St. Joseph-Ogden, Bishop McNamara rematch set for Toyota of Danville Classic title showdown

Oakwood's Xander Wilson tries to dribble around SJO's Tyler Hess
St. Joseph-Ogden and Bishop McNamara each swept their pool play games to reach the Toyota of Danville Classic championship. The full day of basketball begins with the seventh-place game between Cissna Park and Watseka. The night concludes with awards, including tournament MVP recognition.


Oakwood's Xander Wilson tries to dribble around SJO's Tyler Hess

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Oakwood's Xander Wilson tries to dribble around the defensive efforts of St. Joseph-Ogden's Tyler Hess in the final pool play game at the Toyota of Danville Classic basketball tournament at St. Joseph-Ogden High School on Friday. The Spartans defeated the Comets 79-46, improving to 3-0 on the season and securing their spot in today's championship game, a rematch against Kankakee's Bishop McNamara. Wilson and the Comets will play the third-place game agaisnt Paxton-Buckley-Loda. Hess led the Spartan offensive effort with 17 points.

ST. JOSEPH - Host St. Joseph-Ogden (3-0) and Bishop McNamara won all three of their pool play games, earning the right to meet in this year's Toyota of Danville Classic championship. The Fightin’ Irish, last year’s champions, are 6-0 heading into the title match between the tournament heavyweights.

Seven hours of non-stop basketball action begins at 1 p.m. at St. Joseph-Ogden High School with the seventh-place game between Cissna Park and Watseka. Cissna Park struggled this week, dropping all three pool play games. The Timberwolves look to get back on track against conference foe Watseka, which finished with one win in Pool B behind Payton Schaumburg’s 30-point performance in a one-point victory.

At approximately 2:30 p.m., the only two teams in the annual tournament located south of Illinois Route 150 square off in the fifth-place game. Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond faces Charleston. The Trojans and Knights, both of whom defeated one of the teams playing for seventh place, lost two games in their respective pools.

The third-place game features an Illini Prairie vs. Vermilion Valley matchup between Oakwood and Paxton-Buckley-Loda in a contest that may be decided in the final quarter. PBL earned wins over Charleston and Cissna Park in pool play. Oakwood dropped a one-point heartbreaker to Watseka and fell to the red-hot Spartans by 33 points on Friday night.

The main event between the Spartans and the defending champion Fightin’ Irish will be an early season battle between two teams expected to make deep postseason runs. There is a sense of revenge for SJO, which, after winning three consecutive tournament titles since the pandemic, lost last year's championship to B-Mac in a physical 57-48 showdown.

After the championship game, the tournament director will present runner-up and championship awards and announce the Toyota of Danville Classic All-Tournament Team. A tournament MVP and the free throw percentage champion will also be recognized.

Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students, covering all four games scheduled today.


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TAGS: Toyota of Danville Classic championship game preview, St. Joseph-Ogden vs Bishop McNamara basketball matchup, Illinois high school holiday basketball tournament schedule, Oakwood and Paxton-Buckley-Loda third place game analysis, Cissna Park vs Watseka placement game breakdown
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Brrrrrrrrrrr! Exposure to extreme cold can be more dangerous than you think

If you exercise outside, wear proper clothing and know your limits. During outdoor activities, take breaks and go with a buddy. Keep a close eye on kids who may not realize how cold they are.

Stay bundled up this winter

Photo: Anastasia Nagibina/PEXELS

One way to beat the cold this winter is to dress in layers. Older adults, people who work or do activities outside are at a higher risk of suffering from cold weather injuries.
by Tim Ditman
OSF Healthcare

OSF ARPRN Maddy Draper
Photo provided
Maddy Draper, APRN
DANVILLE - It’s the dead of winter, and you need to run to the mailbox or let your dog out. It’s just a minute, you think. A sweater and sandals will be fine.

Not so fast, says Maddy Draper, APRN, a health care provider at OSF OnCall who sees cold weather injuries often. She says exposure to frigid temperatures can have serious consequences.

