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All-Stars: Hope Ruppert, Natalie Jeffers and Paige Robinson hug after the SkyWalker All-Star Game in Decatur last Friday. Robinson won the MVP award and the 3-point contest, but had to play against her three-year co-starter in the game.

•April 18, 2018•

by Jason Brown
NP Sports

Several area girls’ basketball players participated in two different all-star games this past week, but it was Okaw Valley guard Paige Robinson who won the MVP award for both games.

Three players from Sullivan and one from Okaw Valley participated in the Marshall School Foundation Game in Marshall, Ind. and two Timberwolves played in the SkyWalker All-Star Game in Decatur.

In the Marshall School Foundation game Sunday, Redskins Chloe Riley and Haley Rose played for the Red Team, and Elizabeth Green played for the White Team.

For OV, Robinson played for the White Team, which won the game 88-63.

Robinson scored 28 points, including three 3-pointers, to go with double digit assists and a handful of rebounds to win the Co-MVP of the tournament.

“Paige had about four to five AAU teammates down there,” said OV coach Brad Ackers, “and so I know she enjoyed herself and competed against some girls she knows. A number of Sullivan girls were there too.”

Green scored in the first quarter for a total of four points for the White team.

For the Red Team, Riley scored seven points and Rose added two.

Riley made two of three free throws and made two baskets in the third quarter, and Rose scored her two points in the third quarter. Read More

•March 28, 2018•

By Jason Brown
NP Sports

Okaw Valley senior guard Paige Robinson was named the 36th annual JG-TC Girls Basketball Player of the Year this past week.

She set several records this season and has collected even more accolades along the way.

Robinson was named to the 15-member Illinois Girls’ Basketball Coaches’ All-State Class 1A/2A first team.

The 5 feet 10 inch guard was one of five players named to the second team Associated Press All-State girls’ basketball team.

“I said Paige is the best player in the area and best player around to anyone that would listen in the last two years,” said OV coach Brad Ackers. “Paige just continued to prove it.” Read More

Photo by Sonya Best
The Okaw Valley Lady Timberwolves took Findlay, Bethany and surrounding fans on a wild ride as Regional, Sectional, and Super-sectional champs. The historic run took the team and their fans to their first appearance at the Class 1A Illinois State Finals at Redbird Arena. The team is pictured with fourth place trophy.

•February 28, 2018•

By Jason Brown
NP Sports

The Okaw Valley girls’ basketball team brought home the first state basketball trophy in the school’s history to a reception of fans at the high school in Bethany Saturday, Feb. 24.

Despite not being ranked in the top 10 all season, the Timberwolves took their fans on an incredible run that ended at the Illinois High School Association Class 1A State Tournament in Redbird Arena in Normal Friday and Saturday.

Though OV lost both games, the players, coaches and fans got to experience how special a trip to state can be.

“The trophy means everything to the communities here,” said Ackers. “We accomplished a lot of things that have never been done in school history. I could run through them; it’s a laundry list. That will sink in more as we look back here.” Read More

Photo by RR Best
Sectional Bound: Sullivan Redskins Girls Basketball team celebrates winning the Regional Championship and with one sectional win behind them the team faces off with Teutopolis at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15 at St. Anthony High School in Effingham.

•February 14, 2018•

By Jason Brown
NP Sports

After defeating the No. 10 seeded Meridian in the first round of the IHSA Class 2A Arthur Regional, the Sullivan girls’ basketball team upset its way to the Sweet 16 on Feb. 12.

On their way to a sectional championship match, the Redskins upset No. 3 seeded Greenville and No. 2 seeded Tuscola to win the Arthur regional, then upset No. 1 seeded Marshall in the sectional semifinals Monday night in Effingham.

“Words can’t express how happy I am for these girls,” said Sullivan coach Sheri McCain. “They continue to defy the odds and find a way to win.”

Against top-seeded Marshall Sullivan played from behind almost the entire first half and went into the locker room down 25-19. Read More

File Photo by R.R. Best
Hannah Wallen (#14) and Haley Rose (#12) fight over a loose ball at a recent game. Wallen scored her 1000th career point against Cumberland last Friday.

•January 3, 2018•

By Jason Brown
NP Sports

The Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond girls’ basketball team placed second in the Knights Classic Holiday Tournament this past week, and senior Knight Hannah Wallen scored her 1,000th career point against Cumberland Friday.

During the Knights Classic Holiday Tournament, ALAH defeated Cumberland and Chrisman to reach the championship game against Decatur St. Teresa.

In the championship game, though, the Knights lost to the Bulldogs 65-61.

St. Teresa jumped out to a 13-7 first-quarter lead and took a 32-23 lead at the half.

The Knights outscored the Bulldogs 19-13 in the third quarter cutting the lead to three points, 45-42.

St. Teresa held on in the fourth for the eventful 65-61 win.

Hannah Wallen tallied a team-high 16 points (including three 3-pointers), five rebounds and seven assists, to go with five rebounds. Read More