The Hornets (7-7) were of course led by Heffren’s 33 points.  He also tied Zeke Mason for the game-leading nine rebounds.  Jack Blunier added eight points on 4-of-5 shooting.  Eureka forced just eight turnovers, but they made the most of the opportunity, converting them into 12 points.

Pittsfield will still leave the tournament with one of the best records amongst participating teams at 12-3.  Pittsfield’s leading score was shared by Konner Allen and Javan Petty, who both finished with 11 points.  Allen also led his team with five rebounds.  Connor Sweeting and Ethan Gratton both scored six points off the bench.

Eureka secures the hardware and wins the Consolation Title.

Illini Bluffs (14-3) had three players score in double digits: Wyatt Hendel (14 points), Hank Alvey (12 points), and Devon White (12 points).  Alvey completed his third double-double of the tournament, as he finished with 11 rebounds.  In case you wondered…the only game he *didn’t* get a double-double, he finished with nine rebounds.  Hendel dished four assists to lead his team.  Bluffs’ 30-16 advantage on points in the paint is one of the larger differentials in the tournament this year.

Monmouth-Roseville’s Titans (10-6) received another good game from Darrion Smith (15 points, five rebounds), which included 3-of-4 from beyond the three point arc.  Senior Nico Avendano added 10 points.  To their credit, the Titans shot 20 points higher (47.6% to 27.3%) in the second half than in the first.  Playing four games in this tournament as an unseeded team is a tough thing to accomplish.  Especially this year, when the field was absolutely loaded.

Illini Bluffs secures the 5th Place hardware for the fourth time and for the second year in a row.

Lewis Siegfried led the Titans of West Hancock with his second 22-point effort of the tournament.  He shot 6-for-11 from three-point land.  Gage Scott had 11 points and Hunter Froman added 10 points from off the bench.  Gavin Grothaus’s five assists led his team and tied for the game-high.  Cooper Knowles had four blocks, which was over half of what both teams combined for (seven).

The Central Panthers got 17 points from Gavin Blewett and 11 points from Nick Moore.  Drew Paben added nine points and Elijah Genenbacher contributed seven.  Genenbacher led his team with five assists and led both teams with three steals.  CPC played a clean game of fundamentals, committing only seven turnovers to West Hancock’s 14.  But when the Titans won’t miss, what do you do?

West Hancock finishes the tournament in 3rd Place and Central will settle for a hard-earned 4th Place trophy.

Official Basketball Box Score
Camp Pt. Central vs West Hancock
12/30/23 7:50 pm at Macomb, Ill. (Western Hall)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VISITORS: Camp Pt. Central 10-2
                          TOT-FG  3-PT         REBOUNDS
## Player Name            FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF  TP  A TO BLK S MIN
21 Blewett, Gavin...... f  8-15   0-0    1-2    2  3  5   3  17  1  0  1  0  32
24 Paben, Drew......... f  3-10   3-5    0-0    0  1  1   5   9  2  1  0  1  31
33 Genenbacher, Elijah. c  3-8    0-0    1-2    4  2  6   0   7  5  1  0  3  31
03 Moore, Nick......... g  4-11   3-8    0-0    1  0  1   0  11  2  2  0  0  32
05 Lohmeyer, Kaiden.... g  0-0    0-0    0-0    0  1  1   2   0  0  0  0  0  15
30 Peterson, Cole......    0-0    0-0    0-0    0  0  0   0   0  0  0  0  1   3
32 Niekamp, Kadin......    1-1    0-0    0-0    0  1  1   2   2  1  3  0  1  16
   TEAM................                         2     2
   Totals..............   19-45   6-13   2-4    9  8 17  12  46 11  7  1  6 160

TOTAL FG% 1st Half: 10-25 40.0%   2nd Half:  9-20 45.0%   Game: 42.2%  DEADB
3-Pt. FG% 1st Half:  4-6  66.7%   2nd Half:  2-7  28.6%   Game: 46.2%   REBS
F Throw % 1st Half:  0-0   0.0%   2nd Half:  2-4  50.0%   Game: 50.0%   1,1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOME TEAM: West Hancock 12-3
                          TOT-FG  3-PT         REBOUNDS
## Player Name            FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF  TP  A TO BLK S MIN
14 Grothaus, Gavin..... f  2-4    2-2    2-2    3  3  6   3   8  5  4  1  0  31
20 Scott, Gage......... f  4-6    3-5    0-0    0  4  4   0  11  1  2  0  1  27
05 Siegfried, Lewis.... c  7-14   6-11   2-2    2  1  3   0  22  2  3  0  0  30
12 Hurt, Nolan......... g  1-3    0-1    0-0    0  5  5   2   2  4  1  0  0  18
22 Knowles, Cooper..... g  2-2    0-0    0-0    0  1  1   3   4  1  3  4  0  20
11 Froman, Hunter......    4-4    2-2    0-1    1  1  2   1  10  0  0  1  0  11
15 Gooding, Nolan......    0-0    0-0    1-2    0  0  0   0   1  0  1  0  1   6
23 Barnes, Carter......    0-3    0-3    0-0    1  3  4   0   0  1  0  0  0  17
   TEAM................                         1     1
   Totals..............   20-36  13-24   5-7    8 18 26   9  58 14 14  6  2 160

TOTAL FG% 1st Half: 10-20 50.0%   2nd Half: 10-16 62.5%   Game: 55.6%  DEADB
3-Pt. FG% 1st Half:  7-13 53.8%   2nd Half:  6-11 54.5%   Game: 54.2%   REBS
F Throw % 1st Half:  0-0   0.0%   2nd Half:  5-7  71.4%   Game: 71.4%    1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Officials: Jason Danner, Tad Johnson, Robbie Hinkle
Technical fouls: Camp Pt. Central-None. West Hancock-None.

