On Thursday, February 6th, the Yellow Jackets Volleyball team hosted Albion in the first match of the season. In the C-game, Albion won in two games, 25-13 and 25-13. In the B-game, Albion won in two games, 25-6 and 25-6. In the A-game, Albion also won in two games, 25-7 and 25-4. Next up for the Yellow Jackets: Monday, February 10th at West Salem with the c-game beginning at 5:15 pm.
Newkirk Signs To Play Baseball At WVC
Cade Newkirk, Senior at Mount Carmel High School, signed a National Letter of Intent today to play baseball for Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel.
Wabash Valley College bass team signs Holden Kauble of Clay City
Wabash Valley College's bass coach, Professor Todd Gill, is excited to announce the signing of Holden Kauble for the upcoming 2020–2021 collegiate bass season. Kauble signed on Friday afternoon, Jan. 31.
Holden Kauble is the son of Lance and Kelly Kauble of Clay City. He is a senior at Flora High School and will be competing this spring with the Flora bass team for the fourth straight season. During Kauble's high school career, he earned “Big Bass of the Year” honors for 2018 and is on one of two teams from Flora that qualified for the IHSA Sectionals to be held May 7 at Forbes Lake. Kauble plans to study Agriculture Production in college and is excited about his opportunity to be a part of the Wabash Valley College bass team.
Those interested in learning more about the Wabash Valley College bass team can visit www.wvcwarriorathletics.com, click on Club Teams and select Bass Fishing. High school juniors and seniors that have an interest in a campus visit can fill out the recruiting questionnaire and Coach Gill will contact them to discuss the team and schedule a campus visit. You can also keep up with WVC bass team news by following them on Facebook @WVC Bass Team and on Instagram @wvcbassteam.
Jackets C-Team End Season with 3rd Place Tourney Finish
On Saturday, February 1st, Yellow Jackets Basketball traveled to Clay City for the annual C-team tournament to end the season. In game one, the Yellow Jackets played Albion and led after the first quarter 6-5. After a big second quarter, the Yellow Jackets led at halftime 17-6 and never looked back. The final score of the first game of the day ended up with the Yellow Jackets on top 27-12. Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was: Elliott Acree with 14 points, Will Freeland with 8 points, Brendan Bowser with 4 points, and Brady Porter with 1 point.
The win moved the Yellow Jackets into the semifinal game against Cisne. The Blazing Bullets from Cisne was like kryptonite for the Yellow Jackets and Cisne won the game 43-15. Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was: Cameron Kolb with 4 points, Will Freeland with 3 points, Elliott Acree with 2 points, Brady Porter with 2 points, Brendan Bowser with 2 points, and Tim Harness with 2 points.
With the loss, the Yellow Jackets would immediately turn around and play St. Joe for 3rd place. After one quarter, the game would be tied at 10-10. The second quarter would prove to be the best quarter of the day for the Yellow Jackets and they would go into halftime with the lead at 25-21. The Yellow Jackets would extend their lead after three quarters to 38-32 and would pull away to win the 3rd place game 45-35. Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was: Brady Porter with 18 points, Elliott Acree with 13 points, Brendan Bowser with 10 points, Will Freeland with 2 points, and Cameron Kolb with 2 points. Congratulations to the C-team on bringing home a trophy from the Clay City Tournament. They ended their season with a 11-6 record.
Jackets Rout Clay City In Regional Semis
At the Clay City Regional on Wednesday, January 29th, Yellow Jackets Basketball took on Clay City in the first semi-final game of the night. The Yellow Jackets jumped out to 27-7 lead in the first quarter and never looked back. At halftime, the Yellow Jackets led 38-16. As good as the first quarter was, the third quarter was even better for the Yellow Jackets as they pushed the lead to 67-20. With a championship game appearance in sight, the Yellow Jackets defeated Clay City by the final score of 71-24. Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was: Trent Casburn with 19 points, Elliott Acree with 16 points, Matt Jackson with 13 points, Kollin Kelsey with 13 points, Eric Acree with 5 points, Carlos Monroy with 3 points, and Chase Gher with 2 points. The A-team now moves to 12-8 on the season.
