Five earn Player-of-the-Game recognition at Christie Clinic Shootout

St. Joseph - After each of the seven games at the Christie Clinic Shootout at St. Joseph-Ogden High School on Saturday, the best player in each contest was awarded a player-of-the-game plaque. Here's a look at the seven recipients and how they did.

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Christopher Benning

Streator

Christopher Benning poses with his Player-of-the-Game award with St. Joseph-Ogden tournament and athletic director Justin Franzen. Benning scored 11 points in the fourth quarter to fuel Streators' come from behind victory in the first game of day at the Christie Clinic Shootout. Tallying 23 points, his last quarter effort resulted in 60-53 win over Normal Community West on Saturday.

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Miles Kirin

Normal U-High

Going 6-for-6 from the free-throw line, Normal University Miles Kirin led all scorers with 18 points in his team's decisive 68-42 win over Carterville in Game 2. The 6-foot-1 senior drained eight of his total points in the fourth quarter.

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Trey Welter

Monticello

Monticello improved their record to 8-8 after a 19-point performance from 5-foot-5 senior Trey Welter against New Berlin (11-4). Behind Welter's second through third quarter outburst and a solid team defensive effort, the Sages defeated the Pretzels, 57-26.

Photos: PhotoNews Media / Clark Brooks

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Nick Allen

Bradley-Bourbonnais

Nick Allen hit ten field goals and drained four free throws, finishing with 22 points in Boilermakers' 62-61 win over the Maroons of Belleville West (7-8). Down 16-9 at the end of the first quarter, Bradley-Bourbonnais (12-4) continued to trail on the scoreboard through the first three quarters to later pull out the W thanks Allen's six 4th-quarter points.

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Andrew Thomas

Unity

Unity's Andrew Thomas was named Player-of-the-Game after he finished with 13 points. The team's relentless defense and attacking offense paid dividends against Quincy Notre Dame (9-7). Thomas, a senior starter, collected all of his points in first half. After 15 games and the 58-35 win, Thomas and the Rockets are still undefeated.

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AJ Keith

Pinckneyville

Panther AJ Keith was the top shooter of the day, finishing with a game-high 33 points against shootout host St. Joseph-Ogden (13-3). The 6-foot-4 Pinckneyville shooting guard made 13 of his 14 free-throw attempts to defeat the Spartans, 72-57.

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JC Anderson

Mt. Zion

After scoring 18 points in the first half, Mt. Zion's JC Anderson received the nod as player-of-the-game in the final game of the day. Anderson added another four to his total in the second half, finishing with 22 points in the Braves 64-49 win over Washington. Like Unity, Mt. Zion came, saw, and conquered the Panthers (9-7) to remain undefeated at 17-0.

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24 area runners compete at Siberian Express

OAKWOOD - It was 33.8º when the starter's gun signaled the start of the 36th installment of the Siberian Express trail race at Kickapoo Park on Saturday. Running across lightly snow-covered ground and through muddy ruts, 146 runners finished this 7.45 mile race.

The Sentinel's top area finisher was St. Joseph's Justin Jones. Finishing first in the 30-39 year-old division, he was the third runner out of the field to cross the finish line, turning in a sub-hour time of 51 minutes.

Justin Jones, right, and Jolee Paden, on the left, pose for a photo after receiving their awards at the 2009 St. Joseph Community Festival 5k, the name of the race before becoming the SJO 5K. Jones was the third runner to cross the finish line at Saturday's Siberian Express.

PhotoNews File Photo

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The top womens' competitor was Sarka Petrickova, from Urbana, who took first in the Womens 30 - 39 group and 29th overall. She completed the course 1 hour, six minutes, and 45 seconds.

Other area runners included Jared Chenoweth, finishing third in the Mens 40 - 49 group and 13th overall. Luke Morrison crossed the line second in the Mens 20 - 29 group and 25th overall. Scott Tess finished seventh in the Mens 40 - 49 group and 32th overall. Chenoweth finish the race at 1:01:52, Morrison at 1:05:41, and Tess clocked in 1:07:57.

