Iroquois County Winter Sports Preview

IROQUOIS WINTER SPORTS COUNTY 2018 SEASON

November 2018

Iroquois County’s Times-Republic Sports

Page 1

A special supplement to the Iroquois County Times-Republic

WATSEKA WARRIORS IROQUOIS WEST RAIDERS CLIFTON CENTRAL COMETS MILFORD BEARCATS CISSNA PARK TIMBERWOLVES DONOVAN WILDCATS

A guide to all the high school basketball and wrestling action in Iroquois County

NOVEMBER 2018

Page 2

Iroquois County’s Times-Republic Sports

November 2018

Central Comets

Photo by Steve Scoggans The Clifon Central Wrestling consists of (not pictured in order): Jerod Snejberg, Giacomo Panozzo, Kaleb Lafine, Tyler Morris, Audrey Schunke, Maggie Thorne, Alex Munoz, Masen Hess, Jordan Saathoff , Dane Thorne, Anthony Jensen, Wayne Tracy, Jimmy Peters, Thomas Konetski, Caleb Mezo, Nick Panozzo, Seth Raines, Brendan Arseneau, Auston Miller, Chase Clyden, Bryan Winkel, Cade Alexander, Canyon Burrow, Logan Behrends, Corey Roach, Kodie Willis, Nate Kuntz.

Comets young, but starting off strong

By ZACK WATERS sports@intranix.com The Clifton Central Comets wrestling team are off to a good start this season after defeating GCMS and Reed Custer, making their record 2-0 so far.

The team comes off of a 27-2 season last year and are dealing with the loss of 18 seniors.

This year, the team’s leaders are seniors Kodie Willis and Thomas Konetski, as well as junior

Dane Thorne and sophomore Max McTaggart. In terms of age and experience the team is lacking in age but head coach Travis Williams doesn’t see that as a hindrance to his team in the long run.

“We are extremely young but expect to be able to grow and see this squad develop into a program that is stronger in January than in December.”

Williams also mentioned that there will be

Roster Year Jr. Fr. So. Fr. So. Fr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr.

Fr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Sr. Fr. So. So. So. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr.

Schedule Date November 27 December 1 December 4

December 8 December 10 December 13 December 14 December 15 December 17 December 28 December 29 January 4 January 5 January 12 January 15 January 16 January 22 January 23 January 25 February 2 February 8-9 February 14-16 February 19 February 23

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Event/Opposition Pontiac and Coal City Seneca Invitational SJO and Oakwood Central Duals Manteno TBA Tolono Duals Night Wilmington JV Tournament Rantoul and Grant Park Abes Rumble Abes Rumble Princeton Invitational Princeton Invitational Reed Custer Invitational Wilmington Herscher and Bishop Mac Peotone High/Junior High Night Ottawa Dwight and Ridgeview TBA TBA Champaign TBA TBA

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Time/Place 5pm Coal City 9am Seneca 6pm Central High 9am Central High 5pm Manteno 5:30pm Central High 5:30pm Tolono Unity 9am Wilmington 5:30pm Central High 9am Springfield 9am Springfield 4:30pm Princeton 4:30pm Princeton 9am Reed Custer 5:30pm Central High 5:30pm Herscher 5:30pm Peotone 5:30pm Central High 5:30pm Dwight IHSA Regionals IHSA Sectionals IHSA State IHSA Team Sectional IHSA Team State

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Name Jerod Snejberg Giacomo Panozzo Kaleb Lafine Tyler Morris Audrey Schunke Maggie Thorne Alex Munoz Masen Hess Jordan Saathoff Dane Thorne Anthony Jensen Wayne Tracy Jimmy Peters Thomas Konetski Caleb Mezo Nick Panozzo Seth Raines Brendan Arseneau Auston Miller Chase Clyden Bryan Winkel Cade Alexander Canyon Burrow Logan Behrends, Corey Roach 182- Kodie Willis, Nate Kuntz Seth McDivitt

some freshman that will have a vital role on the season this year.

“Freshman Auston Miller, Tyler Morris, Kodey Krumwiede and Giacomo Panozzo bring a lot of excitement and energy to the practice room. Each are expected to be key contributors at the varsity level.”

The Comets’ next match will take place on December first where they go head to head with Seneca.

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November 2018

Iroquois County’s Times-Republic Sports

Page 3

Roster Number Name Year 1 Ryanna Bennett Jr. 2 Hanna Offerman Jr. 3 Kaitlyne Beherns Jr. 4 Kamryn Grice So. 5 Katie Speckman Sr. 10 Madyson Beasley Sr. 12 Alexis Waller Sr. 13 Hallie Wilken Sr. 15 Riley Thompson So. 21 Anna Ritter Jr. 25 Caitlin Gerdes Jr. 30 Madison Kleinert Sr. 33 Kaylie Warpet So. 40 Jillian Baker So.

Photo by Steve Scoggans The Central Lady Comets are, back row, left to right: Coach Ashley Morris, team manager Zoe Bates, Madison Kleinert, Ryanna Bennett, Hallie Wilken, Hanna Offerman, Anna Ritter, Jillian Baker, Kaylie Warpet, head coach Rebbecca Swigert-Fenton; front rowl left to right: Kamryn Grice, Alexis Waller, Caitlin Gerdes, Katie Speckman, Madyson Beasley, Riley Thompson, Kaitlyne Beherns.

