College Notebook | Former area prep athletes shine in cross country

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Plotner helps UT-M finish sevent

Jillian Plotner finished 67th overall out of a field of 90 long distance runners at the Florida State University Winter XC Classic in Tallahassee. A freshman with the University of Tennessee-Martin, the former St. Joseph-Ogden cross country specialist finished the women's 6000m event at 25:08.6 to help the Skyhawks to a seventh place finish on Friday, February 5.

Plotner and UT-M run again on February 19 at the Golden Eagle Invitational hosted by Tennessee Tech in Cookeville.

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Brooks' season nears start at Eureka College

Jordan Brooks is just nine days away from hoping to see action as one of the newest members of the Red Devils of Eureka College. The program's first game of the season is a home game against Spalding College on February 20.

A junior college transfer from Lincoln Land College in Lincoln, IL, he started all 31 games for the Loggers. He averaged 10.5 points per game and was a proficient shooter delivering point on 40% of his attempts.

Brooks is currently one of St. Joseph-Ogden's top 25 career scorers with 786 points amassed during his three-year varsity career. The 2018 graduate is #4 in the Spartans career 3-pt shots made list after burying 176 of them.

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Knudsen bestowed 2nd CCIW P-O-W

Philo native and Unity High School basketball product Elyce Knudsen collected College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin player of the week recognition for a second straight week. She earned the well-deserved honors after scoring 23 points and padding her stats during a 90-82 road win over Illinois Wesleyan on February 4. The rising Big Blue star had five rebounds, four assists and five steals in that game. Two days later in Millikan's 73-51 win at Carthage on February 6, tallied 13 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal to lift the team's record to 4-1.

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Kylie Decker in Eastern's top 5 at cross country meet

Kylie Decker finished in ninth place overall at the Eastern Illinois Spring Meet last Saturday. The EIU freshman from Philo crossed the finish line at 19:32.4 to give the Panthers' cross country program the team trophy in the 5k race.

Thanks to Decker, Eastern Illinois tallied with 26 points in the team standings. Southeast Missouri came in second with 47 points followed by DePaul in third and Saint Louis fourth in fourth place.

One other former Unity cross country runner was in the field of 41 runners at the event. Audrey Hancock, a sophomore in Pre-Nursing and Tolono native, finished in 28th place at 20:44.2.

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Know a Unity or St. Joseph-Ogden graduate playing at the collegiate level? Let us know their name, sport(s) and where they are playing. An email or a link to their social media account for interviews is a big help, too. Send The Sentinel a message to us at sports@oursentinel.com.

Spartans knock off STM 67-33, Behrens and Vallee step up

On yet another frigid polar vortex evening in central Illinois, the St. Joseph-Ogden girls basketball team quickly caught fire outscoring host St. Thomas More 16-9 in the opening quarter of their Illini Prairie Conference game on Tuesday. The Spartan bench proved they can bring just as much heat as the team's five starters after defeating the Sabers on road, 67-33.

Junior Abby Behrens, who was not among the starting five, led all scorers with a game-high 14 points thanks to a three-pointer in the second quarter and two more after the break in the third. She, along with two other players, Peyton Jones and Alyssa Hamilton, combined for 24 bench points.

"Abby is sneaky," said head coach Kevin Taylor on Behrens' ability to deceive opposing players. "She has a laid back attitude but has been playing really good on the ball defense and knows how to score on the offensive side as well. She can drive or shoot the open shot."

Meanwhile, starter Payton Vallee scored 10 of her 12 points in the first half to help give SJO a nine-point lead at halftime. Taylor was happy to see the senior step up and take the opportunity to lead.

"Vallee helps this team with her experience and leadership. She has been very reliable over the years," he said. "But (she) is also a very smart competitor on the floor."

The Sabers were paced by Emma Dovocelle's 13 points. Kennedy Ramshaw added 10 point effort and Bridget Delorenza's five points rounded out the host's top three scorers.

Taylor pointed out improvement on his squad's defensive effort on Tuesday.

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"The girls played better overall defense last night," he said. The Sabers boasted several players with the speed and agility to pose a serious threat in the Illini Prairie Conference game. "We knew they would be quick and would look to drive the lane while still shooting some threes.

"I think we settled in after making some early fouls and kept them from driving or shooting over the top of us."

Two things that has impressed Taylor so far this season is how well players are fairing under the current pandemic protocols.

