Jackets Fall In First Round Of Diocesan Tournament

From Bob Bowser:

On Friday, January 14th, Yellow Jackets Basketball traveled to Immaculate Conception School in Columbia, Illinois to take on OLMC Herrin in the first round of the Diocesan Tournament.  The Yellow Jackets jumped out on top early in the game and led 9-1, but OLMC got on a long hot streak and made it close at the end of one quarter.  The Yellow Jackets led 11-10 at the end of the first quarter, but OLMC continued red hot shooting in the second period and they led 27-16 at halftime.  The second half didn't see much scoring from either team, but OLMC still led after three quarters 29-20.  The Yellow Jackets tried everything possible in the fourth quarter to have a chance, but wasn't able to convert on four straight possessions and lost in the end 33-26.  Scoring for the Yellow Jackets were:  Elliott Acree with 13 points, Rhett Andrews with 9 points, Kasen Dulgar with 2 points, and Brendan Bowser with 2 points.  We just couldn't shut down the hot streak OLMC had late into the first quarter and into the second quarter.  We literally tried every defensive set we have to stop it, but they kept putting the ball into the hole at an alarming rate.  Overall, our defense was really good.  We only gave up 33 points.  We need to rebound better and find ways to put the ball in the basket.  The Yellow Jackets are now 8-8 on the season and will play Saturday morning against Immaculate Conception School in the Consolation bracket at 9:00 am.  If the Yellow Jackets win in the morning, they will play at 6:00 pm in the Consolation Championship.

Jackets Rout New Hebron

On Thursday, January 13th, Yellow Jackets Basketball traveled to Lincoln Trail College to take on New Hebron in non-conference action.

In the A-game, the Yellow Jackets stormed out to a commanding 12-4 lead in the first quarter and never looked back.  At halftime, the Yellow Jackets led 23-6.  The third quarter was the best of the night, as the Yellow Jackets extended their lead to 37-10.  In the fourth quarter, the Yellow Jackets finished strong and won the game 45-16.  Scoring for the Yellow Jackets were:  Elliott Acree with 9 points, Brendan Bowser with 7 points, Rhett Andrews with 7 points, Kasen Dulgar with 6 points, Will Freeland with 5 points, Brady Porter with 4 points, Karson Ash with 3 points, and Tim Harness with 2 points.  The Yellow Jackets are now 8-7 on the season.

 In the B-game, the Yellow Jackets struggled out of the gate and trailed 9-2 in the first quarter and 18-3 at halftime.  They got it going a little better in the second half and trailed 25-7 after three quarters.  The final score showed New Hebron winning 30-11.  Scoring for the Yellow Jackets were:  Tim Harness with 9 points and Landon Wilford with 2 points.  The B-team is now 1-11 on the season.

  In the C-game, the Yellow Jackets scored all of their points in the second half of the game to defeat New Hebron 8-0.  Scoring for the Yellow Jackets were:  TJ Singh with 4 points, Ryland Houchin with 2 points, and Jaxon Morris with 2 points.  The C-team is now 5-4 on the season.

Next up: Yellow Jackets A-team will compete in the Diocesan Tournament in Columbia, Illinois this weekend. On Friday, January 14th, the Yellow Jackets will open tournament play against OLMC Herrin at 6:15 pm.

Yellow Jackets 8th Grade Night

Photos from 8th grade night for the Allendale-St. Mary's Yellow Jackets and Cheerleaders on January 10th.

ABSENT - Abbey Westlake, daughter of Clete and Heather Westlake

Rhiley Byrns, daughter of Tosha Darnell joined by Rex Linson

Isabella Monroy, daughter of Hillery Clark and granddaughter of April Mills

Elliott Acree, son of Kim and the late John Acree

Rhett Andrews, son of Ryan and Laurie Andrews

Karson Ash, son of Brandon and Katie Ash

Brendan Bowser, son of Bob and Amy Bowser

Tristan Bray, son of Jeremy and Kristy Bray

Kasen Dulgar, son of Justin and Crystal Dulgar

Will Freeland, son of Kent Freeland and Sheri Gamble

Cameron Kolb, son of Whitney Kolb

Brady Porter, son of Jon and Sarah Porter

Trenton Potts, son of Phillip and Michelle Potts

Jackets Slip Past Red Hill On 8th Grade Night

From Bob Bowser:

On Monday, January 10th, the Yellow Jackets hosted the Red Hill Salukis in non-conference action. 