Next up: SIJHSAA Class S Regional Championship game at Clay City on Friday, January 31st. The Yellow Jackets will play New Hebron for the 3rd time this year at 6 pm.
Jackets Finish 3rd In Cisne 7th Grade Tournament
On Saturday, January 25th, the Yellow Jackets continued in the Cisne 7th Grade Basketball Tournament. In the first game of the morning, the Yellow Jackets took on Fairfield in a semi-final game. The first quarter started out slow, as Fairfield took a commanding lead at 11-5. But, the Yellow Jackets found their stride in the second quarter and led at halftime 17-13. The third quarter went about as well as the first quarter, with Fairfield re-taking the lead 25-21. In the fourth quarter, as time was running out, Brendan Bowser hit a 3-pointer from the right wing to tie up the score at 33-33 and send the game to overtime. In the overtime, Fairfield jumped out on top and never looked back, winning the game 41-35. This would send the Yellow Jackets to the 3rd Place game to take on New Hope for a trophy. Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was: Kollin Kelsey with 12 points, Chase Gher with 9 points, Brendan Bowser with 5 points, Elliott Acree with 5 points, and Reed Stinson with 4 points.
In the 3rd Place game against New Hope, the Yellow Jackets started the first quarter much better than earlier and led 8-5. Staying consistent, the Yellow Jackets led at halftime 17-9 and were two quarters away from getting their first trophy in the Cisne Tournament. The halftime speech much have been inspiring, as the Yellow Jackets came out and took a commanding lead of 34-14 with 6 minutes left to play. All team members saw action in the fourth quarter and the Yellow Jackets captured the 3rd Place trophy with a 39-24 victory over New Hope. Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was: Kollin Kelsey with 14 points, Elliott Acree with 8 points, Reed Stinson with 5 points, Brendan Bowser with 5 points, Chase Gher with 4 points, Brady Porter with 2 points, and Cameron Kolb with 1 point. With the victory, the B-team closes their season with a final record of 11-7.
Next up for Yellow Jackets Basketball: Wednesday, January 29th in SIJHSAA Class S Regional play at Clay City. Yellow Jackets will play either Clay City or West Salem at 6 pm.
Jackets B-Team WIns At Cisne Tournament
On Friday, January 24th, the Yellow Jackets B-team began tournament play at Cisne taking on Norris City-Omaha-Enfield (NCOE). The Yellow Jackets started the game on a 7-0 run, but NCOE came fighting back with 6 point run of their own. NCOE led after one quarter 10-9. The second quarter was a draw, as the teams went to the half-time locker room tied up at 18-18. After a nip and tuck 3rd quarter, the Yellow Jackets led 25-24. In the fourth quarter NCOE took a 5 point lead, but the Yellow Jackets clawed their way back into the game and took the lead for good on a three-pointer by Elliott Acree. The Yellow Jackets won the game 39-36 and advance in the winner's bracket to face Fairfield Grade School at 9 am Saturday morning. Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was: Elliott Acree with 14 points, Chase Gher with 8 points, Kollin Kelsey with 8 points, Reed Stinson with 7 points, and Brady Porter with 2 points. The B-team is now 10-6 on the season.
Jackets "A" Team Wins Regular Season Finale Over Albion
On Wednesday, January 22nd, Yellow Jackets Basketball traveled to Albion for its final regular season game. In the C-game, Albion won the game 24-22. Scoring for the C-team was: Brendan Bowser with 10 points, Brady Porter with 8 points, Tim Harness with 2 points, and Cameron Kolb with 2 points. The C-team is now 9-5 on the season.