The Tigers were led by Hank Alvey, who had a game-highs with 26 points and 12 rebounds, and three blocks.  Toby Cooper also finished in double figures with 13 points.  Cooper and Wyatt Hendel each grabbed five rebounds.  Devon White had a game-high five assists and four steals.  Free throws have been a dessert during the tournament across the board, but Bluffs did hit 6-of-7 in this game.  Bluffs led by as many as 20 in this game.

Farmington’s leading scorer was Jack Gronewold, who had 14 points.  Keauntrey Barnes was second on the team with nine points, but did lead the team with seven rebounds.  Barnes and Owen Morse tied for the team-high with four assists.

Illini Bluffs advances to the 5th Place game to face the winner of Monmouth-Roseville and A-Town, where the winner will receive a trophy.  That contest is Game 24, tonight at 6:30pm.

Monmouth-Roseville’s Darrion Smith might have put his name into All-Tournament Team discussion with an impressive 18 points, five rebounds, two assists, five blocks, and three steals.  All but assists were a team-high.  Jake Steele’s five rebounds tied Smith and his four assists led the team in the category.

A-Town had a spread-out scoring attack with Carter Redfern’s nine, Kellen Hook’s eight, and Asa Stegall’s seven points.  Stegall led the game with eight rebounds and led his team with three assists.  In a tournament where free throws have been anything but free, the Tornadoes shot an impressive 9-for-11 (81.8%) from the free throw line.

The Titans (10-5) will move on to play the 5th Place game against Illini Bluffs.  That contest will take place in Game 24, tonight at 6:30pm.  A-Town (7-9) has been eliminated from the tournament.

Macomb Western Holiday Tournament -2023 Game Recaps: Day 2, Session 3 (Games 13, 14, 15, and 16)

West Hancock had two scorers finish with 12 points: Lewis Siegfried and Nolan Hurt.  Gavin Grothaus had nine points and Gage Scott added eight.  Grothaus also finished with a game-high 11 rebounds.  Nolan Gooding swiped three steals on the defensive end.  Bluffs only turned the ball over 12 times, but West Hancock took advantage when they did and converted those turnovers into 17 points.  An impressive win for the Titans.

Illini Bluffs was led in scoring by the aforementioned Hank Alvey, who dropped 15 points.  He also led the Tigers in rebounds with 10 and blocks with four.  Only three other Bluffs players scored: Wyatt Hendel with six and Toby Cooper and Devon White each finished with five.  Hendell also dished four assists.  Only two teams have defeated a very talented Illini Bluffs team this season, West Hancock (now twice) and Macomb.  They will continue to have success this season.

West Hancock advances to the tournament semifinals, where they will play the winner of Farmington/Rockridge.  That will be Game 21, played Saturday afternoon at 1:00pm.  Bluffs falls to the 5th place bracket, where they await the loser of Farmington/Rockridge in Game 19, played at 9:00am on Saturday.

HOME TEAM: West Hancock 11-2
                          TOT-FG  3-PT         REBOUNDS
## Player Name            FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF  TP  A TO BLK S MIN
14 Grothaus, Gavin..... f  4-10   1-3    0-0    2  9 11   4   9  0  3  0  0  31
20 Scott, Gage......... f  2-12   1-7    3-4    1  5  6   2   8  2  3  0  1  26
05 Siegfried, Lewis.... c  4-6    2-3    2-4    1  7  8   1  12  2  4  1  1  30
12 Hurt, Nolan......... g  4-7    2-4    2-2    0  2  2   1  12  2  1  0  2  24
15 Gooding, Nolan...... g  1-4    0-0    0-0    2  1  3   4   2  1  2  2  3  12
11 Froman, Hunter......    0-0    0-0    0-0    0  0  0   0   0  0  0  0  0   2
22 Knowles, Cooper.....    1-6    0-0    0-0    3  1  4   2   2  0  0  3  0  20
23 Barnes, Carter......    0-2    0-1    0-0    0  1  1   1   0  1  0  0  0  14
24 Stevenson, Mason....    0-0    0-0    0-0    0  1  1   0   0  0  0  0  0   1
   TEAM................                         3     3
   Totals..............   16-47   6-18   7-10  12 27 39  15  45  8 13  6  7 160

TOTAL FG% 1st Half:  9-27 33.3%   2nd Half:  7-20 35.0%   Game: 34.0%  DEADB
3-Pt. FG% 1st Half:  4-8  50.0%   2nd Half:  2-10 20.0%   Game: 33.3%   REBS
F Throw % 1st Half:  0-0   0.0%   2nd Half:  7-10 70.0%   Game: 70.0%   4,1


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Officials: Tad Johnson, Robbie Hinkle, Jason Danner
Technical fouls: Illini Bluffs-None. West Hancock-None.
Attendance:
Score by Periods                1st  2nd  3rd  4th   Total
Illini Bluffs.................    4    8   15    4  -   31
West Hancock..................   12   10   14    9  -   45
Quarterfinal of Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament

Rockridge had two double-digit scorers in Carson Klemme (12 points) and Caleb Cunico (10 points).  Landon Bull pitched in eight points and had a game-high seven rebounds.  Landon Wheatley had half of his team’s eight steals, netting him a healthy four.  The Rockets played a fairly clean game, only turning the ball over nine times in the contest.

Farmington got 16 a game-high 16 points from reigning All-Tournament player Keauntrey Barnes.  Barnes also tied for the team lead in rebounds (four) with Landon Crawford.

Rockridge (10-3) advances to the semifinal round, where they will play West Hancock in Game 21, Saturday afternoon at 1:00pm.  Farmington’s (6-5) tournament continues as well.  They will meet Illini Bluffs in Game 19, Saturday morning at 9:00am, with a spot in the 5th place game on the line.

Macomb had two players score double-digits: Dion Doyle (12 points) and Braden Holthaus (10 points).  Doyle also had a team-high seven rebounds.  Holthaus led both teams with five assists.  After shooting just 27.8% from the field in the first half, the Bombers shot 56.3% in the second half, which allowed them to climb back and hold on.