In the A-game, on 8th grade night, what a dandy of a ballgame the large crowd got to see.  After one quarter of play, the Yellow Jackets led 10-8.  At halftime, the Yellow Jackets extended their lead to 16-12 with 14 minutes of basketball left to play.  The third quarter was just as good for the Yellow Jackets, as they continued to extend the lead to 26-21.  In the fourth quarter, it did get to a one point game with less than two minutes to go, but the Yellow Jackets pulled it out behind crucial free throw shooting of Kasen Dulgar (3-4 in the quarter).  The Yellow Jackets won the game 35-32.  Scoring for the Yellow Jackets were:  Brady Porter with 9 points, Elliott Acree with 8 points, Rhett Andrews with 7 points, Brendan Bowser with 6 points, Kasen Dulgar with 3 points, and Will Freeland with 2 points.  The Yellow Jackets were 6-10 from the free throw line on the night, which is a whole lot better.  It wasn't the greatest of offensive nights, but the defense by the Yellow Jackets was fantastic.  Tremendous difference in this ballclub between last week in the WEAA tournament and tonight in their final home game.  The A-team is now 7-7 on the season.

In the B-game, after one quarter of play, the Salukis led 8-4.  From there, the next two quarters were tough for the Yellow Jackets, as they trailed 16-4 at halftime and 26-4 after three quarters.  In the fourth quarter, the Yellow Jackets were able to raise their score, but lost the game to the Salukis 32-8.  Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was Tim Harness with all 8 points.  The B-team is now 1-10 on the season.

Next up:  Yellow Jackets travel to Lincoln Trail College to play New Hebron on Thursday, January 13th.  The C-game will begin at 5:15 pm.  

Jackets Raise Close To $1,000 For Deputy's Family

From Bob Bowser:

At the Allendale-Red Hill game Monday night, we had a fundraiser for the family of Wayne County Sheriff Deputy Sean Riley. We sold 91 BBQ sandwiches. Thank you to Phillip and Michelle Potts for making and donating the BBQ. We also received numerous donations to add to the total. Thank you to everyone who gave to this very worthy cause, as Yellow Jackets Basketball will be making a donation of $950 to help this family of a local hero. Thank you to our Yellow Jackets fan base. And also a big thank you to those from Red Hill in attendance. We both played a great game tonight, but in the end, all of us made a contribution to help the family of a fallen Police Officer. Thank you!

Jackets Fall Late To New Hope In WEAA Tourney

From Bob Bowser:

On Wednesday, January 5th, Yellow Jackets basketball traveled to New Hope for the quarterfinal round of the WEAA Conference tournament.  The Yellow Jackets came out cold as ice and trailed 9-3 after the first quarter.  A better second quarter got the Yellow Jackets within three at halftime, 17-14.  The third quarter was just as good for the Yellow Jackets, as we took the lead 24-23 going into the final seven minutes.  The fourth quarter started off with the Yellow Jackets finally gaining a 3 point lead with under two minutes to go in the game.  But, missed free throws and turnovers gave New Hope life and they capitalized.  The final score on the board showed New Hope winning the game 31-29.  Scoring for the Yellow Jackets were:  Elliott Acree with 11 points, Rhett Andrews with 8 points, Brendan Bowser with 5 points, Kasen Dulgar with 2 points, Will Freeland with 2 points, and Brady Porter with 1 point.  It was a terrible shooting night for the Yellow Jackets.  We were 4-13 from the free throw line, including 1 of 6 in the fourth quarter.  Unofficially, the Yellow Jackets shot 11-36 from the field, which is barely 30%.  Layups, free throws and defense win you ballgames, and we struggled in these areas throughout the first game back from break.  Yet, the boys fought hard throughout the game to keep themselves in it and have a chance to move on in the tournament.  We just came up short.