"I am impressed with how the girls are adapting to the new rules. Mainly wearing a mask while playing," Taylor said. "But, what impresses me the most so far is the depth of this team. (We have) several girls (that) are contributing."

The Spartans are back on the floor of the Main Gym at home Thursday night against the Rantoul Eagles with Behrens and Vallee hoping to extend the team's undefeated record on more game. The JV contest is slated to begin at 5:30pm, varsity tipoff is at 7pm. Both games can be watch via live stream on the NFHS Network.

Box Score

St. Joseph-Ogden	16	9	14	13	- 52
St. Thomas More	9	5	7	10	- 31

St. Joseph-Ogden
Taylor Campbell 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Payton Jacob 0 (1) 0-0 -- 3, Taylor Wells 2 (0) 0-0 -- 4, Atleigh Hamilton 2 (0) 1-1 -- 5, Taylor Hug 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Abby Behrens 2 (3) 1-2 -- 14, Isabell Smith 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Peyton Jones 2 (1) 1-2 -- 8, Alyssa Hamilton 1 (0) 0-1 -- 2, Payton Vallee 6 (0) 0-2 -- 12, Ella Armstrong 1 (0) 2-4 -- 4.

St. Joseph-Ogden
C. Leibach 0 (0) 0-1 -- 0, T. Devriese 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, A. Dickerson 0 (0) 1-2 -- 1, B. Delorenza 1 (1) 0-0 -- 5, E. Devocelle 2 (2) 3-4 -- 13, M. Swisher 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, S. Gileas 1 (0) 0-0 -- 2, G. Kreps 0 (0) 0-2 -- 0, C. Monahan 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, K. Ramshaw 4 (0) 2-7 -- 10, E. Graham 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, C. Pembele 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0.

Photo of the day - February 10, 2021

Blake Primmer takes a well-deserved drink during a break in the action at the 2019 Spartan Kickoff. The St. Joseph-Ogden football team ran a short scrimmage session for parents and fans to get a preview of the upcoming season on August 23, 2019. Practices for the 2020-21 season start March 3. It won't be nearly this balmy when SJO plays their first game since the November 2 playoff game at Williamsville on March 20 this year on the road against Illinois Valley Central.

(Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

ViewPoint | African-American Children Are Brilliant in Mathematics

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by Dr. Kirk Kirkwood, Ed.D.

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African-American Children Are Brilliant in Mathematics: Why Don't the Numbers Agree?

Unfortunately, African-American K-12 students have become familiar with the achievement gap narrative, suggesting there are disparities in their ability to learn math compared to their non-African-American peers. Further, they are more likely to be taught by underprepared teachers who often struggle with Mathematics Common Core Standards, specifically how to teach the content in a relevant and engaging way.

Many African-American students arrive home from school seeking additional mathematics support. They often encounter parents/caregivers who have developed a phobia (and trauma) around mathematics due to similar classroom experiences. In some regards, African-American communities perceive an inherent deficiency in math abilities, specifically in the K-12 context—this is absolutely untrue.

Although a year-end mathematics assessment does not indicate a students' capacity to succeed in college or life, it provides some insight into how formalized K-12 classroom settings support them. Among all subgroups (e.g., Asian, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander, Two or More Races), African-American fourth and eighth-graders performed the lowest in mathematics National Assessment of Educational Progress (also known as the Nation's Report Card).

The overall score equates to below basic level of understanding of mathematical content. If these patterns continue, roughly 80% of African-American students attending public schools will require some form of intervention to succeed in entry-level college coursework after high school.

It is essential to note implicit biases in curricula developed primarily by white males who have little to no connection with the students reading their textbooks. Year-end assessments (including how questions are framed), emphasizing individual knowledge rather than collective/collaborative efforts to engage the content, continue to baffle African-American students. Furthermore, instructional practices are often mundane and offer minimal enjoyable moments.

Collectively, we can shift the paradigm for African-American students.

Math classrooms have become hostile learning spaces. African-American K-12 learners resent their teachers, loathe the subject matter, and look forward to activities and courses to thrive and realize how the content can be beneficial for them both now and in the future. So, how do we revisit and begin to reconceptualize how African-American children perceived their mathematical abilities?

As African-American students experience math, parents/caregivers, communities, and schools must acknowledge (repeatedly) that African-American students are brilliant. They deserve constant encouragement and a reminder of their rich history with mathematics.