Central Lady Comets look to leadership in challenging season

By ZACK WATERS sports@intranix.com Although the Clifton Central Lady Comets basketball team have several games under their belts this season, coach Rebecca Swigert-Fenton is still looking for their teams reliable shooters.

“We have a lot of girls returning, but none of our primary scorers. It’s going to be kind of interesting to see who steps up this year and is able to fill that void for us.”

The Comets have just finished up playing five games in the Beecher Fall Tournament, which is a new venture for the team.

“The competition in this Beecher tournament was something that we don’t really see anywhere else. We played some 3A and 4A schools. So, it was really good for us to go somewhere and figure ourselves out a little bit without us being around teams we are going to see multiple times

throughout the year.”

The Lady Comets schedule this season is a difficult one, but Swigert-Fenton says it is only going to help their case in the long run.

“Our schedule this year is loaded. We picked up a couple of new teams that are going to be tough. But, I told the girls both before the season and at the beginning of the season that the games that really matter are in the post season,” she said.

“Our conference tournament and our post season are the things that we really look at and I’m hoping that playing this tough of a schedule season-wise will help us in the post season.”

The Comets are made up of a large number of returning players, but the team looks to their three captains for leadership.

“Leadership comes in so many different ways. We have

three captains this year and they each bring something different to the table. Caitlin Gerdes is a senior and she is a leader by example. She is starting to become a little more vocal but just the way she goes about things demonstrates a good example for everybody.

“Katie Speckman is another senior and she also sets good examples but she is also a little more vocal. But what I look for from her the most is more of the positivity and keeping our people going. My vocal leader this year is actually a junior, Riley Thompson. I remember as a freshman when she got pulled up, she had a good group of seniors that mentored her a little bit and ever since then she’s kind of filled some of the vocal void that we’ve had since 2016.”

The Lady Comets home opener will be against the Watseka Warriors Nov. 29.

Schedule Date 11/29 12/01 12/03 12/06 12/08-12 12/13 12/17 12/20 12/28 1/03

Opponent Watseka Wilmington Prairie Central PBL Iroquois West Holiday Hoops Dwight Peotone Beecher Gardner-South Wilmington Cissna Park

Location Home Home Away Home Away Away Away Home Home Away

Time 7 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

1/05 1/07 1/10 1/14-19 1/21 1/22 1/24 1/28 1/31 2/04

Lincoln Christian Shootout Urbana High School Momence SVC Tournament Donovan Tri-Point South Newton Manteno Iroquois West IHSA Regionals

Away Home Home IW Home Away Away Away Away Away

5 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

TBA 5:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

TBA

Roster Number Name Year 1 Cory Hoggins Sr. 2 Jay Lemenager So. 3 Kyle Peters Jr. 4 Sergio Sandoval, Jr. Sr. 5 Caden Perry So. 10 Ben Robinson Sr. 11 Nathan Gray Jr. 12 Jacob Shoven So. 20 Jeremiah Norris Sr. 21 Jayson Harris Jr. 33 Darryl Harris Sr. 35 Caleb Toberman Jr.

Photo by Steve Scoggans The Central Comets are, back row, left to right: Jacob Shoven, Caden Perry, Darryl Harris, Caleb Toberman, Jayson Harris, Jeremiah Norris, assistant coach Brad Perzee, assistant coach Kirk Keelan and head coach Brent Offill; front row, left to right: Kyle Peters, Sergio Sandoval Jr., Cory Hoggins, Nathan Gray, Jay Lemenager

Comets willing to do what it takes to win

By ZACK WATERS sports@intranix.com The Central Comets High School boys basketball team is made up five seniors, four juniors, and three sophomores. And although they aren’t the biggest in terms of numbers, coach Brent Offill says they’re a “great group of kids who are buying in and are willing to do what it takes to be great.”

Date 11/20 11/27 11/30 12/03 12/04 12/07 12/11 12/17-19 12/27-29

Opponent Wilmington Peotone Watseka Tri-Point Herscher PBL Grant Park Wilmington Tournament Kankakee Holiday Tournament

The team is looking to make some adjustments this season not just in how they play, but how they think as well.

“Coming off a 5 win season we have to change the mindset and culture in the basketball program to one of excellence and learn how to win,” Offill said.

As far as leadership, Offill looks no further than to senior Darryl Harris.

Location Away Away Away Away Away Away Home Away Away

Schedule Time 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

TBA

1/04 1/08 1/11 1/16 1/22 1/25 1/29-2/02 2/11 2/12 2/15

“Harris will have high expectations to lead his team with his experience and effort”.

The team starts their season with 11 games on the road right off the bat. But, Offill says that is only going to help his team with the mental strength they are going to need at the end of this years season.

The Comets next game will be away against Watseka on Nov. 30.