Four runners from The Sentinel area competed in the Womens 30 - 39 age group. Nicole Olson finished in second place and was 35th overall. She crossed the finish line at 1:09:06. Urbana's Olga Makarova finished the course at 1:24:37, good for fifth place in the division and 70th overall. Ellen Vore, also from Urbana, finished eighth and 128th overall with a time of 1:52:23. Coming in ninth was Nikki Campbell at 1:55:57 for a 141th overall.

There were five area runners in the Womens 40 - 49 division. Kaura Owen, from Sadorus, finished 13th and 120th overall at 1:44:07. Shonda Barto finished 14th in the Womens 40 - 49 group and 134th overall. The Philo resident clocked in at 1:53:43.

Jennifer White, from Savoy, and Sidney's Brooke DiBello finished seventh and tenth, respectively. White finish the race at 1:11:19, 46th overall. DiBello was 59th overall after crossing the line at 1 hour, 19 minutes and 09 seconds. Urbana's Anne Sickles completed the run 1:33:47. She finished 101th overall and 12th.

Brian Barto, from Philo, ran the course under two hours, finishing at 1:53:46. He was 17th in the Mens 40 - 49 group and 136th overall.

Mark Dixon led the 50-59 men to the finish line, running a 1:11:12 to finish sixth in the group. He was 45th overall. Following the Urbana resident over the line almost 20 minutes later, Steve Darling, from Oakwood, finished 16th in the division and 93th overall with a time of 1:31:41. Christopher Korose finished 97th overall at 1:32:11. He carved out a 17th place in the divison.

Savoy's Nancy Roth also braved the chilly running conditions, turning in a time under the two hour mark. She finished fifth in the Womens 60 & up division and 119th overall at 1:44:06.

Robert Ogden completed the course 1:19:38. The Sidney resident finished eighth in the Mens 40 - 49 group and 61st overall.

Urbana's Brenda Straka finished first in the Womens 20 - 29 group and 73th overall. She stop the clock at 1:24:50.

Elizabeth Withers-Sickles ran the course in 1 hour, 24 minutes, and 54 seconds. She came in fourth in the Womens 19 & under and 74th overall.

Hugh Bowman rounded the list of area runners. He finished 16th in the Mens 30 - 39 group and 71th overall at 1:24:38.

The Siberian Express is the first race each year in the Kennekuk Road Runners annual race series.

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Photo Gallery | 14-0 Rockets continues to blast opponents, beat Trojans by 31

Unity's Dalton O'Neill tries to steal the ball from Maroa-Forsyth's Zayn Giles early in the third quarter. O'Neill, one of seven seniors on the team, scored nine points and was 2-for-2 on free throws helping the Rockets (14-0) beat the visiting Trojans, 75-44.

Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

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Prep Sports Notebook | Back to business, area teams start 2024 with wins

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Spartans wrestlers post six pins in victory over BHRA

BISMARCK - Emmit Holt, Camden Getty Holden Brazelton, Brandon Goodwin, Nathan Daly, and Quincy Jones won their matches by fall on Tuesday in a dual meet against Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin.

The St. Joseph-Ogden wrestling program won the first match of 2024, dominating the Blue Devils, 60-18.

Corbin Smith, a junior, picked a forfeit at 175-lbs. Sophomores Coy Hayes and Devan Swisher also earn wins via forfeits. Maddie Wells, also a sophomore, was awarded a forfeit at 132-lbs.

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Rockets double-trouble for visiting Panthers

TOLONO - Going 5-for-7 from the free-throw line, Reagan Little scored a game-high 15 points in the Rockets' first home basketball game of the year. Paxton-Buckley-Loda (1-16) was no match for Unity, falling, 56-26.

Claire Meharry added 11 points, and Addison Ray contributed eight points in Unity's 30-point conference win over the visiting Panthers.

Meharry led the Rockets (11-7) in the paint with five rebounds. Little collected four boards and three assists against PBL, and Raegen Stringer padded her stats with five assists, four rebounds, and a pair of steals.