 

Next up: Monday, January 10th at home against Red Hill. B-game will begin at 6 pm. It is 8th grade night for the boys basketball team and cheerleaders. We will also have BBQ sandwiches available on this night in the concession stand, for which the money from these sandwiches will be donated to the family of Wayne County Deputy Sheriff Sean Riley. This is our final home game of the season.

Jackets Even Their Record With Win Over New Hope

On Thursday, December 16, Yellow Jackets basketball hosted New Hope in WEAA Conference play. ‘

In the A-game, the Yellow Jackets trailed after one quarter of play, 11-10.  In the second quarter, things kept working for the Yellow Jackets, but we were all tied up at halftime 22-22.  The third quarter is where the boys set the tone, as the Yellow Jackets stormed out of the locker room to a 37-30 lead with seven minutes remaining.  In the fourth quarter, the Yellow Jackets had extended their lead to double digits but did not shoot free throws very well in the quarter to end up winning 51-42.  Scoring for the Yellow Jackets were:  Brady Porter with 11 points, Elliott Acree with 10 points, Brendan Bowser with 10 points, Rhett Andrews with 10 points, Kasen Dulgar with 8 points, and Will Freeland with 2 points.  Unbelievable balance on the offensive end tonight for the Yellow Jackets.  We really need to work on our free throws (8-20 in the game).  But what a solid game from start to finish for the Yellow Jackets.  Hopefully our fans have noticed how well the team has played the last two games, as they have become more consistent as a unit.  The Yellow Jackets are now 6-6 on the season and wrap up the WEAA Conference slate 4-4.

In the B-game, New Hope won the game with a strong second half, by the final score of 36-22.  Scoring for the Yellow Jackets were:  Tim Harness with 17 points, Jaxon Morris with 3 points, and Landon Wilford with 2 points.  The B-team is now 1-9 on the season.  

In the C-game, New Hope won the ballgame 33-10.  Scoring for the Yellow Jackets were:  Ryland Houchin with 8 points and TJ Singh with 2 points.  The C-team is now 4-4 on the season.

Next up:  at New Hope (4-seed) in the WEAA Conference tournament.  The game will be Wednesday, January 5th, at 6 pm.  The Yellow Jackets are the 5-seed in the tournament.

Jackets Swept By Jasper

From Bob Bowser:

On Tuesday, December 14th, Yellow Jackets basketball hosted Jasper in non-conference action.  In the C-game, the Yellow Jackets fell in defeat by the final score of 48-2.  Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was Jaxon Morris.  The C-team is now 4-3 on the season.

In the B-game, Jasper won 38-8.  Scoring for the Yellow Jackets were:  Ryland Houchin with 5 points, Tim Harness with 2 points, and Jaxon Morris with 1 point.  The B-team is now 1-8 on the season.

In the A-game, the Yellow Jackets potentially played their best game of the season.  Still room for improvement on both ends of the court, but we are getting better.  Jasper led 9-0 before the Yellow Jackets woke up and stormed back in the first quarter to only trail 13-11.  The Yellow Jackets outscored Jasper in the second quarter, but still trailed by one at halftime, 24-23.  The third quarter was another good one for the Yellow Jackets, as we actually led 37-36 with seven minutes to play.  A few turnovers and a few missed shots in the fourth quarter made it rough on the Yellow Jackets, as we fell in defeat 45-40.  The players gave themselves chances to win the game, but just came up short on this night.  But, they are improving.  Scoring for the Yellow Jackets were:  Elliott Acree with 20 points, Brady Porter with 10 points, Brendan Bowser with 5 points, Kasen Dulgar with 4 points, and Cameron Kolb with 1 point.  The A-team is now 5-6 on the season and 3-4 in the WEAA Conference.  

Next up: Thursday, December 16th at home against New Hope for the final WEAA Conference game of the season. C-game begins at 5:15 pm.

