Illini, Cook make elite eight

Williams, Johnson help Illinois survive

[MARCH 24, 2001]  Had it been a battle of attrition the Illini might not have come away with the victory. Illinois was in a peck of foul trouble and had the game gone into overtime perhaps the Illini's deeper bench might have had to be a few seats wider. But just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water, Frank Williams and Lucas Johnson simply took this game over, leading the Fighting Illini to a much larger than it actually was 80-64 victory over an outstanding group of Kansas Jayhawks.

This was truly a game of wild runs, hard fouls, funny bounces and a host of other unsettling stuff. But somehow, some way the Illini were able to hang on. The Illini had 3 players in double figures. Sergio McClain had a solid game and finished the night with 10 points. Lucas Johnson though, played the role as savior as he recorded 15 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists. But Frank Williams was simply sensational. Frank put up 30 points, hit 3 3-pointers and was a perfect 5-for-5 from the line

Illinois outscored Kansas 36-24 in the paint, but that was not the most amazing stat. The most amazing stat of the night was that Illinois out-rebounded the #1 rebounding team in the nation 45-30…and 19-6 on the offensive glass. Illinois also forced the Jayhawks into 20 turnovers.

[to top of second column in this article]

[MARCH 24, 2001] Lake Land College of Mattoon swept a doubleheader from the Lincoln College softball team at Lincoln Friday afternoon. Lincoln College was playing its first games at home and now stands at 0-6 for the season.

Lincoln College starting pitcher Brandi Barnes gave up a run in the top of the third inning of the opening game Friday, however, the Lady Lynx bounced back with two runs in the bottom of the inning to take a 2-1 lead. The lead didn't last long as the visitors promptly tacked on two runs in the fourth and added another in the sixth, while Lincoln was unable to dent the plate again. Barnes went the distance, fanning two and walking four. Jody Hicks had a double for the Lynx, who collected just four hits in the game.

In the nightcap both teams scored a run in the first inning before Lake Land scored twice in the third and then broke the game open with five runs in the fourth. Lincoln's defense fell apart in the second game as they committed six miscues. Heather Dobey was the starting and losing pitcher for the Lynx. Beth Gajdik had a pair of hits to lead Lincoln at the plate.

First Game

 Lake Land         001 201 0 - 4 -10 -1 

Lincoln College        002 000 0 - 2 - 4 - 2 

McFall (W) & Perrine; Brandi Barnes (L) & Beth Gajdik.

Second Game

 Lake Land               102 54 - 12-14-1 

Lincoln College                100 00 - 1- 4- 6 

     Wilhelm (W) & Meyer; Heather Dobey (L), Crystal Wilkey (4), Barnes (4) & Gajdik.

[Bill Martinie, 
Lincoln College sports information director]

[MARCH 24, 2001] Illini Central vs. Springfield Ursuline In a game called for darkness in the middle of the sixth inning at Mason City, the Cougars held 6 runs to Ursuline's 1 run.

IC scored in all 5 innings played with 7 hits bringing in 6 runs. Illini Central hitting star Bryce Cunningham had 3 hits, double, triple, and 2 RBI's; Josh McDaniel had 2 doubles.

Mount Pulaski vs. Lincoln Lincoln traveled to Mt. Pulaski to sweep up the Hilltoppers in a 7 - 2 win. Each team had 6 hits. Four of Lincoln's runs came in during the 7th inning.

Winning pitcher Jameson Sheley bested Mount Pulaski's Justin Anderson (0-1). Star hitter for Lincoln was Nick Bay 2 hits and for Mt. Pulaski Caleb Dirks 2 hits.

Records: Lincoln 1 - 1, Mount Pulaski 1 - 1.

High school baseball and softball

Hartsburg-Emden vs. Deer Creek-Mackinaw

[MARCH 23, 2001]  Hartsburg-Emden’s baseball and softball teams traveled to Mackinaw yesterday afternoon for a doubleheader against Deer Creek-Mackinaw. The hosts won both games.

Deer Creek-Mackinaw scored two runs in the first inning of the baseball game. Neither team scored any more runs until Hartem’s one run in the seventh. Matt Chapman pitched well for the Stags baseball team. In seven innings, he struck out seven players. Dee-Mack did not make any runs due to Chapman’s error. Hartsburg-Emden made three hits and two errors. Deer Creek-Mackinaw made five hits and three errors. The final score was 2-1, Dee-Mack. Hartem’s baseball record is now no wins and two losses.