The Tornadoes were led in scoring by Kellen Hook’s eight points.  Jacob Hall added seven points off the bench.  Asa Stegall had three blocks, which led the game.  Abingdon-Avon didn’t turn the ball over much (just eight), but only shot 30% from the floor for the game (including 18.2% from beyond the three-point line).

Macomb advances to the semifinals where they will play the winner of Camp Point Central and Monmouth-Roseville.  They will play in Game 22, at 2:30 on Saturday afternoon.  A-Town falls to the 5th place bracket where they will play the loser of that same Central/Monmouth-Roseville game.  Their contest is Game 20, Saturday morning at 10:30am.

Official Basketball Box Score

Official Basketball Box Score Macomb vs Abingdon-Avon 12/29/23 8:00 pm at Macomb, Ill. (Western Hall) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VISITORS: Macomb 12-3 TOT-FG 3-PT REBOUNDS ## Player Name FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF TP A TO BLK S MIN 12 Holthaus, Braden.... f 3-6 2-4 2-5 0 4 4 0 10 5 2 2 0 32 20 Case, Ian........... f 2-4 1-2 1-2 0 4 4 3 6 1 0 1 4 26 10 Doyle, Dion......... c 5-10 0-1 2-4 1 6 7 2 12 1 3 2 0 31 01 Watson, Drew........ g 2-6 0-2 0-0 0 2 2 3 4 1 2 0 1 25 03 Bishop, Connor...... g 0-1 0-1 0-0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 14 05 Conley, Malachi..... 1-5 1-1 0-0 1 1 2 3 3 1 3 0 1 24 24 Hobson, Jake........ 1-2 0-0 0-0 3 3 6 0 2 0 0 0 0 8 TEAM................ 1 1 Totals.............. 14-34 4-11 5-11 5 21 26 12 37 9 10 5 6 160 TOTAL FG% 1st Half: 5-18 27.8% 2nd Half: 9-16 56.3% Game: 41.2% DEADB 3-Pt. FG% 1st Half: 1-5 20.0% 2nd Half: 3-6 50.0% Game: 36.4% REBS F Throw % 1st Half: 0-4 0.0% 2nd Half: 5-7 71.4% Game: 45.5% 4 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- HOME TEAM: Abingdon-Avon 7-8 TOT-FG 3-PT REBOUNDS ## Player Name FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF TP A TO BLK S MIN 05 Redfern, Carter..... f 2-9 1-4 0-0 1 1 2 0 5 1 0 0 1 28 13 Foutch. Drew........ f 1-3 0-0 3-5 1 4 5 2 5 0 1 1 0 24 24 Stegall, Asa........ f 1-7 0-0 1-2 2 3 5 1 3 2 1 3 0 29 02 Anderson, Drey...... g 1-4 1-4 0-0 0 2 2 4 3 0 1 0 1 18 03 Hook, Kellen........ g 4-10 0-3 0-0 0 2 2 0 8 1 2 0 0 31 11 Stromson, Ayden..... 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 5 14 Hall, Jacob......... 3-6 0-0 1-1 1 1 2 2 7 1 1 0 0 17 21 Marler, Weston...... 0-1 0-0 0-0 1 1 2 3 0 0 0 0 0 8 TEAM................ 2 2 4 2 Totals.............. 12-40 2-11 5-8 8 17 25 13 31 5 8 4 2 160 TOTAL FG% 1st Half: 5-18 27.8% 2nd Half: 7-22 31.8% Game: 30.0% DEADB 3-Pt. FG% 1st Half: 2-7 28.6% 2nd Half: 0-4 0.0% Game: 18.2% REBS F Throw % 1st Half: 3-5 60.0% 2nd Half: 2-3 66.7% Game: 62.5% 2 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Officials: Tad Johnson, Robbie Hinkle, Jason Danner Technical fouls: Macomb-None. Abingdon-Avon-None.

Lady Tigers Basketball- Chargers fall with 2 seconds left on the clock to Havana    Illini West 37 Havana 39

Allison Icenogle       6 points

Kennedy Gunning    4 points

Reagan Reed           13 points

Allison Hunter           5 points

Ellie Krieg                   5 points

Madison Qusenberry   4 points

Pittsfield was led in scoring by Javan Petty’s 17 points.  The Saukees’ leading rebounder was Ethan Gratton with six rebounds off the bench.  Konner Allen finished with eight points.  Hayden Gratton dished out five assists.  Pittsfield forced Brown County into 24 turnovers and spun that into 22 points off of those turnovers and eight fast break points.  The Saukees also got the most out of their offensive rebounds, winning the battle of 2nd chance points 12-2.

The Hornets received nine points from Maverick Henry, their leading scorer.  Drew Markert added eight points of his own.  Henry and Markert tied for the game-high in rebounds with seven.  Brown County led the bench scoring by a total of 11 to 9.

Pittsfield (11-2) advances to the consolation semifinals to face the winner of the Southeastern/Illini West game.  That game (Game 18) will be held at Brophy Hall on Saturday morning at 10:30am.  Brown County, unfortunately, has been eliminated.

Illini West had one double-digit scorer in Colby Robertson, who had 12 points.  Wesley Robertson was the leading rebounder with eight boards.  Colby also led the game with four assists and an incredible seven steals.  The Chargers enjoyed a 24-12 advantage on points in the paint.  A pattern they’ll need to continue if they want to challenge Pittsfield in the consolation semifinals.

Southeastern got a game-high 19 points and a team-high seven rebounds from senior Mason Fry.  Owen Rigg swiped five steals.  Both teams had 17 turnovers, but the Suns turned those into 14 points compared to the Chargers’ 10.

Illini West is rewarded with a date with a hungry #4 seed Pittsfield in the consolation semifinals.  They will play Game 18, Saturday morning at 10:30am in Brophy Hall.  Southeastern has been eliminated from the tournament.