In the B-game, Albion defeated the Yellow Jackets by the final score of 55-29. Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was: Chase Gher with 11 points, Elliott Acree with 7 points, Brendan Bowser with 4 points, Brady Porter with 2 points, Mark Vaupel with 2 points, Reed Stinson with 1 point, Roland Foster with 1 point, and Kollin Kelsey with 1 point. The B-team is now 9-6 on the season.
In the A-game, the Yellow Jackets came out victorious by the final score of 45-43. Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was: Carlos Monroy with 15 points, Trent Casburn with 12 points, Matt Jackson with 8 points, Kollin Kelsey with 5 points, Elliott Acree with 3 points, and Clay Morgan with 2 points. The A-team is now 11-8 on the season heading into Regional play next Wednesday night at Clay City.
Next up: Yellow Jackets in Cisne 7th grade tournament January 24th and 25th.
Jackets Sweep West Salem
On Tuesday, January 21st, Yellow Jackets Basketball traveled to West Salem for non-conference action. In the C-game, the Yellow Jackets won convincingly by the final score of 19-1. Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was: Cameron Kolb with 8 points, Brady Porter with 5 points, Brendan Bowser with 4 points, and Levi Potts with 2 points. The C-team is now 9-4 on the season.
In the B-game, the Yellow Jackets jumped all over West Salem in the first quarter 9-0 and cruised to a victory with the final score being 39-21. Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was: Reed Stinson with 14 points, Brady Porter with 10 points, Chase Gher with 8 points, Brendan Bowser with 3 points, Cameron Kolb with 2 points, and Trent Potts with 2 points. The B-team is now 9-5 on the season.
In the A-game, the Yellow Jackets completed the sweep of West Salem by winning 61-29. Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was: Elliott Acree with 14 points, Carlos Monroy with 11 points, Matt Jackson with 10 points, Kollin Kelsey with 8 points, Reed Stinson with 8 points, Brendan Bowser with 3 points, Trent Casburn with 2 points, Clay Morgan with 2 points, Roland Foster with 2 points, and Eric Acree with 1 point. The A-team is now 10-8 on the season.
Next up: Yellow Jackets travel to Albion on Wednesday, January 22nd with the C-game beginning at 5:15 pm.
Jackets Ousted From Diocesan Tourney
On Saturday, January 18th, the Yellow Jackets traveled to Belleville to play in the boys Diocesan Tournament. In the C-team tourney, played at Queen of Peace in Belleville, the Yellow Jackets took on St. Joe (Olney). After one quarter of play, it was 12-4 in favor of St. Joe, but the Yellow Jackets would fight back to be within three at halftime 17-14. The third quarter was owned by the Yellow Jackets, as they took the lead 23-22. The fourth quarter would be nip and tuck, as the lead would change hands a few times, but St. Joe would come away with the victory by the final score of 33-31. Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was: Elliott Acree with 17 points, Brendan Bowser with 8 points, Will Freeland with 4 points, and Brady Porter with 2 points. The C-team is now 8-4 on the season.
In the A-team portion of the tournament, played at Belleville Althoff High School, the Yellow Jackets matched up against Holy Trinity. After one quarter of play, the game was tied at 10-10. Going into halftime, the Yellow Jackets kept it close only down 23-21. Holy Trinity came out strong in the third quarter and led 36-30 with eight minutes to play. The Yellow Jackets just ran out of gas in the fourth quarter and fell in defeat 50-37. Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was: Matt Jackson with 10 points, Trent Casburn with 9 points, Elliott Acree with 8 points, Kollin Kelsey with 7 points, and Carlos Monroy with 3 points. The A-team is now 9-8 on the season.
Next up: Tuesday, January 21st at West Salem beginning at 5:15 pm.
Photos From Yellow Jackets 8th Grade Night
These 8th graders were recognized Monday night before the Yellow Jackets last home game of the year.
