Unity boy's basketball team rolls over Central A&M at holiday tournament.
EFFINGHAM - Dane Eisenmenger led the way offensively as Unity pulled away early and never looked back Monday at the Effingham Christmas Classic.
Eisenmenger scored 15 points to pace four Unity players in double figures in an 80-49 win over Central A&M. The victory marked the Rockets’ fifth straight and improved Unity’s record to 7-1 on the season.
Unity seized control from the opening tip, limiting Central A&M to just three field goals in the first quarter while building a 17-point lead. The defensive effort allowed the Rockets to dictate tempo and keep the Raiders out of rhythm for much of the night.
The margin widened in the second quarter as Unity showcased its depth. Eight different Rockets combined to score 28 points in the period, turning an early advantage into a commanding halftime lead and putting the game firmly in Unity’s control.
Carter Schmid and Taylor Henry each finished with 12 points for the Rockets, providing consistent support throughout the lineup. Mason O’Neill added 11 points, and Colton Langendorf chipped in 10 as Unity spread scoring responsibilities and kept fresh bodies on the floor.
Central A&M fell to 5-5 despite a team-high 19 points from Ace Spinner. Kadyn Higgins added 12 points for the Raiders, who were unable to close the gap after the opening quarter.
With the outcome largely decided by halftime, Unity remained steady in the second half, continuing to rotate players and manage the game on both ends of the floor. The Rockets cruised through the final two quarters, closing out another convincing win and carrying momentum forward in holiday tournament play.
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TAGS: Unity Rockets boys basketball Christmas Classic win, Dane Eisenmenger scoring performance Unity, Unity vs Central A&M basketball recap, Effingham Christmas Classic Unity Rockets, Unity five-game winning streak boys basketball
PEORIA - Each winter, flu activity tends to rise just as families begin gathering for the holidays. This year is no exception. National surveillance data shows influenza circulating in many regions of the country, with ongoing activity expected through winter.
As travel, school breaks and holiday events increase, health experts emphasize planning ahead to stay well.
Navigating flu season during the holidays
“We're in a unique part of the year. We had Thanksgiving and we're going into the Christmas and New Year holiday. We have schools on breaks and people traveling,” says Doug Kasper, MD, infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare. “We notice nationwide that when there's viral activity on the coasts, it will eventually find its way into every part of the area, which includes Central Illinois.”
Health organizations such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are also urging families to stay alert to flu symptoms and take steps to protect themselves.
Flu vaccine helps preserve normal routines
For many families, staying healthy during the holidays means protecting not only themselves but also older adults, infants and immunocompromised relatives.
“People will start to travel and be around older and younger family members as families congregate. We want people to protect themselves but also be able to enjoy those activities without getting sick,” Dr. Kasper says. “It's also a time where kids are bringing home infections from school. So, we want our kids to be in school and participate in activities. Anything we can offer them to help keep them in their normal routine is beneficial, which includes flu vaccines for our children.”
Flu vaccination remains the best way to reduce severe illness and disruption, which is especially important for school-aged children whose attendance affects the whole household.
When you're sick, staying at home matters
While vaccination reduces risk, the flu can still spread quickly – especially in places where people gather. That’s why knowing when to stay home remains essential.
“If you are sick, you need to stay home. Especially in our school populations, it's hard when a child is sick. Maybe they're borderline and you don't know how sick they are, it's hard to remain home,” Dr. Kasper says. “We see a lot of infections that start at the level where we congregate. Whether that's at school or a medical facility, it will find its way into our homes. So, the way to try and address that is that if you're sick, particularly if you have a fever, is to stay home. At least be without a fever for 24 hours before resuming normal activity.”
Public health agencies echo this guidance, advising families to keep children home from school when they have a fever, vomiting, severe cough or other flu-like symptoms.
Flu symptoms can come on suddenly and vary from person to person. Common flu symptoms include:
Fever
Muscle or body aches
Extreme exhaustion or fatigue
Headache
Cough
Runny or stuffy nose
Sneezing
ometimes a sore throat
Vomiting or diarrhea
Fever and body aches often last for three to seven days. Cough and fatigue may last for two weeks or more.
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