Girls Basketball Preview

SIDELINES Compiled from H&R staff and news service reports

More basketball preview Complete rosters, schedules for the girls teams/Thursday

Ex-Panther’s season in peril Purdue point guard Lewis Jackson is out indefinitely after surgery Tuesday to repair a broken foot he suffered in practice last week.

Coach Matt Painter said the injury will keep the former H&R County Player of the Year out until at least February.

Jackson, an Eisenhower graduate, started 30 games as a freshman last Jackson season and averaged a team-best 3.3 assists per game. He was expected to return from two suspensions in time for the No. 7 Boilermakers to play South Dakota State on Friday at the Paradise Jam in the Virgin Islands.

Freshman Kelsey Barlow is expected to get extra minutes in his place.

Right where he wanted him Who needs a deer rifle when you have a lawn ornament?

Mark Brye of Viroqua, Wis., boasts a freezer full of serendipitous venison after a love-crazed 7-point buck dropped dead in his yard after he rammed Brye’s concrete elk lawn statue. Talk about a mismatch: The deer weighed 180 pounds— and the lawn ornament 640 pounds.

And just to make it legal, “Brye claimed the buck with a tag from the Vernon County conservation warden. He laughed at the warden’s tag note: ‘lawn ornament fight — lost.’ ” The statue isn’t doing so hot, either, lying on its side—one of its shattered antlers in five pieces — until Brye can round up friends to get it upright.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

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Millikin women drop opener to UW-Platteville/B7

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It’s Shelby’s time Always a role player, Jackson takes lead for young Raiders

By JUSTIN CONN H&R Staff Writer

MOWEAQUA — For three years, Shelby Jackson has shown up to work and did what she was asked. In fact, she was pretty good at that.

But this year, Jackson — a Central A&M senior — got a promotion whether she wanted it or not. After three years of following leaders like Gabrielle Waddington and Megan Stringer, this is Jackson’s team now.

“There’s a little bit different feel in our gym now,” Central A&M coach Brianna Morrow said. “There’s not many left from the old regime. We’ve had some great leaders, A look at so Shelby’s some of the never really best players in had to be a the area. vocal leader.

She’s been hrpreps/B4-5 very comfortable with: Come in, do my job and not really have to speak up.

There’s no question Shelby is going to have to take more responsibility as far as leadership goes.”

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JACKSON/B5

Herald & Review/Kelly J. Huff

Shelby Jackson has back-to-back double-digit scoring seasons for Central A&M, but this year could see that average tick higher as she becomes the focal point of the offense.

NO. 23 ILLINOIS 80, NORTHERN ILLINOIS 61

Dark day for man in black Jerry Glanville has resigned after three years as head coach of the Portland State Vikings.

This past season, Portland State went 2-9 overall and 1-7 in the Big Sky Conference.

Over Glanville’s tenure the Vikings went 9-24.

Glanville, known for his 3-4 defense as well as a penchant Glanville for wearing black, was hired by the Vikings in 2007 after two seasons as defensive coordinator at Hawaii under June Jones.

He was head coach of the Houston Oilers from 1986-89 and the Atlanta Falcons from 1990-93.

Nine prep players suspended Nine members of two high school girls’ soccer teams have been suspended for their roles in a fight that sparked a brawl in the bleachers.

The suspensions were announced Tuesday by the Rhode Island Interscholastic League. They range from two games to one year. Coaches from both Woonsocket and Tolman high schools also were issued unspecified sanctions.

The fight broke out after two players collided during a Nov. 8 game. A television news camera recorded the girls throwing punches and pulling hair, and fans fought in the bleachers during an awards ceremony.

Online gallery at www.herald-review.com/gallery

Illini get passing grade Paul, Davis lead team past NIU

By MARK TUPPER H&R Executive Sports Editor

CHAMPAIGN — Bruce Weber’s early season basketball class was back in session Tuesday night at the Assembly Hall, and this time there were a few broken pencils and plenty of eraser smudges.

n Close call No. 2 MSU comes back from halftime deficit.

College basketball/B7 Unlike Friday night, when things went A-plus smooth in the season opener, there were glitches and missteps in Tuesday’s 80-61 victory over Northern Illinois.

A 20-point, first-half

Let Judge Judy settle this Reality TV star Tila Tequila filed a lawsuit against San Diego Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman alleging domestic violence.

Attorney Cyrus Nownejad told The Associated Press that Tequila is seeking $1.5 million in damages.

Merriman was arrested by sheriff’s deputies on Sept. 6 after Tequila signed a citizen’s arrest warrant accusing him of battery and false imprisonment at his suburban home.

District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis declined to charge Merriman.

Speak up How many wins will the Illinois basketball team have this year?

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Herald & Review photos/Stephen Haas

Illinois freshman D.J. Richardson scraps to get a ball away from Northern Illinois’ Bryan Hall during the 80-61 Illini win on Tuesday night. Richardson finished with five points as the team overcame a mid-game lull. Below, coach Bruce Weber calls out a play during the second half.

eruption by freshman Brandon Paul, and 14 points and 17 rebounds by Mike Davis helped make sure Illinois came out on top. But the Illini coach found a few things to circle in red as the No. 23 Illini improved to 2-0.

A 14-3 Northern Illinois run to close out the first half chewed into what had been a 19-point Illini lead.

And it helped keep things interesting for the first 11

minutes of the second half.

But a 10-0 run put Illinois back in charge 67-50 with 9:14 to go, and Weber seemed pleased with the way his team responded.

“I thought the first 17 minutes we played pretty good basketball,” Weber said. “It was solid. It was basic. We got stops and scored in transition, just a lot of good things.”

PASSING/B7

All that’s left is role of BCS spoiler Bearcats trying to stay ‘We still have a in hunt for title game chance to prove

By MARK TUPPER

Cincinnati’s Zach Collaros

10 down, just two to go A look at Cincinnati’s run thus far to a potential undefeated regular season: ● Cincinnati 47, Rutgers 15 ● Cincinnati 70, Southeast Missouri State 3 ● Cincinnati 28, Oregon State 18 ● Cincinnati 28, Fresno State 20 ● Cincinnati 37, Miami, Ohio 13 ● Cincinnati 34, South Florida 17 ● Cincinnati 41, Louisville 10 ● Cincinnati 28, Syracuse 7 ● Cincinnati 47, Connecticut 45 ● Cincinnati 24, West Virginia 21 ● Nov. 27 — vs. Illinois, 11 a.m.

(ABC) ● Dec. 5 — at Pittsburgh

H&R Executive Sports Editor

CHAMPAIGN — Until last week, Illinois still had a faint hope it could play in a bowl game.

Until last week, Illinois still had a little Big Ten pride to fight for.

But now — heading into this week’s open date — the incentives have dwindled for a team that is 3-7 and must somehow get motivated to face two final non-conference football foes.

Coach Ron Zook has had his hands full trying to sort out Illinois’ football problems this fall. Getting his team to maintain its enthusiasm and edge for two non-league games would seem to be another tall order.

“I’m not going to lie and say it’s not,” Zook said Tuesday. “The whole idea was that this would be a great

ourselves.’

Ron Zook, Illinois coach

Zook

time to stay focused on what we need to do in order to get better. We’re going to have a chance to get in some (bowl-type) practices, something you don’t get to do the week before Thanksgiving. And we’ll build from there.

“And I’ll tell you what. We have good kids and they will hang in there. Let’s go see what happens. If (Monday) was any indication, there were all there and they hung in there,” Zook said. “I thought we had a good practice.”

Helping Illinois maintain focus is the fact that the next opponent is one of the nation’s six unbeaten teams, a 10-0 Cincinnati squad that is still

hoping to wiggle its way into the national championship game.

“There’s no question our players realize this is one of the top teams in the nation,” Zook said. “We still have a chance to prove ourselves.”

Illinois plays at Cincinnati the day after Thanksgiving, on Friday, Nov. 27. Kickoff is at 11 a.m. Then the Illini return to Memorial Stadium to close the season against Fresno State at 11:30 a.m., Dec. 5.

While an upset victory over Cincinnati would not undo all the missteps Illinois has had through the first 10 games, it would be a shot of positive publicity to upend a previously unbeaten team in a game that will be televised on ABC. Zook said he’s been looking at tape of Cincinnati and sees a group that has impressively weathered a potentially disruptive injury at quarterback.

Tony Pike was playing like an

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girls basketball preview TOUGHEST PLAYERS TO GUARD

BEST SHOOTERS Kriza Allen, Eisenhower — Allen has as pure a shooting stroke as anyone in the area.

She averaged 13 points per game last season and will need even more to improve on last year’s six-win season. Allen is at her best in big moments.

Liz Barter, Mount Zion — A clutch shooter who, when on, can keep the Braves in games with anyone on their schedule. If she establishes some consistency, look out.

Carissa Burge, Central A&M — In limited contributions last season, Burge, right, was impressive. She has great touch when her feet are set and could have a breakout year with the bulk of the Raiders’ backcourt gone from last season.