Types of cold weather injuries

  • Frostnip: Draper says this is a mild form of frostbite where exposure to cold temperatures turns the skin pink or red. Your skin may feel burning or numb.
    “The numbness typically goes away with rewarming,” Draper says.
  • Frostbite: This is a more severe case of cold exposure. Your skin may be numb and appear yellow, white, gray or black. It may feel waxy and have blisters.
  • Hypothermia: This is when the body’s temperature drops below 95 degrees.
    “There are different stages,” Draper explains. “The first is our natural response of shivering. It gets more severe. The person may get confused and have lethargy, memory loss and slurred speech. It can lead to a coma and death.”

Inside, too?

Yes, there’s a risk for these injuries inside, too, Draper says. Notably, there have been cases of infants getting hypothermia.

“The room may be too cold, and they’re not dressed appropriately,” Draper says. “If they’re in a bassinet or crib with just a onesie and it’s cold, that can lead to hypothermia.”

Signs of infant hypothermia are bright red skin and decreased energy. Sleep experts use a thermal overall grade scale (TOG) to suggest how much clothing a baby should wear to sleep depending on the temperature of the room.

Treatment

Draper says she usually sees cases of frostbite and hypothermia sent to the emergency department. Providers will rewarm you with warm water or blankets and may provide warm liquids to drink, warmed oxygen through a mask and nasal tube or heated fluids through an intravenous line (IV) or other methods. Medication can also help with pain and blood flow.

“The hospital has more imaging resources to see the impact of the tissue damage,” compared to urgent care, Draper says.

For frostnip, you can take steps to warm up at home.

“It’s not as fast as possible. It’s not as hot as possible. It’s just that gradual warming,” Draper says. “Get off your cool or wet clothes immediately. You don’t want to stick your hands or feet into hot, steaming water. Just warm water.”

That’s because hot water can burn your skin. And if your skin is numb, you may not feel the burn before the damage is done. If water is not available, you can place your hands in your armpits. And handle the sensitive skin gently. Don’t rub or massage it. If your feet are affected, get off your feet.

Prevention

Draper says older adults, people who work or do activities outside (like hunters or hikers), unhoused people and people with medical conditions (like peripheral artery disease, diabetes and Raynaud’s disease) are at a higher risk of cold weather injuries. Getting stranded in a vehicle without proper protection is also common in the winter. Drinking alcohol or using drugs may lead to you losing consciousness outside. And smoking impacts blood circulation, putting you at a higher risk, Draper says.

Some ways to beat the cold:

  • Dress in layers. You can always take a layer off, but you can’t put one on if you leave it at home. Make a hat, scarf, gloves and winter boots part of your wardrobe. Make sure the clothes aren’t too tight to allow for blood circulation. And look for water-resistant garments when buying clothes.
  • Have winter weather supplies, like blankets, flares, a first aid kit and food, in your vehicle.
  • Be well fed and hydrated. Body fat, though unhealthy in excess, helps us stay warm. For drinks, avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages.
  • During outdoor activities, take breaks and go with a buddy. Keep a close eye on kids who may not realize how cold they are. Come inside to change from wet to dry clothes. Let others know your plans and when you’ll be back. If you’re not back in time, that’s a sign you may have fallen victim to the cold, and help should be sent.


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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    The Sentinel On This Day |
    December 5

    As December arrives with festive lights and winter’s chill, we revisit the stories that defined our community — from holiday traditions and year‑end reflections to local sports highlights, civic milestones, and spirited debates. Explore archived posts published on this day in December across Champaign County and beyond, curated by The Sentinel.

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    December 4

    As December arrives with festive lights and winter’s chill, we revisit the stories that defined our community — from holiday traditions and year‑end reflections to local sports highlights, civic milestones, and spirited debates. Explore archived posts published on this day in December across Champaign County and beyond, curated by The Sentinel.

    Top Headline on this Day ~

    Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

    Senior Kenly Taylor and four teammates from the SJO final four volleyball team were named State Scholars this past week.

    Seventeen named Illinois state scholars at SJO


    ST. JOSEPH - Seventeen St. Joseph-Ogden seniors were named to this year's State Scholar Program by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC).