In the softball game, Deer Creek-Mackinaw scored steadily. Hartsburg-Emden did not score until the sixth inning. Tuttle was the pitcher for Hartem. The Stags made five hits and four errors. Dee-Mack hit 13 pitches. The final score was 7-1, Dee-Mack. Hartsburg-Emden’s new record is split—one win and one loss.

[LDN]

LCHS loses baseball opener

[MARCH 23, 2001]  LCHS opened its baseball season against Metamora on Wednesday, March 21. Players and coaches were pumped; the excitement was obvious. High school baseball was finally here.

[to top of second column in this article]

[Rich Knopp]

Olympia vs. East Peoria

[MARCH 23, 2001] 

Olympia welcomed East Peoria to Stanford for a softball game. Only one run was scored during the entire game. Shay pitched seven innings for Oly and struck out five of East Peoria’s players. No runs were earned due to Shay’s error. East Peoria hit four of the Spartans’ pitches. Olympia hit three of East Peoria’s pitches and made one error in the outfield. That error hurt Oly, because the final score of the game was 1-0, East Peoria.

Olympia’s record is now no wins, one loss and one tie.

[LDN]

High school track and field

Co-ed track meet at Mason City

[MARCH 23, 2001]  Illini Central, Mount Pulaski, Springfield Lutheran and Springfield Ursuline gathered in Mason City for a co-ed track-and-field meet.

Girls

Illini Central’s girls earned first place with 116 points. Mount Pulaski’s girls made 41 points. Springfield Lutheran made 21 points to qualify for third place, and Springfield Ursuline came in last with 15 points.

The first-place event winners were as follows:

100-meter dash—Illini Central: McDonald, 13.95

200 dash—Illini Central: Harvey, 28.1

400 dash—Illini Central: Mortlock, 1:14.9

800 dash—Illini Central: Daum, 2:54.0

1,600 dash—Illini Central: McKenna, 6:49.7

3,200 dash—Illini Central: McKenna, 14:09.0

100 hurdles—Illini Central: Mortlock, 20.1

300 hurdles—Illini Central: Eden, 1:03.0

Long jump—Illini Central: McDonald, 14’1½"

High jump—Illini Central: Hankins, unavailable

Triple jump—Illini Central: Harvey, 30’6"

Shot put—Mount Pulaski: Sanders, 31’9"

Discus—Mount. Pulaski: Sanders, 82’3"

400 relay—Illini Central: McLaughlin, McDonald, Cave, Harvey, 55.3

800 relay—Illini Central: McLaughlin, McDonald, Cave, Harvey, 2:00.9

800 medley relay—Springfield Lutheran: Davis, Smith, Adams, Ruggless, 2:11.8

1,600 relay—Illini Central: Cave, Daum, Hankins, McLaughlin, 5:06.0

3,200 relay—Illini Central: Eden, Daum, Mortlock, Hankins, 12:52.0

[to top of second column in this report]

[MARCH 23, 2001]  Lincoln College won a pair of baseball games from Lincoln Christian College Thursday afternoon at Galen Shirley Field in Lincoln. They were the first home games of the season for the Lynx.   

[to top of second column in this article]

Chris Ackman led the Lynx with three hits and three runs batted in. Gary Ryan had two hits, including a double and two RBIs, while Erik Rich added two hits with a double and two RBIs. Donnie Skelton also doubled for the Lynx.

[Bill Martinie,
Lincoln College sports information director]

[MARCH 23, 2001]  Lincoln College lost a softball doubleheader at Danville Thursday, 6-1 and 5-3. The double setback drops the Lady Lynx to 0-4 for the season. incoln plays its first home games of the season Friday against Lake Land at 2 p.m.

[to top of second column in this article]

First game

[Bill Martinie,
Lincoln College sports information director]

Mount Pulaski and Hartem are
top two in state 8A volleyball

[MARCH 21, 2001]  Last night was evidence once again that Logan County is a hotbed for volleyball in Illinois. The Mount Pulaski Honeybears went undefeated on the season — with an impressive record of 29-0 — defeating Hartsburg-Emden in two games, 15-3 and 15-6, to claim the state title.