The first mathematicians were African. Northern Africans created the first innovative mathematical tool (the Ishango Bone), Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, and Dorothy Vaughan (African-American women featured in the movie Hidden Figures) elevated NASA to innovative technological advancements unseen.

Parents/caregivers, communities, and schools must collaborate to empower students to realize their gifts. Robert Moses, the Algebra Project creator, adopted the 1960s political community organizing a framework to promote mathematics literacy for students. It involved a collective response to an emerging challenge; therefore, he offered a practical guide to mathematics, including manipulatives, games, and drumming to engage students in math learnings.

Games such as Dominoes, Spades, and Uno are favorites among African-American families, and they require advanced Number Sense. Why not have a game night to showcase how parents/caregivers have thrived in these activities. Additionally, fantasy leagues, e.g., points per game, rebounds per game, assist, and free throws, provide enjoyable opportunities to showcase the appreciation of numbers.

In collaboration with Drs. Ernest Black, Fred Uy, and Patrice Waller, the California State University system, and CalStateTEACH have developed a Math Literacy Project to support Elementary School teachers' efficacy and ability to offer students culturally rich learning opportunities. Currently, partnering with over 200 educators at ISANA Academies to enhance their math instructional practice. The outcome will lead to African-American students' greater affinity and appreciation of math.

Collectively, we can shift the paradigm for African-American students.

They are too gifted and precious to allow the disdain for math to continue. Let's take action, strengthen our resolve, and become active in our intent to support them. If we let them down, we face an uncertain future. However, if we lean in to ensure that they are empowered, the Hidden Figures of the past will rise again as conscientious contributors of a math affirming environment for African-American children.

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Dr. Kirk Kirkwood is the Southern California Regional Director of CalStateTEACH, the California State University System's statewide credential program. He is also Executive Director at Village Life Education. He earned his PhD in P – 12 Educational Leadership from California State University, Fullerton.

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Photo by Matthew Henry/Burst

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This article is the sole opinions of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of The Sentinel. Follow this link to learn how to submit yours.

Prep Hoops | Scoring drought sinks Rockets in second game of the season

Unity's home game against Paris last Friday was a textbook case of a tale of every other quarter.

After a solid first quarter of play and leading on the scoreboard 12-10, missed second quarter scoring opportunities led to an eventual 67-33 loss in non-conference action with the visiting Tigers.

Damian Knoll tied the game at 7-all midway into the first quarter and Will Cowan scored the go-ahead tip in to give Unity a two-point advantage early in the game. A couple of exchanges later, Cowan drilled a trey from the southeast corner of the floor for a 12-7 Rocket lead.

With it much too early to roll over and lie, Paris' Zach Farnham answers with three pointer for his team to close out the quarter trailing, 12-10.

Paris quickly tied the game at twelves in the second quarter on a shot from Jude Sullivan and then the Rockets' shoot woes surfaced. The Tigers outscored Unity, who made just one of the 13 shots in the frame, 23-4. Paris, on the other hand, sunk eight of their 13 attempts in the same period.

After a respectable third quarter effort yielding 13 points, Unity mustered just four in the final quarter of the contest. 

Three players had seven opportunities from the free throw line, to their team's detriment went unconverted.

Despite the team's overall shooting deficiency, Brady Porter led Unity's scoring effort with 13 points. Cowan and Austin Langendorf chipped in another five points apiece.

Three seniors did the bulk of the heavy shooting for the Tigers. Sullivan, who scored the majority of his points in the second and third quarters of the game, finished the night with a game-high 17 points. Garrett King contributed 12 points and Mason Hutchings rounded out the top scorers on the visiting team with 8 points.

The Rockets play at home again on Friday night hosting Pontiac for another Illini Prairie Conference game this week. The varsity game is scheduled to start 7pm. Fans can catch the game on the NFHS Network.

Box Score

Unity	12	4	13	4	- 33
Paris	10	23	24	10	- 67

Unity
Cowan 1 (1) 0-0 -- 5, Hensch 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Rawdin 0 (0) 0-1 -- 0, Rutledge 0 (0) 0-1 -- 0, Knoll 1 (2) 0-0 -- 8, Porter 3 (2) 1-6 -- 13, Page 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Langendorf 1 (0) 3-6 -- 5, Alt 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Jokisch 1 (0) 0-0 -- 2.