Abbey Jones, South Central — A 46 percent shooter from 3-point range last season, Jones can take over games with her jumper. She had a 28-point output as her high game last year.

Emily Menichetti, Taylorville — The Tornadoes lack height, but Menichetti and company will keep their team in games with their shooting.

Victoria Wolke, Effingham St. Anthony — Wolke will pass up a shot if it means a better one for a teammate, but when she’s open, she’ll bury it.

Taylor Wood, WarrensburgLatham — She’s given the Cardinals the weapon they needed to help produce points in the halfcourt.

Sam Zerrusen, Effingham — Zerrusen may have to expand her role this year with so many graduation losses, but her strength is shooting — either from behind the arc or after a couple of dribbles on a pullup from 14 feet.

BEST POST PLAYERS Allison Allen, Pana — Allen emerged last year as a sophomore and finished the season averaging 9.7 points per game and earning second-team all-conference honors. She may not double her scoring average because of her team’s depth, but she’ll be capable of those kinds of numbers when her team needs it.

Jade Becker, Mount Zion — The long-armed Becker, below, has gotten stronger and more confident through starting varsity her freshman and sophomore seasons.

She’s been effective (11.5 ppg, 9.4 rpg last year), but this could be a breakout year.

Hillary Bragg, Sullivan — Severely undersized, 5-6 Bragg is effective using her strength and toughness. She averaged 11 ppg and 7 rpg last year and will help give a young team much-needed experience.

Kelsey Dirks, Robinson — When Morayo Akande left Robinson to attend a school in Indianapolis, the Maroons’ hopes fell to the 6-foot-4 sophomore, who appears capable of taking the reins.

Amanda Finley, Shelbyville — The Rams lost their head coach and top four players from last year’s 17-win team, but 5-11 sophomore Amanda Finley will help soften the blow. Even as a freshman, Finely showed she

could score, rebound and play defense in the post effectively on varsity.

Hannah Golden, Flora — Golden flourished as a 5-10 sophomore despite being the Wolves’ third option.

She’ll be their go-to player this season.

Amy Mandrell, MaroaForsyth — Look for a big year from Mandrell, who developed offensively as the season went on last year. The 6footer is effective on the offensive boards and was the team’s best free-throw shooter last year, which should warrant plenty of touches in the Trojans’ offense.

Hailey Oliver, Louisville North Clay — Along with teammate Alyssa Fender, North Clay will be a handful inside. Oliver’s 7.7 points and 6 rebounds per game will go up drastically in her senior season.

Lindsay Troike, Tuscola — Troike will have to provide an inside presence if the Warriors want to continue their run of postseason success.

She has the ability to add significantly to her 8.8 points and 7.4 rebounds per game last year.

H&R file photo

LSA’s Jerica Hawkins, who’s only a sophomore, should be the offensive centerpiece for the Lions this season.

Ebany Brumfield, Olney — There’s not much Brumfield doesn’t do well on the court, which makes her a tough assignment for anyone. She’s at her best in the post, where she can score or set up teammates to score with her ability to pass.

Lexy Carson, MacArthur — Carson causes a dilemma for most defenders. She’s too quick to pressure — she can blow by most defenders with her first step and hit the pullup. But if you give her room, she can bury the 3-pointer.

Shelby Jackson, Central A&M — Jackson causes matchup problems because she can score in the post on smaller defenders, but can play out on the floor against bigger ones.

She can put the ball on the floor and has shooting range that extends to the 3-point line.

Jerica Hawkins, LSA — A quick player with a knack for scoring, Hawkins worked all

offseason on driving left. That will make her tough to stop, even when defenses are designed to do so.

Audrey Matheny, South Central — Only 5-8, Matheny has the quickness and toughness to give opposing post players nightmares.

Meghan Moore, Mount Pulaski — Moore has a knack for finding a way to get to the basket. Once there, she either scores or gets to the free-throw line.

Megan Kroeger, Teutopolis — The Wooden Shoes’ top inside player has the versatility to play effectively outside the post. She’ll give whoever is guarding her fits.

Tara Phelps, Cerro Gordo — A good all-around player, Phelps’ strength is hustle. She can shoot, but if she misses, she hustles after every rebound. And if she doesn’t get the rebound, she’ll steal the ball.

Hillary Shelton, CowdenHerrick/Beecher City — Shelton has played a number of positions in her career, but will be back at guard this season — her best spot. There’s not much on the floor Shelton isn’t skilled at — including passing. She averaged three assists per game last year.

Macy Shupe, Cumberland — Shupe does pretty much everything well offensively. She has good enough height to shoot over defenders, and quickness to go around them.

Holly Wohltman, Charleston — Wohltman is dangerous from anywhere on the court.

She knocked down 32 3-pointers last year, but she’s tall enough (5-11) to score inside and can handle the ball well enough to play point guard.

— H&R Staff Writer Justin Conn

MacArthur’s Lexy Carson

BEST PLAYERS NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT

On the Web Go to www.hrpreps.com for all the scores, stories, statistics, photo galleries, videos and blogs you need for the prep basketball season.

Aly Dial, Central A&M — Dial missed most of last season because of a broken hand and never made the varsity impact coach Brianna Morrow had hoped for. This season, she’ll make teams pay inside for double-teaming Shelby Jackson.

Micah Jones, Cowden-Herrick/ Beecher City — Once she gets used to playing at the high school level and gains some confidence, Jones will be a monster on the inside, particularly on defense.

Erica Hotze, Neoga — Hotze is the most polished of Neoga’s three 6-footers, averaging 4.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game last season.

Hannah Millington, Argenta-Oreana — On a team led by a large group of seniors, Millington — a sophomore — may be exactly what the Bombers need for a successful season.

Ashley Pollard, South Central — As if South Central needed another weapon, Pollard will step up to varsi-

ty on a full-time basis this year and give the Cougars an outstanding outside shooter and solid ball-handler.

Alyssa Riley, Warrensburg-Latham — Riley quietly emerged as the Cardinals’ third-leading scorer last season. Though just 5-9, she gives the Cardinals an inside presence.

Mackenzie Steck, Mount Zion — A sophomore guard, Steck could provide exactly what Mount Zion needs to become a winner this season.

Sammi Thompson, Monticello — Thompson averaged just 4.1 points and 2.6 rebounds per game for the Sages’ varsity team last year, but gained valuable varsity experience and will be the leader of what could be one of the area’s surprise teams.

Faith Wendte, Cowden-Herrick/ Beecher City — Wendte is a sophomore who is steady on both offense and defense, and can score from both inside and outside.

Herald & Review/Kelly J. Huff

Neoga’s Erica Hotze had 13 points in her season debut Monday night against Central A&M.

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2009 DECATUR, ILLINOIS

girls basketball preview BEST DEFENDERS

BEST REBOUNDERS Karli Harshbarger, Monticello — A 5-10 junior, Harshbarger will step into a larger role this year and could be one of the Okaw Valley Conference’s top rebounders.

Shelby Helfrich, South Piatt — A two-time LOVC firstteam selection, she averaged 14.9 points and 11.9 rebounds per game last year. Few conference teams will have any answer for her on the boards.

Haley Fitzgerald, St. Teresa — Despite being 5-foot-8, Fitzgerald has the strength, toughness and hops to be a force on the boards. With Alex Reynolds gone, she’ll be counted on even more to control the glass.

Leah Grunloh, Effingham St. Anthony — A 5-10 sophomore, Grunloh is one of St. Anthony’s only tall players.

She’s athletic in addition to her height, so she’ll be the Bulldogs’ main weapon on the glass against bigger teams.

Brittany O’Dell, Charleston — O’Dell, below, was second on the team to Stephanie Harper in rebounding last year, and a dedicated offseason in the weight room should make her an even stronger force this year.

Bianca Castelli, Warrensburg-Latham — On a team full of quick, feisty players, Castelli is the most effective.

She had 98 steals last season and leads what is at times a nearly impossible press to break.

Megan DeWerff, Pana — DeWerff is a player opposing guards hate to face. She hounds ball-handlers on the press with her quickness and hard-nosed defense.

Kennedy Gabel, Cumberland — Gabel is a solid scorer, but it’s her athleticism all over the court that sets her apart. Gabel is a solid oneon-one defender and also reads the passing lanes well.

Brielle Jones, DeLand-Weldon — After two years of watch-

Herald & Review/Kelly J. Huff

Central A&M’s Shelby Jackson had 16 points, seven rebounds, five steals and four blocks as the Raiders’ debuted with a 47-41 win over Neoga on Monday night.

JACKSON Continued from B1

BEST PASSERS Raechel Buckner, Tuscola — A solid all-around player who should increase her scoring average (6.7 ppg last year). But her greatest strength is getting teammates involved.

Molly Tarter, Neoga — Tarter averaged 3.5 assists per game in 24 games as a sophomore. She has has three 6-footers she can deliver the ball to.

Whitney Thompson, LSA — Thompson is a solid decision-maker with the ball who will have to shoot it more this season with the loss of the Lions’ inside game.

