Sports – Page 230 – News Progress

Sullivan Takes Rematch Victory Over Timberwolves in Tournament

Posted on December 26, 2014 by webmasterDecember 26, 2014

Photo by Keith Stewart
Okaw Valley's Pierce Bradford watches his 3-point attempt Tuesday evening. Bradford sank three from the arc in an attempt to lift his team to a comeback that ultimately fell short.

December 26, 2014

Rebounding and free throws go in favor of Redskins

by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

For Sullivan and Okaw Valley, Tuesday evening’s second round game of the Team Soy Holiday Tournament in Decatur was a familiar one. It was a rematch from December 9 when the Redskins edged the Timberwolves 50-44 in Findlay. But this time around, not only did Sullivan nab the victory, but did so in a more convincing fashion and ultimately 54-44.
Sullivan held a strong lead throughout the night, doubling up the Timberwolves several times in both the first and second quarters, and at the end of the third, Sullivan held a 15-point lead at 45-30, despite a 3-pointer by Okaw Valley sophomore guard Pierce Bradford.
But the Okaw Valley youngster would nearly help his team to a comeback in the fourth.
After Devon Still opened the final period with a 2-bucket, Layne McMahon answered with his own score from deep in the paint. But then it was Bradford from beyond the arc to cut Sullivan’s lead to 12. The sophomore then drew a charge on McMahon given the mismatch.
Junior Drew Fructhl then drew a foul from Nick Frerichs, and from the line, he sank both shots to pull OV within 10. But Frerichs would come back downcourt, pull up, and sink a jumper off the glass.
Joe Jeffers, who was in foul trouble most of the night, answered with his own score from down low to keep the margin at 10. Back and forth the teams went until with under a minute to go, Jeffers fouled out, prompting the double bonus for Sullivan’s Alec Ballinger, who hit just one of two free throws to keep an 11-point lead.
Bradford’s trey with 40 seconds would cut Sullivan’s lead to eight, the smallest since the beginning of the second quarter, but his followup foul on Ballinger resulted in both shots this time. Bradford would attempt another 3-pointer once back downcourt, but it would bounce hard off the glass. Then with 18 seconds remaining, an Okaw Valley turnover finished the game. Read More

Lady Timberwolves Bring Home Championship Defeating Heyworth 55-41

Posted on December 26, 2014 by webmasterDecember 26, 2014

Photo by Keith Stewart
The Okaw Valley varsity girls' basketball team secured their holiday tournament crown Tuesday evening with a 55-41 win over Heyworth.

December 26, 2014

Take tourney crown for first time since 2004

By Matt Kracht
NP Sport Reporter

Christmas arrived on Tuesday night for Okaw Valley basketball fans as the Lady Timberwolves secured their first holiday tournament championship since 2004.
Amanda McClain had a double double sporting an impressive 12 point and 14 rebound line, while Megan Dash had her best performance of the season adding 10 points, six of which came in the fourth quarter to go along with nine rebounds. With the three tournament wins the Lady Timberwolves are now 11-2 on season.
All-tourney selection Amy Orris has what coaches’ call “in the gym range,” and after getting the scoring started with a coast to coast drive, Orris set the tone knocking down two NBA threes in the first few minutes of play.
Behind Orris’s strong start Okaw Valley stole momentum and held the early 15-14 lead after the first period. Orris, who was undoubtedly the floor general for the Lady Timberwolves, finished with 11 points, nine rebounds and five assists.
In the second quarter McClain dominated the boards and on one memorable possession claimed four consecutive offensive rebounds before cashing in with a layup. The second chance points pushed the Okaw Valley lead to five at 23-18 before Paige Harlin nailed a deep 3-pointer making it 28-20 with two minutes remaining in the first half. Harlin also shot her way to an all-tourney selection adding another six points on the night on two long 3-pointers. After the game Coach Gardener had high praise for his shooting guards. Read More

T-wolves Win Back-to-Back to Earn Championship Bid

Posted on December 23, 2014 by webmasterDecember 23, 2014

Photo by Keith Stewart
Okaw Valley’s Amy Orris goes up and over a Shelbyville defender Monday morning. Orris led her team with 19 points and 10 rebounds in their 54-37 win over the Rams.

December 24, 2014

Play Heyworth Tuesday night

By Matthew Kracht
& Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

Entering their holiday tournament Saturday as the no. 1 seed, Okaw Valley lived up to it, as they defeated Oakwood Saturday and then Shelbyville Monday to earn a ticket to the championship Tuesday night against Heyworth.

In the opening round, the Timberwolves were winners over Oakwood by nine points in what turned out to be a competitive contest. The victory came behind a strong shooting performance from Amanda McClain who scored six points in the fourth quarter to ensure the victory. Mclain lead all scorers with 16 points, and the Lady Timberwolves’ bench chipped in for an all-around team win.

Okaw Valley wasted no time, jumping out to an early 11-2 first quarter lead. The Lady Timberwolves utilized deep 3-pointers back-to-back by Amy Orris and Paige Harlin to take a nine-point advantage to the half.

