Sullivan holds on despite late SJO rally for 59-55 road win

St. Joseph-Ogden dropped a 59-55 decision to visiting Sullivan on Jan. 5 after a late fourth-quarter push.


Hayden makes a pass during SJO's home game against Sullivan

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Hayden Dahl looks to make a pass in SJO's home game against Sullivan. Dahl finished the game with 8 points and 11 rebounds in the Spartans' non-conference loss last Monday. See more photos from St. Joseph-Ogden's home game against Sullivan.
ST. JOSEPH - St. Joseph-Ogden led early and battled to the final minute, but a cold stretch and timely second-half scoring from Sullivan proved costly in a 59-55 loss to the visiting Redskins on Monday, Jan. 5.

The setback marked a third consecutive defeat for the Spartans, who slipped to 9-4 on the season. Sullivan improved to 10-6 with the road win.

St. Joseph-Ogden opened the game with energy, jumping out to a 6-0 lead on an early three-pointer from Katie Ericksen and maintaining control throughout the first quarter. The Spartans stretched the margin to seven points during the period, using crisp ball movement and patient shot selection to keep Sullivan on its heels.

Momentum shifted early in the second quarter. After nearly three and a half minutes of play, Sullivan grabbed a 19-18 lead and used the final 4 minutes and 38 seconds of the half to build an eight-point advantage. St. Joseph-Ogden struggled to find rhythm offensively during the stretch, managing just one field goal, a three-pointer from Addie Brooks, while turnovers added to the challenge.

"We didn't relly come out in the second quarter as a team," Brooks said. "It took us a little too long to come back together and pull through. We got to fix that in practice."

Kayla Osterbur fights for position in the paint
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

SJO's Kayla Osterbur tries to get around a Sullivan player for another rebound. The senior finished the game with a double-double.
Sullivan carried that momentum into the third quarter, pushing its lead to double digits on three occasions. Freshman Elin Watkins began to assert herself offensively, attacking gaps and finishing in transition as the Redskins created separation. Still, the Spartans remained composed and methodically worked their way back into the game.

In the fourth quarter, St. Joseph-Ogden closed within 54-52 on a basket from Kayla Osterbur, bringing the crowd to its feet. Osterbur scored once more before fouling out with 1:05 remaining, with the Spartans trailing by three. After her exit, St. Joseph-Ogden managed just one additional free throw down the stretch.

"I was disappointed in our effort on both ends of the floor. We weren't very crisp," said head coach Brian Brooks. "I'm not taking anything away from them (Sullivan). They capitalized on it."

Brooks said the number of game over the past two weeks, coupled with weather-related cancellations hadn't given the team ample time to practice.

"We've played a lot of games lately. We haven't been practicing because it, not enough, and it is showing right now," he said. "We've lost three, one or two possession games in the last week. That can't happen."

Addie Brooks led the Spartans with 17 points, connecting on five three-pointers and going 2-for-2 at the free-throw line. Osterbur posted a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Hayden Dahl added eight points and 11 boards. Ericksen finished with nine points and eight assists, and Timera Blackburn-Kelley chipped in six.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Spartan head coach Brian Brooks make a strategy change in the fourth quarter that helped SJO get within two points of tying the game. St. Joseph-Ogden has suffered three consecutive losses by four or fewer points.

Watkins led all scorers with 20 points for Sullivan, 16 coming in the second half. Senior Aeralyn Thrasher added 18 as the Redskins secured their second win in three games.

The Spartans turned the ball over 16 times.

"We gave them a lot of possessions on both ends of the floor," Brooks said. "We just got to get back to what we do in practice. We had some great practice habits early in the season. We've got to get back to that."


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St. Joseph-Ogden vs Sullivan girls basketball recap, Addison Brooks five three-pointers SJO, Sullivan Redskins road win girls basketball, Illinois high school girls basketball Jan 5, SJO girls basketball third straight loss
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#8 Unity upsets top-ranked Warrensburg-Latham at Christie Clinic Shootout

Brayden Henry grabs the ball away from Brennon Bond
Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

ST. JOSEPH - Unity's Brayden Henry snatches the ball away from the grasp of Warrensburg-Latham's Brennon Bond during their Christie Clinic Shootout game on Saturday. After trailing by 20 points with 21 seconds left in the third quarter, the Rockets (12-2) dug deep, pulling off an epic fourth-quarter rally to tie the score at 58-all at the end of regulation time. Holding the Cardinals to just two points in overtime, Unity soared to a 68-60 win over the #3 ranked Class 2A team in Illinois. Henry, who was key on defense, finished with five points in the last 12 minutes of the game.