The Paxton-Buckley-Loda was paced by junior Tanner Grahm's ten points, all delivered in the second half.

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SJO girls squeak by Pontiac, 59-57

Pontiac - Pontiac starter Bailey Masching may have put on a clinic with her 28 points, but it was nowhere near enough to keep the Spartans from picking up a close 59-57 win over the Indians. Thanks to double-digit contributions from Katie Ericksen, Addison Frick, and Addiysn Martinie, St. Joseph-Ogden improves to 8-8 on the season with the first conference victory.

Ericksen had another big game, draining 19 points across all four frames. Martinie did the same, closing out the game with 17 points, and the pair tallied seven of SJO's nine treys. Frick finished 12 points through a strong performance in the fourth quarter.

The Spartans host Prairie Central on Monday and play the next two games on the road at Illinois Valley Central on Monday and St. Thomas More on January 15.

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Gift-giving platform makes dreams and wishes come true

BPT - Young adventurer Yuval has always dreamt of exploring the world. In fact, travel is the #1 way he and his mother, Avital, bonded. However, he had to put his adventures on hold when he became sick.

When he was 7 years old, Yuval's mom found a lump on his neck that turned out to be lymphoma.

"I was heartbroken and lost," said Avital. "I couldn't take one breath of air without pain all over my body."

However, the brave little adventurer faced aggressive cancer treatment with determination. Today, there's no evidence of his disease. And he got to celebrate his travel wish with the help of Make-A-Wish and its donors.

Yuval's greatest wish was to ski and explore Alaska. He got to do that and more! During his adventure in the Alaskan wilderness, he not only skied but also snowmobiled, snowshoed and even had the opportunity to go dog sledding. Best of all, he got to do it all with his best friend, Chase. With this adventure under his belt, Yuval is ready to continue to explore more of the world around him and reclaim the time he lost when fighting illness.

Donors make dreams possible

Turning Yuval and other children's dreams into reality wouldn't be possible without the help of Make-A-Wish sponsors like Snappy. This year, Snappy - the leading gifting company - hit a huge milestone, donating $2 million to Make-A-Wish.

Snappy is an all-in-one gifting company that spreads joy, shares gratitude and takes the guesswork out of gifting. The company connects people and cultivates meaningful relationships through the power of gratitude and gifting. Its "recipient-picks" experience ensures gift-givers send the perfect gift every time, for everyone, on every occasion. It even allows recipients to donate the value of their gift to a charity of their choice.

Businesses can use the online platform to purchase gifts for employees, business partners, clients. It's these gift recipients who opted to donate the value of their gift to help support the transformative wishes of children with critical illnesses that have made Snappy's significant achievement possible.

"At Snappy, we are so grateful to witness the profound impact of individual generosity," said Hani Goldstein, Snappy co-founder and CEO. "When members of our community choose to donate their gift's value to Make-A-Wish, they create a cascade of positivity. The philanthropic potential of our platform has made us deeply thankful for the kindness of our gift recipients and the wishes they've made possible for these children and their families."

Wishes aren't just fun activities. When a child's wish is granted, it can create hope even in the most challenging situations.

"A wish creates an immediate turning point in a child's treatment and recovery, and partnerships like Snappy's make more of these life-changing wishes possible," said Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. "There's a gap between the number of wishes we're granting and the number of wishes waiting, and we're thrilled for Snappy's support to help us close that gap."

This holiday season and beyond, help Make-A-Wish and Snappy fulfill more wishes while also finding meaningful gifts for those in your life. To learn more about how you can help make a child's wish come true, visit Wish.org.

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Clinical trial for people who can't sleep with CPAP in progress

Photo: Quin Stevenson/Unsplash

BPT - If you are one of the more than 35 million Americans who are estimated to have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), you already know how disruptive it can be to your life. While OSA is one of the most common and serious sleep disorders, the condition is widely under-diagnosed, so the number of affected Americans may be far greater.

What is obstructive sleep apnea?