    Illinois students attain state scholar recognition by maintaining an outstanding level of academic performance during high school. In order to be considered, they must be ranked in ...

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    Prep Sports Notebook |
    Area basketball scores for December 3

    Here are scores and recaps for Wednesday's basketball games in and around Champaign County.


    Boys Basketball

    Charleston pics up first win at Toyota of Danville Classic


    ST. JOSEPH - Tyler Oakley went 2-for-2 from the free throw line on his way to an 18-point night at the St. Joe tournament on Wednesday. Braxton Honner and Quinn Taylor scored nine points each in the team's first win of the season.

    Despite a top-tier effort from Dierks Neukomm with 25 points and Seth Walder's 21, the Timberwolves fall to 0-3 on the season and still looking for a tournament win this week.

    Fourth-quarter romp fuels Watseka comeback


    ST. JOSEPH - Payton Schaumburg dropped 30 points in Watseka's Toyota of Danville Classic game against Oakwood. Tyler Waugh added 17 in the tournament win for the Warriors to post a 55-54 victory in Wednesday evening's game.

    Oakwood led most of the game behind double digit performances from Alex Wallace with 14 points and Carsen Dudley's 12.

    Read more ...

    B-Mac rolls past PBL Panthers


    ST. JOSEPH - Richie Darr talled 14 points in Bishop McNamara's 51-38 win over Paxton-Buckley-Loda. Balanced scoring from seven other players sealed the Fightin' Irish's fifth win of the season.

    Ethan Williams paced the Panthers with 16 points. Tyler Cole was kept quiet, scoring just eight points, and Carson Goss chipped in six points in the loss.


    Boys' Area Scoreboard


    Toyota of Danville Classic

    Watseka 55, Oakwood 54

    Other area game results

    Springfield HS 53, Central 42


    Girls Basketball

    Comet girls fall to Illineks


    Oakwood - A weak second quarter allowed U-High to take a five-point lead at the half in their road game at Oakwood on the way to a 37-36 win on Wednesday.

    Caydence Vermillion finished the game for the Comets with 11 points and 13 boards. Gracie Hanner turned nine points and four rebounds in the non-conference loss.

    Josie Roseman leads Eagles in loss


    Watseka - Rantoul's Josie Roseman scored 15 points and made 8 out of her 10 free throws in the Eagles road game against the Warriors. Junior Addyson Sherrick hit three treys for nine points and senior Joselyn Espinoza had two of her own on the way to an 8-point finish.


    Girls' Area Scoreboard


    Urbana University 37, Oakwood 36
    Watseka 72, Rantoul 50
    Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin 36, Paxton-Buckley-Loda 31
    Glenwood 65, Centennial 29
    Clinton 64, Unity 24


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    TAGS: Central Illinois basketball scores, Watseka boys basketball team wins, Toyota of Danville Classic scores
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    Schaumburg scores 30 in Watseka comeback, Toyota of Danville Classic recap and more

    St. Joseph-Ogden built a 31-point halftime lead and defeated ALAH 66-30 in its season opener.


    Oakley leads Trojans in five point win over Cissna Park

    ST. JOSEPH - Tyler Oakley scored 18 points in Charleston’s 56-51 win over Cissna Park in Day 2 action at the Toyota of Danville Classic at St. Joseph-Ogden High School on Wednesday. Teammates Braxton Hanner and Quinn Taylor added nine points each. Russell Applegate contributed six more to give the Trojans their first win of the season and a 1-1 tournament record.

    After pouring in a game-high 28 points against Paxton-Buckley-Loda on Tuesday, Cissna Park’s Dierks Neukomm led all scorers again with 25 points. Teammate Seth Walder finished with 21 in a strong display of high school shot-making. Despite another standout effort, the Timberwolves fell to 0-2 in the tournament and 0-3 overall.

    Cissna Park returns to action Friday at 5 p.m. against Bishop McNamara (5-0). Charleston moves on to face Paxton-Buckley-Loda in its next pool game tonight at 8 p.m.


