First quarter run seals SJO's first tournament win

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

St. Joseph-Ogden's Hayden Brazelton goes up for an offensive rebound with Cissna Park's Tyler Newkomm during their first pool play contest at the Toyota of Danville Classic on Tuesday. Taking advantage of a 13-point first-quarter run and burying 10 three-pointers during the game, the Spartan (2-0) offensive firepower yielded a 78-53 win. Next up, SJO faces Oakwood at 8pm on Tuesday, December 1.

Troop 1956 offering holiday Candy Cane Hunts

It is an Easter Egg hunt except with candy canes. That's how American Heritage Girls Troop 1956 plans to raise funds for the new organization.

"The mission of American Heritage Girls is to build young women of integrity through service to God, family, community, and country. Girls in this program have the opportunity to participate in badge programs, service projects, leadership opportunities, and outdoor experiences," says Jessica Stuber organizing the hunt for the new local AHG chapter that started last October.

"We have never done this fundraiser before," Stuber said. "This is our very first fundraiser."

Starting December 12 through the December 18, parents, family members, or spouses can pick a time for the troop to hide candy canes around their yard for a small fee. Candy cane hunts are perfect for keeping little ones excited and adults occupied during the holiday season.

Stuber said the Candy Cane Hunt idea came from one her daughter was treated to one last year.

"My youngest daughter was surprised with a candy cane hunt by a friend who had come across a fundraiser very similar to ours by another organization," she recounted. "While planning for a troop Christmas party, I was reminded of the candy cane hunt and thought it might be a great way for our troop to generate funds."

Stuber hopes through fliers like the one shown, and word of mouth the troop will be plenty busy setting up hunts from Tuscola to Sidney and homes in between. They will even set them up in Champaign and Urbana.

"As of right now, we only have one family signed up to surprise their little one with a candy cane hunt. We just got the word out to our troop and have begun passing out fliers," she said. "We're hopeful that more families would like to participate as the word gets out."

Proceeds from the fundraiser will help the troop pay for field trips, camping trips, and future service projects. One of their financial goals is to be able to offer scholarships to families who would like to join but may be experiencing financial hardship.

To arrange a surprise holiday candy cane hunt for someone, contact Jessic Stuber at (217) 377-4868 or email her at jstuber00@gmail.com.

Prep Sports Notebook: Urbana boys and girls drop games, SJO picks up win

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Edwards leads Tigers in non-conference loss

Zineria Edwards scored seven second-half points to lead Urbana's scoring effort in the road game at the Arthur "Buz" Sievers Center at Monticello on Monday. Gabrielle Mboyo-Meta added another five points in the last half of the game in the 57-17 loss.

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SJO's Jones scores 14

Junior guard Peyton Jones hit a pair of treys in the second on her way to a game-high 14 points in St. Joseph-Ogden's 55-42 win over visiting Tuscola.

Alyssa Hamilton came off the bench for an 11-point finish in the non-conference contest. The senior shot 4-for-4 from the charity stripe. Ella Armstrong and Payton Jacob each chipped in seven points apiece.

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Unity suffers first loss of the season

A second-quarter drought dug a hole too deep for the Rockets to climb back in their 38-20 loss in the Rocket Center to Clinton (4-1).

The Unity (4-1) offensive effort was limited to three players. Taylor Henry led the team with 12 points and sophomore Reagen Stringer finished with six points. Katey Moore's first-quarter field goal rounded out the Rockets' effort.

Clinton was led by Mallory Cyrulik's 23 point performance. The senior was sent to the free-throw line 22 times and converted on 17 attempts.

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SJO basketball tournament starts tonight

Boys hoops action starts tonight at the annual The Toyota of Danville Classic at St. Joseph-Ogden High School. Six of the eight teams in the tournament begin pool play for the 2021 title starting this evening.

This evening's lineup includes:

5:00 PM: Danville Schlarman vs. Oakwood
6:30 PM: LaSalette vs. Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond
8:00 PM: Cissna Park vs. SJO

The tournament ends on Saturday with the championship game starting at 8pm.

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Other area sports scores:

Arcola 64 - Uni-High 54

Southeast 75 - Urbana 70

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Nickle and Dimes Band hosting NYE party in Royal

The Nickel and Dimes Band will be hosting a New Year's Eve party at the Royal Community Building.

Tickets are available online at nickelanddimesband.ticketleap.com/nye. Guests can save $10 per person by ordering theirs by midnight tonight, November 30th. Starting tomorrow ticket prices will increase to $50 per person and can be purchased online or at the door. Guests and couples are encouraged to buy tickets in advance before they are sold out.

Ticket prices include dinner provided by Last Call Catering. Friday night's menu includes fried chicken, pork loin, mashed potatoes, cheesy scalloped potatoes, green beans, corn, salad, and dinner rolls. The meal is scheduled to be served at 6:30pm.

After dinner, the warm-up show features local singer Kolten Taylor from 7:30-9pm with Nickle and Dimes immediately taking the stage to rock the crowd.

New Year's Eve party favors and champagne will be provided to welcome 2022 in style. There will be a cash bar available for guests.

For more information visit the band's Facebook page.