Cissna Park advances to state volleyball finals with semifinal win over Tremont

The Lady Timberwolves advance to state volleyball title match after a win over Tremont. Addison Lucht led the T-Wolves with 14 kills.

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NORMAL - Cissna Park advanced to the state title match after defeating the Tremont in straight sets, 25-19, 25-20, at the IHSA Girls Volleyball State Finals at Illinois State University’s CEFCU Arena in Normal. It is the first time the Lady Timberwolves have reached the championship match since 2014.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Kendyl Neukomm hugs sister Josie after their semifinal win over Tremont.

While it was an unseasonably warm day outside, inside the arena, the T-Wolves were hot, warming up for a run to a state title easily handling Turks with their offensive firepower.

Cissna Park posted 19 kills in the first set and 15 in the second, with Addison Lucht leading the team with 14 kills, seven digs, and two aces. Josie Neukomm added 10 kills and five digs, while Ella Schluter set up 14 assists. Mady Marcott distributed a match-high 16 balls, keeping the offense moving efficiently.

Tremont managed just 16 kills across two sets, eight in each. Nora Parson contributed five kills, three blocks, and three aces. Hayden Alwerdt had four kills and three digs, Kaylee Johnson set up 11 assists, and Carly Whitcomb recorded 10 digs. The Turks kept the first set close through the first 26 points, trading sideouts with Cissna Park, but a three-point run followed by a four-point surge gave the Lady Timberwolves a 19-14 lead they would not surrender.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

Turks Kaylee Johnson back sets the ball during the second set. The senior setter entered the final four on Friday with 481 assists to her credit.

The second set was more competitive early on, but Cissna Park’s consistent offense and momentum proved decisive. Balanced scoring and strong team distribution helped the Lady Timberwolves maintain control and secure the win.

With this victory, Cissna Park returns to the state championship match, looking to capture its first state volleyball title since their previous deep run in 2014. Tremont, while competitive in stretches, could not overcome the T-Wolves’ scoring runs, ending their season in the semifinals.

Cissna Park will play for the state championship Saturday at CEFCU Arena, hoping to convert semifinal success into a historic title.

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Cissna Park volleyball, IHSA girls volleyball, Tremont Turks, Illinois high school sports, state finals volleyball

Dominance Defined: Mirkovic’s Monster Double-Double Leads Illinois Past Colgate

Illinois improved to 4-0 after beating Colgate behind a dominant double-double from David Mirkovic.

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Illustration: Alan Look Photography

The Illinois men’s basketball team notched an 84-65 win over Colgate on Nov. 14, 2025, improving to 4-0 on the season. While the final score reflected a balanced team effort, forward David Mirkovic delivered the night’s defining performance, showcasing a level of interior dominance rarely seen in the college game.

Mirkovic controlled the paint and established himself as the premier player on the floor throughout his 38 minutes.

His final stat line underscored his efficiency and relentlessness. He finished with 27 points on 8-for-16 shooting and went 8-for-8 at the free-throw line. He also pulled down 21 rebounds, posting a massive double-double that neutralized Colgate’s interior presence.

Eight of his rebounds came on the offensive end, creating several second-chance opportunities that fueled Illinois’ scoring runs and wore down the Raiders’ defense. He added three assists, strengthening his impact as a complete offensive contributor.

The performance was a definitive statement, reinforcing his status as one of the Illini’s most reliable forces and a player capable of carrying the team through challenging stretches as Illinois continues its early-season momentum.

For over 25 years, Alan Look has documented the soul of the Midwest — from Friday night lights to roaring chrome, from agricultural grit to locomotive legends. See more of more thoughts and photos from Alan Look on his blog at Best Look Magazine.

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TAGS: David Mirkovic double-double Illinois vs Colgate basketball recap, Illinois Fighting Illini 4-0 start 2025 season game summary, Colgate Raiders vs Illinois dominant interior performance Mirkovic, Illinois basketball standout player stats David Mirkovic 2025, NCAA men’s basketball early season Illinois vs Colgate analysis

The Sentinel On This Day | November 16

In a month marked by remembrance and gratitude, we revisit stories that defined our region — local sports state championship runs, celebrating Thanksgiving, and spotlighting moments of unity, resilience, and spirited debate.

From local news, features, and community events to politics, and Opinion-Editorial viewpoints, discover archived posts published on November 16 in previous years, offering a rich tapestry of life in Champaign County and the broader community, curated by The Sentinel. Here are the headlines from local news, sports, community events, and editorial viewpoints in and around Champaign-Urbana.

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Editor's pick ~

Cyberbullying more likely to make victim suicidal

As youth find their way in a digital age, the threat of online harassment continues to grow. A study earlier this year raises concerns that cyberbullying may be significantly more likely to influence suicidality.

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Sentinel Article Archive for November 16

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