Paris
Allen 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Hutchings 2 (1) 1-1 -- 8, Farnham 0 (3) 0-0 -- 9, King 1 (2) 4-4 -- 12, Porter 1 (0) 0-0 -- 2, Breneman 4 (0) 2-5 -- 10, Rhoads 2 (0) 1-2 -- 5, Mills 0 (1) 0-0 -- 3, Sullivan 5 (1) 4-4 -- 17, Nugent 0 (0) 1-2 -- 1, Brinkerhoff 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0.

Photo of the Day - February 9, 2021

Dashing to the finish

St. Joseph-Ogden's Rachael Graham pulls ahead of Monticello's MacKenzie Westwater and East Central's Alison Vogel in the prelims of the 100-meter dash at the 2008 Unity Girls Invitational Track Meet on April 11, 2008, in Tolono. Frigid temperatures along with strong gusts out of the west made for difficult running conditions for track athletes that Friday. The St. Joseph-Ogden girls' track team finished the annual meet in sixth-place. Graham later finished the finals in 8th-place.

(Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)

SJO girls rally back early to pick up first win of the season

A little more than two minutes into their first basketball game in almost a year, the Spartans girls basketball team was staring a 7-0 deficit on the scoreboard in the face against visiting Villa Grove last Thursday. It looked as if St. Joseph-Ogden was going to have a dogfight on their hands.

Trailing 7-0, SJO's Ella Armstrong turned up the heat starting with a three-pointer from near the top of key to put a few digits on the SJO side of the scoreboard. Responsible for her team's first seven points of the season, the junior came off the bench to finish with a team-high 15 points to lead the Spartans to a 47-33 win over the Blue Devils.

Nearly midpoint in the first period, Armstrong drew a foul on an attempted 360-degree spin lay up after picking up a loose ball in Villa Grove territory and dribbling down the floor. Sinking both free throws, SJO trailed by two.

Several possessions later the Spartans tied up the contest at 7-all on an pass inside the paint from Taylor Wells to Armstrong.

Later, Wells goes to the free throw line and knocks down a pair to put the St. Joseph-Ogden up by two. With a perfect 3-for-3 performance from the charity stripe, the junior contributed five points in to first victory of the year.

After another eight minutes of play, the two teams entered their locker rooms with SJO enjoying 21-17 advantage.

The Spartans returned to the floor and dominated the floor in the third quarter. Five SJO players combined for 18 points while Villa Grove hit just three shots for a total of just eight points.

Villa Grove's Kayleigh Block led all scorers with 18 points. Teammates Vanessa Wright and Kaylee Arbuckler finished with nine and six points respectively to complete the Blue Devil's scoring effort.

Behind Armstrong's team-high point production, fellow junior Payton Jacob finish the night with 10 points. Alyssa Hamilton and Wells chipped in five points apiece. Senior Atleigh Hamilton, like Wells, made 100% of her shots from the free throw line, was good for four points.

The Spartans are at home again on Thursday, when they host the Rantoul Eagles. The junior varsity contest is scheduled to begin at 5:30p and the varsity game at 7p.

Box Score

St. Joseph-Ogden	11	10	18	8	- 47
Villa Grove	10	7	8	8	- 33

St. Joseph-Ogden
Vallee 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Smith 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Armstrong 3 (2) 3-4 -- 15, Alyssa Hamilton 1 (1) 0-0 -- 5, Jones 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Walden 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0, Behrens 1 (0) 0-0 -- 2, Hug 1 (0) 0-0 -- 2, Atleigh Hamilton 1 (0) 2-2 -- 4, Wells 2 (0) 3-3 -- 5, Jacob 3 (0) 4-6 -- 10, Campbell 1 (0) 0-0 -- 2.

Villa Grove
Coldfelder 0 (0) 0-5 -- 0, Block 3 (3) 3-4 -- 16, Arbuckle 0 (1) 3-4 -- 6, Wright 3 (0) 3-5 -- 9, Stutz 0 (0) 0-0 -- 0.

Photo of the Day - February 8, 2021

Graduation Day

Kimberly Capagalan [right] and Abriel Shipley, both from St. Joseph, race through a heavy downpour and flooded school parking lot on their way to their graduation ceremony at St. Joseph-Ogden High School. The two seniors and 104 other students made up the Class 2007 graduating on May 27, 2007.

(Photo: PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks)