendorf, Iowa easily, with the final being, 47-13.
Galesburg shot the ball much better in their second game, against Normal U-High, with the same old stalwarts, Jessica Howard and Mickey Rodriguez torching the nets from outside. Rainee Sibley and Myra Diggins both played well. Diggins saw some varsity time last year. Emma Junk also impressed, and she saw limited minutes last season. The Streaks won, 49-30. In the other game of the time slot, Dunlap beat the River Queens (an Iowa team, not sure who), with the final of 48-33.
More to come.
(6/18/10)
I don't think I will have time this weekend to write in-depth travel blogs, so I am set up in my WAIK broadcast booth at John Thiel Gymnasium at Galesburg High School, uploading videos as I shoot them.
I got here right as the first games begun, shortly after 4:00 this afternoon. Galesburg faced Dunlap, and handled the Eagles fairly easily, though the Silver Streaks' shooting was pretty cold. I was able to get some video as I sat with the GHS legend, Jimmie Carr. The Streaks varsity had a new girl, #24, up and neither Jimmie or I knew who it was. I asked sophomore coach Mike Rux, who was standing in the doorway next to the outdoor concession stand. He said it was sophomore-to-be Rainee Sibley. She played on the freshman team last year, and is extremely fast, as she went to state this past spring as a freshman and was on a couple of the juggernaut Galesburg relay teams. She has been seeing quite a bit of time with the varsity during their first two shootout games.
The gem I wanted to catch was last year's Class 3A third place Springfield Senators, led by future D-1 player, Zahna Medley. She will be a junior, and struggled at times, but played extremely well, of course. Kasi Korza is another returning starter for the Senators. Galesburg won their game against Dunlap, 55-36, and Springfield handled Bettendorf, Iowa easily, with the final being, 47-13.
Galesburg shot the ball much better in their second game, against Normal U-High, with the same old stalwarts, Jessica Howard and Mickey Rodriguez torching the nets from outside. Rainee Sibley and Myra Diggins both played well. Diggins saw some varsity time last year. Emma Junk also impressed, and she saw limited minutes last season. The Streaks won, 49-30. In the other game of the time slot, Dunlap beat the River Queens (an Iowa team, not sure who), with the final of 48-33.
More to come.
Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association All-State Teams
http://www.illinoishighschoolsports.com/forum/showthread.php?t=53978Landon Weitekamp 3B-P 12 Raymond (Lincolnwood)
CLASS 1A
Nick Andros 1B-P 11 Goreville
Joey Ceja IF-P 11 Ottawa Marquette
Jordan Day OF 12 Pawnee
Kevin Elder IF-P 10 Westminster
Ben Heinemann OF 12 Jacksonville (Routt)
Brock Kartheiser IF-P 12 Somonauk
Sam Kelly P 12 Varna (Midland)
Joel Learnard P 11 Salt Fork
Trevor McCarthy SS 12 ROWVA
Luke Murfin P 12 Patoka
Ryan Perez IF-P 10 Westminster
Tyler Sonsoucie SS-P 11 Lebanon
Logan Tabor P-SS 10 Marissa
Zach Truckenmiller C 12 Lanark (Eastland)
CLASS 2A
Luke Busher 3B-P 12 Teutopolis
Jordan Chamness 3B 12 Anna Jonesboro
Travis Combs 1B 12 Williamsville
Kollin Dowdy OF 12 Harrisburg
Todd Eaton SS-P 12 Greenville
Jose Godinez C 11 Immaculate Conception
Michael Lafferty LHP 12 Illini West
Jarod Pellman LHP 11 Rochester
Brock Pfeiffer SS 12 Herscher
Keelan Prince IF-P 12 Rock Island Alleman
Derek Sprout C 12 IVC
Luke Staub 3B-P 12 Brimfield
Jon Surbur 3B-P 12 Lisle
Reid Roper SS-P 12 Harrisburg
Derek Thompson OF-P 11 Teutopolis
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Legion Baseball: Macomb Post 6 @ Monmouth Post 136
American Legion Baseball
Macomb Post 6 @ Monmouth Post 136
Thursday 6/17/10
Sunnylane Field, Monmouth
After a late decision to head home and get my house and yard picked up and presentable for the realtors showing it, I missed my first opportunity to get out to an American Legion baseball game. For those not in the know, Legion baseball is pretty unique.
