Photo by Keith Stewart
Sulilvan’s Brittin Boyer battles Anna Hartke for the ball Monday night in Teutopolis. Boyer led a stingy offensive night for Sullivan with just 10 points, while the Wooden Shoes easily outdid the Lady Red 67-24.

Returning super sectional team
devours Sullivan

by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

Sullivan opened the season Monday night at powerhouse Teutopolis–as in, the Teutopolis that graduated zero seniors from last year’s team that reached the super sectional and lost to Nashville by seven points…Nashville, as in the team that went on to win the state championship. And as if to be loud and clear of their intentions this year, T-Town’s caliber was clearly still in tow as they cruised to a 67-24 win over Sullivan.

“They play exceptional basketball,” said head coach Sheri McCain. “The tradition down here, it is what it is, and that’s why they’re a great team. In one aspect, it’s tough to play them at the beginning of the season, but the next aspect is it’s going to be one of the best team’s we’ll see all season.” Read More

Photo by Darian Hays
Junior Jessica Davis tips the ball over Tuesday night against Atwood-Hammond.

Inherits Windsor once again Thursday

by Kirk Whitaker
Arthur/Sullivan Reporter

After Atwood-Hammond defeated Okaw Valley in two sets, they gave top seeded Arthur-Lovington a run for their money. But the Lancers finished off the Rajenes 25-23, 25-19, in their final volleyball match before Atwood-Hammond annexes with Arthur-Lovington next school year.

In the first set, the Lancers had eight unforced errors including service errors and missed kill opportunities.

The set initially was back and forth, but with the score 21-16 in favor of Arthur, things took an interesting turn.  Read More

Photo by Keith Stewart
Jordan Feagin tries to escape the clutches of a Villa Grove defender during Friday night’s game. Feagin ran 65 yards on nine carries as well as had three receptions for 57 yards, including one for a touchdown.

Defensive effort creates for well- rounded performance

by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

Traveling to LOVC rival Villa Grove Friday night, Arthur/Lovington-Atwood/Hammond not only had a conference matchup on the line but also their early qualification into the postseason. The Knights, who lost to VG last year 41-0 would have neither to worry about by the night’s end, as they cruised to a 49-22 win over the Blue Devils, improving to 6-1 on the season and 5-1 in the LOVC.

Villa Grove, however, was the first to strike, marching steadily downfield primarily with their run game, which accounted for the touchdown on fourth and goal on the three yard line. The point-after-attempt did not succeed, but Villa Grove took a 6-0 lead with 6:31 left in the first quarter. Read More

Photo by Keith Stewart
SOV celebrated its seniors Tuesday evening at its final home meet of the season. Pictured, back row, from left to right are: Reagan Miller, Patrick Hogan, Devin Mosier, Noah Workman, Adam Davis, and Sam Harshman. Front row: Abigail Weybright, Brooke Mitchell, Mollie Bowman, and Liz Priest. Not pictured are Maggie Plank and Tori Floyd.

Boys finish second behind Lehman’s second place

by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

Competing at home and in recognition of their seniors, the SOV cross country team hosted Shelbyville, Tuscola, and Arthur/Lovington for their final meet at Tabor Park for the season.

Boys and girls ran together Tuesday evening, with SOV’s girls finishing six in the top 10 to easily take first place, while the boys were led by junior Ethan Lehman, who after battling with a group of Shelbyville runners throughout most of the three mile trek catapulted to second place. Read More

Photo by Keith Stewart
David Emrick (left) tries to stave off St. Anthony's Andreas Travnik during Tuesday afternoon's contest in Lovington.

Despite second half possession, Knights unable to score

by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

St. Anthony head soccer coach Scott Demers wasn't happy with how his upper classmen were playing Tuesday afternoon so he benched them.

In their place went freshmen and sophomores.

Whether you agree with the move or not, it paid off for the Bulldogs when freshman Donovan Hammer scored on a cleanup after a loose ball found its way in the Knights' box with 5:29 remaining in the first half.

"We had an issue with going for the ball so I took out our starters and put in freshman," said Demers. "The seniors, the starters showed they didn't want to play, or their focus was on personal matters. Read More