Jackets Swept By Cisne

From Bob Bowser:

On Thursday, December 9th, Yellow Jackets Basketball traveled to Cisne for WEAA Conference action.  In the B-game, Cisne defeated the Yellow Jackets by the final score of 41-19.  Scoring for the Yellow Jackets were:  Tim Harness with 12 points, Ryland Houchin with 5 points, and TJ Singh with 2 points.  The B-team is now 1-7 on the season.

 In the A-game, the first 9 minutes of basketball was the best I have seen this team ever play.  In fact, the Yellow Jackets led after one quarter of play 12-9 over one of the best teams, if not the best team for Class S, in this area.  But the wheels fell off in the second quarter and we were not able to get replacements quick enough.  By halftime, Cisne led 27-17.  The third quarter wasn't any better for the Yellow Jackets, as Cisne led 49-23 going into the final frame.  The final score showed Cisne defeating the Yellow Jackets 56-25.  Scoring for the Yellow Jackets were:  Elliott Acree with 8 points, Rhett Andrews with 6 points, Will Freeland with 4 points, Brendan Bowser with 3 points, Kasen Dulgar with 2 points, and Brady Porter with 2 points.  The A-team is now 5-5 on the season and 3-4 in the WEAA Conference.

 Next up:  non-conference home game vs. Jasper on Tuesday, December 14th.  The C-game will begin at 5:15 pm.

Jackets A Team Blitz New Hebron

On Tuesday, December 7th, Yellow Jackets Basketball hosted New Hebron in non-conference action.

In the A-game, the Yellow Jackets came out and established good defense in the first quarter and led 16-2.  With consistency being the key, the Yellow Jackets had a good second quarter as well, leading 29-4 at halftime.  Coming out of the break, the Yellow Jackets would continue the outstanding defense and led 45-4 after three quarters of play.  With a running clock in the fourth quarter, the Yellow Jackets would win the game 45-8.  Scoring for the Yellow Jackets were:  Elliott Acree with 16 points, Cameron Kolb with 10 points, Rhett Andrews with 9 points, Will Freeland with 4 points, Brady Porter with 2 points, Kasen Dulgar with 2 points, and Brendan Bowser with 2 points.  The A-team is now 5-4 on the season and 3-3 in the WEAA Conference.

In the B-game, the Yellow Jackets led after one quarter 6-4, but failed to score in the second quarter which led to a halftime deficit of 14-6.  In the third quarter, the ballclub came out like a ball of fire and got back in the game, still being down 16-14.  The B-team would get within a 3-point opportunity at the end, but fell short 23-18.  Scoring for the Yellow Jackets were:  Tim Harness with 12 points, TJ Singh with 2 points, Jaxon Morris with 2 points, and Levi Potts with 2 points.  The B-team is now 1-5 on the season.

In the C-game, the Yellow Jackets defeated New Hebron by the final score of 12-3.  Scoring for the Yellow Jackets were:  Ryland Houchin with 10 points and TJ Singh with 2 points.  The C-team is now 4-2 on the season.

Next up:  Thursday, December 9th at Cisne for a 5:30 pm B-game, followed by the A-game.

Jackets Even Record With Rout Of Geff

On Monday, December 6th, Yellow Jackets Basketball hosted Geff at St. Mary's School for WEAA Conference action.  This was only an 8th grade game contest.  The Yellow Jackets would jump out on top in the first quarter, 15-2, and never look back.  Going into halftime, the Yellow Jackets would lead 22-13.  Once again in the third quarter, the Yellow Jackets jumped into action and led 36-15 with 7 minutes to play.  With a solid fourth quarter, the Yellow Jackets won the game 45-18.  Scoring for the Yellow Jackets were:  Elliott Acree with 11 points, Will Freeland with 6 points, Kasen Dulgar with 5 points, Rhett Andrews with 5 points, Brendan Bowser with 4 points, Cameron Kolb with 4 points, Tim Harness with 4 points, Brady Porter with 3 points, Trenton Potts with 2 points, and Tristan Bray with 1 point.  The Yellow Jackets are now 4-4 on the season and 3-3 in the WEAA Conference.