Dwight High School St. Anne Cissna Park Beecher Gardner-South Wilmington Momence SVC Tournament Reed Custer Manteno Iroquois West

Home Home Home Away Home Away Home Away Away Home

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

TBA 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Page 4

Iroquois County’s Times-Republic Sports

November 2018

Watseka Warriors

Photo by Zack Waters The Watseka Warriors are, back row, left to right: Head coach Chad Cluver, coach Josh Sertich, Matthew Cannady, Dylan Thompson, Bretton Walwer, Jameson Cluver, Caden Giroux, Blake Castonguay, Justin Bunting, Hudson Arseneau, Nick Albright, coach Joe Trudeau, and coach Matt Pence; front row, left to right: Conner Curry, Anthony Quinn, Drew Wittenborn, Jack Fegan, Ben Lyznicki, Justin McTaggart.

Warriors aiming for Regional win and beyond

By ZACK WATERS sports@intranix.com The Watseka Warriors are hoping for a regional win this year, and with a schedule like theirs, that is no easy feat.

“This is one of the toughest schedules we’ve had in awhile. We get to go at Danville. We get to play Monticello in a shootout who has been deep in the playoffs the last few years. So, our schedule is tough and it’s going to be very challenging for us. But, it’s going to make us better in the end I think so we can really compete to try and win another regional,” said coach Chad Cluver.

“The goal every year is to win Regionals. If you can do that and get into the next level of the state playoff series and get to sectionals and things like that, anything can happen. The regional is the toughest thing to get.”

Another thing Cluver says he’s looking forward to this season is watching the leadership unfold on his team.

“The thing I’m probably excited about the most is we have 6 seniors that have really good leadership. They’ve really come a long way and know what it takes to be able to compete at a high level and they’re going to add that to our younger guys that are going to help us out.”

Schedule Date 11/27 11/30 12/1 12/4 12/7 12/13-12-19 12/22 1/4 1/5 1/8 1/11 1/12 1/14 1/18 ` 1/22 1/25 1/26 1/29-2/2 2/5 2/8 2/12 2/15

Opponent Location Time Prairie Central Prairie Central 5:30 p.m.

Clifton Central Watseka 6 p.m.

Milford Watseka 6 p.m.

Gardner-South Wilmington GSW 5:30 p.m.

St. Anne St. Anne 5:30 p.m.

Watseka Holiday Tournament Watseka TBA Eureka College Shootout Eureka TBA South Newton Watseka 6 p.m.

SJO Shootout St. Joe-Ogden 12 p.m.

Herscher Herscher 5:30 p.m.

Iroquois West Gilman 6 p.m.

Grant Park Watseka 6 p.m.

Beecher Watseka 6 p.m.

Momence Momence 6 p.m.

Danville Danville 7:15 p.m.

Cissna Park Watseka 6 p.m.

Beecher Beecher TBA SVC Tourney Clifton TBA GCMS Watseka 6 p.m.

PBL Watseka 6 p.m.

Donovan Donovan 5:30 p.m.

Dwight Dwight 6 p.m.

Number 3 4 5 10 20 21 22 23 25 30 33 40 45

While the Warriors team is not a very big one, they do make up for their size in several ways.

“Defense is something we are going to have to put our hat on. We’re going to have to stop other teams from scoring and then use our speed to get up and down the court and see if we can get easy hoops,” Cluver said.

“We’re not very big. But with that, we’ve got some quickness, we’ve got some guys that can put the ball in the hoop.”

The Watseka Warriors first home game will be against Clifton Central.

Roster Name Blake Castonguay Anthony Quinn Drew Wittenborn Jameson Cluver Conner Curry Ben Lyznicki Bretten Walwer Justin McTaggart Matthew Canady Justin Bunting Jack Fegan Caden Giroux Nick Albright

Year Sr. Sr. So. So. So. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Jr.

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November 2018

Iroquois County’s Times-Republic Sports

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Photo by Zack Waters Lady Warriors are, back row, left to right: Head coach Barry Bauer, Cassie Peters, Kinzie Parsons, Kennedy McTaggart, Kennedy Bauer, Mallory Drake, Drew Parsons, Aaron Hilgendorf; front row, left to right: Sydney McTaggart, Courtney Thompson, Kadyn Stevens, Magan Harris, Teagan Cawthorn, Baylor Cluver, Natalie Schroeder.

Returning players set high expectations in Watseka

By ZACK WATERS sports@intranix.com The Watseka Warriors girls basketball team is off to a good start already this season.

Six of the Warriors team players are returning upperclassmen, five of whom are seniors and coach Barry Bauer says leadership is one thing they have plenty of.

“We have a lot of girls returning from last year so the expectations are high. We have a lot of

experience coming back and the girls are really enthusiastic right now,” he said.

“We have a lot of seniors and it definitely shows that those girls are the leaders on the team.”

The team already has several games under their belt as well as earned 2nd place at the Cissna Park Tip-Off Tournament so far this season.

One thing the team is looking forward to is their challenging schedule.

Schedule Date 11/15 11/17 11/26 11/29 12/01 12/04 12/06 12/10 12/12 12/21 12/26-29 1/03 1/05 1/09 1/10 1/12 1/14-1/19 1/22 1/24 1/28 1/29 1/31 2/04-08 2/11-14 2/18 2/22-23

Opponent Location Time CP Tip-Off vs. Herscher Cissna Park 6:30 p.m.

CP Tip-Off Cissna Park

TBA Hoopeston Hoopeston 7:30 p.m.

Clifton Central Clifton

7 p.m.

South Newton Watseka 11:30 a.m.

Peotone Watseka 7:30 p.m.

