Category Archives: Sports

OV’s Robinson Signs with Drury University

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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

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•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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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

OV and ALAH Volleyball Players Make All-Conference

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•November 15, 2017•

By Jason Brown
NP Sports

The Little Okaw Valley Conference Northwest Division announced 2017 all-conference teams for volleyball and football this past week.

For volleyball, four Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond players and two Okaw Valley players earned honors.

For the Knights, senior setter Madison Brown was a unanimous selection to the first team.

Brown was on the first team in 2015 and in 2016 earned honorable mention.

Middle hitter Taylor Powell also earned all-conference first team honors. Read More

Brothers Shine at State Cross Country Championship

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Photo by Sally McCarthy
Running strong at State Championship were ALAH’s Logan Hall (No. 693) and his brother Layton Hall (No. 692).

•November 8, 2017•

By Jason Brown
NP Sports

Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond senior Logan Hall was runner-up in the in the IHSA Class 1A State Cross Country Championships meet at Detweiller Park in Peoria Saturday.

“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