SPORTS B5

Jackson had a pretty good run as a follower. Her sophomore year, Jackson averaged 11 points per game for the Raiders’ Class 1A third-place finisher. Last year, she scored 12 points and had seven rebounds per game for A&M’s Okaw Valley regular-season and tournament champion.

But this season, with a team around her with little varsity experience, the 6-footer can no longer just show up and just do her job.

“It may take a little time for her to learn exactly what it means to be a leader, but I think Shelby is ready for that, and she has big enough shoulders to handle that,” Morrow said.

Jackson admitted it’s taking some getting used to.

“I’ve always been one of the younger ones, and I’d always been a follower,” Jackson said. “This was the first time I’d felt old in the gym. Being one of the head dogs is definitely different.”

While Morrow is confident in Jackson’s ability to carry the weight of being the team’s leader, it will be a heavy load.

Jackson’s leadership must always be present for A&M — on the floor, in practice and in the locker room.

On the floor, it means continuing to expand an alreadylong list of talents — mainly more shots coming off screens, more creating her own opportunities and more 3-pointers.

“We have to make sure she gets as many touches as we can get her, so we’ll be using her in some different capacities, like bringing her out from the post at times,” Morrow said. “We know she’s going to see a lot more double-teams down on the block, so we may have to find other ways to put her in a position to score.”

Jackson doesn’t seem daunted.

“I don’t look at it as a burden — if there’s a shot that needs taken, I’ll take it,” Jackson said. “And I’m also willing to pass if that’s what it takes. I’ll do what it takes to help us win.”

In addition to scoring, Jackson will be in charge of making sure her teammates are playing the type of basketball that’s come to be expected at A&M. “She’s not used to playing with a lot of these kids, but she’s going to have to find a way to get them at the level we need them to be at,” Morrow said. “It will be a case where sometimes she’ll have to figure out a way to inspire them and motivate them.”

Being a more vocal leader, sometimes it will mean yelling.

“That is tough, because the freshmen were in junior high when we went to state, and I’ve noticed they’re a little scared sometimes, so you have to be careful with them,” Jackson said. “But for the most part, we’ve adapted well together, so there shouldn’t be many problems.

I’ve only really yelled at a couple of them, and it wasn’t too bad.”

Jackson has a full plate, but she won’t be expected to do everything. The key for A&M this year will be providing Jackson with a supporting cast. Carissa Burge showed flashes of being a scoring threat last year, but she and several teammates, including point guard Kerstin Kresin and forward Aly Dial, will have to produce more this season.

“We need to put some pieces along with her,” Morrow said. “We had two phenomenal classes of kids, and they had to be on the floor for us. So that’s meant some of these kids haven’t seen as much time as maybe we’d liked for them to. Against the top competition, we’re going to have to have Carissa Burge and some kids other than Shelby step up for us.” jconn@herald-review.com|421-7971

ing her collect block after block, teams are careful not to take the ball near her in the lane. But if they do, Jones will be ready.

Becky Niebrugge, Teutopolis — The key to success for the Wooden Shoes is always defense, and Niebrugge will be their lockdown defender in the backcourt this season.

Val Sobol, Maroa-Forsyth — Sobol has quick feet from playing soccer, and also toughness. Her arms are deceptively long, helping her get to balls in passing lanes.

Tiara Thomas, Eisenhower — Thomas, below, always guard the other team’s best player — a source of pride for a player who is also the Panthers’ leading scorer (14 ppg).

RECENT AWARD WINNERS Area Player of the Year Connie Ruholl, Teutopolis Courtney Porter, Hume Shiloh Becky Clayton, Sullivan Carinna Elder, Sullivan Jody Sanders, Mattoon Carrie Weber, Teutopolis Gina Bloemer, Teutopolis Allison Curtin, Taylorville Allison Curtin, Taylorville Allison Curtin, Taylorville Molly McDowell, Nokomis Jodi Heiden, Altamont Va’Nicia Waterman, Nokomis Sara Stevenson, Olney Julianne McMillen, Pana Brittany Johnson, Olney Brittany Johnson, Olney Brittany Johnson, Olney Olivia Lett, Pana Megan Stringer, Central A&M

1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Macon County Player of the Year 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Tina Ames, Mount Zion Tina Ames, Mount Zion Jana Albrecht, Mount Zion Amy Lowe, Niantic-Harristown La Toya Johnson, Eisenhower Sherry Austin, Warrensburg-Latham Amanda Garretson, Argenta-Oreana K.C. Hammond, Eisenhower Kristy Duncan, Warrensburg-Latham Carlin Long, Mount Zion Carlin Long, Mount Zion Jennifer Carroll, Warrensburg-Latham Lindsey McCool, Maroa-Forsyth Meagan Scaggs, Mount Zion Monica Rogers, St. Teresa Monica Rogers, St. Teresa Raisa Taylor, Eisenhower Raisa Taylor, Eisenhower Raisa Taylor, Eisenhower Hillary King, LSA Lexy Carson, MacArthur

BEST BALL-HANDLERS St. Teresa’s Holly Haskins, right, will run the point this year for the Bulldogs.

Jessica Etter, Pana — Etter’s quickness will make the Pana fast break tough to stop.

Holly Haskins, St. Teresa — She has the height to see over defenders, the strength to handle pressure and a quick pull-up 3-point shot at the top of the key if the defense sags.

Kerstin Kresin, Central A&M — The Raiders have less room for error this season, which will put the pressure on Kresin to play well. But it’s an opportunity the senior has waited for.

Kelly McHugh, Effingham St. Anthony — Handling

pressure won’t be a problem for the Bulldogs this season, particularly with the ball in McHugh’s hands.

Miranda Murray, MacArthur — A smooth, slick ballhandler, Murray will take on more of that responsibility this year with Tenia Singleton graduated.

Haley Sparks, Charleston — Stephanie Harper received most of the attention last year, and it was welldeserved. But Sparks runs the Trojans’ offense well, and her defense on the perimeter (3.9 steals per game) leads to a lot of

easy baskets.

Taylor Stevenson, Olney — An all-around player with the ability to score (11 ppg) and play defense (2.0 steals per game). But her most important contribution may be her ability to limit mistakes while running the team at point guard with a calm, cool demeanor.

Jessica Zavoral, Altamont — Zavoral gives Altamont an unflappable leader on the court. She runs the offense well and has the ability to take defenders off the dribble.

— H&R Staff Writer Justin Conn

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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2009

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Megan DeWerff is back for another season at Pana and will be one of the veterans trying to keep the momentum the Panthers gained during the second half of last season.

Pana making cents Experienced Panthers will rely on hard work to again be competitive

By LEROY BRIDGES H&R Staff Writer

PANA — A penny for a hard day of practice is all Pana’s girls basketball team wants.

Monetarily it’s nothing, but mentally it’s everything.

When the Panthers take the floor for their first game against Belleville East on Friday, they want to know they did everything possible in practice. That’s why coach J.R. Boudouris gives his team a penny with the hope that the Panthers are doing at least what Belleville has done in preparation for the season opener.

“It’s hard to quantify whether things are going well or not in practice,” Boudouris said. “It’s a source of pride.”

Boudouris knows earning 17 pennies — the number of practices from the beginning until Friday — doesn’t guarantee a win. But he knows it means his team did what it could to be ready for a game that the Panthers will be the underdog in as the smaller school.

“It’s with that underdog mentality,” Boudouris said about his team’s preseason preparation. “We have to make sure we’re doing everything work ethic wise.”

Hard work is something Boudouris is starting to expect from the group he has. After finishing 27-4 and making the Sweet

‘We constantly preach to our kids, go as hard as you can as long as you can ...’

J.R. Boudouris, Pana coach 16 in 2008, last season was one giant learning experience. The team had only two seniors and hard work was one of the things Boudouris could count on from game to game.

“I could count on one hand the number of times where I felt like we weren’t in a game last year,” Boudouris said. “We were just very competitive.”

After going 7-8 before January, the Panthers finished the season 76, including a two-point win against Nokomis in regionals. During that time, then-sophomore Allison Allen established herself as a legitimate post player and earned second team all-South Central Conference honors.

“She has really come a long way,” senior guard Megan DeWerff said about Allen. “She started out timid, but she has gotten so much stronger and this season we’re counting on her.”

Allen, DeWerff and junior point

guard Jessica Etter are three starters who anchor Boudouris’ lineup and were direct recipients of available playing time last season.

Now, the trio leads a team hoping to make a postseason run similar to 2008’s team.

“Megan’s a hard-nosed kid who’s worked extremely hard the last three years at making herself better offensively,” Boudouris said.

“And Jessica leads the break as well as anybody I’ve ever had.

“They know we have the potential to be even more successful than last year,” Boudouris said.

The list of contributors doesn’t stop there. In six years of coaching, this is Boudouris’ deepest team. He believes he can count on 10 girls to play consistent minutes, which will allow him to push the ball offensively and pressure the ball defensively.