    Bishop McNamara stays undefeated declawing Panthers

    B-Mac’s Richie Darr scored 12 points in the first half and finished with 14 to help keep the Fightin’ Irish unbeaten at 5-0. Holding Paxton-Buckley-Loda to just 12 first-half points — the same number the Panthers scored in the first quarter — Bishop McNamara cruised to a 51-38 win.

    Ethan Williams led PBL with 16 points, including 14 in an outstanding second-half effort. Tyler Cole, who had 18 points in the tournament opener against Cissna Park, added eight points and went 2-for-3 from the free-throw line.

    Darr’s performance was supported by nine points from Karter Krutsinger and eight from Callaghan O’Connor, tallied over the first three quarters. Bishop McNamara is off Thursday before a long bus ride from Kankakee on Friday to face Cissna Park at 5 p.m.

    PBL (1-2) faces Charleston (0-3) tonight at 8 p.m.


    Schaumburg goes supernova in fourth quarter

    Payton Schaumburg scored 14 points in the fourth quarter of Watseka’s pool game against Oakwood in an unbelievable comeback performance. Down by 11 at the end of the third quarter, Schaumburg single-handedly erased the deficit — and then some — to give the Warriors their first win of the season. Tyler Waugh carried the game the first three quarter with 17 points, while Jack Hutchinson added six points on two first-half 3-pointers, and Austin Morris completed Watseka’s scoring with a third-quarter field goal.

    Schaumburg finished with a game-high 30 points, the top performance of the tournament so far.

    Oakwood, an impressive 18-for-21 from the free-throw line, trailed by six after the first quarter and fought back to lead by five at halftime. The Comets held the advantage until the fourth quarter, when Schaumburg took over.

    Alex Wallace and Carsen Dudley scored 14 and 12 points, respectively, for Oakwood. Collin Furry added nine, and Jaethan Perez contributed eight, five of which came at the line. Wallace made seven of his eight free throws, while Dudley posted a perfect 5-for-5 night for the Comets.

    Oakwood returns to the floor at St. Joseph-Ogden to face Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond at 5 p.m. Watseka plays host St. Joseph-Ogden at 6:30.



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    TAGS: St. Joseph-Ogden's Toyota of Danville Classic, Central Illinois basketball tournament, Kankakee Bishop McNamara, Watseka Warriors amazing comeback win, Toyota of Danville Classic basketball scores
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    Prep Sports Notebook |
    Langendorf leads Unity to win, Peoples drop 39 points in loss

    Unity, St. Joseph-Ogden and Uni-High pick up early season victories in our area basketball recap. Bismark-Henning-Rossville-Alvin's Keison Peoples scores 39.


    Boys Basketball


    ST. JOSEPH - Nolan Franzen led the Spartans to a 66-30 win over Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond at the Toyota of Danville Classic on Tuesday. Senior Parker Fitch and sophomore Lane McKinney led six other SJO players in the season-opening victory with 11 and 10 points, respectively. ALAH was led by senior Easton Frederick with eight points and got five more from Will Hilligoss. Marcus Otto chipped in two field goals.

    Read the SJO vs ALAH recap here

    Unity starts season with a win despite Peoples' 39 points


    TOLONO - Coleton Langendorf made a quick transition from all-conference football defensive lineman to hardcourt force, leading Unity to a 53-46 win over Bismarck-Henning-Rossville-Alvin on Tuesday at the Rocket Center. The senior finished with 17 points and converted five of his seven trips to the free-throw line.

    Nine other Rockets contributed to the win. Mason O'Neill finished with nine points, and Brayden Henry added six to round out the top three scorers.

    It was a one-on-five situation for the Blue Devils, who relied on 6-foot-4 Keison Peoples to keep the game competitive. The senior scored 39 points against the Rockets and drew 24 fouls from their defense. Eighteen of his points came from the free-throw line.

    BHRA's Darin Farr led the team's rebounding effort, snagging seven.

    Duplicating last year's tough early-season schedule, the Rockets host Rochester on Friday for a nonconference matchup.

