Illini roll into the Sweet 16

[MARCH 19, 2001] Led by Lincoln's Brian Cook and a strong defensive effort from the entire team, Illinois beat Charlotte 79-61 and made it to the round of 16 in the NCAA tourney for the first time since 1989. Cook scored nine of the team’s first 14 points and finished the game with 16 points and eight rebounds. Through the first two rounds of the tourney, Cook has scored 31 points and grabbed 16 boards, compared with just two points and four rebounds in the two NCAA tourney games he played in during last season.

[click here to see photos from the game]

Four Illini players made double figures on Sunday, but the story of the game was defense. Charlotte could never get going offensively, and the game was really over 10 minutes into the first half. Senior Marcus Griffin played great defense against Charlotte super-frosh Rodney White, who many believe is the best freshman in the country, holding him to just seven points and four rebounds. The victory sends Illinois into a Sweet 16 matchup Friday night against the Kansas Jayhawks, who destroyed Syracuse on Sunday by 29 points. The Midwest Regional will be played at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

Illinois did not play Kansas this season but faced them in each of the two previous seasons, losing in Kansas City by 10 during the ’98-’99 season and winning in Chicago by 12 last year.

The other game in San Antonio Friday features Arizona and Mississippi. Friday's winners will advance to a Sunday showdown, with a trip to the Final Four hanging in the balance.

Dick Vitale of ESPN, who picked Charlotte in an upset, stated after the game he believed Illinois was one of the four best teams on the opening weekend (along with Duke, Temple and Kansas). The amazing aspect in my opinion is the fact so few people think Illinois will make it past Kansas and/or Arizona and go to the Final Four. However, coach Self and his staff seem to use this lack of respect to help motivate his team. This writer thinks big days are in store for this team, especially if they keep their current focus and continue to play such strong defense.

[Greg Taylor]

Illini NCAA Tournament Central—LDN

[MARCH 19, 2001] Over the next few days, LDN will once again give you loyal readers what you deserve...an inside look at Illinois basketball as they advance to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1989! We'll have exclusive interviews, celebrity sightings, inside scoops and a whole lot more. We will give you an exclusive interview that we conducted with Brian Cook and scads of pictures...so, stay tuned...click on LDN for some of the best NCAA coverage in all the land!

[Jeff Mayfield]

Top 10 best observations from the Midwest round one

By Craig Zastrow

(pinch-hitting for Greg Taylor)

10.  Only mascot in the NCAA tournament named "Norm"—Charlotte

9.  Only team with all five cheerleaders under 5 feet tall—Hawaii

8.  Most teams with "orange" as its primary color —Tennessee, Syracuse, Illinois

7.  Most pierced belly buttons by a squad of cheerleaders (four)—California State-Northridge

6.  Best player nickname, "Butter" Johnson, from the same team that brought us "Cornbread" Maxwell several years ago—Charlotte

[to top of second column in this section]

5.  Hall of Fame worst mascot—Cal. St.-Northridge "Matador"

4.  Most players sporting different brands of shoes—Hawaii

3.  Mascot most missed by the fans—The Chief—Illinois

2.  Worst dreadlocks of the tourney by a non-player—Syracuse pep band drummer

...and the No. 1 observation at this year's Midwest regional first round was:

1.  Illini, Illini, Illini

Illini clear first hurdle

Dayton, Ohio

[MARCH 17, 2001] University of Illinois vs. Northwestern State University, Louisiana. If you like first-round games that are not an adventure and ones in which your beloved team doesn't flirt with disaster, you probably loved the Illinois Fighting Illini's resounding 96-54 victory over Northwestern State Demons.

The Illini sprinted to a 10-0 lead in the first two minutes and were never seriously threatened after that. The Illini never gave NSU the idea that they would ever be in the game.  Illinois played six players in double figures and continued to show their incredible depth and why they are one of the top seeds in the country. Lincoln’s favorite player, Brian Cook, erupted out of the gate with six early points on his way to 10 for the half. Cook finished the day with 15 points, eight rebounds and one blocked shot and was a far cry from the player that only brought down two rebounds in last year’s NCAA’s tourney.

LDN asked Cook to compare this year to last. He said, “Last year I was really intimidated by all the media pressure and this year I’m a lot more relaxed. I also spent a lot of time in the weight room since last season and as you can see that’s made a little difference too.”