Chloe Cusick, parents are Chris and Kristi Cusick
Eric Acree, parents are John and Kim Acree
Trent Casburn, parents are Rich and Sara Casburn
Matt Jackson, parents are Ralph and Paula Jackson
Carlos Monroy, parent is Hillery Clark
Clay Morgan, parents are Derek and Tia Morgan
Jackets Sweep New Hebron
On Thursday, January 16th, Yellow Jackets Basketball traveled to Robinson for non-conference action with New Hebron. The Yellow Jackets came away with a victory in all three games. In the C-game, the Yellow Jackets won 19-11. Scoring for the c-team was: Brendan Bowser with 8 points, Will Freeland with 6 points, Brady Porter with 3 points, and Tim Harness with 2 points. The C-team is now 8-3 on the season.
In the B-game, the Yellow Jackets defeated New Hebron by the final score of 47-31. Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was: Reed Stinson with 16 points, Kollin Kelsey with 8 points, Chase Gher with 8 points, Brendan Bowser with 5 points, Will Freeland with 5 points, Elliott Acree with 3 points, and Tim Harness with 2 points. The B-team is now 8-5 on the season.
In the A-game, the Yellow Jackets hung on to defeat New Hebron by the final score of 39-36. Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was: Kollin Kelsey with 15 points, Matt Jackson with 7 points, Trent Casburn with 7 points, Carlos Monroy with 7 points, and Elliott Acree with 3 points. The A-team is now 9-7 on the season.
Next up: Yellow Jackets will compete in the Diocesan Tournament in Belleville on Saturday, January 18. The A-team will play Holy Trinity at 11 am at Althoff High School, while the C-team will play St. Joe (Olney) at 12 pm at Queen of Peace.
Lady Rockets Win Regional Opener Over St. Joe
From Coach Walker, Coach Stevens, and Coach Jent
On Wednesday January 15th the SMS/AJH Lady Rockets travelled to New Hope to play St Joe Olney in the first round of Regional play. The Lady Rockets would topple St. Joe 28-20 to advance to the second round on Friday January 17th at 6 pm vs Jasper/Geff.
The first quarter would end 4-2 in favor of the Lady Rockets and with both teams playing strong defense. In the second SMS/AJH would start to pull away leading St Joe at the half 17-8 after a strong buzzer beater lay-up from Chandler Cusick. During the third, Kali Walker would hit a 3 stunning St Joe. SMS/AJH would again outscore St Joe in the third 6-4 starting the fourth up by 11. Finding a way to defeat St Joes pressure, the Lady Rockets would win 28-20.
Lauren Fisher would have great defense against St Joes leading scorer and ball handler. With Lily Keepes missing the game due to illness, Jordis Riley would move into her starter position and use her size to have 4 blocks and 3 rebounds. Sarah McCorkle would go 2/4 at the line and have 4 total points. McCorkle would also add 5 rebounds. Chandler Cusick was a spark off the bench and would have an explosive 2nd quarter. Overall she would have 6 points, and 9 rebounds. Kali Walker would have 5 points and 4 rebounds. Nora Jones would carry 4 fouls the entire fourth quarter but would have 5 points and 9 rebounds for the night. Madison Stevens would near another double double with 8 points, 2 blocks, and 25 rebounds. Also seeing playing time was Ava Jent, Bella Jent, Natalie Hedge, Madeline Mann, and Cortney Jones. The coaches were happy to see the scoring spread around tonight and have all girls stepping up to create a team win.
Again, the Lady Rockets will play Jasper/Geff at 6 pm Friday at New Hope school for round 2 of Regionals.
Jackets Sweep Red Hill On 8th Grade Night
On Monday, January 13th, Yellow Jackets Basketball hosted Red Hill for 8th Grade Night in the final home game of the year. In the B-game, the Yellow Jackets defeated Red Hill 44-21. Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was: Brendan Bowser with 10 points, Kollin Kelsey with 9 points, Reed Stinson with 6 points, Chase Gher with 6 points, Elliott Acree with 6 points, Mark Vaupel with 2 points, Will Freeland with 2 points, Roland Foster with 2 points, and Brady Porter with 1 point. The B-team is now 7-5 on the season.
