Category Archives: Sports

OVHS Girls Advance At Thanksgiving Tournament

News Progress Posted on by

•November 22, 2017•

By Jason Brown
NP Sports

The Okaw Valley girls’ basketball team finished the week 3-1 after a home match and three games in the Pana Thanksgiving Tournament.

In the Pana Thanksgiving Tournament, OV defeated host Pana and Athens but lost to Central A&M.

“We are very excited to advance to the winner’s bracket/semi-finals Friday in arguably the best 1A/2A/3A thanksgiving tournament around,” said OV coach Brad Ackers. “We played three quality teams very well, going 2-1 against Pana, A & M, and Athens.” Read More

ALAH School Board Approves Tentative Tax Levy

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Transportation Funds Delayed

•November 22, 2017•

By Ariana Cherry
For the News Progress

Superintendent Kenny Schwengel reported that the Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond district’s current balance at the end of October was $8,274,214.57. So far, they have received 85% of the district’s’ property tax money but no state funding for transportation this year. One payment has been processed but has not been released.

Schwengel also noted that the Eberhardt Village has appealed its property taxes. The school district will have to pay back its portion of $18,614.47 which was collected through property tax payments.

School board members also discussed the tentative 2017 tax levy. The total tentative tax levy is $7,827,550 at 5.91% with a tax rate of $3.58. A levy hearing is scheduled for the next board meeting in December. Read More

Swimmers Compete at Winnetka

News Progress Posted on by

•November 22, 2017•

The Sullivan/Okaw Valley/Shelbyville girls’ swim team competed in the Girls’ Swimming and Diving State meet in Winnetka (New Trier) Friday and Saturday.

Natalie Drury, Alison Oligschlaeger, McKenna Kull, and Anna Wooters competed in the 400-meter relay event and finished 34th with a time of 3:42.89.  Read More

OV’s Robinson Signs with Drury University

News Progress Posted on by

Photo furnished
Parents Brett and Lori Robinson accompany Paige while her teammates stand behind her during the OVHS athlete’s letter of intent signing ceremony for Drury University.

•November 15, 2017•

By Jason Brown
NP Sports

Earlier this year, Okaw Valley senior Paige Robinson verbally committed to play basketball at Division II Drury University in Springfield, Missouri.

Robinson made it official when she signed her national letter of intent at Okaw Valley High School in Bethany Friday.

Robinson will play for coach Molly Miller who enters her fourth season as Drury University’s head women’s basketball coach.

Robinson will be entering a successful basketball program. Drury is currently ranked No. 7 in the nation. Read More

Okaw Valley High School Basketball Looks Forward to Tougher Schedule

News Progress Posted on by

•November 15, 2017•

By Jason Brown
NP Sports

Okaw Valley boys’ basketball coach Brooks Inman expects his team to build on last year’s successes and overcome any shortcomings.

To try to improve on last year’s overall record of 17-13, Inman, in his third year as head coach, returns a senior heavy team with nine, along with seven letter winners.

The Timberwolves will have to replace the loss of last year’s offensive focal point Connor Cloyd, which will be difficult.

OV also will have to overcome a tougher non-conference schedule.

The Timberwolves open the season in the highly competitive Effingham St. Anthony tournament.  Read More

Okaw Valley Girls Get Home Win Over Shelbyville

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Photo by R.R. Best
Okaw Valley’s Hope Ruppert controls the ball during the girls’ basketball team win over Shelbyville Monday.

•November 15, 2017•

Okaw Valley girls’ basketball team won its first game of the season over Shelbyville 60-40 at Bethany Monday night.

After a one point lead, OV outscored the Rams 19-4 to burst the game open and take a 34-18 halftime lead.

Senior Paige Robinson led the team with 19 points, including two 3-pointers.

Three other players scored in double digits.

Natalie Jeffers tallied 16 points, scoring at least three points in each quarter.

Kate Jeffers and Bella Benning each scored 10 points.

Benning made two 3-pointers.

OV is scheduled to travel to Pana at 7:30 p.m. Friday then to Central A&M Saturday for an 11 a.m. start.

Sullivan Boys Plan a Bounce Back in Basketball

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•November 15, 2017•

By Jason Brown
NP Sports

Sullivan boys’ basketball coach Chester Reeder knows what a down year feels like after last season’s overall 2-23 record and 0-7 Little Okaw Valley Conference.

This season, Reeder in his fifth year at the helm, is hoping to see what it feels like to have a bounce-back season.

“We have a group of young men who are not afraid of hard work,” said Reeder. “A lot of them put in a lot of hours over the summer. We will definitely take a step forward, and we will take a huge step forward if we get the right type of leadership.” Read More

Logan Hall is Running for Illini

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Photo furnished
ALAH award winning runner Logan Hall commits to the University of Illinois with parents Darlene and Kurt Hall by his side.

•November 15, 2017•

By Jason Brown
NP Sports

Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond runner Logan Hall verbally committed to the University of Illinois.

Monday in front of family, friends and coaches the senior made it official and signed a National Letter of Intent to run track and field and cross country at the University of Illinois.

Hall was runner up in the IHSA Class 1A State Cross Country Championship meet at Detweiller Park in Peoria two weeks ago.

“Hands down, Logan is the best runner to ever come through this area, and we may not see one like him ever again,” said ALAH coach Derik Eaton. “Through his commitment, dedication and sacrifices, Logan is not only one of the state’s best but also one of the top runners in the midwest. Proof of that is signing with the University of Illinois several weeks ago.” Read More