Other Illini scorers included Williams and  Archibald 11, Cory Bradford and Krupalija for 12, and  Marcus Griffin led all scoring with 16 points.

The win, coupled with Charlotte's hard-fought victory against Tennessee, sets up a street brawl with the scheduled Sunday game back here in Dayton.

As the Illini assistant coach, Rod Judson, always says, “Everyone keep your fingers crossed for Illinois on Sunday.”               

What hangs in the balance for Illinois is a chance to advance to the second round, second weekend, for the first time since 1989.

LDN, along with Lincoln and Logan County supporters, says, “Good luck, and go Illini!”

[Jeff Mayfield]

Illinois rolls over Northwestern State

[MARCH 17, 2001]  Entering the NCAA tourney as a No. 1 seed for the first time since the special 1989 season, Illinois won its first-round game in style, beating Northwestern State 96-54 in Dayton, Ohio.  Illinois will play No. 9 seed Charlotte (formerly UNC-Charlotte) on Sunday around 1:45 p.m.  Charlotte knocked off No. 8 seed Tennessee 70-63 on Friday.  A victory tomorrow will move Illinois into the sweet sixteen for the first time in 12 seasons.

Lincoln College graduate Marcus Griffin scored 16 points and grabbed seven rebounds to pace Illinois.  Most of Griffin’s points on Friday came as the result of Frank Williams' assists and resulted in slam dunks.  Lincoln’s Brian Cook, who struggled last year in the NCAA tourney and vowed to make this year different, scored 15 points and grabbed eight boards.  Cook, who shaved his head in anticipation of this game (a ritual he followed during the postseason in high school), appeared to score at will and seemed to really play with great confidence.  Overall, Illinois had six players score in double figures, including Cory Bradford, who connected on four 3-pointers during the game.

Illinois dominated the glass, out-rebounding Northwestern State 43-25.  Illinois also recorded an amazing 27 assists, led by Williams, who had a game-high eight assists.  Illinois looked strong from the free throw line, connecting on 16 of 18 attempts and looked the part of a No. 1 seed.

However, every game from here on out will be a challenge and a potential loss.  The players seemed to realize the seriousness of the situation, as Williams said, “We realize . . . lose one game and your season is over . . . we aren’t going to let that happen”.

One negative result of Friday’s game was an injury to Sergio McClain’s shin.  X-rays after the game were negative and McClain expects to play on Sunday, but the injury limited him to just eight minutes of action, all in the first half.

The talk of Logan County and all of central Illinois seems to be the Illini.  How far will they go?  Did they deserve a No. 1 seed?  Is Frank Williams going pro?  Can they reach the promised land (the final four)?  If Friday’s game is any indication – it looks like yes on every front. 

[Greg Taylor]

[MARCH 16, 2001]  The Lady Railer basketball team had their annual banquet and awards presentation Wednesday, March 14, at the Knights of Columbus Hall.

Coach Moore started the evening by recognizing the Carroll Catholic Crusaders eighth-grade girls basketball team for placing first in the state.

Coach Joe Vazquez presented the freshman team awards and commended the team on having the best freshman season overall, with 16 wins and seven losses. Kirstin Rawlins gave a speech using a player's perspective on this year's season.

Coach Michelle Hobbs presented the junior varsity awards next. Every year she has the JV players write about a specific girl and what they will remember about her. Coach Hobbs shared the memories with everyone in attendance. The JV ended their season with 17 wins and one loss.

JV players received the following awards:

Jessica Carey — Field Goal Percentage

Jessica Carey — Free Throw Percentage

Dominique Dawson and Jessica Carey — Assists

Keayana Moore — Rebounds

Jennifer Whalen — Defensive Award

Keayana Moore — Most Improved

[to top of second column in this article]

Coach Ed Moore recognized the varsity last. He commented on the strength of character of the team. Their record was 11 wins and 16 losses. He is proud of their perseverance through the year and how they grew together as a team as the season progressed. He recognized the four seniors — Allison Humbert, Summer Johnson, Beckee Oller and Christy Peters — and each senior gave a short speech.

[Senior Lady Railers]

[Coach Moore and senior Lady Railers]

Varsity players received the following awards:

Kristina Cook — Field Goal Percentage

Beckee Oller — Free Throw Percentage

Beckee Oller — Assists

Allison Humbert — Rebounds

Allison Humbert — Defensive Award

Summer Johnson — Most Improved

Beckee Oller — Ms. Railer

Allison Humbert — Most Valuable Player

Congratulations to this year’s team and good luck to the seniors!