“There have been times where, due to foul trouble, we have had to back off the pressure, but it’s going to be a situation where we can go full throttle,” Boudouris said. “We constantly preach to our kids, go as hard as you can as long as you can and we will get someone else in to do the same thing.”

The Panthers will put their 17pennies worth of hard work to the test in their opener Friday at Belleville East. lbridges@herald-review.com|421-6970

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TEAMS MOST LIKELY TO REACH 20 WINS

TEAMS ONE PIECE AWAY Altamont — Former Teutopolis player Nikki Bloemer inherits an undersized but experienced team that will push the ball when possible. Defense could be an issue, but the talent is there for at least 15 wins.

Central A&M — The Raiders lost five seniors who all contributed to the team’s success the last two years, but coach Brianna Morrow still has some pieces to work with.

Though this year’s team may lack the depth of the last two, Shelby Jackson is a prolific scorer with the ability to take her game up to an even higher level. She’ll have help on the perimeter in Carissa Burge and a freshman class that should yield some varsity players.

Alyssa Riley, above, is one of the players expected to lead another run by the Warrensburg-Latham club. Olney coach Brent McKinney, below, again has enough impact players to win at least 20 games.

Charleston — Stephanie Harper — the school’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder — is definitely a major loss. But players like Holly Wohltman and Brittany O’Dell have the talent to keep Charleston winning games. The Trojans will need someone to step into Harper’s role as leader to repeat last year’s success.

Cowden-Herrick/Beecher City — Though young, the Hornets have the talent to surpass last year’s 18win season with a group of offensive-minded sophomores. The key will be how the Hornets take to coach Carolyn Wendte’s pressure defensive system. Senior Hillary Shelton’s leadership will be key for an otherwise youthful group that includes potentially dominating freshman center Micah Jones.

Cumberland — Only two players are gone from last year’s 20-game winner, which was the best team in Cumberland history. The Pirates will have height and the area’s topscoring guard combination in Macy Shupe and Kennedy Gabel.

Olney — A program that has been one of the strongest in the area for 20 years made just its second state tournament appearance last year behind some good senior leaders and a pair of talented sophomores in Ebany Brumfield and Taylor Stevenson. They’ll have to provide the leadership this year if the Tigers want to make a repeat trip.

Pana — The Panthers return three starters and five other players who saw playing time last season in what was a rebuilding year — a 15-14 record with no regional title for the first time since 2000-01.

This year, behind junior Allison Allen and a deep group of guards, Pana will compete for a conference title in the tough South Central

Cerro Gordo — If a large group of underclassmen can mature quickly and mix with a group of three seniors led by Tara Phelps, the Broncos could surpass their 10-win season from last year.

Effingham — The Hearts have no replacements for last year’s top post players Kelsey Mosher and Brittany Shadowens. But Effingham will still be a tough out with sharpshooter Sam Zerrusen leading the way.

East, and one area coach predicted a long postsesaon run for the Panthers.

South Central — A talented group of juniors broke out last season and led South Central to a 19-win season and a regional title. This year, they’re seniors and looking for an even bigger season. Forward Audrey Matheney and guard Abbey Jones lead a team that will be even more dangerous this year with the emergence of junior guard Ashley Pollard.

Teutopolis — No T-Town team has failed to win 20 games since 1990-91, and though its streak of 17 straight years with a regional title ended last season, this year’s team has the talent and versatility to start a new streak. Five Wooden Shoes return with varsity experi-

ence, including leading scorer Megan Kroeger. Expect the Shoes to have a deep bench and several players with the ability to play both down low and out on the floor, which should cause mismatches against most teams.

Warrensburg-Latham — No area team has deployed a better fullcourt pressure defense than the Cardinals the past two seasons, and last year it began to pay off.

Warrensburg won its first 12 games before struggling at times late in the season and falling in a regional title game matchup against Virginia/A-C Central. What the Cardinals lack in height, they make up with quickness and experience. The key will be how well they can score in the halfcourt offense.

Effingham St. Anthony — The Bulldogs lost four starters from last year’s 20-game winner, but shouldn’t suffer a major falloff with the return of Victoria Wolke, Kelly McHugh and Lena Grunloh. Lack of height will be St. Anthony’s biggest concern, but the Bulldogs counter with good shooters and a tough defense.

Flora — The Wolves had an outstanding 21-win campaign last year, but lost three all-conference players to graduation. Some younger players will have to step up, but they should still post their seventh straight winning season

From the coaches Here’s a look at conference predictions as voted on by area league coaches.

Apollo

BIGGEST SLEEPER TEAMS potential scoring threat in Sammi Thompson. Plus, Monticello’s JV teams recorded 14-0 and 13-1 records, respectively, the last two seasons.

Argenta-Oreana — After going winless in the Okaw Valley Conference last year, the Bombers could string together a good season with five seniors with a good mix of height and shooting ability.

Mount Pulaski — After winning 10 games a season ago, the Hilltoppers are ready to burst onto the scene as one of the area teams to beat with the duo of Meghan Moore and Ashley Southerlan.

Brownstown — Though just a seven-win team last year, Brownstown has quickness and athletic ability up and down its roster.

Using an up-tempo style, Brownstown may have the ability to wear down its opponents and increase its win total this season.

Casey-Westfield — The Warriors have all the pieces for a breakout year, and should easily top last year’s nine-win mark. Kara Repp is a force in the post and Amanda Tiffin was an all-conference first-team selection last year.

Eisenhower — Guard play hasn’t been a problem for the Panthers in recent years, and that will continue this year. Senior Tiara Thomas and junior Kriza Allen are solid performers, and the roster is loaded with capable backcourt players. Eisenhower’s weakness has been lack of height, and though that could still be an issue this season, 5-foot11 sophomore Marshaya Sangster is a solid start. But she’ll need help.

Tiara Thomas is back to provide some punch for Eisenhower.

Louisville North Clay — After taking North Clay to its first regional title two years ago, coach Curtis Thompson will field a team that has the potential to do the same.

The key will be how much seniors Alyssa Fender and Hailey Oliver can step up their games.

Monticello — The Sages lost five of their top six players from last season, and their leading returning scorer averaged 4.1 points per game. But Monticello has good height in 5-10 Karli Harshbarger and 5-11 Ashley Whitney, and a

Neoga — The Indians have been solid in recent years, but even with the graduation of 3-point bomber Jaimee Roy, this could be a breakout year. They’ll have to grow into their varsity roles fast, and could struggle at times early because of that. But with a front line that goes 5-11, 6-0 and 6-1, a solid point guard in Molly Tarter and the rest of the spots filled up from a group that went 15-1 at JV last year, Neoga could restart a 20-win season streak that ended at nine in a row in 2007-08.

Robinson — The Maroons will miss Morayo Akande on their mission to post a winning record for the first time since 2003-04. But with the inside-outside combination of 6-4 sophomore Kelsey Dirks and senior Jordan Connelly returning, Robinson could be the Apollo’s dark horse.

1. Salem 2. Charleston 3. Robinson 4. Paris 5. Olney 6. Mount Zion 7. Effingham 8. Newton

Little Okaw 1. Hume Shiloh 2. Cerro Gordo 3. Arcola 4. Heritage 5. Tri-County 6. South Piatt 7. Villa Grove 8. Okaw Valley 9. Martinsville 10. Arthur-Lovington

Okaw Valley 1. Tolono Unity 2. Warrensburg-Latham 3. Central A&M 4. Monticello 5. St. Teresa 6. Tuscola 7. Maroa-Forsyth 8. Sullivan 9. Shelbyville 10. Meridian 11. Argenta-Oreana 12. Clinton Rosters and schedules for all of our teams can be found at: www2.heraldreview.com/scoreboard

They are expected a good year in Cerro Gordo where Tara Phelps is one of three experienced seniors. with junior Hannah Golden leading the way.

LSA — The Lions are looking for their fourth 20-win season in five years, and have a good nucleus with Whitney Thompson and Jerica Hawkins. But the losses of Rachel McBride and Christi Rever on the inside will hurt unless LSA can find replacements.

MacArthur — The Generals have offense from their backcourt in Lexy Carson and Miranda Murry, but will have to find a couple of frontcourt presences or rebounding could be a problem. If those concerns are addressed, MacArthur could record its fourth straight winning season.

Maroa-Forsyth — If the Trojans can find some players to build around the inside-outside combination of guard Val Sobol and forward Amy Mandrell, they can compete in the upper portions of the Okaw Valley. Hannah Ford, who has been injured the past two seasons, could be a pleasant surprise for the Trojans.

Mattoon — Kayla Patrem and Paige Roytek lead a Green Wave team capable of eclipsing its 16win total from last season.

Mount Zion — The Braves have a legitimate post threat in Jade Becker and some players who flashed

some shooting touch last year in Liz Barter and Madison Huskey.

They’ll have to show consistency and the ability to handle pressure defense in order to take the next step up from last year’s nine-win season.

St. Teresa — The Bulldogs have limited experience outside of Haley Fitzgerald, Holly Haskins and Mary Walker, but they’ll make up for it with a deep and talented group of newcomers ready to step in.