Game recap and more awesome photos coming this week.


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TAGS: Unity Rockets defeat Warrensburg-Latham, Unity wins at Christie Clinic Shootout, Warrensburg-Latham suffers upset at shootout, Unity Rockets basketball team wins
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Fourth-quarter surge lifts Unity over Effingham on the road

Unity Athletics
Unity improved to 6-1 with a road win over Effingham, powered by late free throws and balanced scoring.


EFFINGHAM - Unity didn't panic when they found themselves trailing a wee bit on the scoreboard agaisnt Hearts on Monday.

After hammering Pleasant Plains on the road Friday night, the Rockets continued riding their measured momentum and used a fourth-quarter surge to pull away from Effingham for a 66-57 road win. The victory extended Unity’s winning streak to four games and lifted the Rockets to 6-1 on the season.

Unity Athletics
Unity trailed by one at halftime but flipped the script after the break, outscoring the Hearts 35-25 in the second half. The decisive push came in the final quarter, where the Rockets poured in 19 points to create separation down the stretch.

Tyler Henry led Unity with 16 points, doing much of his damage late. The junior went 4-for-6 from the free throw line in the fourth quarter, helping the Rockets protect their lead when Effingham tried to close the gap. Colton Langendorf added 15 points, and the duo combined for 13 of Unity’s 19 points in the final frame.

Tre Hoggard rounded out the Rockets’ top scorers with 11 points, giving Unity three players in double figures in another balanced offensive effort.

Effingham, which fell to 3-8, was led by Jenner Pals, who scored 15 points, all in the first half. Jude Traub finished with 10 points and went 2-for-2 at the free throw line, while senior Cannon Bockhorn chipped in nine points as the Hearts dropped their fifth straight game.

Unity returns to action Dec. 30 at the Effingham-Teutopolis Christmas Classic, where the Rockets will face Central A&M.


Box Score
Unity            20   31   47 - 66
Effingham  13   32   43 - 57


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TAGS: Unity Rockets boys basketball fourth quarter rally, Unity vs Effingham high school basketball recap, Illinois high school basketball road win, Unity Rockets 2025 season recap, Effingham Hearts boys basketball loss
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Too cold for a run? Tips for staying in shape when it is cold and snowy

Photo: Mircea Iancu/Pixabay

Exercising outdoors is a primo mood booster. Don't be afraid to try new outdoor activities if the weather allows it.
by Tim Ditman
OSF Healthcare

PONTIAC - Fall and winter mean picturesque, snowy scenery. But the season’s weather can make working out more difficult. Normally dry sidewalks are replaced with ice. Or you may be snowed in entirely and unable to get to the gym.

It’s important to exercise year-round for your physical and mental health. Clare Spires, an exercise physiologist at OSF HealthCare, has some tips to stay active in the winter.

Before you even pick up a weight or lace up the running shoes, set standards for yourself.

“Even if you can just make the goal to do something that day,” Spires says. “It doesn’t need to be an hour or hour-and-a-half workout. It can be 30 or 45 minutes. It can be at home, at a gym or outside. But just making those goals possible and achievable.”


Workout in the daylight

This can give you a mood boost and, if you’re outside, ensure you have enough light to be safe. Try working out on your lunch break or just when you have 20 minutes to spare, Spires suggests.


If the outdoors is not nasty (like a blizzard), a walk or run outside is doable, Spires says. Just keep your safety in mind.

“Check the weather forecast. Use shoes that have more traction for those slippery sidewalks. Stay hydrated. Dress appropriately,” Spires advises.

Proper attire includes layers of sweat-wicking fabrics, and gloves and hats to warm your hands and head. Also, have a safety plan that includes access to first aid and a phone. Workout with a buddy when you can.

Also, know your limits. Spires says if you wouldn’t go to the gym for two hours, don’t shovel snow for two hours. Do it in five-to-10-minute chunks.

“We also use something called the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) scale,” Spires explains. “It’s one to 10. Ten would be the hardest exercise you’ve ever done. One is just sitting on the couch. We ideally like people to stay in that four to six moderate intensity range. So, if you think shoveling snow is in the four to six range and not creeping up to an eight or nine, that would be appropriate for you to do.”