[MARCH 15, 2001]  The strength of the volleyball programs in Logan County was clear last night, evidenced by the fine play of both Mount Pulaski and Hartsburg-Emden. Hartem's 7A volleyball team ended their season with a win, claiming third place at the state tournament last night in Pawnee; Mt. Pulaski ended their season with a loss but brought home a slightly bigger honor, finishing second behind undefeated Kansas.

[click here to see photos from the tournament]

The two longtime rivals had hoped to meet each other for the state title, but it wasn't to be this time around. In the quarterfinals, Mount Pulaski made easy work of DeLand-Weldon, winning in two games, 15-4, 15-3. Hartem came out slowly in their match with Kansas, losing the first game 15-9. They won the second game 15-4 but couldn't sustain the momentum and were defeated 15-8 in the third game by the eventual state champs.

The Hartem Lady Stags came out swinging in their third-place match, making easy work of DeLand-Weldon, by scores of 15-3 and 15-1.

In the title match, Mount Pulaski won the first game 15-6 but couldn't hold on, losing the next two games 15-12, 15-2 to Kansas, which finished the season undefeated with record of 24-0.

Mount Pulaski finished the season at a mark of 26-2, Hartem at 21-6.

And the rivalry isn't over yet for the year. Both Hartem and Mount Pulaski are still alive in the 8A state tournament's final 16 teams, with the tournament being hosted by Mount Pulaski and play beginning Saturday.

To follow the action, check the Lincoln Daily News and the IESA website (www.iesa.org).

[Cherie Rankin]

[click here for more photos]

Lincoln Heat tryouts

[MARCH 15, 2001]  Lincoln Heat baseball will have tryouts for their 2001 teams as follows:

When: Sunday, March 18, and Sunday, March 25  (Boys who aren’t able to attend on both dates, should call one of the numbers below.)

Where: Lincoln Rec Center (indoor tennis court area)

Times:

• Mustang — 12:30-2 p.m.; boys 9-10 years old, born between Aug. 1, 1990, and July 31, 1992

• Bronco — 2-3:30 p.m.; boys 11-12 years old, born between Aug. 1, 1988, and July 31, 1990

• Pony — 3:30-5 p.m.; boys 13-14 years old, born between Aug. 1, 1986, and July 31, 1988

Note: Boys should arrive to check in 30 minutes before their tryouts.

All boys residing in the Lincoln Community High School District are eligible to try out.

For additional information contact Todd Courtwright at 732-7886 or Marc Schoonover at 735-2866.

[Lincoln Heat news release]

Illini/Indiana Big Ten game pictures

[MARCH 14, 2001] 

Hartsburg-Emden, Mount Pulaski
girls make Final Four in 7A volleyball

[MARCH 14, 2001]  Logan County will be well-represented this evening in the state quarterfinals of Class 7A volleyball, and an old rivalry is getting hotter than ever. Both Mount Pulaski and Hartsburg-Emden secured spots in the state's top four with victories last night at Pawnee — a victory shy of playing each other for the championship.

Mount Pulaski (25-1) defeated Media Southern in two games, with identical scores of 15-7.

Hartsburg-Emden defeated Stewardson-
Strasburg in two games, with scores of 15-10, 15-11. The Lady Stags (20-5) won with strong hitting and tough defense at the net. Chelsey Rankin cashed in with eight kills, and both Megan Backs and Abby Olson contributed three blocks apiece. Rounding out the scoring for Hartsburg-Emden were Annie Sanders with eight points and seven assists and Vienna Purdue and Jillyn Cross with six points each.

The action begins at 3:30 today in Pawnee, with Mount Pulaski facing DeLand-Weldon (20-1). The Lady Stags will follow, playing undefeated Kansas (22-0) at 4:45. The third-place match is slated for 6 p.m. and the championship match for 7:15.

[Cherie Rankin]

Class AA boys basketball

[MARCH 14, 2001] 

Supersectional scores

Peoria Richwoods 48, Mount Zion 44

Thornwood 60, New Lenox Lincoln-Way 44

Aurora West 63, St. Charles East 59

Alton 62, Belleville West 59

Schaumburg 78, Zion-Benton 59

Moline 45, Cary-Grove 42

Lincoln Special Olympics
teams place at state

[MARCH 14, 2001]  Lincoln Special Olympics had three teams make it to the state finals this year, and each of the teams placed. The tournament was March 9 and 10 at the Horton Field House on the ISU campus in Bloomington/Normal. 