Official Basketball Box Score
Illini West vs Southeastern
12/29/23 2:30 pm at Macomb, Ill (Western Hall)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VISITORS: Illini West 8-6
                          TOT-FG  3-PT         REBOUNDS
## Player Name            FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF  TP  A TO BLK S MIN
21 Shoup, Reece........ f  2-8    1-4    0-0    0  3  3   2   5  0  0  0  0  28
24 Robertson, Wesley... f  2-7    0-0    2-2    4  4  8   2   6  1  3  0  3  28
02 Robertson, Colby.... g  5-10   1-2    1-5    1  4  5   2  12  4  9  0  7  32
05 Carlisle, Ethan..... g  2-4    0-1    0-2    2  3  5   1   4  1  3  0  2  25
12 Rankin, Haydon...... g  3-7    0-0    1-2    4  0  4   3   7  0  2  1  1  26
20 Sparks, Stephen.....    1-1    0-0    0-0    0  0  0   1   2  0  0  0  0  10
22 Neiderman, Tre......    0-5    0-5    0-0    0  3  3   0   0  1  0  0  2  11
   TEAM................                         1  2  3
   Totals..............   15-42   2-12   4-11  12 19 31  11  36  7 17  1 15 160

TOTAL FG% 1st Half:  8-20 40.0%   2nd Half:  7-22 31.8%   Game: 35.7%  DEADB
3-Pt. FG% 1st Half:  1-6  16.7%   2nd Half:  1-6  16.7%   Game: 16.7%   REBS
F Throw % 1st Half:  0-3   0.0%   2nd Half:  4-8  50.0%   Game: 36.4%    5


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOME TEAM: Southeastern 5-9
                          TOT-FG  3-PT         REBOUNDS
## Player Name            FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF  TP  A TO BLK S MIN
00 Tippey, Griffin..... f  2-10   1-3    1-2    1  3  4   4   6  1  2  0  0  25
13 Hitz, Carter........ f  3-9    1-3    0-2    2  4  6   2   7  2  3  0  1  32
24 Fry, Mason.......... c  6-6    3-3    4-5    2  5  7   2  19  0  2  1  0  32
03 Rigg, Owen.......... g  0-4    0-1    0-0    1  0  1   3   0  2  5  0  5  32
25 Akers, Aiden........ g  1-6    0-3    1-2    1  3  4   4   3  2  5  2  2  32
11 Landon, James.......    0-1    0-1    0-0    0  0  0   0   0  0  0  0  0   7
   TEAM................
   Totals..............   12-36   5-14   6-11   7 15 22  15  35  7 17  3  8 160

TOTAL FG% 1st Half:  6-16 37.5%   2nd Half:  6-20 30.0%   Game: 33.3%  DEADB
3-Pt. FG% 1st Half:  2-5  40.0%   2nd Half:  3-9  33.3%   Game: 35.7%   REBS
F Throw % 1st Half:  4-7  57.1%   2nd Half:  2-4  50.0%   Game: 54.5%   3,2


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Officials: Justin Fuhler, Brian Daniel, Brad Gooding
Technical fouls: Illini West-None. Southeastern-None.
Attendance:
Score by Periods                1st  2nd  3rd  4th   Total
Illini West...................   11    6   12    7  -   36
Southeastern..................    9    9    2   15  -   35
Consolation quarterfinal of Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament

Points in the paint-IW 24,SE 12. Points off turnovers-IW 10,SE 14.
2nd chance points-IW 8,SE 8. Fast break points-IW 2,SE 2.
Bench points-IW 2,SE 0. Score tied-3 times. Lead changed-7 times.
Last FG-IW 4th-03:04, SE 4th-00:33.
Largest lead-IW by 14 4th-06:43, SE by 3 1st-07:34.
IW led for 25:11. SE led for 05:07. Game  was tied for 01:38.

Canton was led in scoring by Logan Nichols’ 16 points and Ryan Yerbic added 12.  Yerbic also led his team with seven rebounds.  Lakon Otto had four steals and three asists to lead his team.

Liberty had a duo of double digit scorers also in Tanner Gimm (15 points) and Levi Hoener (12 points).  Hoener had a double-double, grabbing 10 rebounds.  Gavin Fessler had a team-high three assists.  The Eagles won the war in the paint, outscoring Canton 34-22 down low.

Canton (5-8) advances to the consolation semifinals and awaits the winner of the Eureka/Lewistown.  They will play in Game 17, located in Brophy Hall on Saturday morning at 9:00am.  Liberty (4-11) has been eliminated from this year’s tournament.

As mentioned, Eureka was led by Tyler Heffren in both points (30) and rebounds (17).  Zeke Mason was second on the team in scoring and rebounds with six and six, respectively.  Cooper Peterson swatted away a game-high four steals.  The Hornets buzzed away with the fast break points, 16-0.  They also forced 15 turnovers and turned those into 15 points.

Lewistown’s leading scorer and rebounder was Aidan Reed, who finished with 10 points and seven rebounds.  Finding themselves down big at the half, the Indians settled for a lot of high-risk shots in the second half and their stats suffered as a result.  They shot 14.3% field goals in the second half.  Lewistown’s bench was a bright spot, as they contributed 10 of their 25 points.

Eureka (5-7) advances deeper into the consolation bracket, where they will meet with Canton in Game 17.  That game will be held at Brophy Hall (across the street from Western Hall) on Saturday morning at 9:00am.  Lewistown (2-12) has been eliminated.

2023 Game 6 Recap: Macomb 78, Brown County 32

Macomb has made a statement.  The message:  We aren’t just the hosts of this tournament…we also want to win the whole thing.  In an incredibly impressive wire-to-wire win, they handed the Hornets of Brown County a 78-32 loss in Game 6.  The Bombers started the game on a 22-0 run and didn’t let up.  Macomb had 27 points off turnovers and shot 57.1% from the floor.  The second half was much closer than the first half, as Brown County reigned in their play and cleaned up their turnovers.

Macomb was led by Ian Case’s 18 points and five rebounds on 9-of-13 shooting.  Braden Holthaus added 10 points, five assists, and five steals.  In a complete effort, the Bombers won the turnover battle (17-7), points in the paint (48-22), and fast break points (20-6).  Four other players had at least eight points (Dion Doyle, Drew Watson, Jake Hobson, and Za’Rian Penn).