In the A-game, it was the final home game for Eric Acree, Trent Casburn, Matt Jackson, Carlos Monroy, and Clay Morgan. Those five started the game and won a hard-fought game with Red Hill by the final score of 48-43. Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was: Matt Jackson with 12 points, Trent Casburn with 12 points, Elliott Acree with 9 points, Kollin Kelsey with 8 points, Clay Morgan with 4 points, and Carlos Monroy with 3 points. The A-team is now 8-7 on the season.
Next up: Yellow Jackets are at New Hebron (Lincoln Trail College) on Thursday, January 16th, with the C-game beginning at 5:15 pm.
Schnarre Steps Down as WVC Softball Coach
Paul Schnarre has been a fixture of the Wabash Valley College athletic department since 1973, when he was hired as the head baseball coach. He later became WVC athletic director in 1976, a position he held for 37 years before stepping down in 2013. Now, after 36 seasons as the head softball coach, Coach Paul Schnarre, the All-Time wins leader in NJCAA History, has made the decision to step down at Wabash Valley College.
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve Wabash Valley College as the head softball coach for 36 years,” Schnarre said. Citing a desire to spend more time with his three grandchildren, as well as more time dedicated to traveling and playing golf, the NJCAA Hall of Fame coach decided this was a good time to turn the program over to long-time assistant coach, Asa Deffendall.
“During my 36 seasons, we have established a championship tradition and earned national recognition. Our history illustrates that we have excelled, both academically and athletically,” said Schnarre.
Schnarre is the NJCAA All-Time Wins leader, with a remarkable 1404–325 record. His teams have won 23 Great Rivers Athletic Conference Championships, 11 Region 24 Titles and have made 10 trips to the NJCAA National Softball Tournament.
Schnarre continued, “I have been blessed with a rewarding career, which has resulted in many friendships and created a positive impact on many of my players, fellow coaches, and coaches of other institutions.”
Schnarre, who was enshrined into the NJCAA Hall of Fame in 2009, will continue to help with the Lady Warrior softball team as a part-time assistant coach.
WVC athletic director Mike Carpenter stated: “Coach Schnarre is a major reason why I, and many other coaches, decided to come to Wabash Valley College. Let’s also not forget, he built the athletic department from the ground up during his time as athletic director. Coach Schnarre and I have discussed the possibility of him retiring for some time now, and from day one, I’ve emphasized to him that it’s his decision. He can stay as long as he wants…he has earned that right. His teams were always so disciplined, and we all learned a lot from him. We can’t thank him enough for his hard work, loyalty and dedication to the communities of WVC and Mount Carmel.”
Schnarre added that “[the] success that Wabash Valley College softball has enjoyed over the past 36 years is due to a team effort. I would like to recognize several individuals and groups who were instrumental in our championship tradition”
First, Schnarre recognized Bill Hackler. “Bill was my colleague for almost 40 years. He worked tirelessly promoting our sport as our Sports Information director.”
He then thanked Mark Colvin and Asa Deffendall. “I was blessed to have two loyal assistant coaches. We worked as a team for approximately two decades, and they helped bring stability and continuity to the softball program. Asa will assume the head coaching duties in the spring, and his 18 years of experience as the assistant coach should translate into a very competent transition as the head coach.”
“A big ‘Thank You’ goes out to all of my former and current players, for believing in me and in Wabash Valley College. Their hard work and determination resulted in a positive image for our school and district,” Schnarre added.
He also thanked Drs. Harry Benson and Matt Fowler. “No athletic program can excel without exceptional administrative support. Dr. Benson and Dr. Fowler gave encouragement, guidance, and provided adequate resources to compete successfully.”
To the WVC instructors, staff and Mount Carmel community: “The Wabash Valley College faculty and staff worked many extra hours to accommodate our student-athletes when we missed classed due to away games. Their tireless dedication was greatly appreciated by our players and coaches. WVC athletics enjoys remarkable community support, both financially and in attendance. Community support is critical in sustaining a championship tradition over and extended period of time.”