The Lincoln Tigers placed fourth, the Lincoln Bears placed third and the Lincoln Rams placed first.

Congratulations to all of the players and coaches on their accomplishments this season, and good luck for the next.

LC swimmers break records,

take second in nationals

[MARCH 13, 2001]  Lincoln College finished second in the NJCAA national swimming and diving competition at Palo Alto Community College in San Antonio, Texas, this past weekend. The Lynx swimmers broke five records in the nationals and finished behind Indian River Community College for the third straight year. Indian River has won the national title in the men's division for 27 straight years.

Despite having only five swimmers in the women's division, Lincoln College placed fifth in the final team standings. Indian River again won the national title, for the 20th straight year.

Coach Dan Hemenway had several swimmers earn All-American honors.  The top four finishers in each event are declared All-Americans, while those placing 12th or higher are considered as honorable mention All-Americans.

Record-breakers for the Lynx included Alex Blanch and Matt Ryther in individual events. Blach broke a 17-year-old record in the 200-yard fly with a time of 1:53.60. Ryther also broke a 17-year-old record in the 400 IM with a time of 4:10.77. Blach finished second in the tourney and Ryther was third.

In addition the Lynx had three relay teams establish new Lincoln College records.  The 200 and 400 medley relay teams of Zach Welch, Alex Blanch, Ramior Palmar and Jason Demyen-Jones set new Lynx records. The 200 medley team placed second in the nationals with a time of 1:36.89. The 400 medley team had a time of 3:30.98, good for second place. The 200 free relay team comprised of Herman Wilcher, Sexton, Blanch and Demyen-Jones finished second with a new Lynx record of 1:28.70.

Top-five finishers for men swimmers from LC

200-yard free relay — 2. Wilcher, Sexton, Blanch, Demyen-Jones, 1:28.70.

200 IM — 4. Welch, 1:56.47; 5. Palmer, 1:57.55.

50 free — 2. Demyen-Jones, :21.33; 4. Blanch, :21.38.

400 medley relay — 2. Welch, Palmar, Blanch, Demyen-Jones, 3:30.98.

3-meter diving — 4. Justin Thompson, 857.10.

[to top of second column in this article]

200 medley relay — 2. Welch, Palmar, Blanch, Demyen-Jones, 1:36.89.

400 IM — 3. Ryther, 4:10.77; 4. Keith Tobin, 4:14.96.

100 fly — 2. Blanch, :51.16; 3. Demeyn-Jones, :51.84.

100 breast — 2. Palmer, :58.48; 5. Welch, :59.42.

800 free relay — 3. Tobin, Nick Colberg, Federico Gentry, Ryther, 7:13.95.

1-meter diving — 3. Thompson, 927.30.

1,650 free — 3. Gentry, 17:12.84; 4. Colberg, 17:18.47.

200 back — 4. Doug Zimmer, 2:03.73.

100 free — 5. Demyen-Jones, :46.79.

200 breast — 2. Palmer, 2:08.38; 4. Welch, 2:11.21; 5. Doug Gerofalo, 2:11.77.

200 fly — 2. Blanch, 1:53.60; 4. Ryther, 1:58.00.

400 free relay — 2. Wilcher, Sexton, Blanch, Demyen-Jones, 3:10.59.

Women's top-five finishers from LC

200 free relay — 4. Lindsey Luhtala, Bonnie DiFoggio, Liz Wilson, Kristen Jones, 1:49.71.

200 IM — 5. Jones, 2:28.77.

400 medley relay — 5. Jones, Emily Sansale, Wilson, DiFoggio, 4:39.75.

200 medley relay — 5. DiFoggio, Sansale, Wilson, Luhtala, 2:09.43.

400 IM — 5. Sansale, 5:18.39.

100 fly — 4. Wilson, 1:11.26.

100 back — 5. Jones, 1:04.59.

800 free relay — 2. Luhtala, Wilson, Sansale, Jones, 9:04.17

400 free relay — 4. Luhtala, DiFoggio, Sansale, Jones, 4:06.15.

[Bill Martinie,
Lincoln College sports information director]

Lincoln College vs. Danville

[MARCH 13, 2001]  Danville ended the Lincoln College men's basketball season by winning the Region 24 championship 84-74 Monday night at the Danville gymnasium. The Lynx concluded a very successful season with a 26-7 record for coach B. J. McCullum. Danville advances to the National Junior College Tournament as a result of their victory.