Expect a breakout year from Haskins, and even bigger rebounding numbers from the undersized Fitzgerald.

Taylorville — The Tornadoes will be small, but they have the shooters to be dangerous — particularly with a defense that will be applying constant pressure. If Taylorville can make the game a scramble, players like Emily Menichetti will be dangerous pulling up from the outside in the open court.

Tuscola — Lindsay Troike in the post and Raechel Buckner in the backcourt provide the Warriors with some experience, but both will have to step up their scoring for Tuscola to go on another postseason run. Defense will definitely be a strength, but the Warriors will need to find at least one other scorer to compete at the top of the Okaw Valley.

TEAMS STILL A YEAR AWAY Arcola — The Purple Riders will have one of their youngest teams in recent memory, with just two returning letter winners. Arcola coach Nancy Stiff will dig deep in the roster early in the season to hopefully find the right combination come postseason.

Arthur-Lovington — The Knights boast some experience and quickness, but will have eight freshmen on varsity and not much height.

Clinton — Josh Williams takes over for a team that won three games last season, but returns four experienced players including Meghan Matthews. Williams’ first goal is to improve the Maroons’ defense.

Lincoln — Since posting back-toback regional titles in 2005 and ’06, the Railers have just 16 total wins, and only one of those came last season.

Meridian — The good news for Meridian is that it loses just two seniors from last year's team. The bad news is that one of them was the Hawks' best player, Lauren Doyle. Meridian has no one player to replace her, but has several capable of more production, including Kristen Doyle and Erica Funk.

Newton — The Eagles could have a tough time topping 10 wins again this season with a roster that features as many freshmen as upperclassmen.

Nokomis — Rachelle McDowell takes over a young team that does boast some quickness, including

leading returning scorer Mandy Smith.

Okaw Valley — With 75 percent of its scoring from last year gone, Okaw Valley will have to dig in on defense and control tempo until it finds out where its points will come from.

Sangamon Valley — The Storm went winless last season and could struggle again this season with a young team and low numbers. But Sangamon Valley will use it as a building year, getting valuable varsity experience for its younger players.

Shelbyville — The Rams lost 90 percent of their scoring from last year. Five-foot-10 sophomore Amanda Finley will provide some scoring punch, but the team is mostly freshmen and sophomores and will have to do the little things — minimizing turnovers and keeping teams off the offensive boards — to compete.

Sullivan — The Redskins graduated most of their experienced players, including leading scorer Lauren Taylor, from last year’s 14win team. Seven of the team’s 14 members are freshmen, sophomores or juniors playing their first year on varsity.

Vandalia — Following an outstanding 28-2 season, the Vandals graduated eight seniors and will field a team with little to no varsity experience. There is some young talent that will benefit from some early playing time.

SIDELINES

Monday, November 16, 2009

Closing the gap

Compiled from H&R staff and news service reports

Rams improving, but still fall short against Saints/B6

Bill Belichick’s stunning gamble failed, and Peyton Manning took advantage by throwing a 1-yard touchdown pass with 13 seconds left that rallied the unbeaten Indianapolis Colts over the New England Patriots 35-34 Sunday night.

Manning’s toss to Reggie Wayne completed the Colts’ comeback from a 17-point deficit. A decision

by Belichick put them in position.

The Patriots coach decided to go for it on fourth-and-2 from their own 28 with 2:08 to go. The pass to Kevin Faulk came up short.

It was the most improbable victory for the Colts (9-0) in their 18game regular-season winning streak, tied for the second-longest in NFL history with New England. It was the first time Belichick’s Patriots had lost when leading by at least 13 in the fourth quarter.

Sports Herald& Review

Blackhawks end tough homestand with OT win/B3

www.herald-review.com

Questions or comments regarding this section? Contact Sports Editor Mike Albright at 421-7909

Gamble keeps Colts unbeaten

B

Juice back in fold next game Zook expects senior to play against Cincy

By MARK TUPPER H&R Executive Sports Editor

Herald & Review/Stephen Haas

Quarterback Juice Williams didn’t play in the Illini’s 21-16 loss against Northwestern on Saturday, but is expected to play Nov. 27 against Cincinnati.

CHAMPAIGN — Illinois’ revolving door at quarterback is spinning back to Juice Williams.

Coach Ron Zook said Sunday that Williams will be the starter when Illinois (3-7) returns to action on Friday, Nov. 27 at unbeaten Cincinnati. Kickoff time for the game may be announced today by ESPN.

Williams, who has been nursing a sprained left ankle, did not play in Saturday’s 21-16 loss to Northwestern. Redshirt freshman Jacob Charest started but struggled in the first half. Eddie McGee played quarterback for two series in the third quarter, but Charest returned and led Illinois to a pair of late touchdowns.

But Zook said he expects Williams to be healthy and wants his senior to have a chance to beat a Cincinnati team that is 10-0 and ranked fifth in

the country.

“We’ll go into this game with Juice as the quarterback,” Zook said. “We owe Juice more than that. Juice is a warrior, a fighter and he’ll be ready to go.

“He probably could have played (against Northwestern) if we had forced the issue.

The doctors didn’t feel that was in the best interest of Juice and that’s what you try to look at.”

Zook said despite the fact that Illinois has no chance to go to a bowl game, he won’t switch

ILLINI/B4

hrpreps GIRLS BASKETBALL PREVIEW

TCU stuck in BCS standings TCU’s big victory wasn’t enough for the Horned Frogs to make a move up the BCS standings.

TCU (10-0) remained behind Florida, Alabama and Texas in the race to the national title game.

The Horned Frogs defeated Utah 55-28 on Saturday night in what figured to be the most difficult game left on their schedule. But they remained stuck in fourth place in Bowl Championship Series standings.

TCU, from the Mountain West Conference, last week became the first team from a league without an automatic BCS bid to break into the top five of the standings this late in a season. BCS standings B2

Kareem appreciates sympathy Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is glad he went public about being treated for a rare form of leukemia because it has given him a chance to reconnect with people.

The NBA’s career scoring leader said Abdul-Jabbar Sunday that since his recent announcement he has been stopped by people in public who wish him well and encourage him about his condition.

“The response has been really intense,” he said. “I didn’t expect it to play out this way, but it’s been wonderful. I’ve got people’s prayers and their support and they ask what they can do. People just want to connect and it’s been beautiful.”

Their reaction has taken the 62year-old six-time NBA MVP by surprise. Abdul-Jabbar was known for being introverted and sullen during his 20-year playing career, often refusing to talk to the media. As a result, he has been a low-profile presence since retiring in 1989 despite his stellar basketball accomplishments at UCLA and in the NBA.

No ordinary kill shot Who needs a deer rifle when you have a lawn ornament?

Mark Brye of Viroqua, Wis., boasts a freezer full of serendipitous venison after a love-crazed 7-point buck dropped dead in his yard after he rammed Brye’s concrete elk lawn statue. Talk about a mismatch: The deer weighed 180 pounds— and the lawn ornament 640 pounds.

And just to make it legal, wrote Bob Lamb of the La Crosse Tribune, “Brye claimed the buck with a tag from the Vernon County conservation warden.

He laughed at the warden’s tag note: ‘lawn ornament fight — lost.’ ”

Speak up How many games will the Illinois men’s basketball team win?

Vote online at: www.herald-review.com/sports

Herald & Review/Stephen Haas

LSA’s Jerica Hawkins helped the Lions to a 22-6 record as a freshman, and this season she should be counted on for more. Hawkins is one of just two LSA players with significant varsity experience.

With poise comes noise LSA’s Hawkins steps into leadership role as a sophomore

By JUSTIN CONN H&R Staff Writer

DECATUR — Jerica Hawkins didn’t say much last season, but she still managed to make a lot of noise.

Joining a team with several established seniors — including H&R All-Macon County First-Teamer Rachel McBride — Hawkins was careful not

to ruffle feathers as a freshman starting varsity.

But once on the court, Hawkins’ game spoke for itself. She scored 17 points in her first varsity game and went on to lead the Lions in scoring as they recorded a 22-6 season, nearly knocking off Central A&M in the regional title game.

“I think one of the rea-

sons she did so well last year was because she was a quiet leader,” LSA coach Mark Burgener said.

“Once our seniors last year saw what she could do, they had no problem with her being part of the mix.

“I thought that was important,” Burgener said. “If you have someone who comes in and acts

like they know they’re good, there can be a rub there. But the team chemistry we had last year with a freshman, a sophomore point guard and three seniors — it was incredible the way they jelled.”

Hawkins was surprised at how easy the transition was.

HAWKINS/B3

n More girls coverage inside See what’s in store for Decatur Christian, LSA, MacArthur, Mount Zion, Eisenhower and St. Teresa with city team previews. hrpreps/B3

n Hoops preview schedule The H&R will kick off the high school basketball season with eight straight days of previews. See Tuesday’s edition for a look at some of the other girls teams from around the area.