Brown County had a duo of eight point scorers in Angel Duarte and Drew Markert.  Markert also led his team with five rebounds and Jagr McGath dished three assists.

Macomb (11-3) will play the Tornadoes of Abingdon-Avon in Game 15, Friday evening at 8:00pm.  Brown County (3-10) will instead play Pittsfield in Game 11, which will be played Friday afternoon at 1:00pm.

2023 Game 7 Recap: Camp Point Central 47, Southeastern 36

Despite a late scare from Southeastern, the top seeded Panthers of Camp Point Central held the lead from wire-to-wire to take Game 7 of the first round by a score of 47-36.  Though many of the counting stats were rather close, Central led second chance points 10-4 due to 11 offensive rebounds.  This game didn’t appear it would be very close after the first period, a quarter won by the Panthers 17-4.  But the Southeastern Suns battled back and outscored Central 32-30 in the remaining three quarters to make it a close and respectable contest.

Camp Point’s leading scorer was Drew Paben, who scored 20 points.  Paben’s effort is so far the second highest output in the tournament on Day 1.  Gavin Blewett added 16 points.  Paben, Blewett, and Elijah Genenbacher all tied for the team-high in rebounds with six.  Kadin Niekamp grabbed five boards as well.  Central took care of the ball, as they only coughed up six turnovers in this one.  Fresh off a 1A state championship in football, Central looks just as strong in basketball thus far.

The Suns of Southeastern had two double-digit scorers (Mason Fry with 11 points and Griffin Tippey with 10).  Aiden Akers had a game-high seven rebounds and three assists.  Southeastern only played six total players and the only bench player played just six minutes.  The fact that they were in the game late with the same players all game is a nod to their conditioning.

Camp Point (9-0) advances to play the winner of Monmouth-Roseville and Illini West.  They will play in Game 16 on Friday night at 9:30pm.  Southeastern (5-8) will instead play the loser of Monmouth-Roseville and Illini West, set to play Game 12, Friday afternoon at 2:30pm.

2023 Game 8 Recap: Monmouth-Roseville 43, Illini West 36

Down by seven at halftime, Monmouth-Roseville Titans stormed back and outscored the Illini West Chargers 26-12 in the second half to take Game 8 by a score of 43-36.  In what can very easily be called a tale of two halves, the Titans mustered just 17 points in the opening half headlined by poor shooting, as evidenced by a 1-for-9 clip from beyond the 3-point arc.  But their defense stepped up, forced turnovers, and held Illini West to just 5-for-18 (27.8%) shooting in the 3rd and 4th quarters.  The 4th quarter was all Titans, as they took the frame 17-6.  Points in the paint and points off of turnovers were nearly dead even, but Monmouth-Roseville did have a decisive advantage off of fast break points, 16-4.  Illini West’s Colby Robertson fouled out with 3:12 left in the game, with the Chargers still ahead 34-32.  The Titans would then score six straight points and never relinquished the lead.

Monmouth-Roseville had a balanced attack, getting 11 points (Ayden Almaguer), 10 points (Darrion Smith), 10 points (Tyler Finnicum), and nine points (Nico Avendano) from four players.  Those four combined for all but three of their total points.  Avendano finished with a team-high eight rebounds and a game-high three blocks.  Smith also swiped three steals.

The Chargers were led in scoring by Colby Robertson and Haydon Rankin, who each had eight points.  Wesley Robertson had a game-high nine rebounds in the losing effort.  Ethan Carlisle led both teams with four steals.

Monmouth-Roseville squeaks into the second round and will be rewarded with a matchup with #1 seed Camp Point Central in Game 16, Friday night at 9:30pm.  Illini West falls into the consolation bracket where they will meet up with Southeastern in Game 12, at 2:30pm Friday.

2023 Game 3 Recap: Farmington 49, Eureka 39

Farmington uses three double-digit scorers to knock off 2-time defending champion Eureka, 49-39.  In his first MWHT game back from a second-consecutive MVP award, Eureka’s Tyler Heffren had an uncharacteristically poor shooting outing and the Hornets could not claw back.  Farmington advances to the quarterfinals for the seventh year in a row.  Shooting percentage was a liability in this lower-scoring contest, however, as both teams shot under 40%.

The Farmers of Farmington spread the ball around in this contest.  As mentioned previously, three players finished in double figures: Keauntrey Barnes led the way with 17, Landon Crawford had 11, and Jack Gronewold added 10.  Crawford and Barnes also had double-digit rebounds (14 and 12 respectively).    In addition, Crawford also had a game-high six assists.  Farmington secured assists in 13 of their 18 field goals.

Eureka’s Hornets found themselves in unfamiliar territory in this one.  Eureka actually won the 2nd and 4th quarters, but lost the 1st and 3rd frames decisively.  Two-time defending MVP Tyler Heffren, normally an effective and efficient shooter, went cold and could not shake it.  He did finish with a team-high 13 points, but on 5-of-20 shooting and 1-for-4 from the line.  Zeke Mason was second on the team with nine points (on 4-of-5 shooting) and also led the Hornets with seven rebounds.  Eureka won the battle of the paint, 18-16 but were spelled by 16 turnovers.

Farmington (6-4) advances to Game 14 to face the winner of Rockridge and Lewistown.  That game will be held on Friday at 6:30pm.  Eureka falls to the consolation bracket, where they will face the loser of that same Rockridge/Lewistown game.  That contest will be held Friday morning, at 10:30am.

2023 Game 4 Recap: Rockridge 56, Lewistown 30

Before mid-December, Rockridge likely had their sights set on a #1 seed at the Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament.  Then, a string of tough competition saw them limp into the holiday break losing 3 of their last 4 and they were awarded the #3 seed instead.  Because of this, many wondered what kind of team we’d be getting on Day 1 of the tournament.  The Rockets answered the call and rebounded in a big way, knocking off Lewistown by a score of 56-30.