Danville won the game at the free-throw line by connecting on 25-of-31 charity tosses. The Lynx got to the free-throw line almost as many times as the hosts but were able to covert only 14-of-27. Both teams made 27 field goals, Lincoln hitting six 3-pointers and Danville connecting for five. The hosts also had a huge rebounding edge in the contest, with 49 boards compared to 29 for the Lynx.  

Marlon Brooks led Lincoln College in scoring with 22 points while Creston Coleman and Jay Bates added 16 and 15 respectively. Danville placed four players in double figures, led by Pat Pachciarz with 20.

Danville led 33-27 at halftime despite shooting only 38 percent. Lincoln was limited to 36 percent shooting in the first half. Danville connected on nearly 54 percent of its shots the second half and added 21-of-24 free throws. Lincoln also shot much better from the floor the second half with 49 percent, but hit just 5-of-10 foul shots.

[to top of second column in this article]

Lincoln College (74) — Gene Reed 0-0-0-0-0; Creston Coleman 7-12-1-4-16; Jay Bates 6-10-3-7-15; Ryan Brinker 1-2-1-2-3; Marlon Brooks 7-22-3-3-22; Andrew Kehr 0-0-0-0-0; Michael Sams 2-4-0-0-4; Brian Moffitt 3-7-0-0-6; Eric Crockrell 1-4-6-11-8.  Totals: 27-61-14-27-74.  Three-point goals: Coleman, Brooks 5.

Danville (84) — Oscar Sanders 4-13-2-3-11; Pat Pachciarz 5-10-7-8-20; Sherman Foster 1-9-9-10-11; Virgil Akers 7-12-3-4-17; Eric Durrett 3-6-0-0-7; Sheddric Crawford 4-6-1-2-9; Ryan Petty 1-2-0-0-2; Eric Sowder 2-2-3-4-7.  Totals: 27-60-25-31-84. Three-point goals: Sanders, Pachciarz 3, Durrett.

[Bill Martinie,
Lincoln College sports information director]

Area wrestlers compete at junior high state meet

[MARCH 13, 2001]  Two local junior high wrestling teams competed in the state meet at DeKalb: Olympia and Lincoln. At least 69 teams participated in the meet. Olympia came in 27^th with 38 points. Lincoln was 66^th with 6 points.

Olympia’s Chris Alexander was the champion of the 85-pound weight bracket.

[LDN]

Hartsburg-Emden, Mount Pulaski
advance to Elite Eight in 7A volleyball

[MARCH 12, 2001]  Saturday evening the Hartsburg-Emden seventh-grade volleyball team defeated Peoria Limestone Walters in two games, 15-8, 15-12. The victory was a team effort, with Nicole Buse and Abby Olson contributing seven points each and Chelsey Rankin and Jillyn Cross each adding six. Olson had eight kills in the match and Rankin had five.

Vienna Purdue, Annie Sanders, Megan Backs and Abby Olson combined for a total of eight blocks in the match, and Sanders also lent a significant hand in the match with seven assists.

The Lady Stags advance to Elite Eight play, taking on Stewardson-Strasburg Tuesday, March 13, at 6 p.m. in Pawnee.

Mount Pulaski's seventh graders also advanced in tournament play, defeating Cornell in two games, 15-8, 15-6. The Honeybears take on Media Southern at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at Pawnee.

[Cherie Rankin]

LC vs. Illinois Central

[MARCH 12, 2001]  Lincoln College advanced in the Region 24 men's basketball tournament at Danville Sunday afternoon by downing Illinois Central College of Peoria 61-47.   The Lynx play next against the winner of the Danville-John Wood contest.

Lincoln College rode the scoring of Creston Coleman (19 points), Marlon Brooks (18) and Jay Bates (12) to the victory.   The three-guard tandem scored 49 of the Lynx' 61 points.   Lincoln College held a 27-20 halftime lead despite shooting only 32 percent.   The Lynx limited ICC to 26 percent shooting in the first half. Lincoln College picked up the shooting in the second half by making 10 of 25 (40 percent). The best Illinois Central could do was 29 percent (9 of 31) in the second 20 minutes of play.