Momence Watseka 7:30 p.m.

Clifton Central Clifton 6 p.m.

St. Anne St. Anne 7 p.m.

Urbana Watseka 7:30 p.m.

Peotone Blue Devil Classic Peotone TBA Iroquois West Watseka 7:30 p.m.

Milford Watseka 11:30 a.m.

Donovan Donovan 7 p.m.

Cissna Park Cissna Park 7 p.m.

Fisher Fisher 12:30 p.m.

SVC Tournament Gilman TBA Danville Danville

6 p.m.

PBL Paxton 7:30 p.m.

Tri-Point Cullom 7 p.m.

Beecher Watseka 7:30 p.m.

Dwight Watseka 7:30 p.m.

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“Our schedule is a little bit tougher than it was last year. The IHSA rules changed a little bit on how we can schedule so we picked up some stronger and bigger teams. We play a lot of 3A and 4A teams so in the long run I think that is going to help us out,” Bauer said.

The Watseka Lady Warriors basketball team’s next home game is Dec. 1.

Roster Number 1 10 12 14 20 21 22 23 30 33 34 40

Name Natalie Schroeder Magan Harris Baylor Cluver Kennedy Bauer Cassie Peters Mallory Drake Courtney Thompson Sydney McTaggart Kennedy McTaggart Teagan Cawthorn Kadyn Stevens

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Page 6

Iroquois County’s Times-Republic Sports

November 2018

Iroquois West Raiders

Photo contributed The Iroquois West Lady Raiders are, back row, left to right: Assistant coach Amy Miller, Jacey Stiers, Taylor Talbert, Merreck Sweeney, Abby Kocher, Shelby Johnson, Nini Papunashvilli, Ashley Aguilera, Madisyn Shambrook and head coach Bob Campbell; front row, left to right: Olivia Gaytan, Lesly Andrade, Ashton Miller, Emma Lopez, Anahi Munoz.

Lady Raiders look to realize their potential

By ZACK WATERS sports@intranix.com The Iroquois West Lady Raiders basketball season is underway this season. The team is 1-4 and head coach Bob Campbell says he is hoping that his team realizes their own capabilities.

“Right now we’re just looking for improvement,” he said.

“The talent is there, the potential is there. I just think right now it’s all about mindset. They have to realize what they’re capable of and they have to execute it.”

The Raiders leading scorer this year is sophomore Jacey Stiers, who has scored 42 of the teams 127 total points so far in the the teams first five games of the season.

Schedule Date Nov. 29 Dec. 3 Dec. 4 Dec. 08-12 Dec. 14 Dec. 17 Dec. 18 Dec. 20 Dec. 22 Jan. 3 Jan. 5 Jan. 7 Jan. 8 Jan. 10 Jan. 14-19 Jan. 21 Jan. 24 Jan. 29 Jan. 31

The team recently played in the GCMS Tip-Off

Tournament where they faced the likes of Salt Fork and St. Joe Ogden as well as GCMS. “Our schedule’s been tough so far,” said Campbell.

The Lady Raiders next home game will be against Cissna Park on Dec. 3.

Roster

Opponent Location Time Momence Momence 7:30 p.m.

Cissna Park Home 7:30 p.m.

Herscher Herscher

7 p.m.

W Holiday Hoops Tournament Home

TBA Praire Central Prairie Central 7 p.m.

Beecher Beecher 7 p.m.

Tri-Point Home 7 p.m.

Ridgeview Ridgeview 7 p.m.

Donovan Home 9 a.m.

Watseka Watseka 7:30 p.m.

GCMS Home 7:30 p.m.

Milford Milford 7:30 p.m.

Urbana Home 7:30 p.m.

PBL Home 7:30 p.m.

SVC Tournament Onarga 6 p.m.

S. Newton Home 7:30 p.m.

Dwight Dwight 7:30 p.m.

Peotone Home 7 p.m.

Central Home 7 p.m.

Number 3 5 13 14 15 20 21 22 23 31 44 50 30

Name Shelby Johnson Emma Lopez Olivia Gaytan Anahi Munoz Nini Papunashvilli Lesly Andrade Madisyn Shambrook Ashton Miller Jacey Stiers Taylor Talbert Merrek Sweeney Abby Kocher Ashley Aguilera

Year So. So. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Sr. So. Sr. So. Jr. So. Sr.

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November 2018

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Page 7

Photo by Zack Waters The Iroquois West Raiders are, back row, left to right: Head coach Zach Monk, coach Jim Dill, Jack McMillan, Ryan Tilstra, Trace Fleming, Zach Rice, Michael Hartke, Landon Davis, Max Grant, coach Andy Lindo, and coach Kyle Leydens; front row, left to right: Ryan Brenner, Zach Gerling, Jacob Duffy, Zach Sigler, Ronald Wallace

Raiders young, but full of leadership, potential

By ZACK WATERS sports@intranix.com The Iroquois West Raiders basketball team are off to a bit of a rough start to the beginning the 2018-2019 season. The boys are 0-2, but head coach Zach Monk says improvement is one thing that is on the agenda for them this season.

“We’re looking to improve. You always want to improve. Re-establishing the culture and getting that where I want it to be is what I’d like to

see happen,” he said.