“Last, but not least,” Schnarre continued, “to my wife, Karen Schnarre. College coaching requires a tremendous amount of travel to away games and recruiting. Karen was left, on many occasions, with parenting and household responsibilities in my absence. Her comprehension and understanding enabled me to enjoy a lengthy coaching career. Plus, she was a saint, in putting up with the mood swings, which occur with winning, and losing a critical contest.”
Wabash Valley College President Dr. Matt Fowler added: “Paul Schnarre is nationally recognized as the all-time winningest coach in NJCAA softball history, but he was also a great teacher and athletic director. In 1976, Paul developed and disseminated a plan to build a nationally recognized athletic program in Mt. Carmel, Illinois. Paul worked for nearly 40 years as the athletic director at Wabash Valley College in the pursuit of that goal. Paul not only wanted to be successful on the softball diamond, but he also wanted everyone around him to be successful. The benefits of his vision for our athletics program can readily be seen in the successes of our current and former players and coaches.”
The Lady Warrior softball team opens up the Spring Season on Feb. 7 and will play their home opener at Paul Schnarre Field on March 17.
WVC PHoto
Lady Rockets Capture 2020 Belleville Diocesan 7th/8th Grade Title
From Coach Walker, Coach Stevens, Coach Jent, and SMS/AJH Athletics: St Mary’s hosted 22 teams this weekend for the 2020 Belleville Diocesan Girls Basketball Tournament. 31 games played in three days between the Junior (5th/6th) division and Parochial (7th/8th) division.
Tournament Results:
5/6 consolation champs All Saints, runner up Immaculate Conception
7/8 consolation champs Our Lady Queen of Peace, runner up St James
5/6 3rd place Blessed Sacrament 5/6 4th place St Teresa (29-15) 7/8 3rd place Holy Trinity
7/8 4th place Holy Childhood (27-11)
5/6 1st place St Clare 5/6 2nd place St James (22-9)
7/8 1st place St Mary’s Mount Carmel
7/8 2nd place St Peter and Paul (39-32)
SMS/AJH JV girls lost their first game Friday night to St James who would go on to be tournament runner ups. Saturday they played a well fought game against Immaculate Conception. Tied 18 all going into the fourth, the girls would eventually fall to ICS.
The varsity team was seeded dead last for the tournament. The girls won Friday night vs St Teresa. Saturday they played the number 2 seed, St Clare and would win. In their second game Saturday they would take down Holy Trinity to advance to Sunday’s Championship game. The Championship was played at 4:30 in Allendale. With a record setting crowd the girls would beat the number one seeded Saint Peter and Paul 39-32.
Nora Jones would foul out mid 4th quarter scoring 4 points, 1 steal, 2 rebounds, 3 loose balls, and 1 deflection. Kali Walker would have 1 point, 1 rebound, 2 loose balls, 1 deflection and playing her best defense lock down SPPS best offensive player holding her to 4 points in the second half. Chandler Cusick would have 1 assist, and 4 rebounds. Lily Keepes would play hard defense and have 1 rebound. Sarah McCorkle would have 12 points, 2 assists, 8 rebounds, 2 loose balls, and 1 deflection. Madison Stevens would again near a triple double with 22 points, 5 blocks, 18 rebounds, and 2 loose balls. Also playing their roles and helping push SMS/AJH to victory was Lauren Fisher and Jordis Riley.
The entire team played the whole weekend with determination and every single girl contributed to each win executing their roles well. Tournament MVP goes to Madison Stevens who averaged over 20 points and 20 rebounds each game. Congratulations ladies.
A special thank you to all the fan support shown at every game but especially the championship game.
Lady Rockets Wrap Up Regular Season At Jasper
From Coach Walker, Coach Stevens, and Coach Jent:
On Thursday January 9th the SMS/AJH Lady Rockets travelled to Jasper for the last regular season game. The girls would go 1/3 on the night.
