Photo Gallery | SJO wins prelude to the State Farm title

Ty Pence and Logan Smith go after a loose ball

St. Joseph-Ogden's Ty Pence and Logan Smith go after a loose ball with Rockford Lutheran's Vontesz Dent during first quarter action at the 2022 State Farm Holiday Classic. The Spartans went on to defeat the Crusaders 72-69 to advance the tournament's small school bracket title game. Pence and Smith each scored 25 points to secure SJO's victory.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Maddux Carter dribbles the ball

Maddux Carter dribbles the ball away from a Crusader Marquise Haynes during first quarter action. Carter was held scoreless but was an essential part of the SJO's defensive effort.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Logan Smith starts to accelerate

Spartan Logan Smith starts to accelerate past Crusaders' Marquise Haynes on a slash to the paint. The junior guard hit 11 shots from the field and knocked down three of his four free throw attempts to rack up 25 points.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Coy Taylor goes up for a shot

SJO's Coy Taylor goes up for a shot on a fastbreak play in the second quarter. The sophomore quietly contributed 10 points in the Spartans' victory.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Logan Smith prepares to shoot

Guarded by two Rockford Lutheran players, Logan Smith hesitate before putting the ball up under the St. Joseph-Ogden basket.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Tanner Jacob takes a shot

Tanner Jacob puts the ball up as Crusaders' Keaton Peifer defends on the shot. Jacob missed the shot but would later make amends with a three-pointer in the second half of the contest.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Ty Pence finds an open teammate under the basket

Ty Pence finds an open teammate under the basket during the second half. The Spartans led by six points at the break, 41-35.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Logan Smith attacks the paint

Logan Smith attacks the paint. His relentless forays inside caused repeated headaches for the Crusaders, who were unable to match the 5-foot-9 guard's tenacity.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Ty Pence scores 25

After being fouled on a shot, Ty Pence takes a moment recollect himself before heading the free throw line. Pence finished the game 5-for-7 from the line to share team-high scoring honors with teammate Logan Smith. Both players dropped 25 points for SJO.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Logan Smith jets past Rockford Lutheran's Marquise Haynes

Logan Smith jets past Rockford Lutheran's Marquise Haynes in the fourth quarter.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Ty Pence leaps for a shot over a Rockford Lutheran player in the fourth quarter.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Ty Pence guarded by Marquise Haynes

SJO's Ty Pence lines up a run to the rim while being guarded by Crusaders' Marquise Haynes.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Another photo of Logan Smith

Logan Smith looks for an open teammate after his approach to the basket was blocked.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Kyle Duval takes a moment to pass along instructions to Logan Smith

Head coach Kyle Duval takes a moment to pass along instructions to Logan Smith during a lull between free throw attempts. A day later, Duval would become the first SJO basketball coach to win a State Farm Holiday Classic title. A staple in the field of competition, the Spartans have played in the tournament for the past 17 years.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

McGwire Atwood lets out an emotional burst celebrating

McGwire Atwood lets out an emotional burst celebrating SJO's semifinal win. The senior, who scored six points for the team, wrapped a loose ball after a steal attempt by the Spartans to seal the win.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Illinois State basketball commit Ty Pence celebrates the Spartans semifinal win as the team heads back to the bench. After the team's four games at the holiday tournament, Pence earned his second SFHC All-Tournament Team award.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Photo Gallery | Pence scores 41, Spartans grab conference win from BCC

St. Joseph-Ogden senior Ty Pence goes up for a shot in the first half. The senior dropped 22 points in the first half to help SJO swing a three-point first quarter deficit to a seven-point advantage on the way to a 68-55 conference win. The Illinois State University recruit turned in 41 points moving to the top of the list of the Spartans' all-time leading scorers on Tuesday. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks


Spartans' Logan Smith drives to the paint in the first half. Smith, a junior, was held to just a pair of free throws in the home game against the Saints. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks


Two future Spartans athletes mug for the camera late in the first half. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks


Members of the SJO Dance Team are all smiles before their halftime performance.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks


Tanner Siems goes up for a shot in the third quarter. The sophomore chipped in nine points in SJO's conference victory. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks


Trailed by teammate Ty Pence, Coy Taylor on a fast break. Taylor, who was scoreless in the first half, scored eight in the final half. The junior went 4-for-4 from the free throw line in the fourth quarter. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks


Student fans from the Maroon Platoon cheer for the Spartans in the fourth quarter.