Monk also mentioned that although his team is young this year, he says there is plenty of leadership to go around.

“The really nice thing that we have going for us this year is we have two returning varsity starters. So that’s going to be a big thing for us as we move forward.”

The Iroquois West Raiders are coming off a 5-22 season last year, which also marked Monk’s

Schedule Date Nov. 30 Dec. 4 Dec. 7 Dec. 13-18 Dec. 20 Dec. 22 Jan. 4 Jan. 7 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 26 Jan. 29-Feb. 2 Feb. 8 Feb. 9 Feb. 12 Feb. 15

Opponent Location Momence Home Milford Giman Gardner South Wilmington GSW Watseka Holiday Tournament Watseka Blue Ridge Home Donovan Home Cissna Park Cissna Park Tri-Point Home Prairie Central Prairie Central Watseka Home PBL PBL Illinois Lutheran IL Lutheran South Newton South Newton Bobcat Shootout Beecher SVC Tournament Central Dwight Home Herscher Herscher Ridgeview Ridgeview Clifton Central Central

Time 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

TBA 7:30 p.m.

Noon 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

TBA TBA 7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

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first season as head coach.

Even though the teams schedule this year is challenging, Monk is confident in his teams willingness to compete.

“We are in a tough conference but regardless, I think this is a group that can compete every single night if we show up and are ready to play.”

The Iroquois West Raiders will next face Momence on Nov. 30 at home.

Roster

Name Max Grant Jacob Duffy Ryan Tilstra Ronald Wallace Zach Gerling Zach Sigler Jack McMillan Landon Davis Trace Fleming Ryan Brenner Zach Rice Michael Hartke

Year 12 11 10 12 11 12 10 11 10 12 11 12

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Page 8

Iroquois County’s Times-Republic Sports

November 2018

Donovan Wildcats

Photo contributed The Donovan Wildcats are, back row, left to right: Andy Onnen, Brodi Winge, Keegan Wingerter, Kohlton Lanoue, CJ Swisher, Mitchel Taylor; front row: Jordan Bard, Caleb Klecan, Darrien Pocius, Zach Whitson, Tate Caposieno Not pictured: Travis Gilbert

Wildcats look for fresh start, overcoming adversity

By ZACK WATERS sports@intranix.com The Donovan Wildcats experienced a tough season last year. In a win-less season, the team found themselves plagued by inexperience and injuries. But head coach Mason Parks remains optimistic about the outcome of this years season.

“We couldn’t wait to finally get back into the gym and start working and getting back into the swing of things. Last year we had a pretty bad year. We had some injuries, and just couldn’t

really seem to get on track with anything. So this year, what I’m looking forward to the most is kind of having a fresh start.”

The team, though not very big, is made up of seven seniors which parks says is an asset to the team.

“We have kind of a lot of seniors on the team and I think a lot of the younger guys kind of look to them to set the right example,” he said.

“So the more that we can help the younger ones out, the better off in the long run we will be.”

Parks also says he’s hoping to change the outlook people have on his team and doesn’t want to be underestimated.

“I’m looking to change the mindset of everything. I think a lot of schools look at us and think it’s an automatic win. But I think we really do have a lot of talent.”

The Donovan Wildcats next home game is on Nov. 30 where the team will face off against Gardener South Wilmington.

Schedule Date Nov. 27 Nov. 30 Dec. 4 Dec. 11 Dec. 14 Dec. 15 Dec. 17 Dec. 18 Dec. 21 Dec. 22 Jan. 8 Jan. 11 Jan. 15 Jan. 18 Jan. 22 Jan. 25 Feb. 1 Feb. 5 Feb. 8 Feb. 11 Feb. 12

Opponent Calvary Christian Academy Gardner South Wilmington St. Anne Beecher Momence LaSalette Milford Iroquois West Kankakee Trinity Iroquois West Illinois Lutheran Grant Park Tri-Point Gardner South Wilmington St. Anne Beecher Kankakee Trinity Illinois Lutheran Grant Park Grace Christian Academy Watseka

Location Home Home Home Home Watseka Watseka Watseka Watseka Kankakee Trinity Iroquois West Home Grant Park Tri-Point GSW St. Anne Beecher Home IL Lutheran Home Grace Christian Donovan

Roster Time 6 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

5 p.m.

3 p.m.

5 p.m.

5 p.m.

7 p.m.

9 a.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

7 p.m.

6 p.m.

Number 22 23 13 11 25 5 45 1 32 33 44 10

Name Andy Onnen Brodi Winge Caleb Klecan CJ Swisher Darrien Pocius Jordan Bard Keegan Wintergerter Kohlton Lanoue Mitchel Taylor Tate Caposieno Travis Gilbert Zach Whitson

Year So. So. So. Sr. So. Sr. Sr. Sr. Sr. So. Sr. Sr.

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November 2018

Iroquois County’s Times-Republic Sports

Page 9

Photo contributed The Lady Wildcats are, back row: Emmalee McManaway, Sophie O’Brien, Claudia Kilgore, Claire Miller; front row: Kayden Stahlschmidt, Jerzie Waltz, Hannah Schiel. Not pictured: Hannah Smith.