Rockridge’s victory was written by a balanced attack that saw four players score between 10 and 13 points.  Landon Bull led the way with 13 points, six rebounds, and four assists.  All three stats were game-highs.  TJ Wilson and Caleb Cunico both tied with 11 points and Carson Klemme added 10.  Klemme also swiped four steals.  This game was won in the paint, where Rockridge dominated to the tune of 32-12.  Turnovers were also lopsided, with the Rockets forcing 20 Indian turnovers.

Lewistown ran into a Rockridge-sized buzzsaw and they couldn’t recover.  The Indians did outscore Rockridge based on bench points, where they held a 17-9 advantage.  Lewistown was led in scoring by Drake Hamm’s eight.  Three players (Gavin Pace, John Barclay, and Parker Roddis) each finished with five points.  The Indians only shot four free throws, but they most of it, hitting three.

Rockridge (9-3) moves on to the round of 8, where they will face Farmington in Game 14 at 6:30pm on Friday.  Lewistown will face off with Eureka in Game 10, Friday morning at 10:30am.

2023 Game 4 Recap: Rockridge 56, Lewistown 30

Before mid-December, Rockridge likely had their sights set on a #1 seed at the Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament.  Then, a string of tough competition saw them limp into the holiday break losing 3 of their last 4 and they were awarded the #3 seed instead.  Because of this, many wondered what kind of team we’d be getting on Day 1 of the tournament.  The Rockets answered the call and rebounded in a big way, knocking off Lewistown by a score of 56-30.

Rockridge’s victory was written by a balanced attack that saw four players score between 10 and 13 points.  Landon Bull led the way with 13 points, six rebounds, and four assists.  All three stats were game-highs.  TJ Wilson and Caleb Cunico both tied with 11 points and Carson Klemme added 10.  Klemme also swiped four steals.  This game was won in the paint, where Rockridge dominated to the tune of 32-12.  Turnovers were also lopsided, with the Rockets forcing 20 Indian turnovers.

Lewistown ran into a Rockridge-sized buzzsaw and they couldn’t recover.  The Indians did outscore Rockridge based on bench points, where they held a 17-9 advantage.  Lewistown was led in scoring by Drake Hamm’s eight.  Three players (Gavin Pace, John Barclay, and Parker Roddis) each finished with five points.  The Indians only shot four free throws, but they most of it, hitting three.

Rockridge (9-3) moves on to the round of 8, where they will face Farmington in Game 14 at 6:30pm on Friday.  Lewistown will face off with Eureka in Game 10, Friday morning at 10:30am.

2023 Game 1 Recap: West Hancock 52, Canton 29

The 2023 version of the Macomb-Western Holiday Tournament kicked off with the Titans of West Hancock taking a decisive win over the Little Giants of Canton, 52-29.  Leading by nine points at the break, West Hancock turned it on and outscored Canton 19-4 in the 3rd quarter.

West Hancock was led in scoring by Lewis Siegfried’s 22 points on 8-of-17 shooting, including 6-of-11 from beyond the arc.  Also scoring double figures was Gavin Grothaus with 11.  Cooper Knowles had a game-high nine rebounds off the bench.  Carter Barnes added in seven boards, also from the bench.  Gage Scott led both teams with four assists.  Freshman Hunter Froman swiped two steals as well.  The Titans dominated the boards, out-rebounding Canton 39-23.

Canton’s scoring was led by Colin Johnson’s nine points.  Johnson also co-led the team in rebounds (five) with Drew Reeder.  Canton was unfortunately doomed with poor shooting, as they shot just 32.5% as a team.  However, they held with the Titans with points in the paint, where they only trailed 22-20.

West Hancock (10-2) advances to the quarterfinals Friday night at 5:00pm where they will face the winner of Game 2’s Illini Bluffs and Liberty.  Canton (4-8) falls to the consolation bracket where they await the loser of Game 2. 

2023 Game 2 Recap: Illini Bluffs 62, Liberty 28

Illini Bluffs flexed their muscles as the #2 seed in Game 2, storming away to a 62-28 win over the Liberty Eagles.  The Tigers got off to a very fast and effective start, leading 23-3 after the first quarter and 38-8 at halftime.  To their credit, Liberty did hold their own in the second half, but by then it was too late.

The Tigers had a duo of 17-point scorers in Hank Alvey and Devon White.  They combined for a otherworldly 16-of-19 from the floor.  Bluffs as a team shot a superb 28-of-42 (66.7%).  Of that number, starters shot 76%.  Numbers that are hard to sustain, but will nearly always secure yourself a comfortable victory.  A returning All-Tournament selection from 2022, Alvey led his team with nine rebounds and swatted a game-high six blocks.  The Tigers lived in the paint, outscoring their foes 42-to-20 inside.  Toby Cooper had nine points and a tournament-high four steals.

Liberty received a team-high seven points from starting freshman guard Vince Cramsley.  Senior forwards Tammer Gimm and Levi Hoener each pitched in six points.  Hoener grabbed nine rebounds to lead his team, including an impressive seven from the offensive end.  Due in large part to those Hoener offensive rebounds, Liberty led the second chance points category 10-to-8.  Liberty shot just 3-for-20 in the first half of play, but did make 9 field goals after the half to cut into the Bluffs lead.

Illini Bluffs (12-2) will now play Game 13, Friday at 5:00pm against West Hancock. 