On the positive side, Spires adds that depending on your location, you can branch out and try workouts like snowshoeing, ice skating or sledding.

“It’s fun to try new hobbies that are going to get you more active,” Spires says.


When snowed in and working out in your home, use your surroundings to your advantage. For example, Spires suggests going up and down the stairs a few times with breaks in between.

“You can do different body weight exercises like jumping jacks or squats,” Spires adds. “You can get creative and use soup cans, water bottles or even bottles of hairspray to add a little bit of weight or intensity to your workout.”

Just like working out outside, Spires says to be aware of your surroundings. Am I on carpet or hardwood, which may be slick? Is there a stray cord or a wandering child I could trip on? Is there a counter or dresser nearby for me to catch my balance?


Key takeaways:
  • Cold, snowy weather makes it more difficult to exercise. The tips above will help you stay active.
  • Exercise in the daylight. It's a mood boost and is safer.
  • If you exercise outside, wear proper clothing and know your limits.
  • Indoor workouts can make use of your surroundings, like using water bottles as weights. Make sure there is nothing that would cause injury, like a slippery floor.
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    Griffin and Raiford shine, but Comanches drop tough road game in Springfield

    A dominant opening quarter gave Cahokia momentum, but Springfield flipped the game with a big second frame to win 67-62. Griffin and Raiford kept the Comanches close with strong two-way performances.


    SPRINGFIELD - For one electric quarter, the Cahokia Comanches looked unstoppable, building a commanding 16-point lead. But a devastating second-quarter swing proved too much to overcome, as Springfield High School roared back to hand Cahokia a heartbreaking 67-62 non-conference road loss last Friday night.

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    The game turned on a dime in the second frame, where Springfield outscored the Comanches by nearly a 2-to-1 margin to erase the large deficit and take a 35-28 lead into halftime. Cahokia, showing resilience, spent the rest of the game chipping away. A valiant recovery effort kept the score close down the stretch, but the Comanches ultimately ran out of time, falling just short in the final minutes.

    Senior leadership kept Cahokia in the fight. C'narri Griffin and Corrion Raiford shouldered the offensive load, each pouring in 18 points. Raiford completed a double-double by dominating the glass with 10 rebounds, while Griffin was a disruptive force on defense, leading the team with four steals and adding four assists.

    Sophomore Douglas Edwards III provided key support with seven points. As a team, the Comanches posted strong effort stats with 28 rebounds, 13 assists, and 12 steals, but could not find enough baskets to complete the comeback.

    The loss drops Cahokia's early season record to 2-1 as they head into a grueling stretch of their five-game road swing. There is little time to dwell, as the team travels to face the Highland Bulldogs tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m., followed by a back-to-back game against the undefeated Belleville East Lancers (3-0) just 24 hours later.

    Closing out the week, the Comanches head to Marion for the Wildcats' season opener on Friday before a three-day break from competition on the hardcourt.


    Cahokia vs Springfield High basketball recap, Illinois non-conference high school basketball analysis, Cahokia Comanches early season road stretch, Springfield High rally from 16-point deficit, Cahokia senior leadership game highlights
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    Balanced scoring lifts St. Joseph-Ogden over BHRA

    A trio of nine-point performances powered St. Joseph-Ogden past BHRA 46–37. The Spartans used three second‑quarter 3-pointers to take control and extend their early-season momentum.


    ST. JOSEPH - St. Joseph-Ogden defeated Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin 46-37 in a home matchup last Tuesday. The Spartans used a strong second quarter, highlighted by three 3-pointers, to take a 25-19 lead into halftime and maintain control the rest of the way.

    SJO featured a balanced scoring effort, with senior Katie Erickson, junior Hayden Dahl and sophomore Atleigh Miller each finishing with nine points. Kayla Osterbur, Ainsley Dirksmeyer and Addie Brooks added five points apiece, while Timera Blackburn‑Kelley chipped in four to round out the Spartans’ offense.

    BHRA’s Ella Acton led all scorers with 14 points, all coming in the first three quarters. Alivia Reifsteck and Gentry Elson contributed eight points each for the Blue Devils, who remained within reach but were unable to overcome SJO’s midgame surge.

    The victory marks the third straight for St. Joseph-Ogden, which opened the season with a 30-point win over Arthur‑Lovington‑Atwood‑Hammond and followed with a 14-point victory against Clifton Central.

    SJO looks to extend its winning streak to four when it hosts Tuscola in a nonconference matchup Monday.