“On our team right now we have two or three girls who are nursing knee injuries and sitting on the bench icing their knees. Paige Harlin and Natalie Jeffers both have sore knees, and several of the girls are sick. Battling injury, fatigue, and illness they showed heart,” said OV head coach Don Gardner.

Running into the busiest point of the season all year, Okaw Valley dug down and ground out the second half for the hard fought win.

Sadie Edwards hit three deep treys in the second half allowing Oakwood to cut the Okaw Valley advantage to seven points with 2:11 remaining in the fourth. The hot shooting did not go unnoticed by Coach Gardener.

“Oakwood was able to hit some threes, and they were able to penetrate the lane and get some shots off and the three started to fall for them.” Read More

Sages Stave Off Redskin Comeback Friday

Posted on December 23, 2014 by webmasterDecember 23, 2014

Photo by Keith Stewart
Sullivan’s Ty Molzen (left) eyes the hoop Saturday night. Molzen led Sullivan with 12 points, but the Redskins fell 49-47.

December 24, 2014

3rd quarter the difference in Sullivan loss

by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

After holding Monticello to just seven points and taking a 27-20 lead following the second period Friday night, Sullivan began to crumble in the third, which would eventually lead to a 49-47 Sage victory.

In contrast to the second quarter, where Sullivan sank its only 3-pointers of the night with three, and took the game’s largest lead, the third period saw a sluggish Redskin performance from the start when Monticello embarked on an 8-0 run to erase Sullivan’s lead. This was helped along by three back-to-back-to-back turnovers, three of six on the quarter, many of which Monticello capitalized on to pull within one going into the fourth.

“After the effort they put in the second quarter, I just didn’t understand it,” said Sullivan head coach Chester Reeder. “Only giving up seven points… we clamped them down a little bit more in the fourth quarter, but we fell asleep twice on Freeman getting to the paint for layups. It’s things we typically don’t do. Read More

Lady Red Dominate to Stay Undefeated Saturday

Posted on December 23, 2014 by webmasterDecember 23, 2014

Photo by RR Best
Sullivan’s Alyssa Marshall fights for the ball Saturday afternoon.

December 24, 2014

Improve to 3-0 in conference

by Aaron Dyer
Sullivan Reporter

Saturday’s conference matchup between Sullivan and Meridian was, at times, much like the matchup between the Redskins’ Brittin Boyer and Meridian’s Maggie Comerford head to head for the jump ball of Saturday’s conference girls’ basketball game. But by the end of the game, only a clean floor and flawless record was left for the 9-0 season and 3-0 conference Lady Redskins.

As Comerford tipped a victorious jump ball back to one of many sophomore teammates, Emily Neuhauser of Sullivan quickly kicked into game mode by stealing the ball and dribbling it back scoring a 2-pointer to set the mood for the game.

Sullivan began with all starters shooting alongside Neuhauser in quarter one allowing everyone a chance at the basket, though collectively, the team shot just 6-of-16 for a 13-9 lead.

But as the second quarter kicked in, all Meridian could do is hope as Coach McCain’s “deadly duo”, Boyer and Neuhauser dominated, allowing only three points.

“They did their parts, and they looked for each other, and they really are deadly,” said McCain. “Comerford could handle [Boyer], but I don’t feel they had an answer for [Neuhauser].” Read More

Knights Fall to Rams 53-50 in Overtime Thriller

Posted on December 23, 2014 by webmasterDecember 23, 2014

December 24, 2014

Similar, previous shooting woes continue to plague ALAH

By Matthew Kracht
NP Sport Reporter

What might have been a remarkable comeback victory instead turned into Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond’s second loss in as many games. A hot shooting Shelbyville team raced out to a big third quarter lead only to watch it disappear after a 10-point fourth quarter run by the Knights. ALAH missed a layup at the buzzer, resulting in an extra four minutes where the Rams held on for the victory. Shelbyville improves to 4-3 on the season while the Knights now sit at 5-2.

With 20 seconds left in the game the Knights trailed by three. The inbounds pass found Tyler Schuring, who pump faked before rising up and knocking down a three with the game on the line.

“I think Tyler is pressing a little bit right now,” said head coach Dale Schuring. “He did not shoot well versus St. Teresa, and he struggled early tonight. He is willing to make the plays and take the shots. You gotta live with that, but Tyler has got to let the game [come] to him a little better.” Read More

Tuscola’s Size Too Much For OV in Second Loss of Season

Posted on December 17, 2014 by webmasterDecember 17, 2014

Photo by Keith Stewart
Okaw Valley freshman Paige Robinson drives to the basket Monday night. After playing nearly all the JV game beforehand, Robinson was a much needed shoulder in the varsity game, which she started. Robinson led the Timberwolves with eight points in her team’s 45-26 loss.

December 17, 2014

OV still sit at 7-2 on year

by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

Okaw Valley and Tuscola each had one thing in common Monday night: they both entered with just one loss on the season and to the same foe: Sullivan.