In addition to leading the Lynx in scoring, Coleman grabbed a team-high 19 rebounds, 17 on the defensive end, to lead the Lynx to a 46-41 advantage in the game. Lincoln forced ICC into 16 turnovers, which contributed to 11 points. Lincoln was guilty of 14 turnovers.    The Lynx could have widened the margin with better free-throw shooting, making just 19-of-30 attempts for 63 percent.

[to top of second column in this article]

Lincoln College (61) — Michael Whrle 0-0-2-2-2; Gene Reed 0-1-0-0-0; Creston Coleman 6-10-5-6-19; Jay Bates 4-11-4-9-12; Ryan Brinker 0-0-0-0-0; Marlon Brooks 6-16-4-6-18; Michael Sams 0-7-0-2-0; Brian Moffitt 0-4-2-2-2; Eric Crockrell 3-4-2-3-8. Totals: 19-53-19-30-61.  Three-point goals: Coleman 2, Brooks 2.

Illinois Central (47) — Don Slach 1-8-0-0-3; Dane Ainsworth 1-4-2-6-4; Geoffrey Richard 2-10-2-3-7; Grant Uftring 2-5-3-4-8; Joe Elam 3-9-2-2-9; Chris Taylor 0-3-1-2-1; David Roos 4-11-1-2-9; Zach Scheirer 3-8-0-0-6.   Totals: 16-58-11-19-47.  Three- point goals: Slach, Richard, Uftring, Elam.

[Bill Martinie,
Lincoln College sports information director]

LC vs. Parkland

[MARCH 12, 2001]  Lincoln College rolled to an impressive 90-70 victory over Parkland College in the Region 24 basketball tournament Saturday afternoon at Danville. Lincoln College, 25-6, moves on to the semifinals at 1:30 p.m. Sunday against the winner of the Illinois Central-Spoon River game.  

Lincoln completely dominated the first half, limiting Parkland to 19 points and 25 percent field goal shooting (7 of 28).  The Lynx shot 44 percent (15 of 34) during the same time span, giving them a 42-19 lead at halftime.   Parkland outscored the Lynx by three points in the second half; however, it was not nearly enough, as the Lynx put the game out of reach in the first 20 minutes.

Lincoln College had four players in double figures, led by the 28 points from Jay Bates.  Fellow running mate Marlon Brooks added 24 points while Michael Sams and Brian Moffitt both added 10 for the Lynx. Greg Morgan led Parkland with 20 points. Eric Crockrell scored only seven points for the Lynx but pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds as the winners had a slim 45-42 edge on the boards.

Lincoln College finished the game shooting 46 percent while Parkland warmed up in the second half and finished at 39 percent. The Lynx forced Parkland into 21 turnovers, and those turnovers led to 21 Lincoln points. The Lynx, meanwhile, had just 11 turnovers in the contest.

[to top of second column in this article]

Lincoln College (90) — Michael Whrle 0-0-3-4-3; Terry Reed 0-0-0-0-0; Gene Reed 0-3-0-0-0; Creston Coleman 2-7-2-6-6; Jay Bates 9-18-10-10-28; Ryan Brinker 1-1-0-0-2; Marlon Brooks 10-15-3-6-24; Andrew Kehr 0-2-0-2-0; Michael Sams 5-11-0-0-10; Brian Moffitt 5-11-0-0-10; Eric Crockrell 2-6-3-4-7.  Totals: 34-74-21-32-90. Three-point goals: Brooks.

Parkland (70) — Dustine Biermann 2-11-0-0-5; Ronell Jacobs 1-5-0-0-3; Mike Smellio 5-14-4-6-16; Mitch Allen 2-6-2-3-8; Erik VanDerstuy 1-2-0-0-2; Eric Steers 2-3-2-2-7; Greg Morgan 9-15-2-5-20; Aaron Barnett 2-3-2-2-6; Fred Long 1-5-1-2-3.  Totals: 25-64-13-20-70. Three-point goals: Bierman, Jacobs, Smellio 2, Allen 2, Steers.

[Bill Martinie,
Lincoln College sports information director]

Area boys high school basketball results

[MARCH 10, 2001]  The team that eliminated the Lincoln Railers, the Mount Zion Braves, had a monumental upset win over the No. 1- seeded Lanphier Lions, 67-60, last night at the Prairie Capital Convention Center. That sets up a supersectional showdown with Peoria Richwoods on Tuesday at Redbird Arena in Normal.