The champ arrives

Millikin passes first test in season opener

Win at Phoenix puts Johnson on verge of title

Seniors lead way vs. Rose Hulman

AVONDALE, Ariz. (AP) — When a fluke accident cost Jimmie Johnson a huge chunk of his points lead, he knew there was no more room for error in his bid to win a NASCAR record fourth consecutive championship.

But when it came time to plot a strategy for Phoenix International Raceway, playing it safe was never an option.

Johnson cruised to a dominating victory Sunday that moved him to the edge of history, winning the fourth race of this Chase for the Sprint Cup championship in what his rivals considered a “statement” showing.

JOHNSON/B4

By MIKE ALBRIGHT H&R Sports Editor

Associated Press

Jimmie Johnson’s win at Phoenix on Sunday leaves him needing a 25th-place finish or better to clinch the Sprint Cup title next week.

DECATUR — A month of practice is great to get in shape and find out what the coaches expect. But there is nothing like that first game to really learn what needs work.

Millikin had its share of lessons on Sunday while still managing to do plenty of things well in a seasonopening 68-58 victory over Rose Hulman at the Griswold Center.

“It feels good to get out

and compete,” Millikin senior guard Charles Warren said. “But it showed us what we need to work on.”

With a Millikin squad that could be trying to figure out a starting lineup for awhile, center Joscar Demby called the game a time of “trial and error, seeing what we were going to do.”

What they did was get three freshmen involved, get senior leadership and found a hot-shooting touch in time to win its opener for the seventh straight season.

MILLIKIN/B4

www.herald-review.com

hrpreps

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2009 DECATUR, ILLINOIS

SPORTS B3

girls basketball preview — city teams

ST. TERESA

MACARTHUR

LSA

MOUNT ZION

EISENHOWER

DCS

DECATUR — The success of the St. Teresa girls fall programs was a delight for Bruce Moore to watch.

At the same time, it was a bit troubling as last postseason runs by the volleyball and cross country teams meant a pretty thin roster at times for the Bulldogs basketball coach.

“It was tough to evaluate players,” he said.

But now that they are all in house, Moore is starting to like what he sees despite the loss of a couple of key players.

“I think we’re going to be fine this year,” he said. “We don’t have a lot of height and you have to have height to be successful in the long run.

“But we do have a lot of athletic girls. The girls that we have are a good group.”

He believes he has just the person to take over the spot of Alex Reynolds, who was first-team allMacon County a year ago.

Haley Fitzgerald averaged eight points and eight rebounds as a junior and has been playing at the varsity level since she was a freshman.

“If she wants to, she is a very unselfish player. Sometimes she passes up too many shots,” Moore said. “This year we’ll ask more of her and ask her to be an offensive threat.”

The Bulldogs will surround her with some role players and some youngsters.

He said Lizzy York and Hannah Richards are dangerous from the 3-point arc.

Mary Walker is a sneaky quick defender and Holly Haskins is capable at the point guard spot.

“She is a mismatch for a lot of point guards because her heighth, strength and athleticism,” Moore said.

DECATUR — MacArthur is the only area team that can boast three players of the year in its program, and that should help the Generals to another successful season — even if two of those three are coaches.

After going 20-10 last season with the program’s first sectional title appearance, the Generals graduated four of their six top players and also lost their coach when H&R Macon County Coach of the Year Eric Newbon left to become Eisenhower’s boys coach.

But last year’s county player of the year Lexy Carson gives new coach Gwen Muex — the 1983 county player of the year —a major building block. And Muex will have plenty of help coaching an otherwise mostly young team with two-time county player of the year Monica Rogers (at St. Teresa in 2003 and ’04) coming back to Decatur after a successful four-year career at Bradley to be one of Muex’s assistants.

Muex, a 1983 Stephen Decatur grad, previously coached the varsity girls at Stephen Decatur in the school’s final season, then coached several years at the junior high level.

“I took last year off from coaching, but when I heard they had an opening at MacArthur and people weren’t applying, I felt bad for those girls,” Muex said. “I didn’t feel like I was done coaching, so I decided to get back in and help these young ladies.”

Carson emerged as a legitimate scoring threat last year with 17.4 points per game, and may have to score even more this year to lead a Generals team with just one other player with significant varsity experience. That player, Miranda Murry, gives MacArthur an outside scoring threat. And Muex expects sophomore Sydney Sturdivant to have a breakout season.

DECATUR — LSA coach Mark Burgener’s message to his team this season is: If you’re not moving at breakneck speed, you’re doing it wrong.

With no height to speak of after the graduation of 5-11 post players Rachel McBride and Christi Rever, the Lions will have to rely on their quickness to get their third 20-win season in the past four year and fifth straight conference title.

“We’re not going to have size, so for us it’s going to be all about transition offense and pressure defense,” Burgener said. “We have to emphasize our quickness — that’s our asset. And to make that work, we’re going to have to be in good condition and out-hustle our opponents.”

The key will be Jerica Hawkins — both her ability to score and the team’s ability to take advantage of defenses designed to stop her from scoring.

“Jerica’s scoring will be important to us, but her willingness to pass will be just as important,” Burgener said.

“This group is young, but the nice thing is they’ve played together since junior high and know how to use their strengths.”

While LSA won’t have the height and experience of recent teams, Burgener said shooting will be a strength with sophomore Jamie Schollenbruch, sophomore Ariana Shelton and junior Whitney Thompson.

MOUNT ZION — Hopefully a good summer means a better winter for the Mount Zion Braves.

“We had a really good summer,” Braves coach Jeff Shumate said. “We played very well and some girls stepped up to fill some of the roles from our seniors who graduated last year. I think we have a lot of options this year.”

The biggest option will again be 6-foot junior Jade Becker (11.5 ppg, 9.4 rpg), who has gotten bigger, stronger and maybe gained some more confidence through her summer play and her success during volleyball season.

Becker already holds the school’s single-season records for offensive rebounds, defensive rebounds and total rebounds.

“She’s going to hopefully have a good game every night,” Shumate said. “We need to get some early low post scores to help open things up for us.”

Mount Zion got off to a nice start before hitting Apollo Conference play. The Braves lost 10 of its last 11.

Part of the reason was turnovers.

But Shumate feels that has improved as Madison Huskey will be joined by Nicole Weaver and Haley Mathes.

“I feel comfortable with all three of them handling the ball,” he said.

Expected to provide some help on the offensive end are senior guard Liz Barter (6.0 ppg) and Huskey, who seemed to come through more in the bigger games. Huskey averaged 4.4 points last season but had 16 against MacArthur and 13 against Olney.

DECATUR — If the summer is any indication of how much success Eisenhower will have this year, then the Panthers are set for a good season.

Eisenhower coach Chris Seider was ecstatic with the commitment he got from his team and that translated into results. The group worked nearly every day during the summer and competed in 27 games finishing with a record of 24-3.

“That was a huge step for us because last year we really under achieved,” Seider said about the summer success compared to last season’s 6-21 record. “The talent’s always been there, it was just a matter of mixing the right people together.”

Seider has a veteran group that’s led by 10 seniors and two juniors of the 13-person roster. The experience combined with each player knowing and understanding her role sets up for what Seider expects to be a quality year.

“I am sure at 6-21 with 12 returners not many people expect a lot from this group,” Seider said. “But I do.”

The group is plenty ready for tonight’s intrasquad scrimmage and then it opens the season with Sacred Heart Griffin.

“It’s going to be a tough game for us,” Seider said.

“But the girls had a taste of success this summer and they want that to continue.”

DECATUR — With the departure of three starters and no seniors on this year’s team, Decatur Christian is going to need some time to develop.

DCS has only one junior, Keirstyn Spangler, on the team and its also breaking in first-year coach Tom Grady.

The team’s other starter from a year ago is sophomore Hannah Guske.

“Guske didn’t score a lot last year, but in practice she seems to be able to shoot the ball pretty well,” Grady said.

Grady is also hoping the addition of freshman Carly Robinson helps the team progress throughout the year.

Robinson will be the team’s post player.

“She looks like she can get the job done down low,” Grady said about Robinson.

Grady knows the season will be one of learning and progression. The team has six sophomores, including Guske, and four freshmen, including Robinson.

“There’s no substitute to having seniors and experience,” Grady said. “I am sure by the end of the year, we should be coming into our own.”

Quick peek COACH: Bruce Moore LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 13-14 TOP RETURNERS: Mary Walker (Sr.); Holly Haskins (Jr.); Haley Fitzgerald (Sr.) TOP NEWCOMERS: Katie Landry (Jr.); Claire Raycraft (So.); Erin Hettinger (So.); Marie Hogan (Sr.); Jamie Brown (Jr.); Raeshel Braden (Jr.)

Roster Fitzgerald, Haley Hogan, Marie Richards, Hannah Walker, Mary York, Lizzy Braden, Raeshel Brown, Jamie Haskins, Holly Landry, Katie Hettinger, Erin Raycaft, Claire Rogers, Jordan Duncan, Ann

5-9 5-7 5-4 5-6 5-6 5-8 5-4 5-8 5-10 5-4 5-10 5-9 5-4

Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. So. So. Fr.