St. Joseph-Ogden head coach Kyle Duval claps after star player Ty Pence hits a three pointer in the fourth quarter. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks


Spartan Tanner Seims makes a pass around two Central Catholic defenders late in the game. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks


Seims goes up for two of his four fourth-quarter points. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks


Ty Pence slaps hands with members of the Maroon Platoon as the last seconds tick off the game clock. Pence scored 41 points, 22 in the first half, the 13-point win over the visiting Saints. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks


Head coach Kiel Duval congratulates senior Ty Pence for his record-breaking achievement after the game. Pence's 41-point performance brought his career-scoring total to a school-best of 2,128 points. The program's top spot, previously held by Brandon Trimble, who played for the Spartans from 2013-17, was 2,115 points. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks


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Spartans beat Cissna Park at Toyota of Danville Classic

Ty Pence goes up for a shot against Cissna Park
Spartan Ty Pence floats above the paint on a second half shot against Cissna Park during their Toyota of Danville Classic game on Friday. Pence notched his first varsity double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds to help the Spartans defeat last season's Class 1A state runner-up Timberwolves, 65-49. SJO moves to 3-0 on the season. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)


With the lightning fast Chance Izard on the floor and 48% shooting from the field, St. Joseph-Ogden fought to a 64-49 win over Cissna Park in Game 9 of the Toyota of Danville Classic on Friday night.

Izard finished the nightcap with 18 points. The senior guard and emerging team leader had a pair of steals and two rebounds for his team.

The Spartans also received double-digit scoring from Ty Pence and Drew Coursey.

Pence notched the Spartans' only double-double 14 points and 12 boards.

In best game so far this season, Coursey made 71% of the shots he took to finish the night with 10 points in the paint.

"I thought we played really, really well together tonight," said Spartan head coach Kiel Duval. "We did some good things - effort stuff that we were asking them to do in practice - it carried over to the game."

Cissna Park senior Penn Stoller was 4-for-4 from the free throw line racking up 13 team-high points for the Timberwolves. Ian Rogers, a junior, added another 11 and sophomore Malaki Verkler had 10 points.



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More than 260 SJO students named to third quarter Honor Roll

Last week St. Joseph-Ogden High School announced the third quarter honor roll recipients. Two hundred and seventy-five students achieved honor roll recognition during the third quarter as the COVID-19 virus silently spread throughout the United States.

Honor Roll student Ty Pence in SJO's home game against PBL.
Freshman starter Ty Pence dives for a loose ball in the Spartans' home game against Paxton-Buckley-Loda in January. In addition to being a gifted athlete, Pence earned high honor roll recognition in the classroom in the the third quarter. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Students who earned a grade point average of 3.25 or higher on the school's 4.0 scale are recognized as Honor Roll students. Those whose GPA soared above 3.74 earned the added distinction a High Honor Roll student.

Click on the student's name to read more about their scholastic or athletic achievements.


Freshman

High Honor Roll
McGwire Atwood, Kaytlyn Baker, Olivia Baltzell, Tyler Burch, Maddux Carter, Yamilka Casanova, Ariana Chambers, Cale Coursey, Morgan Cramer, Aiden Cromwell, Zachary Dahman, Emily Elsbernd, Joselyn Frerichs, Alex Funk, Kennedy Greer, Andrew Guelfi, Mikyla Haley, Maya Hewkin, Taylor Hug, Peyton Jones, Jacob Kern, Aaron Lane, Collin Livesay, Aidan McCorkle, Kyle Meccoli, Teagan Miller, Allegra Pearman, Ty Pence, Jack Robertson, Kirsten Schaefer, Johanna Schmitz, Jack Setterdahl, Paige Siegmund, Trinity Tapia, Taylor Voorhees, Alayna Wagle and Maggie Ward.