The 5th graders were the show stopper of the night during the c game having their best game of the season. The girls defense was on fire. The girls were anticipating passes and coming up with big stops. After halftime their offense followed suite allowing them to score a season high 23 points defeating Jasper Geff 23-4.
Ruby Newkirk had 9 points 3 deflections, 4 rebounds, and a steal. Hazel Earnest has coined the new defense phrase “PLH” which stands for play like Hazel. Closing in on a near double double she had 7 steals and 9 rebounds, a block, and several tie ups and loose balls. Linden Stevens would have 2 points and 6 rebounds. Lyla Keepes had 4 points 3 steals, and 4 rebounds. Kortney Hall had 4 points and 3 rebounds. Austin Steckler-Dee has a deflection, 2 rebounds, an assist, a loose ball and 2 points. This school year was the first time these six 5th graders played organized school basketball. They have really developed as individuals and as a team. Their understanding of the game is clicking and they are going to be a phenomenal defensive team.
In the JV game the Lady Rockets would fall 17-14 playing one of their best defensive games also all season. Using nearly only the five 6th graders the entire game, they stayed on par with Jasper/Geff in the first half down 2-3 coming into the third. JG would go on a run scoring 12 points in the third while our girls offense couldn’t find a way to score. After settling down, they’d go into the fourth and make a late charge scoring 12 points and holding JG to only 2 points to close the gap and lose 14-17. Ava Jent would have 3 rebounds a block a steal a deflection and 9 points. Bella Jent 6 rebounds a deflection, a loose ball, 0/2 at the line, and score 4 points. Natalie Hedge would have 4 rebounds and a deflection. Madeline Mann would be all over defensively having 5 rebounds, a deflection, 2 loose balls, 2 steals, and go 1/2 at the line. Cortney Jones would have 3 rebounds a steal a loose ball and a deflection. Ruby Newkirk also saw playing time.
This JV teams record does not accurately reflect their skill, talent, or effort displayed this season. They went the whole season playing all but 2 games with only 5th and 6th graders while their opponents were mostly taller larger 7th graders. They maintained a positive attitude even when down several points making the most of the games and learning and developing as a team. They faired extremely well learning all new plays and a new system under a novice coaching staff. Coach Jent Coach Stevens and Coach Walker are very excited to see the 6th graders move up to varsity next year. The varsity team fell 34-20 after struggling offensively in the first half scoring only 4 points to JG 14. They’d find their offense in the second half allowing JG to only outscore them by 4 points. Our girls stamina would come in handy and by the fourth quarter JGs leaders were tired and struggled to keep up with the Lady Rockets. Nora Jones would have 3 points, 3 steals, 1 block and 2 rebounds. Kali Walker would have 2 rebounds. Sarah McCorkle would show up defensively, learning this season how to be more of a presence under the basket and driving to the rim. She’d have 4 points 1 assist 1 block 7 rebounds and 1 steal. Lily Keepes would have 1 rebound. Chandler Cusick had 3 rebounds and great defense. Lauren Fisher had 1 rebound. Jordis Riley played hard defense. Madison Stevens was the mvp of the game and neared a triple double with 14 rebounds, 14 points, and 7 blocks.
The varsity team found fast chemistry adding in Chandler and Jordis from Allendale playing with girls for the first time and Lauren Fisher having never played before. The seasoned girls all had to learn new offense and a new system under Coach Walker and excelled. It will be very sad to lose the 8th grade class as they are full of talent, effort, and Nora Jones’ leadership and aggressive style of play.
The girls play next Wednesday at New Hope versus St Joe in the first round of Regionals.
Lady Rockets Spoil New Hope's 8th Grade Night
From Coach Walker, Coach Stevens, and Coach Jent
On Tuesday January 7th the SMS/AJH Lady Rockets traveled to New Hope in a conference match up. The Lady Rockets would go 2 for 3 on the night.