Each Legion that has a team, has a territory, and players can play from age 16 to 20. Sometimes, there are players that just wrapped up their sophomore years in high school, playing with a college baseball player. I am not exactly sure on how the territories work in American Legion baseball, but I do know some players can get exemptions to play out of their area and go with a bordering Legion team.
As for the players on these two squads, Macomb has a much larger area to draw from. There are a few close Legion teams to Monmouth, with Aledo now having a team, Galesburg, Oneida, and Abingdon, meaning most of the Post 136 players are from Monmouth-Roseville High School, or just graduated from M-R.
Macomb has a very large geographic area to pick from, since they are one of the only Legion teams in western Illinois. Macomb draws players from West Prairie, Illini West, Rushville-Industry, Central/Southeastern, West Hancock, Beardstown, and South Fulton. They also pull from B-PC, though none this season.
The schedule I had for Post 136 had this game a 5:00 start, though I had heard late in the afternoon that it was a 5:30 first pitch. I left work at about 4:45, and made the quick drive down Broadway to Sunnylane Field. There were just a few people milling about, and neither team had taken to the infield yet.
My first stop was to the Monmouth dugout, where I talked with coaches Rick Chick and Shawn Temple. Corey Rundle is also helping coach Post 136 this year. Their starter tonight would be Justen Adams. Temple jokingly asked if I had bought a lottery ticket today, in reference that it didn't rain, so we had some luck going for us this afternoon. The Monmouth-Roseville High School team only played 18 or 19 games this past spring due to constant rainouts. Post 136 has been rained out several times this month, and I heard fans talking in the bleachers during the game, that we had received some sort of rainfall in 13 of the first 15 days of June.
Speaking of rainouts, Post 136 actually had a leg up on their competition today. In talking with Macomb Post 6 coach Brock Bainter (also an assistant coach for the Western Illinois University baseball team), he said this was just the third game his team had played, and they have had 10 rainouts so far. One of those games was a trip all the way to Rock Island...a trip made with no game being played.
I took a seat as the game began in the front row of the bleachers directly behind home plate. Monmouth took an early, 1-0 lead, on a Tanner Schreck RBI single in the first inning, that scored Tanner Adams who reached on a double. Macomb tied the game up in the second inning.
Mark Richardson, who owns Breadeaux Pizza in Monmouth, "the best pizza in town", was sitting near by. His son, Max, catches for Post 136. We talked about the amazing debut of Boston Red Sox rookie Daniel Nava, who launched a grand slam in his first at-bat, and first pitch he saw in the big leagues. Another interesting topic was a bungee cord that appeared to be holding nothing on the fence behind home plate. This bungee cord has certainly seen better days, and those days most likely came when President Jimmy Carter was in office. Mark even mentioned he thought there was a pool on when the cord would snap. Hopefully not tonight, with me standing 10 feet away.
In the third inning, Post 136's Alex Temple reached base on a single, and Schreck followed with a double. Those two were knocked in on a 2-run single by Blaine Robinson. Schreck plays college baseball at Eureka, and Robinson plays at Carl Sandburg College.
Macomb tied the game in the top of the 4th inning with a pair of runs, to make it, 3-3. Shortly thereafter, is when the offensive flood gates opened for Macomb Post 6. The visitors plated nine runs in the 5th inning, highlighted by a grand slam off the bat of Kendall Hocker. He also hit a double in his first at-bat, in the same frame.
Another weather topic came up, when Dina Chick, the wife of Post 136 coach Rick Chick gave me grief for saying bad words on the radio today. It was just one word in particular....RAIN. Unfortunately, there is a chance of showers for the next several days.
The game wrapped up after seven innings, with Macomb Post 6 earning the 10-run win, 13-3. I walked over to the Macomb dugout to talk with Coach Bainter. Before he finished his postgame talk with his team, I met one of the father's of the Macomb team, Garrett Kestner. He will be a junior, and plays his high school baseball for the legendary Dave Swisegood, the all-time winningest coach in IHSA baseball history, in a career that has spanned around 55 years (as a head coach!). Kestner also plays football, and I mentioned I will be writing a preview on C/SE shortly, as coach Bill Reed just sent me a wealth of information on his 2010 Panthers.
Macomb Post 6 @ Monmouth Post 136
Thursday 6/17/10
Sunnylane Field, Monmouth
After a late decision to head home and get my house and yard picked up and presentable for the realtors showing it, I missed my first opportunity to get out to an American Legion baseball game. For those not in the know, Legion baseball is pretty unique.