Honor Roll
Alyssa Acton, Madison Adams, Sylvia Bills, Owen Birt, Ethan Blackburn, Gwen Chatterton, Bryce Collins, Aleah Dial, Leah Finley, Grace Flessner, Jessica Gadbury, Joseph Gherna, Kylie Greer, Connor Hale, Hallie Harms, Hayden Henkelman, Jonas Hutcherson, Shayne Immke, Emily Jeffries, Cameran Kelley, Hunter Ketchum, Carter Mabry, Haleigh Maddock, Katherine McDermott, Blake Morgan, Courtney Myren, Jacob Newman, Ava Northen, William Page, Emma Rydell, Isabel Sexton, Katharine Short, Mallory Wagner and Rebekah Weinmann.


Sophomores

High Honor Roll
Addison Allen, Tyler Altenbaumer, Kailyn Anderson, Ella Armstrong, Madison Atwood, Abigail Behrens, Ella Besson, Andrew Beyers, Brandie Bowlin, Mara Burkhalter, Kennedi Burnett, Angela Chahine, Braden Clampitt, Anastasia Conerty, Deanna Cummins, Benjamin Cunningham, Sidney Davis, Zander Dressen, Ashley Eldridge, Jared Emmert, Hannah Fox, Zella Fuqua, Brennan Haake, Liam Hamer, Alyssa Hamilton, Lauren Harper, Claire Huffman, Payton Jacob, Alison Kearney, Ava Knap, Ashlyn Lannert, Wyatt Loghry, Kelsey Martlage, Sophia McDade, Coby Miller, Conrad Miller, Elijah Mock, Jett Morris, Jessica Palmer, Emma Parkinson, Jackson Place, Hope Rajlich, JoLeena Reynolds, Kendra Riddle, Taryn Sexton, Alyssa Shoviak, Luke Stegall, Rebecca Steinbach, Mackenzie Trame and Taylor Wells.

Honor Roll
Nicolas Anzelmo, Alanna Bensyl, Allison Burnett, Mackenzie Fulk, Avian Gerdes, Caitlyn Holzinger, Kennedy Hudson, Kailyn Ingram, KayLeigh Kamphaus, Olivia Klotz, Jacey Lewis, Braden McElroy, Ava Meyer, Ava Miller, Keaton Nolan, Jonathan Poulter, Griffin Roesch, Grace Schmitz, Anna Snyder, Regan Uden, Ethan Vanliew and Elijah Weinmann.


Juniors

High Honor Roll
Isabelle Brooks, Crayton Burnett, David Bytnar, Taylor Campbell, Kylie Duckett, Jacob Dwyer, Hanna Eastin, Nadirah Edwards, Emily Fisher, Dakota Franzen, Atleigh Hamilton, Emmy Houston, Lukas Hutcherson, Logan Ingram, Izabellah Innes, Cailer Kellenberger, Shelby Kofoot, Ethan Lane, Aiden Livesay, Tyson Madsen, Sophia Martlage, Flannery McCorkle, Garren Meeker, Abigail Moberg, Samantha Naylor, Alec Painer, Erin Patton, Aidan Roberts, Indira Robinson, Mazie Ronk, Evan Schmitz, Max Shonkwiler, Tessa Smith, Payton Vallee, Nora Walden, Brayden Wendt and Logan Wolfersberger.

Honor Roll
Hunter Brooks, Rylee Clements, Raegan Crippen, Makayla Duckwitz, Britney Evans, Alex Frerichs, Emily Froman, Isabella Getty, Spencer Lahners, Madigan Loman, Alyssa Maddock, Brandon Mattsey, Jackson Rydell and Mitchell Whitlock.