Schedule Nov. 18 vs. St. Joseph-Ogden in Riverton, 5 p.m.

Nov. 19 vs. Clinton in Riverton, 8 p.m.

Nov. 20 vs. Riverton in Riverton, 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 23 Sangamon Valley, 7 p.m.

Nov. 24 at Cerro Gordo, 7 p.m.

Nov. 30 Warrensburg-Latham, 7 p.m.

Dec. 3 Sullivan, 7 p.m.

Dec. 5 at LSA, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 7 Central A&M, 7 p.m.

Dec. 10 at Argenta-Oreana, 7 p.m.

Dec. 14 Tolono Unity, 7 p.m.

Dec. 17 at Maroa-Forsyth, 7 p.m.

Dec. 19 at Springfield SH-Griffin, 7 p.m.

Jan. 4-9 at Macon County Tournament Jan. 11 Tuscola, 7 p.m.

Jan. 14 Monticello, 7 p.m.

Jan. 18 at Clinton, 7 p.m.

Jan. 20 at Mount Zion, 7 p.m.

Jan. 21-28 OKAW Tournament Feb. 1 at Shelbyville, 7 p.m.

Feb. 4 at Meridian, 7 p.m.

HAWKINS Continued from B1 “As a freshman coming in, I thought the varsity players might give me a hard time,” she said. “There was Rachel — she was so tall and one of the best post players in the county, so that was kind of intimidating. And I thought the high school game, in general, was going to be more difficult. But it all seemed to come natural. The seniors were nice and they accepted me, and we had a lot of fun.”

This season, Hawkins will be forced to take a larger leadership role — along with junior teammate Whitney Thompson — as well as develop the skills she’ll need to maximize her considerable potential.

Normally, sophomores aren’t counted on for much leadership. But Hawkins is one of only two LSA players with significant varsity experience.

“That’s a lot of responsibility for young players, but I think Jerica welcomes that,” Burgener said. “I think it comes natural to her. She’s a competitor. Neither Jerica nor Whitney like to lose. I don’t have any reservations

COACH: Gwen Muex LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 20-10 TOP RETURNERS: Lexy Carson (Sr., G); Miranda Murry (Sr., G) TOP NEWCOMERS: Sydney Sturdivant (So., F)

Roster F G G C F F F G G G F C

COACH: Mark Burgener LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 22-5, 12-0 East Central Illinois TOP RETURNERS: Whitney Thompson (Jr., G); Jerica Hawkins (So., G) TOP NEWCOMERS: Ariana Shelton (So., G); Jamie Schollenbruch (So., G); Kylie Laskowski (So., F); Rachel McCormick (Sr., G)

Roster

Quick peek

Brown, Shay Carson, Lexy Murray, Miranda Parsons, TaCharra Tarvin, Kaylyn Allyn, Maegan Bond, Ashley Cooper, T’Nasha Roberts, Natalee Stanley, Taylor Sturdivant, Sydney Prim, Aarhianna

Quick peek

Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. So. So. So. So. So. Fr.

Schedule Nov. 24-28 at Mount Zion Tournament Dec. 3 Champaign Central, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 5 at Jacksonville, 4 p.m.

Dec. 10 at Normal West, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 11 Eisenhower, 6 p.m.

Dec. 19 at Mattoon, 4 p.m.

Dec. 28-30 at Mattoon Holiday Tourn.

Jan. 7 at Urbana, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 12 Springfield SH-Griffin, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 14 at Bloomington, 7:45 p.m.

Jan. 16 Champaign Cent., 2:30 p.m.

Jan. 21 Normal, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 28 Normal West, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 2 at Eisenhower, 6 p.m.

Feb. 4 Danville, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 6 at Normal, 2:30 p.m.

Feb. 9 at Mount Zion, 7 p.m.

Feb. 11 Bloomington, 7:45 p.m.

TIPOFF TIME Today’s girls basketball games Mount Pulaski at Heyworth, 7 p.m.

Oblong at Martinsville, 7:30 p.m.

Lawrenceville at Robinson, 7 p.m.

Bloomington at Normal University High, 6 p.m.

Cowden-Herrick at South Central, 7 p.m.

Cumberland at Louisville North Clay, 7 p.m.

Argenta-Oreana at Arcola, 7:15 p.m.

Arthur at Meridian, 7 p.m.

Chrisman at Villa Grove, 7:30 p.m.

Heritage at Sangamon Valley, 7:30 p.m.

Shelbyville at Okaw Valley, 7 p.m.

South Piatt at Cerro Gordo, 7:30 p.m.

Neoga at Central A&M, 7 p.m.

LeRoy at Warrensburg-Latham, 6 p.m. about either of their abilities to step into that role.”

While off the court Hawkins admitted she doesn’t always have a lot to say, that changes when she’s competing in the game she first started playing at 3 years old.

“I’m shy in the classroom, but on the basketball court, I’m a whole different person,” Hawkins said. “I love basketball. It means a lot to me and I think that shows when I’m on the floor.”

McCormick, Rachel Buhr, Jennifer Thompson, Whitney Hawkins, Jerica Laskowski, Kylie Sack, Rebekah Schollenbruch, Jamie Shelton, Ari

Sr. Jr. Jr. So. So. So. So. So.

Schedule Nov. 17 vs. Williamsville in Riverton, 8 p.m.

Nov. 19 vs. Mount Zion in Riverton, 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 20 vs. Virginia in Riverton, 5 p.m.

Nov. 24 at Sangamon Valley, 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 27-28 Sangamon Valley Tourn.

Nov. 30 Champaign Judah Christian, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 3 at Normal Calvary Baptist, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 5 St. Teresa, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 8 DeLand-Weldon, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 11 University Laboratory High School, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 14 at Christ Lutheran, 6 p.m.

Dec. 19 Warrensburg-Latham, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 21 at Okaw Valley, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 26-30 at Okaw Valley Christmas Tournament Jan. 12 at Decatur Christian, 6:15 p.m.

Jan. 15 Calvary Baptist Academy, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 16 at Maroa-Forsyth, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 19 at DeLand-Weldon, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 22 at University Laboratory High School, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 25 Christ Lutheran School, 6 p.m.

Jan. 28 at Champaign Judah Christian, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 2 at Springfield Lutheran, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 5 Decatur Christian, 6:15 p.m.

Hawkins averaged 15.5 points per game last year, but Burgener said there’s room for improvement.

“She’s got great natural athleticism,” Burgener said.

“There’s so much potential there, and I don’t think we’ve come anywhere near seeing the best that Jerica can deliver out on the court. And that’s exciting.”

Burgener said the two aspects Hawkins needs the most work on are using her left hand to drive and defense.

“To be successful at the highest level in high school, you have to be able to use both hands. You don’t want to be predictable,” Burgener said. “But I’d say her biggest weakness is defense. You’d never know it by looking at her stats, because she had tons of steals last year. And I don’t think she’d admit to that. But she gets by a lot with her athletic ability.

“We’ve been working a lot on proper defensive spacing and positioning,” Burgener said. “I think if she comes along and takes that instruction, people are going to see a really complete, dominant allaround player.” jconn@herald-review.com|421-7971

Quick peek COACH: Jeff Shumate LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 9-19, 2-12 TOP RETURNERS: Jade Becker (Jr., C); Liz Barter (Sr., G); Madison Huskey (Sr., G); Kendra Schaub (Sr., G); Megan Perry (Sr., F); Nicole Weaver (So., G); Haley Mathes (Jr., G) TOP NEWCOMERS: Bailey Atkins (Jr., G); Mackenzie Steck (So., G); Rachel Huggins (So., F)

Roster Barter, Liz Huskey, Madison Schaub, Kendra Atkins, Bailey Becker, Jade Mathes, Haley Perry, Megan Frey, Jordan Huggins, Rachel MacIntosh, Olivia Steck, Mackenzie Weaver, Nicole

G G G G C G F G F F G G

Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. So. So. So. So.

Schedule Nov. 17 vs. Virginia in Riverton, 5 p.m.

Nov. 19 vs. LSA in Riverton, 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 20 vs. Williamsville in Riverton, 8 p.m.

Nov. 24-28 at Mount Zion Thanksgiving Tournament Nov. 30 at Charleston, 7 p.m.

Dec. 3 Olney East Richland, 7 p.m.

Dec. 7 Paris, 7 p.m.

Dec. 10 at Newton, 7 p.m.

Dec. 14 at Robinson, 7 p.m.

Dec. 18 at Effingham, 7 p.m.

Dec. 26-30 at Okaw Valley Christmas Tournament Jan. 4 at Salem, 7 p.m.

Jan. 7 Charleston, 7 p.m.

Jan. 11 at Paris, 7 p.m.

Jan. 14 at Olney, 7 p.m.

Jan. 20 St. Teresa, 7 p.m.

Jan. 25 Newton, 7 p.m.