    Hawks drop home game to Illineks


    BROADLANDS - An explosive fourth quarter was not enough for the Hawks to get over the hump in their nonconference game against visiting Urbana University High on Tuesday. Trailing by 16 at the half, the Hawks rallied but fell short in a 48-40 loss. Brayden Jones, who went 4-for-4 from the line, led Heritage with 13 points, five assists and nine rebounds. Sophomore Cameron Johnson added 10 points, and Clark Roland chipped in nine. James Dillon rounded out the scoring with six points and six rebounds. The Hawks return to action Saturday for a 2:15 p.m. game at Chrisman.

    Area Scoreboard


    Toyota of Danville Classic

    Paxton-Buckley-Loda 58, Cissna Park 47
    Bishop McNamara 60, Charleston 37

    Other area game results

    Centennial 80, Rantoul 40


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    TAGS: Unity basketball wins opening game, 2025 Unity Rocket Basketball, Heritage Hawks boys basketball team, St. Joseph-Ogden boys basketball team wins, SJO basketball plays at Toyota of Danville Classic
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    The Sentinel On This Day |
    December 3

    As December arrives with festive lights and winter’s chill, we revisit the stories that defined our community — from holiday traditions and year‑end reflections to local sports highlights, civic milestones, and spirited debates. Explore archived posts published on this day in December across Champaign County and beyond, curated by The Sentinel.

    Top Headline ~

    Holiday movie filmed in St. Joseph released on Friday


    Photo: Courtesy YouTube

    ST. JOSEPH - Originally called "Fly Swatter Cafe" during production, the movie filmed in St. Joseph in January 2020 was released on YouTube on Friday. A Fargo Christmas Story, starring the late Ed Asner, ...
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    Day 1 in the books, here's a look at the Toyota of Danville Classic winners

    St. Joseph-Ogden built a 31-point halftime lead and defeated ALAH 66-30 in its season opener.


    Bishop McNamara 60, Charleston 37

    ST. JOSEPH - Bishop McNamara made a strong opening statement at St. Joseph-Ogden's annual Toyota of Danville Classic on Tuesday, defeating the Charleston Trojans 60-37.

    Bishop McNamara jumped out to an early lead behind 11 first-half points from senior Karter Krutsinger, who finished with a game-high 15. Krutsinger was supported by teammates Coen Demack (11 points) and Callaghan O’Connor (10 points). The team was efficient from the free-throw line, making seven of eight attempts. The win improved the Fightin’ Irish’s record to 4-0.

    Meanwhile, Charleston (0-3) struggled to keep pace, heading into halftime facing a 30-12 deficit. The Trojans hit seven three-pointers in the game but could not generate consistent offense. Tyler Oakley led Charleston with nine points, while Rohen Walters added seven. Eight other Trojans scored in the contest.

    The Fightin’ Irish are scheduled to face Paxton-Buckley-Loda in the next round of the post-holiday tournament. Charleston will next face Cissna Park as it searches for its first win of the season.


    Paxton-Buckley-Loda 58, Cissna Park 47

    A quiet third quarter for Ethan Williams set the stage for a roaring fourth. From that silence erupted a 12-point performance that propelled Paxton-Buckley-Loda to a 58-47 comeback victory over Cissna Park on Tuesday.

    The Panthers found themselves staring at a 27-18 halftime deficit. But the game shifted, possession by possession, until the teams stood knotted at 34-all heading into the final quarter. That's when Williams, who finished with a team-high 20 points, took over. His late surge, combined with 18 points from teammate Tyler Cole, secured the win and kept PBL (1-1) in title contention.

    Yet, for all of Williams' and Cole's combined effort, neither could outduel the singular performance of Cissna Park's Dierks Neukomm. Neukomm poured in a game-high 28 points, including 11 in the frantic fourth quarter. Other than two free throws from Seth Walder, it was all Neukomm. But in the end, even that remarkable individual effort wasn't enough to hold off the Panthers' collective rally.