Seniors

High Honor Roll
Lindsey Aden, Jenna Albrecht, Mallory Ames, Kendall Ayers, Taylor Barnes, Katelyn Berry, Emily Bigger, Kaylee Blackburn, Ginny Bytnar, Payton Cain, Trevon Carr, Payton Clements, Brendan Cooperider, Kristen Costa, Kathryn Cramer, Andrea Cunningham, Faith Dahman, Bailey Dowling, Hannah Dukeman, Jaiden Freeman, Payton Grimsley, Lucas Grindley, Erica Guelfi, Emily Hardimon, Cody Johnston, Danielle Kelso, Nathan Maier, Ava Mills, Carson Mills, Allison Monk, Nolan Peacock, Eric Poe, Hannah Rajlich, Jenna Schaefer, Rylee Stahl, Kenly Taylor, Stephanie Trame, Anna Tranel, Isabelle Vliet, Brayden Weaver, Sam Wesley, Zoey Witruk andJackson Wooten.

Honor Roll
Joseph Acton, Michara Allen, Kolton Batty, Ross Booker, Austin Carnes, Drew Coursey, Blake Dable, Asjah Fonner, Clay Frederick, Tristan Fuqua, Robert Gebbink, Brayden Grimsey, Ethan Hinrichs, Conner Hodge, Chance Izard, Lacey Kaiser, Aubrey Kern, Eliza Lewis, Keegan McCarty, Mason McLain, Alivia Norem, Taddy Pettit, Dyllan Price, Lexi Ribbe, Joshua Sexton, Joshua Vice, Karsyn Wetzel andJoel Wilson.


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Fighting Illini dominate Redbirds 92-65, freshman Mirkovic stars in career opener

Sunday’s exhibition highlighted the Illini’s depth and pace. Illinois shot 52% overall and limited ISU to 40%, while controlling rebounds 44-29, with Ty Pence standing out as a former St. Joseph-Ogden star.

Photo: Illinois Sports Information/Danny Mattie

Illinois' David Mirkovic goes up for a shot in his debut game at State Farm Center.

CHAMPAIGN — The Fighting Illini fans barely had time to settle into their seats Sunday at State Farm Center before Illinois seized control. With a flurry of fast breaks, crisp passing, and sharp shooting, the No. 17 Illini turned a tied game into a commanding lead and never looked back, cruising to a 92-65 exhibition victory over Illinois State in front of 15,180 fans.

Illinois built an early lead with a 34-10 run midway through the first half, turning a 9-9 game into a commanding advantage they never relinquished. By halftime, the Illini were up 47-24, and although Illinois State played better in the second half, dropping 41 points, the Redbirds could not close the gap.

Four Illini scored in double figures, highlighted by freshman David Mirkovic, who recorded a double-double with 19 points and 14 rebounds while adding six assists in his unofficial Illinois debut. “The first time I’ve been to this arena was two days ago,” Mirkovic said. “I felt like I’ve been here before because I watched a lot of games. The environment was great. It was louder probably than I’ve ever played in a home game. I liked it.”

Freshman Brandon Lee scored 17 points on a perfect 5-for-5 performance from the floor and went 6-for-8 from the free-throw line. Junior Zvonimir Ivisic contributed 15 points and five rebounds, while senior Kylan Boswell added 14 points, three rebounds, and six assists to match Mirkovic. Illinois shot 52% overall, including 39% from 3-point range, while controlling the glass 44-29 and limiting the Redbirds to 40% shooting.

Illinois State was led by Jack Daugherty, who finished with 16 points on 5-of-11 three-point shooting. Brandon Lieb and Tyreek Coleman each scored nine points, and former St. Joseph-Ogden standout Ty Pence contributed 8 points in 22:28 of playing time, hitting 3-of-4 from beyond the arc and grabbing two of the Redbirds’ 29 rebounds. Pence, a local product, continues to make his mark after a decorated high school career at St. Joseph-Ogden, showing glimpses of the sharpshooting and versatility that earned him attention at the collegiate level.

