SJO sets State Farm Classic record

The St. Joseph-Ogden ladies made a stunning debut in their opening contest at this year's State Farm Classic basketball tournament. The #1 seed held Peoria Christian to just 10 points, not for just one quarter, but the entire game in a dominating 80-10 victory.

The win was the seventh best score, now tied with Rock Island from a game in 2016, recorded in the tournament's 40 year history.

"I think our team came out with energy and everyone was exited to start the tournament out in a positive way," said Spartan head coach Kevin Taylor. "I hope we care that energy over for our next game where we will see a very good team."

SJO took command early outscoring the Chargers 23-5 in the first quarter. They dialed up the pressure in the second to take a 41-point lead at the half.

Allowing Christian just 3 points total in the second half and buoyed by bench players, the Spartans added another 39 points to scoreboard. Ten of Taylor's 11 players contributed in the drubbing.

Bree Trimble led SJO with a game-high 21 points and was followed freshman Payton Jacob, who came off the bench to add 10 points. Parkland College recruit Peyton Crowe and junior Katie Cramer scored 8 points. Erin Miller, who was 2-2 from the free throw line, along with Taylor Barnes, Maclayne Taylor and Hannah Dukeman contributed 6 points each. Dukeman also shot 100% from the charity stripe.

The victory set a new tournament record making it the largest winning margin (70) in a girls game.

The Chargers, who fall to 0-13 on the season, were led in scoring by junior Tiffany Mallow with 5 points. Lydia Keehner finished with 4 points and Kaitlyn Johnson made one of two free throws to round out their team's scoring effort.

The Spartans advance to face Laney Lantz and Camp Point Central/Augusta SE on the championship side of the bracket. Lantz scored 21 point in their tournament opener against Oakwood. Tipoff is schedule for 4pm today at Bloomington High School

Last day to sign up for youth basketball program is Saturday

The St. Joseph Youth Basketball Program will be holding its final day of registration at St. Joseph Middle School this Saturday from 9 to 10:30 a.m.. The program is open to both male and female players.

Students in grades one through six enrolled in the St. Joseph Grade School District or the Prairieview-Ogden School District are eligible to sign up.

"I hope that they enjoy playing basketball and continue to work hard," said program director Larry Sparks. "I hope they have fun and like the experience that sports give them as they get older."

The 10-week Saturday program starts on January 12th and ends on March 16th. Student athletes will practice basketball fundamentals the first four weeks and then team up to play games for the final six sessions.

The cost is $40 and there will be a $5 late fee for any athlete registered after December 31. Deadline for late registration is January 12.

For more information contact Larry Sparks at (217) 202-5858.