In the varsity game, SMS/AJH would defeat New Hope on their 8th grade night 30-27. The entire game was played close with the largest lead being 5. At the end of the first New Hope and SMS/AJH would be tied at 6. Going into the half, New Hope would be up 13-12. SMS/AJH would only have 3 fouls the first half. The third quarter was again a back and forth but SMS/AJH would play amazing defense and keep up with New Hope. They’d end the third still down by 1, 20-21. In the fourth, the Lady Rockets would start to inch away from New Hope and eventually outscore New Hope 10-6 to clinch the win 30-27. Madison Stevens would again lead the team with another double double. 14 points, 14 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 deflection. Nora Jones would have 6 points and go 0/7 at the line. She’d also add 2 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 deflections, 1 loose ball and 1 charge. Kali Walker would have 5 points, 2 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 deflections, and 3 loose balls. Sarah McCorkle would have 4 points, 1 assist, and using her speed have 3 steals, 5 rebounds, 2 loose balls, and 6 deflections. Chandler Cusick would have 1 steal, 1 rebound, and 1 loose ball. Jordis Riley would have 1 loose ball and play aggressive defense. Lauren Fisher would have 1 point and play her role on defense keeping key players away from the b-ball. Lily Keepes would play her best defense all year and keep her players from getting the ball limiting New Hopes scoring options.
In the JV game, the Lady Rockets would fall 36-11. Ava Jent had 6 points 1 rebound and 0/2 at the line. Bella Jent had 3 rebounds and 2 points. Natalie Hedge, Madeline Mann, Cortney Jones, Lyla Keepes, and Hazel Earnest would all have rebounds for the night. Ruby Newkirk would show her shooting range and drill down another 3 for the season. Also seeing playing time was Linden Stevens, Austin StecklerA-Dee and Kourtney Hall.
In the C game the Lady Rockets would win 10-6. Lyla Keepes would have 2 for the night with several loose balls and one steal. Ruby Newkirk would have 2 points. Hazel Earnest would again show her strong defense and end with 5 rebounds. Ava Jent would have 2 and go 0/1 at the line. Bella Jent would have 2. Madeline Mann would also have 2. Cortney Jones would have 2 rebounds. Also seeing playing time was Natalie Hedge, Austin Steckler-Dee, Kourtney Hall, and Linden Stevens.
The Lady Rockets are back in action for their last regular season game at Jasper/Geff Thursday January 9th starting with the c-game at 5:15.
Jackets Fall In WEAA Semis; Kelsey Advances To 3-Point Finals
On Tuesday, January 7th, Yellow Jackets basketball played in the WEAA Conference semi-finals against the #1 seed Cisne Bullets. Cisne defeated the Yellow Jackets 64-25, which now has the Yellow Jackets playing on Thursday in the 3rd place game. Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was: Elliott Acree with 10 points, Matt Jackson with 8 points, Trent Casburn with 3 points, Carlos Monroy with 2 points, and Reed Stinson with 2 points.
In the 3-point competition, Kollin Kelsey made 8 and Elliott Acree made 7. Kollin will shoot in the Finals on Thursday at 4:30 pm.
Next up: 3rd Place Game in the WEAA Conference Tournament vs. Jasper at 6:15 pm at Cisne Middle School.
Acree & Kelsey Advance In WEAA 3-Point Shootout
In the three-point competition, Elliott Acree will move on to shoot Tuesday night as he led his group with 7 made. Kollin Kelsey and the two shooters from Grayville all tied at 5 in the original round, so all three of them had to go to a tie-breaker to see who would be the second contestant to move on to Tuesday. After the first round of the tie-breaker, Kollin and both of the Grayville shooters tied again by making 5 shots. In the second tie-breaker, Kollin made 9 out of 10 shots from the corner in order to move on to Tuesday night. So Elliott Acree and Kollin Kelsey will shoot before the game on Tuesday to try and make the final four.