“I thought we got out and kept a nice pace,” Illinois coach Brad Underwood said. “I’m really pleased with the freshmen. It was a good start and now we have a base.”

The Illini open the 2025-26 regular season at State Farm Center on Monday, Nov. 3, against Jackson State at 7:30 p.m. CT on BTN.

TAGGED: Illinois Fighting Illini exhibition win, Ty Pence Illinois State basketball, Illinois State Redbirds game recap, David Mirkovic double-double, St. Joseph-Ogden basketball alumni, Illini basketball 2025-26 season preview
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Pence has career night, SJO improves to 6-0

Behind four treys from Ty Pence, the St. Joseph-Ogden basketball team cruised past Rantoul Township for their first conference win last night, 60-37. SJO remains undefeated improving to 6-0.

Pence commanded the floor with a season-high 22 points and was 4-for-5 from the free throw line. He, along with senior Conner Hodge with eight points, led the team on the boards with eight apiece.

In fact, the Spartans ruled the paint out-rebounding the visiting Eagles, 39-14.

In addition to the 16 from Pence and Hodge, Payton Cain (6 points, 7 rebounds) and Drew Coursey (2 points, 6 rebounds) posted season-high totals from their participation in the paint.

The Eagles were paced by 5-11 guard Kamrynnn Rome with 11 points and junior Jaxson Freeman with nine.

The Spartans hosts Tri-Valley this afternoon at 3:30p to finish a back-to-back game series this weekend. On Tuesday, SJO travel to Champaign to face the Maroons of Central in another non-conference contest before their State Farm Holiday Classic opener on December 26.

The JV boys’ basketball team also won their season opener crushing Rantoul in similar fashion, 75-38.

Box Score

Scoring
St. Joseph-Ogden: Conner Hodge 8, Payton Cain 6, Jordan Kelly 4, Drew Coursey 2, Payton Grimsley 7, Chance Izard 7, Ty Pence 22 and Luke Renfrew 4.

Rantoul: Buford 2, Freeman 9, Lee 3, Rome 11, Shaw 4, Space 3, Wilkerson 3 and Winston 2.



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SJO boys open season with resounding basketball victory

If you missed the St. Joseph-Ogden boys basketball team's season opener at the Toyota of Danville Classic last night, then you missed one heck of a teaser for has the markings of an exciting year of SJO basketball.

Chance Izard goes up for a shot
Chance Izard goes up for a shot in the Spartans' Toyota of Danville Classic basketball on Tuesday. Izard finished with 19 points. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)
Entering his second season at the helm, Duval started four seniors and freshman. All five were familiar names over the PA during this year's football season.

Conner Hodge and Drew Course took to the floor as forwards. Chance Izard and Payton Cain started in the guard slots and 6-4 freshman Ty Pence got the season's first touch on the ball at center.

Almost two minutes past scoreless before Izard made a lay up with 6:10 left in the first quarter to give the Spartans the first lead of the game.

It was a relatively unproductive first quarter for both teams that ended at 7-4. Midway through the second one however, the Spartans shed most of their first-game jitters and started an 11 point run on GRF. Skipping second and third gear, jumping right into fourth, St. Joseph-Ogden continued the offense onslaught on their way to a 64-37 win over Georgetown-Ridge Farm on their home court.

"They've got some quickness. That's why we are trying to use our transition game and push the basketball," said head coach Kiel Duval. "Even our bigs can run. We don't have a slow guy on the team."

Leading the team with eight points at the half, Izard added another 11 to finish the night with a game-high 19 points.

"He did what we expect him to do," Duval said. "The things we're pushing Chance to do, push the basketball, move without the basketball ... he did a lot of those things. We've continually pushed him every day in practice."

Izard did not want to take full credit for his performance that puts his team with on the floor tonight in their second tournament game against La Salette at 8 pm with a 1-0 record.