OSA occurs when the muscles in the throat relax during sleep, blocking normal breathing. This can lead to low levels of oxygen in your blood while you sleep and result in poor sleep, fatigue and sleepiness that can negatively impact quality of life for many. In the long term, OSA has also been shown to contribute to high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Most people diagnosed with OSA are prescribed positive air pressure therapy devices such as continuous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, which can work very well in helping people receive the oxygen they need while they are sleeping. However, because many have difficulty using or tolerating these devices, a significant percentage of the population with OSA remains untreated, undertreated and at risk.

A new option for treating obstructive sleep apnea

Apnimed is a pharmaceutical company working to change the way OSA is treated. The company recently completed a large Phase 2b clinical trial, called MARIPOSA, to study AD109 (an investigational medication which is a single pill taken at bedtime) as a possible treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.

AD109 has the potential to be the first oral medication that treats both the underlying cause of OSA - airway obstruction at night - and improve the daytime symptoms of OSA, such as fatigue. It is designed to treat people with OSA from mild to severe.

Many patients with OSA are unable to adequately treat their condition with existing options, and the team at Apnimed is driven to find new solutions for patients and their doctors to overcome these barriers to treatment. The success of this effort is largely dependent on the dedicated work done by patients and doctors in the community who take part in clinical research.

"MARIPOSA results showed that AD109 improved daytime fatigue, which is an often debilitating effect of poor sleep due to OSA," said Paula Schweitzer, Ph.D., an investigator in the MARIPOSA trial and director of research at St. Luke's Sleep Medicine and Research Center, Chesterfield, Missouri. "For those who cannot tolerate current treatments, AD109 has the potential to be a convenient oral pill that could improve people's quality of life at night and during the daytime as well."

Learn about enrolling in the clinical trial

With the promising results from the MARIPOSA study, a new study is now available for people with OSA.

If you or a loved one has obstructive sleep apnea and you are unable to successfully use or tolerate treatment with a CPAP machine, you could be eligible to enroll in a six-month clinical trial called SynAIRgy.

To learn more about the clinical trial and to enroll, visit: www.SynAIRgyStudy.com.

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Get an early start on building a new deck for your home this Spring

Photo: Brandpoint Media

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BPT - With Old Man Winter coming to central Illinois next week, it might seem premature to think about springtime outdoor projects, but when it comes to planning a spring deck build, now is actually the perfect time to start. The fall and winter months provide an ideal window of opportunity to lay the groundwork for a successful and stress-free spring deck construction project. Here are some key steps and considerations to ensure your new deck will be ready to enjoy when the flowers start to bloom.

1. Define your vision
Every successful deck project begins with a clear vision. Spend some time this fall and winter envisioning your ideal deck. Consider its purpose - will it be a space for outdoor dining, relaxation or entertainment? Think about the deck's size, shape and design elements. Gather inspiration from home improvement magazines, social media platforms and websites like Decks.com to help refine your vision. Then, utilize online tools, like those offered by the outdoor living experts at Trex, to bring your vision to life. Digital tools, such as their AR Visualizer and Deck Designer, can help to further define details. You can also find a wide array of ready-made deck plans online that offer ideas and inspiration.

2. Lock in labor
One of the first things you'll need to decide is whether you plan to build the deck yourself or hire a professional. If you have the skills to DIY, take advantage of online resources, like Trex Academy, for expert tips and step-by-step instructions to help get the job done. If you plan to work with a contractor, fall is an excellent time to start the vetting process. Quality deck builders are often in high demand and tend to book out months in advance. Securing a contractor in fall ensures you'll have a skilled professional ready to begin work when the weather allows in the spring.

3. Plan for permits
Deck construction often requires permits, depending on your local building codes and neighborhood associations, if applicable. Take advantage of the fall and winter months to research local building codes and obtain any necessary permits and approvals. This process can be time-consuming, so getting a head start will ensure that you don't face any unexpected delays come spring.