    St. Joseph-Ogden 66,
    Atwood-Hammond-Arthur-Lovington 30

    For the ALAH Knights, the trouble began in the first quarter. By halftime, it was a distant memory of a contest.

    Nolan Franzen made his varsity debut one to remember, scoring all 21 of his points in the first half to power the St. Joseph-Ogden Spartans to a commanding 66-30 victory over ALAH in the season opener for both teams at the Toyota of Danville Classic on Tuesday. The Spartans built a 31-point lead by intermission, a cushion so substantial that a five-point fourth quarter was merely a footnote in the cruise-control win.

    Franzen’s explosive opening act was the catalyst. He was joined by teammates Parker Fitch and Lane McKinney, who notched their first double-digit scoring games of the season with 11 and 10 points, respectively, as the Spartans’ offense fired on all cylinders early.

    For the Knights, Easton Frederick paced the effort with eight points, but the team fell to 0-2 with the loss.

    Both teams return to action Thursday in the tournament. ALAH will look to rebound against Oakwood in a 5 p.m. tip-off, while the Spartans aim to carry their momentum forward against the Watseka Warriors at 6:30 p.m.


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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.
    • Published on

    Prep Sports Notebook |
    Spartans girls win again, Heritage beats U-High

    Our roundup of area basketball scores from Monday.


    Girls Basketball

    Spartans still undefeated after homestand against Warriors


    ST. JOSEPH - The St. Joseph-Ogden girls basketball team kept its unbeaten start intact Monday night, turning a tight halftime margin into a commanding 65-42 home win over Tuscola.

    Holding a five-point lead at the break, the Spartans found another gear as the game wore on. Their surge peaked in the fourth quarter, where they outscored the Warriors 23-9 and closed the night with four players in double figures.

    Senior guard Kayla Osterbur set the tone with a career-best 18 points, all coming in the final three quarters as SJO steadily pushed the lead out of reach. Fellow senior Timera Blackburn-Kelley delivered a strong two-way effort with 17 points and a team-high 11 rebounds, marking her first double-double of the season. Katie Ericksen and Dahl each added 11 points to round out a balanced scoring effort.

    The win moves SJO to 4-0, marking one of the program’s best starts since the 2020-21 season. The schedule stiffens as the Spartans head out for back-to-back road games, beginning with a trip to Danville on Thursday before a matchup at Maroa-Forsyth next Monday.

    Tuscola stayed within striking distance early behind the efforts of junior Sicily Moss and senior Reese Davis, who scored 18 and 17 points. Moss went 6-for-6 from the free-throw line, while Davis knocked down six of her 10 attempts. Their production kept the Warriors close through three quarters before SJO’s decisive late run sealed the outcome.

    Harper leads Urbana in loss to Sages


    URBANA - Lai’yonna Harper led the way for Urbana with 12 of her team’s 17 points in a 62-17 home loss to Monticello on Tuesday night. Despite her efforts, the Tigers struggled to generate offense, scoring just five points in the first half before making small adjustments to put up 12 in the second.

    Kaya Hill and Zaniyah Ward each grabbed five rebounds, providing some support on the boards in the non-conference matchup. Harper and the Tigers now sit at 0-3 on the season and will look to bounce back Thursday at Urbana University.

    Monticello improved to 3-2 behind balanced scoring, with three players in double figures. Sarah Cresap led the Sages with 12 points, while Mandy Melton and Ali Weidner added 10 each. Melton and Lexi Leatherwood dominated the glass with seven rebounds apiece in the road win.


    Area Scoreboard


    Heritage 34, Urbana University 23

    Centennial vs Watseka - CANCELED

    Unity vs Clinton - POSTPONED

    Oakwood vs ALAH - NO SCORE REPORTED

    Salt Fork 53, Rantoul 25


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    TAGS: SJO girls basketball fourth quarter surge recap, St. Joseph-Ogden vs Tuscola game analysis, Illini Prairie Conference girls basketball results, Kayla Osterbur career-high scoring game, Spartans 4-0 season start highlights
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    Sentinel area softball scores for March 30

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