Wildcats optimistic on season despite size

By ZACK WATERS sports@intranix.com The Donovan Lady Wildcats are looking to rebuild this season after their 4-21 season last year. The team is coached by Lane Walters, and although the team is small in numbers, Walters is excited about the new season.

“This season is going to be brand new. This is my first year coaching high school in the last 1213 years or so and the game has really changed since then,” she said.

“Im hoping to build more confidence. Last

year was really really rough, and the mindset here is that we can’t win ball games.That is just totally not true. So, what I’m trying to do is just change the mindset and show that we can have a winning ball team and be from Donovan.”

Of the nine players on the Wildcats, five of whom are freshman, Walters says the spot for team leader is still open.

“We don’t have a lot of numbers and we only have 9 players total. I only have one senior and one junior, 2 sophomores and then we have 5 freshman. So a leader is going to have to step up

Roster Number 1 3 5 10 11 20 21 23 40

Name Hannah Schiel Kayden Stahlschmidt Claire Miller Emmalee McManaway Sophie O’Brien Claudia Kilgore Jackie Schill Jerzie Waltz Hannah Smith

at this point.”

Though the team is young, Walters doesn’t think that will be an issue.

“The freshmen that we have bring a lot of excitement and hustle and aggression and things like that to our team so I’m really honestly just mostly excited about seeing the program improve and building the program back up.”

The Lady Wildcats play St. Anne at home on Thursday.

Schedule Year Fr. Fr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Sr. Jr. So.

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Date Nov. 26 Nov. 29 Dec. 03 Dec. 10 Dec. 13 Dec. 17 Dec. 18 Dec. 19 Dec. 20 Dec. 22 Dec. 27 Dec. 28 Jan. 7 Jan. 9 Jan. 10 Ja. 14 Jan. 18 Jan. 21 Jan. 24 Jan. 28

Opponent Gardner South Wilmington St. Anne Beecher Illinois Lutheran Grant Park Tri-Point Illinois Lutheran Armstrong South Newton Iroquois West Momence Momence Kankakee Trinity Academy Watseka St. Anne Beecher Gardner South Wilmington Clifton Illinois Lutheran Grant Park

Location Home Home Home Home Grant Park Tri-Point IL Lutheran Armstrong South Newton Iroquois West Momence Momence Kankakee Trinity Home St. Anne Beecher GSW Clifton IL Lutheran Home

Time 5:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

10:30 a.m.

TBA TBA 5:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

6 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

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Page 10

Iroquois County’s Times-Republic Sports

November 2018

Cissna Park Timberwolves Roster Number 1 2 3 4 5 10 11 15 20 21 32

Name Lexie Seggebruch Emily Seggebruch Kenadee Edelman Tessa Nims Sloan Boyce Sarah Hardison Taya Kissack Allison Wessels Morgan Kaeb Lauren Kaeb Bonnie Russell

Position G G G G/F G/F G G/F G F F F

Year Fr Sr So Sr Sr So Sr So Sr So So

Photo contributed The Lady Timberwolves are, back row, left to right: Tessa Nims, Morgan Kaeb, Sloan Boyce, Taya Kissack, Emmily Seggebruch; front row, left to right: Kenadee Edelman, Lauren Kaeb, Alexis Seggebruch, Bonnie Russell, Allison Wessels, Sarah Hardison

Leadership key to Lady Timberwolves season

By ZACK WATERS sports@intranix.com Leadership is going to be key this season for the Lady Timberwolves, who have 4 returning seniors this year. But head coach Anthony Videka says there is little to be concerned about in that department.

“The senior girls have been doing a good job keeping the girls focused at practice and are doing a fantastic job. With no juniors on the team, the seniors are really stepping up helping our sophomores out and helping our freshman out

too.”

The team hosted their annual tip-off classic tournament earlier this month and several different schools from around the area came to compete.

With the loss of six seniors last year, the Lady Timberwolves have big shoes to fill in terms of scoring.

“We have a whole bunch of hustle in us and we are looking forward to the season coming. We lost a lot of scoring last year, but we also have a lot of girls that have been filling that role so far.

A regional championship is one thing the team hopes to accomplish this year. And Videka is no stranger to that after his 2015-2016 teams’ regional championship win.

“We do have a goal to win a regional this year and then kind of go from there. It’s going to be a tough test to do that with so many good teams in the area. But, it would be nice to win another regional and our girls expect it.”

The Cissna Park Lady Timberwolves will face off against the South Newton Rebels on Nov. 29 in Kentland.

Timberwolves have high expections this year

By ZACK WATERS sports@intranix.com High expectations. Thats seems to be the overarching theme this year for the Cissna Park Timberwolves boys basketball team.

On a team with 7 returning letterman, five of whom are seniors, coach Kevin Long says there should be no shortage of experience or leadership.

“Going into the season, we feel like we have good depth and great team chemistry. In addition, with only one senior graduating, this will be the most experienced team we have ever had.”

Long anticipates a strong defensive game as well as offense, and not just because two of his seniors, brothers Julian and Christian Stadeli, stand 6’7.

“With our size and athleticism,

this team has the ability to be great on the defensive end. Offensively, our post game is no secret, but we also have multiple perimeter players who can shoot the ball and create off the dribble. That should give us great offensive balance with seven or eight different guys who have the ability to score in double digits on any given night.”

Admittedly, Long says their schedule this year is a tough one, but that it is also intentional.