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    TAGS: St. Joseph-Ogden vs. BHRA girls basketball recap, SJO Spartans balanced scoring highlights 46-37 win, BHRA girls basketball performance against St. Joseph-Ogden, SJO girls basketball winning streak early-season overview
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    Vermillion’s defense leads Oakwood to convincing win at Arcola

    Oakwood opened the season with a 43-15 road win over Arcola, a sharp reversal from last year’s loss. Senior Caydence Vermillion led the way with 14 points, six steals and six rebounds. Emma Koontz contributed a double-double.


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    ARCOLA - Oakwood opened its girls basketball season with a dominant 43-15 road win over Arcola on Monday evening, a complete turnaround from last year’s 50-18 loss to the Riders. The Comets controlled both ends of the floor from the start, setting the tone defensively and never allowing Arcola to find rhythm in the half court.

    The defensive pressure was anchored by senior Caydence Vermillion, whose active hands and anticipation disrupted Arcola’s ball movement throughout the night. Vermillion finished with six steals in 28 minutes and added a game-high 14 points. She also pulled down six rebounds, helping Oakwood outwork Arcola on the glass and limit second-chance scoring opportunities.

    Oakwood’s rebounding edge was strengthened further by junior forward Emma Koontz, who controlled the paint with 11 rebounds while adding 10 points. She also contributed three blocks, cutting off drives and forcing Arcola to settle for tough shots. With Koontz anchoring the interior and Vermillion generating turnovers on the perimeter, the Comets held Arcola to nine points in the first half and just six in the second.

    Offensively, Oakwood found a steady balance. Along with Vermillion and Koontz, Mady Nicoson chipped in six points to go with two rebounds and two assists, helping keep the ball moving and the offense organized. The Comets consistently converted turnovers into transition opportunities, which widened the margin early and kept the lead comfortable throughout the game.

    The win gives Oakwood an encouraging start following last year’s 10-22 finish, offering signs that the roster’s defensive intensity and improved rebounding could play a larger role this season. The Comets return to action Saturday, Nov. 22, when they host Casey-Westfield, the same team that edged them 24-21 last year.


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    TAGS: Oakwood girls basketball season opener, Arcola vs Oakwood game recap, Illinois high school basketball defensive performance, Oakwood Comets basketball 2025, Casey-Westfield vs Oakwood preview
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    Seven area players earn basketball all-conference recognition

    Tanner Siems - IPC First Team
    URBANA - The Illini Prairie Conference presented its boys' basketball all-conference team this week. Teams members are selected by coaches from each of the member teams. St. Joseph-Ogden center Tanner Siems and Coleton Langendorf from the conference champion Unity Rockets received votes to earn First-Team status.

    See the complete list below of this year's all-conference players.


    Illini Prairie Conference Final Standings

     1. Tolono Unity 8-1 / Overall: 23-9
     2. Bloomington Central Catholic 8-1 / Overall: 22-12
     3. St. Joseph-Ogden 7-2 / Overall: 21-9
     4. Monticello 5-4 / Overall: 18-14
     5. Pontiac 5-4 / Overall: 11-18
     6. Illinois Valley Central 4-5 / Overall: 13-19
     7. Rantoul 4-5 / Overall: 13-19
     8. Paxton-Buckley-Loda 3-6 / Overall: 14-15
     9. Prairie Central 1-8 / Overall: 8-24
    10. St. Thomas More 0-9 / Overall: 11-20

    First Team
    Kayshaun Manney, Central Catholic, So
    Ike Young, Monticello, Sr
    DJ Davis, Rantoul, Sr
    Tanner Siems, St. Joseph Ogden, Sr
    Coleton Langendorf, Unity, Jr
    Tyler Cole, PBL, Jr

    Second Team
    Trey Eller, Central Catholic, Sr
    Coy Taylor, St. Joseph Ogden, Sr
    Brady Ward, IVC, Jr
    Cayden Masching, Pontiac, Jr
    Dane Eisenmenger, Unity, Jr
    Brayden Henry, Unity, Jr

    Honorable Mention
    Will Vogel, Central Catholic, Sr
    Cole Yates, IVC, Sr
    Simon Zimmerman, Prairie Central, Sr
    Jayden Rice, Rantoul, Sr
    Parker Fitch, St. Joseph Ogden, Jr
    Owen Yeager, St. Thomas More, Jr
    Johnson, Pontiac, Sr