December 28th- Western Holiday Boys Basketball Tournament

- Illini West drop to Monmouth Roseville

IW 36- MR 43

Colby Robertson            8 points

Ethan Carlisle                 3 points

Haydon Rankin               8 points

Stepen Sparks                6 points

Reece Shoup                   5 points

Wes Robertson                3 points

December 28th Illini West Chargers Girls Basketball Win over Lewiston  @ Lady Tigers Classic        57- 39

Addison Cook           2 points

Allison Icenogle     10 points

Kennedy Gunning     4 points

Reagan Reed           23 points

Allison Hunter            5 points

Natalie Wibbell           2 points

Elly Krieg                     9 points

December 27th Lady Tigers Classic- Illini West Charger with over North Fulton 

Chargers were down by 2 with 40 seconds left, out bounds lob to Reagan Reed to tie it at 50. Elly Krieg takes a charge on the other end with 15 seconds left and makes the game winning 3 at the buzzer for the win

Allison Icenogle              9 points

Laine Housewright         2 points

Reagan Reed                 21 points

Allison Hunter                  2 points

Elly Krieg                         13 points

Madison Quesnberry        6 points

December 26th- Lady Tiger 41st Classic Girls Basketball- Illini West Charger drop to the Macomb Bombers   34 to 40 

Addison Cook    2 points

Allison Icenogle   4 points

Ella Shutwell         7 points

Kennedy Gunning   5 points

Reagan Reed            12 points

Allison Hunter             2 points

Elly Kreig                      2 points

2024 Hancock County Boys Basketball Invitational
Hosted by Illini West High School January 6-13

Saturday, January 6th @ Illini West High School
West Hancock vs. West Prairie 6:00 p.m.
Unity vs. Illini West 7:30 p.m.

Monday, January 8th @ Illini West High School

West Prairie vs. Unity 6:00 p.m.
West Hancock vs. Southeastern 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, January 9th @ Illini West High School

Unity vs. Southeastern 6:00 p.m.
West Prairie vs. Illini West 7:30 p.m.

Friday, January 12 th @ Illini West High School

Unity vs. West Hancock vs. 6:00 p.m.
Southeastern vs. Illini West 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 13 th @ Illini West High School

West Prairie vs. Southeastern 6:00 p.m.
West Hancock vs. Illini West 7:30 p.m.

Team listed second will be home team and will wear white.

Illini West Athletic Events 1/1 to 1/6

Monday, January 01

Depart

No events scheduled
Tuesday, January 02

Depart

1:00 PM Girls Junior Varsity Basketball

Brown County JH/HS
JV Triangular

11:15 AM Away
6:00PM Boys Junior Varsity Basketball Western HS (Barry) 4:15 PM Away
7:30 PM Boys Varsity Basketball Western HS (Barry) 4:15 PM Away
Wednesday, January 03

Depart

6:00PM Girls Junior Varsity Basketball Unity HS(Mendon) Home
7:30 PM Girls Varsity Basketball Unity HS(Mendon) Home
Thursday, January 04

Depart

06:00 PM Coed Varsity Wrestling West Hancock, United Home
Friday, January 05

Depart

4:30 PM Girls Junior Varsity Basketball

Burlington Notre Dame High
School

3:05 PM Away
6:00PM Boys Junior Varsity Basketball Payson-Seymour HS Home
7:30 PM Boys Varsity Basketball Payson-Seymour HS Home
Saturday, January 06

Depart

TBA Boys Varsity Basketball

Hancock CO. Tournament Jan 6-
13 @ Illini West

Home
TBA Girls Varsity Basketball Lady Panther Classic (Jan 6-13) TBA Away
TBA Boys Junior Varsity Basketball OPEN Bushnell JV Jamboree TBA Away
09:00 AM Coed Varsity Wrestling Prairie Central High School TBA Away

December 22nd Illini West Chargers Boys Basketball WIN 47 to 26 over the Havana Ducks

Colby Robertson    2 points

Ethan Carlisle        10 points

Haydon Rankin         2 points

Khile Stonger            2 points

Stephen Sparks         3 points

Reece Shoup              3 points

Tre Neiderman           8 points

Wes Robertson         13 points

December 18th Illlnni West Girls Basketball win over Clark County    59- 28

Addison Cook   2 points

Allison Icenogle   8 points

Ella Shutwell         2 points

Lanie Housewright      2 points

Kennedy Gunning         2 points

Reagan Reed                20 points

Allison Hunter                2 pooints

Natilie Wibbell                2 points

Elly Krieg                        12 points

Madison Qusenberry      4 points

Olivia Johnson                 3 points

DECEMBER 16TH ILLINI WEST CHARGER BOYS BASKETBALL -IW 42 vs Hannibal(MO) 52    RUMBLE ON THE RIVER SHOOTOUT

COLBY ROBERTSON     11 POINTS

ETHAN CARLISLE            8 POINTS

HAYDON RANKIN             2 POINTS

STEPHEN SPARKS           5 POINTS

REECE SHOUP                   7 POINTS

TRE NEIDERMAN              6 POINTS

WES  ROBERTSON            2 POINTS

DECEMBER 16TH ILLINI WEST CHARGER BOYS BASKETBALL -IW 42 vs Hannibal(MO) 52    RUMBLE ON THE RIVER SHOOTOUT

COLBY ROBERTSON     11 POINTS

ETHAN CARLISLE            8 POINTS

HAYDON RANKIN             2 POINTS

STEPHEN SPARKS           5 POINTS

REECE SHOUP                   7 POINTS

TRE NEIDERMAN              6 POINTS

WES  ROBERTSON            2 POINTS

ILLINI WEST CHARGERS BOYS BASKETBALL DECEMBER 15TH   WIN OVER CLARK COUNTRY- MISSOURI

IW 50 WIN  CLARK COUNTY 30

COLIN CURFMAN     1 POINT

COLBY ROBERTSON   12 POINTS

ETHAN CARLISLE        10 POINTS

HAYDON RANKIN           2 POINTS

KHILE STONGER             3 POINTS

STEPHEN SPARKS          5 POINTS

REECE SHOUP                  4 POINTS

TRE NEIDERMAN              3 POINTS

WES ROBERTSON              10 POINTS

Sandburg Shootout Returns with 4 HS Boys Basketball Matchups Jan. 6 

 High School basketball fans can ring in the first weekend of 2024 with a full afternoon of hoops as the Sandburg Shootout returns Jan. 6 at Carl Sandburg College’s John Lewis Gym.