But Tuscola’s near uniform size advantage proved too much for Okaw Valley as the Lady Timberwolves fell 26-45.

Tuscola’s size proved most formidable in both rebounds and lane penetration. The Lady Warriors out rebounded Okaw Valley 39-20, with several put-backs.

“Their size I think hurt us a little bit, and we knew coming in that they were a bigger school,” said OV head coach Don Gardner. “With the height advantage, we played as hard as we could, and you can’t coach height. There’s nothing you can do about that, so hats off to them. They played well, ran the floor, rebounded, did what they needed to do to win.” Read More

Female Track Phenom McClain Signs with Ill. State

Posted on December 17, 2014 by webmasterDecember 17, 2014

Photo by Keith Stewart
Okaw Valley senior Amanda McClain signed her letter of intent to become an Illinos State track athlete on December 5. Pictured, left to right: mother Michelle, SOV girls’ track coach Kali Taylor, Amanda McClain, and father Rod.

December 17, 2014

SOV athlete will be Redbird beginning next fall

by Keith Stewart

keith@newsprogress.com

Amanda McClain has already left her mark on girls’ high school track.

She has 11 high school state medals over just three years, including three first place medals. Two of those are from the 4x2 relay that took the top spot both this past spring and in 2012–the year in which SOV also set a state record. Earlier this year, McClain also nabbed the 400m dash, a race she came up seconds short of for first the two prior. She also took third place in the long jump, marking the second consecutive year the SOV program athlete has earned four medals at the state meet.

And she still has her senior year to go.

But McClain recently made another mark–her signature to continue her track career at Illinois State beginning next year after officially singing her letter of intent before classmates December 5 at Okaw Valley high school.

“I couldn’t be more proud of her,” said SOV girls’ head coach Kali Taylor. “It’s been a very rewarding experience for me as a coach to be a part of the success she has had and that she’s brought to the program. She’s definitely leaving a legacy, not only for our track program, but for her competitors, for the state of Illinois, for her teammates, and definitely for her coaches.” Read More

Bulldogs Hand Knights First Loss of the Season, 43-33

Posted on December 17, 2014 by webmasterDecember 17, 2014

Photo by Keith Stewart
The Knights’ Colton Yeakley pauses before going back up for the bucket Tuesday evening. Yeakley left the game with over three minutes left in the first quarter after he was struck above the left eye.

December 17, 2014

Worst night of shooting so far spells ALAH demise

by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

The Knights may have suffered their first loss of the season Tuesday night, but it wasn’t all that bad of a thing.

In fact, for head coach Dale Schuring, it was almost nice.

“Obviously there are a lot of things we didn’t do well– a lot of things we can learn from the game, but the bright spot of it is, we lost by 10, and we couldn’t throw the ball in the ocean,” said the Knights’ head coach. “I mean, if we’re going to shoot like that, we’re not going to beat anybody. I don’t care who it is. They had a very good defense and game plan, but if we make half the shots we normally make, I think we probably come out on top, and that’s not a slight to them, but it’s just who we are and what we do, and tonight we were just awful other than Jeremy [Plank], who I won’t say was consistent but streaky tonight.”

After managing to keep a meager 7-6 lead over St. Teresa after one quarter of play, the Knights succumbed to a 5-0 run in the second, which would be just enough breathing room for the Bulldogs to eventually take and run with it.

While neither team shot well in the opening period, including the Knights’ knocking down just one field goal in addition to their five free throws, the Bulldogs recovered in the second, while Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond continued to miss. Read More

Reeder and Redskins Welcome Former Coach Back with Defeat

Posted on December 17, 2014 by webmasterDecember 17, 2014

Photo by RR Best
Jacob Piper eyes a potential pass inside Saturday against Neoga.

December 17, 2014

Neoga foul trouble aids Redskin victory

by Aaron Dyer
Sullivan Reporter

Layne McMahon’s skill on the opening jump ball of Friday’s varsity boys’ basketball game against Neoga showed a preview of Chester Reeder, yet again, conquering his old mentor. Some believed Neoga’s head coach, Bob Lockart, would improve from last year’s loss to Sullivan but alas Lockart taught Reeder too well for his own good.

Sullivan started off strong in the first quarter scoring six points within the opening three minutes before Neoga had to call a timeout.

When the boys came out from their huddles, the game heated up as Neoga shot down Sullivan’s lead with a 2-pointer and two 3-pointers allowing Sullivan to score only two more points before the quarter ended with an 8-8 stalemate.

“[We] didn’t play very hard, and it showed, especially on defense” Reeder explained, referring to the four 3-pointers Neoga managed between the first and second quarters.

Even with similar moments in the second quarter, the Redskins still displayed their power via Ty Molzen, Nick Frerichs, and Zach Hrvol all draining 2-pointers, and if missed, bringing in the rebound.

While Neoga had racked up the fouls, Sullivan sat in the bonus without a single foul called on them by the end of the half. Read More