Class A state results

At Peoria (Carver Arena)

Pinckneyville 71
Prairie Central 44

Westmont 67
Columbia 65

Pana 66
Farmington 62

Bureau Valley 65
Macomb 51

Class AA sectionals
At Peoria

Peoria Richwoods 49
Normal West 40

[to top of second column in this article]

Class AA supersectionals Tuesday

At Carbondale

Belleville East vs. Alton

At Redbird Arena, Peoria
Richwoods vs. Mount Zion

At Chicago St. Xavier
New Lenox Lincoln-Way vs. Thornwood

At Evanston

Schaumburg vs. Zion-Benton

At DeKalb
Aurora West vs. St. Charles

At Moline
Cary-Grove vs. Moline

At Hinsdale Central
Chicago St. Patrick vs. Lyons

[LDN]

Area high school basketball
athletes receive recognition

[MARCH 10, 2001] 

Two area girls received recognition for their basketball talents as they were named to the 23rd annual Champaign News Gazette all-state girls basketball team. Olympia junior Tricia Gaither earned special mention, and Lincoln senior Allison Humbert was given honorable mention.

The Illinois Basketball Association Class A all-state team was announced Friday. Illini Central High School senior Evan Arnold was named to the first team.

Tomahawk Conference all-stars

First team: Evan Arnold (Illini Central), Clayton Brown (Mount Pulaski), Anthony Fletcher (Illini Central); second team: Justin Anderson (Mount Pulaski), Brandon Grimsley (Illini Central); honorable mention: Kyle Miller (Illini Central), Kent Leesman (Hartsburg-Emden), Korey Davis (Mount Pulaski), John Deters (Illini Central).

Sangamo Conference all-stars

First team: Evan Arnold ( Illini Central), Anthony Fletcher (Illini Central); second team: Clayton Brown (Mount Pulaski); third team: Brandon Grimsley (Illini Central); honorable mention: Kyle Miller (Illini Central), Justin Anderson (Mount Pulaski).

[LDN]

[MARCH 10, 2001]  Illinois' record in tournament games is now 7-3, the most wins by any Big Ten team.

A win today over Indiana would certainly secure no worse than No. 2 seed for the Illini on the NCAA’s dance card.

The Big Ten’s record in NCAA tournament play since the inception of the Big Ten tournament is a healthy .673!

The Big Ten’s NCAA record for the three years prior to the Big Ten tournament was an abysmal .370!

The LDN is STILL not convinced that the Big Ten tournament is all that great an idea. For the NCAA, it IS ALL about the money! One example: Whether you sit in the front row at center court or in the nosebleeds, it still costs the fan $40 a session and $200 to attend the entire tournament. One Logan County resident went to the ticket window and paid $40 a seat for two SRO one-session tickets. It’s a world gone mad!

Over 15,000 of the 24,0000-plus fans in the United Center last night became Penn State fans as the Lions upset the highly touted Spartans. PSU’s win marked their biggest upset over the highest-ranked (No. 3 in the country) team in their history.

If you would’ve seen the first half of the Iowa-Ohio State game, you would’ve bet your house that the Buckeyes would win the game going away. That’s why we don’t recommend gambling. The teams apparently switched uniforms at halftime and the Hawkeyes came away with an improbable win.

Iowa’s win sets up a No. 6-No. 7 game versus those pesky Nittany Lions. LDN reporters were able to speak with league scoring champion Joe Crispin last night after their upset over Michigan State. Joe didn’t seem to care which team they played, he was just glad to still be playing.

[to top of second column in this article]

Crispin did mention two other facts:

(1) He felt their upset win over the Spartans guaranteed their admission to the Big Dance.

(2) He gave the glory to God by quoting from Isaiah 40 when asked how they came back after a tough game the night before!

The LDN was also able to speak with former Iowa legend Jess Settles prior to Iowa’s game. Jess says that his back is STILL killing him after the nasty spill he took in the Assembly Hall. Jess has two cousins that recently attended and played both basketball and baseball at Lincoln Christian College, Nathan Gorsch and Sam Reighard.

LDN reporters also took in the incredible Illinois Wesleyan-Elmhurst game last night. The Titans survived all the interesting stuff that went on and held on for a 3-point victory. The win moves them one game away from yet another trip to the NCAA III Finals. Lincoln’s Adam Osborn came up huge for IWU. Former area player Joel Searby, a Normal U-High graduate, is the star sixth-man for Elmhurst.