"I've got to give a lot of credit to my teammates. They did a great job of keeping the pressure off me," he said. "We struggled at rebounding in the beginning. But, we picked it up in the second half and that created a lot of opportunities for me to get some buckets in."

Jordan Kelly, who was shot 50% from the free throw line, also drained a few buckets. The senior came off the bench to start his senior season with 12 points, all lighting up the scoreboard in the second half.

Leading by as much as 28 points in the fourth quarter, Duval rotated players in and out liberally.

Luke Renfew scrambles for a loose ball
Luke Renfew goes after a loose ball after instigating a turnover. The senior was essential player on defense. (Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

There are fifteen players on the Spartans roster this season. Ten of them contributed to their win over the Buffaloes.

Cain finished with eight points, Pence added seven in varsity debut and Luke Renfew chipped drain six in the opening half. Renfew's offensive put back in the first frame handed SJO a 5-4 lead from which the team never looked back.

One of four underclassmen on the roster, Pence said he tense before the start of the game.

"The hard part was adapting to the speed of the game," Pence said. "Before the game I was really nervous. The guys helped me out and helped me get into the flow of the game."

The Georgetown-Ridge Farm offense was led by Kaden Mingee with 15 points and ten points from Cale Steinbaugh.

The Buffaloes look to pick up a win over Schlarman in the second of three games on tap at St. Joseph-Ogden High School tonight.


Box Score
St. Joseph-Ogden 7 14 22 22 - 65
Georgetown-Ridge Farm 4 7 11 15 - 37


Scoring
St. Joseph-Ogden: Conner Hodge 2, Lukas Hutcherson 3, Payton Cain 8, Jordan Kelly 12, Chance Izard 19, Andrew Beyers 2, Ty Pence 7, Luke Renfrew 6, Braydon Rupert 2 and Hayden Brazelton 4.

Georgetown-Ridge Farm: Hayden Stal 2, Cale Steinbaugh 10, Kaden Mingee 15, Gavan Shelton 3, Jeremiah Smith 4 and Justice Arthur 1.



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Looking for their voice, young Spartans ready for forging

St. Joseph-Ogden head coach Kiel Duval watches the Spartans during first half action in their home game against Williamsville in 2019. After undergoing COVID-19 protocols resulting in the cancellation of one contest and rescheduling of another last week, he and the SJO squad are ready start playing basketball tonight.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Game day.

With barely a month left in an already shortened basketball season season due the pandemic, tonight the St. Joseph-Ogden boys basketball team will finally be able to run the floor, drill three-point shots, haul in rebounds and foul a couple of players.

Are they ready to play? You bet.

"It's exciting. I'm excited for the kids," said head coach Kiel Duval. "They have been waiting for this for a long time. It has been a roller coaster year for them to say the least. I told them tonight - there will be nerves. We are going to make mistakes."

The delay from the typical November start, COVID protocols, wearing masks and a canceled week of competition will be unforgettable in the lives of tonight's players.

The lads from SJO open their season against Rantoul at home tonight. The Eagles with two games under their belt, both resulting in losses, dropped their first game 64-42 to Champaign Central and suffered a 68-37 loss to Prairie Central last night.

"I do think this will be a game they remember for a long time because of the road it took to get here," Duval said. A math teacher at the school, he was a three-sport athlete for the Spartans.

Is there a reason to be a little nervous at this point?

Sure. With hours to go until the opening pass - there are not tipoffs under COVID rules, a positive test from one or more player on either team between now and then could jeapordize tonight's conference game between the two schools. Fingers are cross tightly, for whatever good it will do, there are fans, players and coaches hoping that it doesn't happen.

The first interview of the season, I asked Coach Duval what I should be writing about or looking at that no one else is talking about. Here is what he said:

Ty Pence is going to draw a lot of attention every night. The guys that are out there with him are starting to understand that his attention he draws will give them opportunities. What will be interesting to me is what guys step up to be "Robin" each night.