Each Legion that has a team, has a territory, and players can play from age 16 to 20. Sometimes, there are players that just wrapped up their sophomore years in high school, playing with a college baseball player. I am not exactly sure on how the territories work in American Legion baseball, but I do know some players can get exemptions to play out of their area and go with a bordering Legion team.
As for the players on these two squads, Macomb has a much larger area to draw from. There are a few close Legion teams to Monmouth, with Aledo now having a team, Galesburg, Oneida, and Abingdon, meaning most of the Post 136 players are from Monmouth-Roseville High School, or just graduated from M-R.
Macomb has a very large geographic area to pick from, since they are one of the only Legion teams in western Illinois. Macomb draws players from West Prairie, Illini West, Rushville-Industry, Central/Southeastern, West Hancock, Beardstown, and South Fulton. They also pull from B-PC, though none this season.
The schedule I had for Post 136 had this game a 5:00 start, though I had heard late in the afternoon that it was a 5:30 first pitch. I left work at about 4:45, and made the quick drive down Broadway to Sunnylane Field. There were just a few people milling about, and neither team had taken to the infield yet.
My first stop was to the Monmouth dugout, where I talked with coaches Rick Chick and Shawn Temple. Corey Rundle is also helping coach Post 136 this year. Their starter tonight would be Justen Adams. Temple jokingly asked if I had bought a lottery ticket today, in reference that it didn't rain, so we had some luck going for us this afternoon. The Monmouth-Roseville High School team only played 18 or 19 games this past spring due to constant rainouts. Post 136 has been rained out several times this month, and I heard fans talking in the bleachers during the game, that we had received some sort of rainfall in 13 of the first 15 days of June.
Speaking of rainouts, Post 136 actually had a leg up on their competition today. In talking with Macomb Post 6 coach Brock Bainter (also an assistant coach for the Western Illinois University baseball team), he said this was just the third game his team had played, and they have had 10 rainouts so far. One of those games was a trip all the way to Rock Island...a trip made with no game being played.
I took a seat as the game began in the front row of the bleachers directly behind home plate. Monmouth took an early, 1-0 lead, on a Tanner Schreck RBI single in the first inning, that scored Tanner Adams who reached on a double. Macomb tied the game up in the second inning.
Mark Richardson, who owns Breadeaux Pizza in Monmouth, "the best pizza in town", was sitting near by. His son, Max, catches for Post 136. We talked about the amazing debut of Boston Red Sox rookie Daniel Nava, who launched a grand slam in his first at-bat, and first pitch he saw in the big leagues. Another interesting topic was a bungee cord that appeared to be holding nothing on the fence behind home plate. This bungee cord has certainly seen better days, and those days most likely came when President Jimmy Carter was in office. Mark even mentioned he thought there was a pool on when the cord would snap. Hopefully not tonight, with me standing 10 feet away.
In the third inning, Post 136's Alex Temple reached base on a single, and Schreck followed with a double. Those two were knocked in on a 2-run single by Blaine Robinson. Schreck plays college baseball at Eureka, and Robinson plays at Carl Sandburg College.
Macomb tied the game in the top of the 4th inning with a pair of runs, to make it, 3-3. Shortly thereafter, is when the offensive flood gates opened for Macomb Post 6. The visitors plated nine runs in the 5th inning, highlighted by a grand slam off the bat of Kendall Hocker. He also hit a double in his first at-bat, in the same frame.
Another weather topic came up, when Dina Chick, the wife of Post 136 coach Rick Chick gave me grief for saying bad words on the radio today. It was just one word in particular....RAIN. Unfortunately, there is a chance of showers for the next several days.
The game wrapped up after seven innings, with Macomb Post 6 earning the 10-run win, 13-3. I walked over to the Macomb dugout to talk with Coach Bainter. Before he finished his postgame talk with his team, I met one of the father's of the Macomb team, Garrett Kestner. He will be a junior, and plays his high school baseball for the legendary Dave Swisegood, the all-time winningest coach in IHSA baseball history, in a career that has spanned around 55 years (as a head coach!). Kestner also plays football, and I mentioned I will be writing a preview on C/SE shortly, as coach Bill Reed just sent me a wealth of information on his 2010 Panthers.
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