The Illini try to keep their dream season alive today with a 1:30 date with Indiana. The Hoosiers have won four in a row and have done so convincingly. Illinois will strive to avoid the upset to get back to Sunday’s championship.

The Penn State-Iowa game will begin 30 minutes after the Illini game is finished. The LDN believes that both contests will be aired on CBS.

The LDN was able to speak with Illini assistant coaches Rob Judson and Billy Gillespie during the Iowa-OSU game. While they were confident, they were leaving nothing to chance, scouting every game that they could. Judson keeps telling us, "Just keep your fingers crossed." Well, it’s gotten us this far, let’s keep going with it!

Lots of Lincoln residents were in attendance for the Illini’s outstanding drubbing of the Purdue Boilermakers. The LDN won’t mention ANY names, in case some of those spotted were playing hooky from work or school!

[Jeff Mayfield]

[MARCH 10, 2001]  Big Ten MVP Frank Williams led a balanced attack on Friday against rival Purdue in the quarterfinal round of the fourth annual Big Ten tourney, with Illinois winning the game 83-66. Williams scored 13 points, handed out 11 assists and had no turnovers as he showed a national television audience why he was voted best player in the league. Speculation continues to grow about a possible move to the NBA for the sophomore from Peoria, in spite of repeated denials by Williams.

Former Lincoln College standout Marcus Griffin scored 14 points and grabbed nine rebounds, and Lincoln's Brian Cook scored 10 points and also grabbed nine boards.  Reserve Sean Harrington scored all 13 of his points in the first half, and guard Cory Bradford continued to excel in the house that Michael built, scoring 13 points and connecting on three baskets from beyond the arc in the first half to give Illinois a comfortable halftime cushion.

Illinois continues its recent streak of success in the United Center, winning their ninth game in the last three seasons, including victories against Arizona, Kansas and two against Indiana.  Illinois has played in at least two games in every Big Ten tournament and has played in the championship game each of the last two seasons, both times losing to conference champion Michigan State.

After the game, Illini coach Bill Self called the Illini effort "the best we have had on the offensive end of the court in a long time."  The victory moves Illinois into a semifinal game on Saturday against the other Big Ten team from the Hoosier state, Indiana University.  The Hoosiers turned back Wisconsin 64-52 in the first game played on Friday in Chicago.  Other winners on the second day of the tournament included No. 7 seed Penn State, a 65-63 upset winner against co-Big Ten conference champion Michigan State, and Iowa, which upset  No. 3 seed Ohio State 75-66 during Friday's final game.

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The Illini also dominated the boards, outrebounding the Boilermakers 40-28.  Illinois' four inside players were able to get almost every rebound they attempted and clearly overpowered Purdue.

The Illini received great support from their four primary bench players, with particularly strong efforts from Harrington and junior Damir Krupalija.  Harrington helped pace Illinois from the outside early in the game, hitting all three of his 3-point basket attempts.  Krupalija played what may have been his strongest effort on the season, scoring nine points and grabbing seven rebounds in just 16 minutes of action.  All told, the Illini bench contributed 28 points and 17 rebounds.

Illinois continues its fight for their first-ever conference tournament title and also is looking for their first No. 1 seed in the NCAA tourney since the magical Final Four season of 1988-89.  

[Greg Taylor]

Softball sign-ups for girls

[MARCH 10, 2001]  Softball sign-ups for girls will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 17, 24 and 31 at the Rec Center (same time and place as the Pony baseball sign-ups). The Girl's Softball League, run by the Lincoln Park District, is for girls in grades three through nine.

For additional information about the sign-ups, call the Rec Center, 732-8770, or check the Lincoln Baseball Association website: http://www.geocities.com/lincolnbaseball.

Pony baseball sign-ups

[MARCH 8, 2001]  The Lincoln Baseball Association will have their Pony sign-ups over the next few Saturdays for the upcoming summer baseball season. Pony baseball covers ages 7 to 14. 

Sign-ups will be at the Lincoln Rec Center on March 17, 24 and 31 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. An LBA board member will be present on each of the sign-up Saturdays to answer any questions about the upcoming season.

Pony baseball is of a recreational nature and is for all of Lincoln's youth. Come on out and enjoy America's pastime the way it's supposed to be.

The baseball league now has a website to provide information, schedules, standings and game-of-the-week recaps. The site is at http://www.geocities.com/lincolnbaseball.

[LBA news release]

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