4. Set your budget
Setting a budget early gives you time to make any necessary adjustments and ensures you won't be caught off guard by unexpected costs once installation begins. Be realistic and consider all potential expenses, including labor, permits, substructure materials, decking, railing and any additional features or amenities you might want to include, such as lighting, an outdoor sound system or an under-deck drainage system. Online resources like the Trex Cost Calculator can help to ensure your vision is financially feasible. Simply answer a few questions about your space, like the material you plan to use and the deck dimensions, to determine an estimated price range for your project.

5. Research materials
The choice of materials for your deck is crucial as it directly impacts both the aesthetics and longevity of your outdoor space. Fall is an ideal time to research the range of available options. Consider factors like durability, maintenance requirements and sustainability when making your decision. Trex composite decking, for instance, is made from 95% recycled and reclaimed materials and never needs to be sealed or refinished like wood. The brand's latest innovation, Trex Transcend Lineage, even features heat-mitigating technology that keeps the boards cooler under the sun than other composite offerings. Many above-ground decks require railing, so be sure to take that into account as well. Railing options are myriad and the costs vary widely, so planning ahead ensures you have time to make the choices that are right for your project and your budget.

Planning ahead for a spring deck build during the fall and winter months is a wise decision that can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. By following these steps, you'll be well-prepared to embark on your deck construction project when the warmer weather arrives. With careful planning and attention to detail, your dream deck will soon become a reality, providing you with a beautiful and functional outdoor space to enjoy for years to come. For more outdoor living inspiration, visit Trex.com.

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Philo 150th Anniversary Committee to hold first meeting

Philo - The Philo 150th Anniversary Celebration committee will have its first meeting tomorrow at 1 pm in the R E Franks Center Boardroom. This will be the first in the series of many to plan for a festival and celebration in summer 2025, said village board member David Happ.

"I'm asking anybody interested in serving on the committee or if they have ideas to share, to come," Happ said.

Named after Philo Hale, the Philo Township was created in 1859 and the Village of Philo was incorporated 16 years later in 1875. The earliest census listed the population at 291. Today's population is around 1,421 according to Data USA.

Once established over the next couple of months, the committee will meet monthly.

"Tomorrow, we are trying to get a feel of who would be willing to serve on the committee," Happ said, hoping to add more names to the few on his list so far who have expressed an interest in helping plan the event over the next year.

For more information, contact David Happ at (217) 417-3128.

Sports Page | Last second shot swipes tournament title from Spartans

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BLOOMINGTON - The St. Joseph-Ogden basketball team suffered their second loss of the season after a brilliant third-quarter at the State Farm Holiday Classic on December 30.

Like the team's earlier loss to Beecher, the sweet taste of victory was yanked from their grasp in the last seconds of the game. With 1.8 second left to play and down by two on the clock, El-Paso Gridley made an inbound pass and got the ball to an open Chanceaye Maxon, Jr, who tossed the ball from 20 feet or so to the basket for a three, giving the Titans a 49-48 advantage at the buzzer to take the Small School Division title.

The Small School Division champions in 2022, the team went 3-1 in the tournament and were this year's runner up. Tanner Jacob was named to the All-Tournment team.

Senior Luke Landrus led SJO's scoring effort with 19 points. Coy Taylor finished with 11 points, and Jacob sank nine for the top three scorers. Jacob and junior Tanner Siems were the team's leading rebounders, collecting four boards each. Landrus hauled in three, and Collin Thomey snagged two in the title game.

The Spartans (12-2) include Ryker Lockhart, Tanner Jacob, Kodey Mckinney, Coy Taylor, Logan Smith, Luke Landrus, Tanner Siems, Logan Lackey, Will Haley, Kendrick Johnson, Asher Pruemer, Parker Fitch, and Collin Thomey.

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"A picture is worth a thousand words."

In a time not long ago, before the popularity of online photo galleries and dwindling advertising revenue, newspapers routinely told stories and reported on newsworthy events through photo pages. If The Sentinel could publishing in print like the good ol' days, this is what our sports page would have looked like today in today's paper. The full-size 22x17 page is available for matting and framing. Order yours here.

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