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CONGRATULATIONS to the Lincoln Christian College Angels, who
finished second in the national tournament. They hosted it in fine
fashion and showed why they are the class of the NCCAA. We're
betting that the NCAA III wants no part of them! CONGRATULATIONS
to the Mount Pulaski Lady Hilltoppers for their second-place showing
at the Illinois state tournament. They are also the best "public"
school in the state in Class A volleyball. Their program is not only
the envy of most volleyball programs in the state, it is the envy of
most sports programs in the state!
CONGRATULATIONS to the Lincoln High School Lady Railers for
another regional championship and for another appearance in the
sectional title game. Though things didn't go our way, we are all so
proud of your great season.
CONGRATULATIONS to the Lady Stags of Hartsburg-Emden for an
amazing run and a trip to state. That is no small accomplishment,
and we're betting that people will be talking about it for years.
Lots of other area teams had great runs, and you won't hurt our
feelings if you write in and tell us about them. We couldn't even
get to all of these games, so I'm sure that there might be others
that we missed. Whatever the case, the LDN salutes these fine
athletes and their coaches for showing the state and the nation why
Lincoln and Logan County is the Capital of Volleyball!!!
ISU stuns Lions
The Illinois State Redbirds shocked the Penn State Nittany Lions
82-73 last night in the Black Coaches Association Classic in
Milwaukee. It was ISU's first win over a Big Ten opponent since 1996
and only their fifth such win in history! Lincoln's Gregg Alexander
helped lead the charge by draining two more 3-pointers as he takes
assault on the record books. [See report
from ISU.]
With the win ISU advances to a premier matchup with the Marquette
Warriors tonight at the Bradley Center at 7:30.
Illini raise banner and the roof
The Illinois Fighting Illini raised their first outright Big Ten
Title banner to the roof last night before sending Lewis University
out the door with a 92-61 drubbing. Members of the LDN press corps
were on hand to see the Illini ready themselves for the start of the
season.
The Illini host Delaware State this Friday night at the Assembly
Hall. There are still a few tickets left for a few games by calling
1 (866) ILLINI1 or by Internet via
www.fightingillini.com!
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 Bears, Rams and Colts all win
That's a phrase that I truly thought I would use more of this
season, but it has been rare. You Bears fans have got to be loving
Lovey Smith. And if the front office can sign some offensive
players, your future might be so bright you will have to get some
new shades for Christmas. The Bears upended the Titans on a safety,
the Rams used early fireworks to take out the Seahawks and Peyton
Manning, and the Colts just exploded again.
A quick glance at the standings shows nine NFC teams with 5-4,
4-5 or better records, while eight AFC teams are at 6-3 or better.
Can you say "parity"? Let's all say it together: parity! I love it
because fans in all those cities are STILL entertaining Super Bowl
talk.
Cook update
Lincoln's Brian Cook netted nine points, four rebounds and one
blocked shot in only 15 minutes of action as he helped lead his LA
Lakers to an 84-79 win over the Rockets and Yao Ming. Next up for
the Lakers is a home game versus their neighbors the Clippers.
Hoops action heating up
I know that the Lincoln College Lynx won their first two games,
but I didn't get an update since then. [Click
here for LC report on game with Rend Lake.] LCC tips off the
season tonight at SIU-E, followed by a tournament at Marion, Ind.,
in what looks like a very challenging schedule. Lincoln High School
should be tipping off before too long as well.
Non-sports item of the week
My son and I took in the movie "The Incredibles," and it was an
interesting flick. We took my wife with us to see "The Polar
Express," and we all gave it two thumbs up. For those who really get
into the whole Christmas thing, this is one movie you'll want to see
as part of the whole experience. However, never forget the real
reason for the season!
There's probably lots of stuff that I'm forgetting. For one, if
you're planning to spend any time in Arizona over the next few
months, please call me for some golf course recommendations. That's
it for me.
Have a great week, everybody!
[Jeff Mayfield] |