“Not very many 1A schools, if any, play a tougher schedule than we have. We play a handful of 1A teams and a handful of 3A teams but we play mostly 2A schools. We are the only 1A school in our conference and we do that with the intent of giving some challenges throughout the regular season that hopefully builds

Roster Number 05 11 14 20 22 24 25 35 40 42 44 55

Name Conner Lober Keegan Boyle Bailey Sluis Penn Stoller Brian Fehr Ian Rogers Malaki Verkler Julian Stadeli Christian Stadeli Zane Pierce Rudy King Ryan King

Position G G G F G G G C C F C C

Year Sr. Jr. Sr. Jr. Sr. So Fr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. So.

GOOD LUCK TEAMS Rodney E. Yergler, D.D.S. P.C. DENTIST 307A Main Street, P. O. Box 89 Crescent City, Illinois 60928 815-683-2114 Hours by Appointment

Photo contributed The Timberwolves are, front row, left to right: Manager Dawson Savoree, Penn Stoller, Bailey Sluis, Keegan Boyle, Conner Lober, an Rogers, Zane Pierce, and Mgr. Theran Blanck; back row, left to right: Assistant Coach Seth Johnson, Brian Fehr, Ryan King, Christian Stadeli, Julian Stadeli, Malaki Verkler, Rudy King, Assistant Coach Vincent Lober, and Head Coach Kevin Long. confidence and allows us to peak for the post season.”

With a season record of 21-9 last year, and the thought of 2016-17’s regional championship win still fresh in their memory, the team is

looking to keep their eye on the prize.

“If we can stay focused on the process and the daily grind, this team could be special.” said Long.

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November 2018

Iroquois County’s Times-Republic Sports

Page 11

Cissna Park Boys Schedule

Date Opponent 11/27 Bismarck-Henning 12/4 Armstrong 12/8 Arcola 12/11 St. Joe Ogden 12/13-12/21 SJO Leader Classic 12/27-12/29 Pinckneyville Holiday Tournament 1/4 Iroquois West 1/5 SJO Shootout 1/8 South Newton High School 1/11 Clifton Central 1/12 St. Anne 1/15 GCMS

Location Time Cissna Park Armstrong Cissna Park Cissna Park St. Joseph Pinckneyville Cissna Park St. Joseph Kentland Clifton Cissna Park Cissna Park

5:30 p.m.

6 p.m.

1 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

TBA TBA 5:30 p.m.

10 a.m.

5:30 p.m.

6 p.m.

1 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

1/18 1/19 1/25 1/26 1/29-2/02 2/8 2/9 2/12 2/15 2/18-2/22 2/26-3/01 3/05 3/08

Dwight Bishop McNamara Watseka Milford SVC Tournament Momence Riverton Shootout LaSalette Academy PBL Regional Sectional Super Sectional State Finals

Cissna Park Cissna Park Watseka Milford TBA Cissna Park Riverton Cissna Park Paxton TBA TBA TBA TBA

5:30 p.m.

1 p.m.

6 p.m.

1 p.m.

TBA 5:30 p.m.

TBA 5:30 p.m.

6 p.m.

TBA TBA TBA TBA

Cissna Park Cissna Park Cissna Park Gibson City Gilman Momence Dwight Cissna Park TBA TBA TBA TBA

5:30 p.m.

10 a.m.

5:30 p.m.

11 a.m.

TBA 6 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

TBA TBA TBA TBA1/18

Cissna Park Girls Schedule Date 11/27 11/29 12/01 12/03 12/08 12/11 12/14 12/15 12/18 12/20 12/27-12/29

Opponent Unity High School South Newton High School Ridgeview IW High School Fisher High School Grant Park High School Bismarck-Henning Champaign Judah Christian Milford High School LeRoy High School Blue Devil Classic

Location Tolono Kentland Cissna Park Gilman Parkland Grant Park Bismarck Cissna Park Milford LeRoy Bismarck

Time 6 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

10 a.m.

6 p.m.

10 a.m.

5:30 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

10 a.m.

6 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

TBA

1/03 1/05 1/10 1/12 1/14-1/19 1/24 1/28 1/31 2/04-2/07 2/11-2/14 2/18 2/22-2/23

Clifton-Central Hoopeston Watseka GCMS SVC Conference Momence Dwight PBL Regionals Sectionals Super Sectionals State Finals

Milford Bearcats Roster

Number Name 1 Kennedy Kunsch 2 Jared Schunke 3 Charlton Crawford 10 Nick Allen 30 Klaytin Hunsinger 15 Tanner Sobkoviak 35 Kaleb Harris 25 MIn Kuan Guan 11 Trey Totheroh 4 Luke MCCabe 21 Aaron Banning 24 Jarid Woodby 40 William Teig

Year Sr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Jr. Jr. So. So. So. So. So. Fr.

Bearcats’ look to abilities to succeed this season

By ZACK WATERS sports@intranix.com Milford Bearcats Varsity basketball head coach David Caldwell is hoping that his team will make up for their lack of size with their abilities this season.

“We are a small team and will look to move the ball up the floor and hope to turn into a good three point shooting team,” Caldwell said.

While Caldwell is confident in his team’s offense, he says his team does still of areas that they hope to grow in.