Jan. 28 Robinson, 7 p.m.

Feb. 1 Effingham, 7 p.m.

Feb. 4 Salem, 7 p.m.

Feb. 9 MacArthur, 7 p.m.

Schedule

Quick peek COACH: Chris Seider LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 6-21, 2-11 Big 12 TOP RETURNERS: Tiara Thomas (Sr.), Kriza Allen (Jr.), Tyniesha Cardwell (Sr.), Kari Fabley (Sr.) TOP NEWCOMERS: Marshaya Sangster (So.), Maya Houston (Jr.), Zemeka Fuller (Sr.)

Schedule Nov. 18 at Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin, 6 p.m.

Nov. 24-28 at Mount Zion Tournament Dec. 3 at Normal, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 10 at Urbana, 6 p.m.

Dec. 11 at MacArthur, 6 p.m.

Dec. 12 vs. Quincy Notre Dame, 2:30 p.m.

Dec. 19 vs. Bloomington, 1 p.m.

Dec. 28-30 at Charleston Tournament Jan. 7 vs. Mattoon, 6 p.m.

Jan. 14 at Normal West, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 16 vs. Normal, 2:30 p.m.

Jan. 21 at Bloomington, 6 p.m.

Jan. 23, 25, 27, 28 at Lincoln Round Robin Feb. 2 vs. MacArthur, 6 p.m.

Feb. 4 at Champaign Central, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 6 vs. Normal West, 2:30 p.m.

Feb. 8 vs. Charleston, 6:15 p.m.

Feb. 11 at Champaign Centennial, 6 p.m.

Roster G G F C G G F F G F G C G

Allen, Kriza Cardwell, Tymiesha Cardwell, Tyniesha Dunning, Shana Evans, Lena Fabley, Kari Fuller, Zemeka Houston, Maya Jackson, Dynia Owens, Samantha Patterson, Kacy Sangster, Marshaya Thomas, Tiara

Quick peek COACH: Chris Seider LAST YEAR’S RECORD: 7-20, 0-10 TOP RETURNERS: Keirstyn Spangler (Jr.), Hannah Guske (So.) TOP NEWCOMERS: Carly Robinson (Fr.)

Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr.

Nov. 30 vs. DeLand-Weldon, 6 p.m.

Dec. 1 at Christ Lutheran, 6 p.m.

Dec. 5 vs. Cornerstone Christian Academy, 1 p.m.

Dec. 8 vs. Judah Christian, 6 p.m.

Dec. 11 at Okaw Valley, 6:15 p.m.

Dec. 12 at Heritage, 1 p.m.

Dec. 12 at Heritage, 2 p.m.

Dec. 14 vs. Calvery Baptist Academy, 6:15 p.m.

Dec. 17 vs. South Fork, 6:15 p.m.

Dec. 19 at Atwood-Hammond, 1 p.m.

Dec. 29 vs. First Christian Baptist, 5 p.m.

Jan. 7 at University High, 6 p.m.

Jan. 8 at Decatur Home School, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 12 vs. LSA, 6:15 p.m.

Jan. 15 vs. Christ Lutheran, 6 p.m.

Jan. 16 vs. Cornerstone Christian School-Sycamore, 1 p.m.

Jan. 19 at Judah Christian, 6 p.m.

Jan. 22 at Cornerstone Christian Academy, 6:45 p.m.

Jan. 23 at Northwest Christian Campus, 4 p.m.

Jan. 23 at Northwest Christian, 4 p.m.

Jan. 26 at Calvary Baptist Academy, 6:15 p.m.

Jan. 29 at DeLand-Weldon, 6:15 p.m.

Feb. 1 vs. University High, 6 p.m.

Feb. 5 at LSA, 6:15 p.m.

Roster DeBrun, Michelle Edgecombe, Morgan Fronk, Heather Guske, Hannah Hanks, Jessica Klemm, Sara Lehman, Mikayla Robinson, Carly Simms, Sarah Spangler, Karrissa Spangler, Keirstyn

So. So. So. So. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. So. Fr. Jr.

NHL Scoreboard EASTERN CONFERENCE Atlantic Division GP W L OT P GF GA

New Jersey Pittsburgh N.Y. Rangers Philadelphia N.Y. Islanders Buffalo Boston Ottawa Montreal Toronto Washington Atlanta Tampa Bay Florida Carolina

Chicago Detroit Columbus Nashville St. Louis

18 20 20 16 20

14 13 11 10 7

4 7 8 5 6

0 0 1 1 7

28 26 23 21 21

51 61 61 59 56

37 56 54 41 63

Northeast Division GP W L OT P GF GA 17 19 17 20 18

12 4 8 7 8 6 9 11 3 10

1 4 3 0 5

25 20 19 18 11

48 46 48 49 45

37 48 52 59 68

20 17 17 17 19

12 4 10 6 7 4 7 9 3 12

4 1 6 1 4

28 21 20 15 10

75 63 44 46 42

62 50 52 59 72

19 18 18 18 18

12 10 10 9 6

5 5 6 8 8

2 3 2 1 4

26 23 22 19 16

57 62 55 39 41

46 54 65 48 47

20 18 21 20 20

12 5 12 4 11 10 8 10 7 11

3 2 0 2 2

27 26 22 18 16

60 59 62 58 49

54 47 57 63 63

Southeast Division GP W L OT P GF GA

WESTERN CONFERENCE Central Division GP W L OT P GF GA

Colorado Calgary Vancouver Edmonton Minnesota

Northwest Division GP W L OT P GF GA Pacific Division GP W L OT P GF GA

22 14 4 4 32 73 53 San Jose Los Angeles 21 12 7 2 26 65 64 Phoenix 19 11 8 0 22 50 45 19 8 5 6 22 59 57 Dallas Anaheim 18 6 9 3 15 52 62 Two points for a win, one point for overtime loss.

NOTE:

Saturday’s games

N.Y. Rangers 2, Ottawa 1, SO Florida 5, N.Y. Islanders 4, SO New Jersey 5, Washington 2 Detroit 7, Anaheim 4 Calgary 5, Toronto 2

’Hawks get OT victory

Buffalo 3, Philadelphia 2 Los Angeles 2, Tampa Bay 1, SO Pittsburgh 6, Boston 5, OT Nashville 2, Montreal 0 San Jose 3, St. Louis 1 Phoenix 3, Dallas 2 Vancouver 8, Colorado 2

Sunday’s games

Carolina 5, Minnesota 4, SO Atlanta 3, Edmonton 2 Chicago 4, San Jose 3, OT

Today’s games

New Jersey at Philadelphia, 6 p.m.

N.Y. Islanders at Boston, 6 p.m.

Edmonton at Columbus, 6 p.m.

Anaheim at Pittsburgh, 6:30 p.m.

Los Angeles at Florida, 6:30 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Phoenix, 8 p.m.

Tuesday’s games

Washington at N.Y. Rangers, 6 p.m.

Toronto at Ottawa, 6:30 p.m.

Carolina at Montreal, 6:30 p.m.

San Jose at Nashville, 7 p.m.

Colorado at Calgary, 8:30 p.m.

BLACKHAWKS 4, SHARKS 3, OT

San Jose 1 2 0 0 — 3 1 2 0 1 — 4 Chicago First period-1, Chicago, Sopel 1 (Hendry), 4:08. 2, San Jose, Heatley 14 (Thornton, Demers), 15:01.

Second period-3, San Jose, Demers 1, 1:14 (pp). 4, San Jose, Marleau 12 (Pavelski, Joslin), 1:59. 5, Chicago, Kane 7 (Toews, Keith), 7:54. 6, Chicago, Madden 3 (Ladd, Keith), 18:41.

Third period-None.

Overtime-7, Chicago, Seabrook 2 (Toews, Brouwer), :41.

Shots on Goal-San Jose 7-8-8-0-23. Chicago 913-6-2-30. Goalies-San Jose, Nabokov. Chicago, Huet. A-21,130 (19,717). T-2:25.

SCORING LEADERS Through Saturday GP G A PTS

Anze Kopitar, LA Marian Gaborik, NYR Rick Nash, Cls Alex Ovechkin, Was Corey Perry, Anh Henrik Sedin, Van Patrick Marleau, SJ

21 18 18 14 18 21 21

14 13 13 14 13 12 11

17 12 11 9 10 11 12

31 25 24 23 23 23 23

CHICAGO (AP) — A perfect homestand against the Western Conference elite reminded the Chicago Blackhawks just how good they are.

“We feel we can win any night, against any team,” said Brent Seabrook, whose goal 41 seconds into overtime Sunday night lifted the Blackhawks to a 4-3 victory over the San Jose Sharks. “We have a great group ... and we want to prove that.”

By rallying from a two-goal deficit to defeat the team with the NHL’s best record, Chicago completed a 4-0 homestand that also included games against Colorado and Los Angeles. The Blackhawks, who reached the conference finals six months ago, have won seven consecutive at home.

“Down two against a top team like that, you’re not very often going to come back and get (the victory),” Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said.