Following a two-year hiatus because of circumstances surrounding COVID-19, the third edition of the event includes four small-school boys basketball contests, starting at 1 p.m. Matchups for the 2024 Sandburg Shootout are:

• 1 p.m. — Hartsburg-Emden vs. West Central
• 2:30 p.m. — Peoria Quest vs. United
• 4 p.m. — East Dubuque vs. Monmouth-Roseville
• 5:30 p.m. Sherrard vs. Knoxville

“We’re thrilled to be able to bring the Sandburg Shootout back and give a chance to some of our area teams to play here,” Sandburg men’s basketball coach and shootout organizer Ryan Twaddle said. “These are four exciting games, and it gives schools and fans a chance to see a team or matchup they may not normally see in the regular season.”

Tickets are $6 for adults and $4 for students. All tickets are available at the door the day of the shootout, and admission is good for all four contests.

Illini West Charger Boys Basketball WIN  51 to 45 over Mendon 

Colby Robertson    10 points

Ethan Carlise        19 points

Reece Shoup         13 points

Tre Neiderman       15 points

Wes Robertson        2 points

llini West Athletic Events 12/18 to 12/23

Monday, December 18

Depart

6:00 PM Boys Freshman Basketball Unity HS(Mendon) 4:45 PM Away
6:00PM Girls Junior Varsity Basketball Clark County R-1 High School 4:30 PM Away
7:30PM Girls Varsity Basketball Clark County R-1 High School 4:30 PM Away
Tuesday, December 19

Depart

6:00PM Boys Junior Varsity Basketball Liberty JH/HS 4:30 PM Away
7:30 PM Boys Varsity Basketball Liberty JH/HS 4:30 PM Away
Wednesday, December 20

Depart

No events scheduled
Thursday, December 21

Depart

10:00AM Coed Varsity Wrestling QND JV MEET 8:00 AM Away
Friday, December 22

Depart

6:00 PM Boys Junior Varsity Basketball Havana Jr & Sr High School 4:00 PM Away
7:30 PM Boys Varsity Basketball Havana Jr & Sr High School 4:00 PM Away
Saturday, December 23

Depart

Illini West West Charger Girls   WIN Illini West 42 Pleasant Hill/Western 13

Reagan Reed with 15

Allison Hunter with 11

Addison Cook             5

Lanie Housewright     2

Kennedy Gunning      2

Corin Robinson          2

Elily Keieg                  5

Illini West Charger Basketball Schedule Changes  Girls and Boys

The Varsity Girls Basketball game vs Liberty on Thursday has been postponed due to Liberty’s 8th grade team playing in the state championship game on Thursday.

Varsity Girls Basketball vs Liberty will now be played on Friday, December 15th at 6:00 followed by the Varsity Boys Basketball vs Clark County at 7:30 at Illini West.

The JV Boys Basketball vs Clark County originally scheduled for Friday, December 15th will now be played on January 31st at 6:00 followed by a JV Girls Basketball game vs Clark County at 7:15. Both games will be played at Illini West.
 

Monday, December 11

Depart

6:00 PM Girls Varsity Basketball Bushnell-Prairie City 4:15 PM Away
7:30 PM Girls Junior Varsity Basketball Bushnell-Prairie City 4:15 PM Away
Tuesday, December 12

Depart

6:00PM Boys Junior Varsity Basketball South Fulton Athletics Home
7:30 PM Boys Varsity Basketball South Fulton Athletics Home
Wednesday, December 13

Depart

5:30 PM Coed Varsity Wrestling West Hancock, Knoxville 4:00 PM Away
6:00 PM Boys Freshman Basketball Macomb Jr/Sr HS (Fresh/Soph) Home
Thursday, December 14

Depart

6:00PM Girls Junior Varsity Basketball Cancelled- Liberty JH/HS Home
6:00 PM Girls Varsity Basketball Liberty JH/HS Home
Friday, December 15

Depart

6:00PM Boys Junior Varsity Basketball Clark County R-1 High School Home
7:30PM Boys Varsity Basketball Clark County R-1 High School Home
Saturday, December 16

Depart

09:30 AM Coed Varsity Wrestling

IL School for the Visually
Impaired

5:15 AM Away

3:00 PM Boys Varsity Basketball

Hannibal High School
John Wood Shootout

1:00 PM Away

  December 5th 2023 Illini West Chargers Boys  Basketball   WIN over Mendon

Illini West 51   over Mendon 45

Colby Robertson            10 points

Ethan Carlisle                 14 points

Haydon Rankin               11 points

Stephen Sparks                4 points

Reece Shoup                     8 point

Brennan Grotts                 4 points

Monday, December 04

Depart

6:00PM Girls Junior Varsity Basketball Camp Point Central HS Home
6:00 PM Boys Freshman Basketball Cancelled- Rushville-Industry HS 4:20 PM Away
7:30 PM Girls Varsity Basketball Camp Point Central HS Home

Tuesday, December 05

Depart

6:00PM Boys Junior Varsity Basketball Unity HS(Mendon) 4:45 PM Away
7:30 PM Boys Varsity Basketball Unity HS(Mendon) 4:45 PM Away

Wednesday, December 06

Depart

6:00PM Girls Freshman Basketball Quincy Senior HS 4:30 PM Away
06:00 PM Boys Freshman Basketball Quincy Senior HS 4:30 PM Away

Thursday, December 07

Depart

6:00 PM Girls Varsity Basketball Western HS (Barry) 4:00 PM Away
6:00 PM Coed Varsity Wrestling @ Mount Pleasant IA 3:30 PM Away
6:00 PM Girls Junior Varsity Basketball Cancelled- Western HS (Barry) 4:00 PM Away

Friday, December 08

Depart

No events scheduled
Saturday, December 09

Depart

9:30 AM Boys Freshman Basketball

Cancelled-
Fort Madison High School

8:15 AM Away
10:00AM Coed Varsity Wrestling Keokuk High School 8:00 AM Away