Photo of the Day | January 14, 2023

Rockets jinx unlucky Panthers

TOLONO - Members of the Unity student cheering section react to a moment on the court during fourth-quarter action of their basketball team's home game against Paxton-Buckley-Loda. Fans from both teams watched the Rockets decimate the visiting Panthers, who mustered just six points in the first half, en route to a 58-22 victory on Friday, January 13. With the Illini Prairie Conference win, Unity boasts a 10-7 record and moves to third place in the league behind Pontiac and Prairie Central.

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks


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Urbana H.S. makes temporary spectator policy change for basketball games

The Urbana High School Athletic Department announced on Wednesday restricted fan capacity for the next two home boys basketball games due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Champaign County.

This Friday's game against Peoria Notre Dame and next Tuesday's contest against Normal West, tickets will not be available to the general public.

Urbana athletes and players from visiting teams will be able to invite four guests according a post made on the #116 Twitter feed.

Both varsity games, as well as JV and freshman contests, are schedule for broadcast on the NFHS Network.

Photo Gallery: Faces in the crowd & on the field

It was a gorgeous late-fall Saturday at Hicks Field. Filled hundreds of fans and entertained by a couple of unintentional flyovers by commercial flights taking off from nearby Willard Airport, two of the four best Class 3A teams in the state squared off to advance to the state championship game at Northern Illinois University.

After two momentum shifts and a quiet third quarter, the Rockets exploded on both offense and defense for a come-from-behind 28-21 victory. Here's a look at the fans who fueled both teams and the players who gave their all.

Check out more faces and game photos here.

















View more photos from this game in the PhotoNews Media archives. Follow this link to IHSA State semifinal Mt. Carmel at Unity.

Singin' in the rain

St. Joseph-Ogden student fans
Die-hard, dedicated St. Joseph-Ogden student fans sing "Hey Baby" with the football team cheerleaders while enduring four quarters of a rain-soaked home football game last Friday. The Spartans secured their fifth consecutive win over the visiting Rantoul Eagles, 26-6. The team, who will play their final regular season game at Paxton-Buckley-Loda on tonight, needs the victory to guarantee themselves a spot in the 2021 playoffs. See more photos from SJO's last home game of the season here . . . .

PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks


Photo of the Day - January 13, 2021

Spartans pick up home win

Members of the Maroon Platoon student fan section (left to right in the front) Stephanie Trame, Bailey Dowling, Jenna Albrecht, Lindsey Aden and Katelyn Berry along with Joey Acton and Blake Dable in the row behind them, wait for a Ty Pence ball to find net during St. Joseph-Ogden's home basketball game against Monticello. The Spartans avoided a conference loss, defeating the Sages, 57-52. Pence (not pictured) scored 25 points in victory.

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

Photo of the Day - December 13, 2020

Unity student fan section cheers for the team in 2016

Fantastic fans keep Unity fired up

Members of the Unity High School student fan section cheer for the team during their basketball team's home game against St. Joseph-Ogden of February 5, 2016. Unity kept the Spartans on the ropes for the first four quarters only to eventually fall in overtime by nine points, 76-67. Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

SJO wins home volleyball match, faces in the crowd

The Maroon Platoon
SJO's Maroon Platoon making themselves known to the waiting Panthers at the start of the game.


A spectator closely watches set one action of the Spartans' home volleyball match against PBL.


Players talk after the game Fans have photos taken
On the left, SJO volleyball players engage in an interesting conversation. On the right, two fans pose for pictures on the gym floor after the Spartans beat visiting Paxton-Buckley-Loda in straight sets, 2-0. (All photos: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)


SJO wins
Student fans and SJO volleyball players celebrate the team's 12 victory of the season, a 2-0 win over PBL, after the game near the student section.


PBL volleyball fans watching the game at SJO
Paxton-Buckley-Loda fans display a look of concern for their team as the Spartans pound the ball into the mid-court. See more match photos here . . .


Spartan fans after the game Spartan fans talk after the game
Spectators talk after the Spartans match. SJO home matches are always a great place to meet up with friends, family and other fans. Click here to see more than 300 photos of St. Joseph-Ogden volleyball coverage by PhotoNews Media.


group photo
More postgame photos with friends and athletes. Nothing better than a home win to put a smile on everyone's face.





Stress-free Thanksgiving tips for those short on time this holiday season

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The good news is that whether you’re a Gen Z-er hosting your first Friendsgiving on a budget or you’re a busy family preparing for guests, there is a lot to be thankful for this year.


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