Honestly, your guess is as good as mine. There are multiple guys that can score, but which one it will be on a given night - I have no clue. The next question that we have been asking ourselves is which guy is going to be our "lockdown" defender. We've always had one. Every team as far back as I can remember. It has been what has made this program special over the years. We are searching.

We have ideas of guys that have the ability. It comes down to if they want to do it for 32 minutes consistently. That part is tough. "How bad do you want to be really good?" is a question we ask them all the time.

The Spartans is a team full of youth. There's going to be some aches and pains as inexperienced varsity players and their cohort matures.

"We have a lot of guys that need to figure out how to play at a varsity level. It is very different going from freshman to jv to varsity," Duval explained. "The transition is huge. I think our goal should be to make strides and improve each day. For us to have a chance to be successful at all in the future our guys need to grow together now. This time together is critical."

Andrew Beyers see action for the Spartans during the team's 2019 home game against Paxton-Buckley-Loda, who will join the Illini Prairie Conference this fall. Duval expects down the road, opponents will be intimidated by his speed and quickness.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

The departure of the Class of 2020 took left ten openings for the 2020-21 season. Only two players, Ty Pence, whose play has already earned him an offer from Western Illinois University in Macomb, and Cameron Costa.

"We do not have a lot of varsity experience," Duval said. "In my mind, we have 7 starters."

The seven, who hope to become magnificent this season are Ty Pence, Andrew Beyers, Lukas Hutcherson, Jackson Rydell, Evan Ingram, Cameron Costa and Hayden Brazelton. Duval said the goal for him and his coaching staff is to help all seven "find their voice."

"There will be other guys that will have roles that will likely grow throughout the year, but these seven will likely play significant minutes early," Duval said highlighting the talent on the team. "They all have strengths individually, but they are figuring out in practice they are much better when they play together.

"When they communicate. When they pick each other up. Show leadership. I'm hoping by the end of the year they grow as leaders and develop toughness that will help them far past basketball."

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In addition to Pence, there are three players Duval is anxious to measure, mold and see mature.

"Hutcherson will handle the point guard spot for us most nights. He has really looked like a senior in practice," he said. "He is very easy to root for."

Then there is a "quiet and reserve", 6-2 junior forward to watch.

"Andrew Beyers is a kid that is very skilled, but you would never guess it. When he really gets his basketball legs under him, people will hate guarding him," Duval said about Beyers' future and the potential impact he will have on the program. "He has a refuse-to-quit mentality on the offensive glass."

Then, there is another junior, Evan Ingram, who "has the makings to be a very good high school basketball player".

Duval said, "We are still working on him everyday to understand all the aspects of the game to be great. He has grown. He has become more coachable each day."

A junior varsity game starting at 6:30p will precede tonight's 8pm varsity game. Both St. Joseph-Ogden and Rantoul fans can watch both Illini Prairie Conference games via live stream on the NFHS network.

This story originally reported St. Joseph-Ogden's opening game as a home game. An oversight on the editor's part, this game was originally scheduled and played as an away game. We regret this error.
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Looking Back | St. Joseph-Ogden basketball team rolls over Nashville 24 points

With the hectic 2022-23 season behind us, we want to use the summer to catch up publishing some of the great moments we captured this season but didn't have the time or resources to publish. Here is The Sentinel's next installment of our summer feature called Looking Back. Visit our website weekly for more photo features.
Ty Pence has his shot blocked in the Nashville game
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
Nashville senior Aidan Heiman tries to block a shot under the basket by Ty Pence. The Spartans defeated the visiting Hornets, 59-35. See more photos from this game here. Heiman finished the game with 4 points and 6 rebounds.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
SJO's Coy Taylor tries to get around Nashville's Carter Schoenherr during a first-half free throw.
Rylan Hammer and Maddux Carter
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
Nashville's Rylan Hammer brings the ball down the court to a waiting St. Joseph-Ogden senior Maddux Carter playing defense in first half.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
McGwire Atwood pulls down a rebound in the second half. Atwood helped the Spartans break a two-game skid with their first win of 2023.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
Spartan senior Ty Pence looks for an open path into the lane during in the fourth quarter.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
St. Joseph-Ogden cheerleaders lead student fans in a cheer during a timeout.
Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks
SJO sophomore Tanner Siems barrels his way into the paint against Nashville sophomore Isaac Blazier in the team's 59-35 win. See more photos from this game here.
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Spartans scrap Rockets - Cain scores 15 for SJO