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    Hunter Wahtola earns All-State Honors with bronze medal finish at 285 pounds

    DePaul's Hunter Wahtola celebrates his 2-1 decision
    Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

    DePaul's Hunter Wahtola celebrates his 2-1 decision over Bloomington's David Williams. The sophomore continued his run through the blood rounds in his second state appearance to finish third at this year's state wrestling tournament.
    CHAMPAIGN - Representing DePaul College Prep this weekend on Illinois wrestling's biggest stage, Hunter Wahtola battled his way through the consolation bracket for a third-place finish at the IHSA Boys Individual Wrestling State Finals on Saturday. Staying determined and tenacious, he overcame the physically demanding battles from equally motivated opponents in the heavyweight division.

    Wahtola entered the State Farm Center with a solid 31-10 record, eager to surpass his freshman year performance where he wrestled at 215 pounds and faced a tough draw in the bracket. This season, with improved technical finesse and increased strength, he left no doubt about his prowess on the mat, finishing the season with 36-11.

    Wahtola's season-long journey culminated in a series of victories at state that also earned him All-State honors.

    His path to the podium was marked by resilience and smart wrestling. Wahtola's campaign at state saw him triumph in five out of six matches. His pivotal matches included decisive victories over formidable opponents, including an 11-6 victory over Cary-Groves' Lucas Burton (30-5) and a 6-1 decision over St. Rita's Pat Conneely (18-13). Demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure, his attention to detail and strong work ethic in the off-season paid dividends.

    Hunter Wahtola wrestles David Williams
    Going nose-to-nose, Hunter Wahtola didn't back down from Bloomington's David Williams in thrilling match that ended 2-1 in his favor.

    Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
    In his bronze medal match against Anthony Sebastian of Elmhurst (IC Catholic), Wahtola used his head and his brawn. Utilizing the first period to assess his opponent, Wahtola scored on an escape in the second period, followed by a pivotal takedown that solidified his lead. With a scoreless third period, he clinched the victory with a 4-0 decision, securing the third-place spot on the podium.

    Wahtola did not travel downstate to Champaign alone. Also competing for DePaul College Prep against the top wrestlers in the state were teammates Nabiel Rosario and Max Rosen. Rosario, competing at 132 pounds, concluded his season with a commendable 33-13 record. He dropped his preliminary round match and bounced back to win his first-round wrestleback, getting a tech fall on Waterloo's Konnor Stephens. The senior was then majored in his next match against Deerfield's Jackson Palzet (50-3).

    Meanwhile Rosen, wrestling at 144 pounds, finished at 32-11 after going 2-2 at state. His first victory over Matton's Ben Capitosti (45-7) was settled via a 5-2 decision. He picked up a second win after his quarterfinal loss, pinning Civic Memorial's Nathen Herrin (34-17) at 4:36.

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    Aidan Kenney's strong performance at IHSA state finals earns a fourth-place finish

    Aidan Kenney wrestles Logan Riggs
    Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
    Coal City's Aidan Kenney lunges in for a takedown on Roxana's Logan Riggs during their consolation semifinal on Saturday at the IHSA's state wrestling meet.

    CHAMPAIGN - In a thrilling display of grit and determination, Aidan Kenney of Coal City High School capped off his junior season with a fourth-place finish at the Boys' Individual Wrestling State Finals. Held at the iconic State Farm Center on the University of Illinois campus, Kenney, boasting a stellar 39-12 record, navigated through a competitive field to secure his spot on the podium.

    Kenney's journey began with a dominant major decision victory over Alex Carrier of Canton, showcasing his technical skill. The Coal City standout continued his winning streak in a tense quarterfinal match against Arrison Bauer from Lena-Winslow, clinching victory via first-period sudden victory after a hard-fought battle that ended 9-6 in his favor.

    Facing tough competition in the semifinals against Unity's Kaden Inman, Kenney battled fiercely but fell short, conceding a 7-2 decision. Undeterred, he rebounded in the consolation semifinals, securing a hard-earned 16-13 decision over Logan Riggs of Roxana, setting up a rematch scenario in the third-place match against Bauer.

    In a rematch that underscored the intensity of state-level competition, Kenney, fatigued from his earlier matches, struggled to find openings against Bauer's resilient defense. Despite Kenney's determined efforts, Bauer's strategic takedowns in first and third period culminated led to an 8-0 major decision, securing the third-place spot and leaving Kenney with a well-earned fourth-place finish.

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