[click here to see more photos from the tournament]

The evening was an emotional one for both teams, longtime rivals, but was perhaps especially so for the Lady Stags, who faced the final match without their head coach, Jennifer Hayes. Coach Hayes, in the final days of a twin pregnancy, was taken to the hospital, and we are happy to report that this morning the Hartsburg-Emden contingent is stronger by two!

Congratulations to coach Dulle, coach Hayes and their teams on their successful seasons!

[Cherie Rankin]

Hartem and Mount Pulaski headed
for a showdown in 8A volleyball

[MARCH 20, 2001]  In a replay of the 7A state quarterfinals, Hartem and Mount Pulaski have one match between them and their first-ever state final face-off against each other.

In tournament action last night, Mount Pulaski defeated Oakland Lake Crest in two games to move on. The Honeybears had easy work in the first game, winning 15-2, then staved off a challenge in the second game, getting the victory with a score of 16-14.

Hartem won their match in two hard-fought games, turning back dual rallies from Chandlerville A-C Central. Both games were extremely close, final scores being 17-15 and 15-13.

In tonight's action, at Mount Pulaski, undefeated Mount Pulaski faces Gridley at 3:30, and Hartem faces Kansas at 4:45. The two losing teams will square off for third place at 6:00, with the state championship match set for 7:15.

For more information and scores, check out the IESA website at http://www.iesa.org.

[LDN]

High school baseball

Illini Central vs. Lewistown

[MARCH 20, 2001]  Illini Central welcomed Lewistown to Mason City yesterday afternoon for a boys baseball game. The game was called due to darkness, but not before the Cougars demonstrated a commanding lead.

At the end of the first inning, the score was 2-1, Illini Central. The Cougars made a run in the third inning, and Lewistown matched that run in the next inning. In the fifth inning, Illini Central more than doubled their score with four additional runs. Lewistown played a sixth inning, but it was too dark for Illini Central to continue, so the game ended 7-2.

Illini Central’s Harris pitched five of six innings and surrendered only two hits. Only one of those hits resulted in an earned run. Fletcher caught for Illini Central for most of the game, and Bohm assisted him.

Fletcher, Cunningham and Brayfield each made two hits for Illini Central. One of Fletcher’s hits resulted in a double, and the other batted in a runner. Both of Cunningham’s and Brayfield’s hits batted in runners.

Illini Central made nine hits, and Lewistown made only three. Illini Central made two errors during the game.

This match was both teams’ opening game, so Illini Central’s record is 1-0, and Lewistown’s is 0-1.

[LDN]

LC opens softball season with new coach

[MARCH 20, 2001]  Lincoln College is scheduled to open softball play Tuesday afternoon against Springfield College in a doubleheader beginning at 3 p.m., weather permitting. Coach Jennifer Ciaccio, beginning her first season at Lincoln, hopes to be able to play the game at home; however, it may be too wet, and the game may be switched to Springfield.

  Ciaccio said, "The key for us will be pitching. We do have a solid number one pitcher in Brandi Banes, a freshman from Canton.  Others who will see action on the mound are Heather Dobey and Crystal Wilkey. A key for us will be to stay healthy and to have Dobey and Wilkey have strong seasons after coming off major off-season injuries."

The Lynx coach continued, "Our college playing experience is minimal, and only a couple of first-year players, Ronnie Beebe and Crystal Wilkey have great instincts.  They pretty much control how our team will perform. We played a couple of early season games against Millikin without Beebe, and even our practices have been elevated with her return to the team."

"With this being my first season, I really don't know what to expect," said Ciaccio.  "My assistant is also making his first run at coaching softball, having spent his time involved in baseball. I have three years of coaching at Millikin University as an assistant coach and junior varsity coach.  Our success depends on who steps up and does the job once we get outside and on the field. The attitudes have been positive and I think all of us are enjoying learning more about ourselves each day."

[Bill Martinie,
Lincoln College sports information director]

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

In Dayton, Ohio

Illini clear first hurdle

University of Illinois vs. Northwestern State University, Louisiana

[MARCH 17, 2001]  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 the 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 brought down only two rebounds in last year’s NCAA 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 with 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 16 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]

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]

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