In the opening quarter of their Illini Prairie Conference game, Chance Izard sank three treys to help St. Joseph-Ogden establish a first half 26-20 lead over Unity at the Rocket Center on Tuesday. He would swish one more in the third period before falling silent for the remainder game as the Spartans persevered, surviving a battle royale with rowdy Rockets, 54-46.

"It was really a hard-fought game," Izard said. The senior, who was 4-for-7 from three point range, finished the night with 14 points. "Toward the end, down the stretch, we took care of things and ended up getting the win."

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SJO's Conner Hodge pulls down a rebound
Conner Hodge tries to snag a defensive rebound for the Spartans. Hodge finished the conference win with eight of SJO's 32 rebounds. (PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

Committing nine turnovers didn't help the Spartans' cause. In most instances the possession changes offered opportunities for Unity's Jared Routh, who posted 18 points, to put the ball through the net.

Izard said one of things that he and his fellow teammates need to focus on is ball possession. In particular, he pointed out turnovers.

"That's pretty obvious," he said. "Ultimately, we just have to be more prepared mentally."

When they needed him most, Payton Cain stepped up to lead the Spartan offense finishing the away game with one point more than Izard behind a 63.3% shooting effort. The senior guard also had six boards and four steals.

One thing for sure, Unity's 4-14 record did not match their resolve or effort against the Spartans.

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Ty Pence blocks a shot
Ty Pence blocks a Unity's Nate Drennan. SJO's big man scored seven points. (PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

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Payton Grimsley dribbling the ball
Payton Grimsley drives to the paint during first half action. The senior finished the night with six points and five rebounds. (PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

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SJO dance team
A member of the SJO Dance team performs with her team and the Unity Rockettes during halftime. Both dance teams advanced out of the Effingham sectional to compete at this weekend's IHSA Competitive Dance State Finals. (PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

"We knew they wanted it and they played like it," Izard said about the coveted W between the two longtime rival programs.

Routh, who like Izard finished the night with four treys, was proud the way his fellow Rockets brought their A-game to the hardwood against the Spartans.

"I think we all stepped up in a major way," said Routh, one of four Unity seniors this season. Despite the loss and having yet to post a win in 2020, he was happy with the strides his teammates have made since the start of the season. "I believe we all took it to the next level."

Spartan senior Conner Hodge lead all players in rebounds, aggressively hauling in seven defensive ones and one offensive board. Drew Coursey snagged another five for SJO.

Next up, St. Joseph-Ogden hosts 18-5 Prairie Central on Friday. The Hawks suffered a snap in an eight-game win streak after losing to Pontiac on the road, 54-50. Tipoff for the conference showdown is scheduled for 7pm.

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Despite being knocked off his feet, Referee Keith Johnson keeps his eyes on the action during second half action between the Spartans and Rockets. Johnson quickly got back on his feet with no interruption to the flow of the game. (PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

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While trying to slash his way into the paint, Payton Cain loses control of the ball with a little help from Unity's Blake Kimball. Cain led the SJO scoring effort with 15 points. (PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)


Box Score
St. Joseph-Ogden 12 14 14 14 - 54
Team 2 10 10 16 10 - 46


Scoring
St. Joseph-Ogden: Conner Hodge 3, Payton Cain 15, Jordan Kelly 5, Drew Coursey 4, Payton Grimsley 6, Chance Izard 14 and Ty Pence 7.

Unity: Blake Kimball 2, JP Bowers 3, Jared Routh 18, Nate Drennan 10, Jordan Clark 5 and Karson Ewerks 8.

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