“Rebounding and interior defense will be a major concern, “ he said. “But, we hope to continue to

improve all season and be a solid team by regionals.”

The team will have five players that played varsity last year, three of those are seniors Jared Schunke, Kennedy Kunsch, and Charlton Crawford. Juniors Klaytin Hinsinger and Tanner Sobkoviak will also see some playing time. But, Caldwell says he is also bringing up sophomores Luke McCabe and Trey Totheroh to get their share of the floor as well.

The Milford Bearcats basketball team are 1-1 so far this season and will next play Bismarck Henning at Bismarck on Nov. 30.

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Photo by Tanya Tovey The Milford Bearcats are, back row, left to right: MIn Kuan Guan, Aaron Banning, Klaytin Hunsinger, Charlton Crawford, Jared Schunke, Kennedy Kunsch, Tanner Sobkoviak, William Teig, Kaleb Harris; front row, left to right: Luke McCabe, Nick Allen, Trey Totheroh, Jarid Woodby.

Schedule Date 11/30 12/01 12/04 12/07 12/11 12/13 12/27 12/27 12/28 12/29 1/04 1/08 1/12 1/22 1/25 1/26 2/01 2/05 2/08 2/09 2/12 2/15 2/19-24

Opponent Bismarck Henning Watseka Iroquois West Armstrong-Potomic Georgetown-Ridgefarm Watseka Holiday Tournament N. Vermillion Fisher Centralia Lutheran TBA Schlarman Hoopeston Chrisman Salt Fork Oakwood Cissna Park Armstrong-Potomic Westville Bismarck Henning Grant Park Schlarman Hoopeston IHSA Regionals

Location Bismarck Watseka Gilman Milford Milford Watseka Bismarck Bismarck Bismarck Heritage Finals Milford Milford Chrisman Catlin Milford Milford Armstrong Milford Milford Milford Danville Hoopeston TBA

Time 6 p.m.

6 p.m.

6 p.m 6 p.m.

6 p.m TBA 1 p.m.

6:30 p.m.

10 a.m.

TBA 6 p.m.

6 p.m.

1 p.m.

6 p.m.

6 p.m.

6 p.m.

6 p.m.

6 p.m.

6 p.m.

6 p.m.

6 p.m.

6 p.m.

TBA

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Page 12

Iroquois County’s Times-Republic Sports

November 2018

Milford’s Lady Bearcats are, back row, left to right: Lyndsey Leitz, Maya McEwen, Brittney Bailey, Hannah Boyer, Olivia Henning, Sarah Teig, Emma Morts; front row left to right: Abby Tovey, Jordin Lucht, Brooke Sobkoviak, Kaylee Warren, Anna Hagan, Jakki Mowrey Photo by Tanya Tovey

Lady Bearcats set sights high

By ZACK WATERS sports@intranix.com The Milford Lady Bearcats high school basketball team have eight returning players this year, seven of whom are seniors. On a team with 14 total players, the standards for the season are set pretty high.

“We have a goal this year of winning 20 games. It’s going to take some hard work, but these girls

are all in. We have been focusing on the a few important qualities of the game in which we have struggled with in the beginning of our season.” said head coach Tom Marshino.

Though the season has already begun for the Bearcats, Marshino says his team is still working hard in practices to continue to improve their game.

Roster

Number 2 4 11 12 14 15 23 30 31 33 35 40 44 45

Name Anna Hagan Jakki Mowrey Emma Morts Brooke Sobkoviak

Kaylee Warren Sarah Teig

Brittney Bailey Abby Tovey

Olivia Henning Maya McEwen Jordin Lucht Hannah Boyer Reyse Mussard Lyndsey Leitz

Year Fr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Sr. Sr. Fr. Sr. Jr. So. Sr. Jr. Sr.

Schedule Date Nov. 29 Dec. 3 Dec. 6 Dec. 8-12 Dec. 13 Dec. 17 Dec. 18 Jan. 3 Jan. 5 Jan. 7 Jan. 10 Jan. 12 Jan. 14 Jan. 17 Jan. 21 Jan. 22 Jan. 24 Jan. 28

Opponent Armstrong-Potomic Georgetown-Ridgefarm Bismarck-Henning IW Holiday Hoopla Hoopeston Salt Fork Cissna Park Oakwood Watseka Iroquois West Armstrong-Potomic Chrisman Schlarman Judah Christian Westville South Newton Bismarck-Henning Schlarman

“We are working towards becoming a more physical team, that has the ability to speed up a game. We are still conditioning to become that team.”

This year is Marshino’s first year coaching the Milford girls team and he says he is impressed with the

Location Home Home Bismark Gilman/Onarga Home Catlin Home Home Watseka Home Armstrong Chrisman Home Home Home Home Home Danville

Time 6 p.m.

6 p.m.

6 p.m.

TBA 6 p.m.

6 p.m.

6 p.m.

6 p.m.

10 a.m.

6 p.m.

6 p.m.

Noon 6 p.m.

6 p.m.

6 p.m.

6 p.m.

6 p.m.

6 p.m.

teams drive to succeed.

“The coaching staff has been very pleased with the effort our girls are putting into this program,” he said.

The Milford Lady Bearcats will play their home opener Nov. 29 against Armstrong Potomac.