Next up:  Tuesday, December 7th at Allendale against non-conference foe New Hebron.  The C-game begins at 5:15 pm.

Jackets Swept By Olney St. Joe

On Thursday, December 2nd, Yellow Jackets Basketball traveled to St. Joe (Olney) for a WEAA Conference Basketball game.  In the B-game, St. Joe defeated the Yellow Jackets 30-14.  Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was:  Tim Harness with 8 points and Ryland Houchin with 6 points.  The B-team is now 1-5 on the season.

In the A-game, St. Joe jumped out to an early lead, but the Yellow Jackets fought back and trailed 14-10 after one quarter.  The Yellow Jackets had a solid second quarter and only trailed by two points at halftime, 22-20.  The third quarter would prove to be decisive, as St. Joe led 34-28 with seven minutes to play.  The Yellow Jackets fought hard in the fourth quarter, but couldn't get over the hump.  In the end, the Yellow Jackets fell in defeat 41-35.  Scoring for the Yellow Jackets were:  Elliott Acree with 16 points, Brady Porter with 9 points, Brendan Bowser with 5 points, Kasen Dulgar with 2 points, Rhett Andrews with 2 points, and Cameron Kolb with 1 point.  The Yellow Jackets are now 3-4 on the season and 2-3 in WEAA Conference play.  

Next up:  Monday, December 6th, at St. Mary's School against Geff.  There will only be an A-game starting at 6 pm.  A-team players need to be at St. Mary's at 5:30 pm.

MT. CARMEL ELKS ANNOUNCE 50th ANNUAL HOOP SHOOT COMPETITION

MT. CARMEL’S ELKS LODGE #715 WILL HOST THE 50th ANNUAL ELKS HOOP SHOOT COMPETITION ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2021 AT MT. CARMEL GRADE SCHOOL (FORMERLY MT CARMEL MIDDLE SCHOOL).  REGISTRATION WILL BEGIN AT 8:30 AM. AND COMPETITION SHOOTING WILL START AT 9:00 AM. THIS NATIONAL FREE THROW SHOOTING CONTEST IS FOR BOYS & GIRLS AGES 8-13.

            AGE GROUPS WILL BE DETERMINED BY THEIR AGE AS OF APRIL 1, 2022.  AGE GROUPS ARE:        BOYS AGE 8-9                      GIRLS AGE 8-9

                                                            BOYS AGE 10-11                  GIRLS AGE 10-11

                                                            BOYS AGE 12-13                  GIRLS AGE 12-13

EACH CONTESTANT HAS 25 SHOTS AT THE HOOP.  THE WINNING BOY AND GIRL IN EACH GROUP WILL ADVANCE TO THE DISTRICT COMPETITION ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 15, 2022 AT FRANKLIN PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL IN SALEM, ILLINOIS. 

BOYS AND GIRLS 8-9 WILL SHOOT FROM 11 FT AND WILL ALSO USE A GIRLS REGULATION BASKETBALL; ALL OTHERS WILL SHOOT FROM 15 FEET.  ALL GIRLS WILL USE A GIRLS REGULATION BASKETBALL, WHILE BOYS 10-13 WILL SHOOT WITH A REGULATION BOYS BASKETBALL.

DOORS WILL OPEN AT 8:30 AM TO SIGN UP FOR THE HOOP SHOOT. NO REGISTRATION FORMS ARE NEEDED THIS YEAR.  THE PARTICIPANTS NEED TO SIGN IN AT THEIR RESPECTIVE TABLE WITH THEIR CORRECT AGE.

1ST AND 2ND PLACE WINNERS WILL NEED TO FILL OUT ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AFTER THE CONTEST.

1ST PLACE WINNERS WILL ADVANCE TO THE DISTRICT HOOP SHOOT CONTEST ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 15, 2022 AT FRANKLIN PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL IN SALEM, ILLINOIS.

Jackets Slide Past West Salem For Conference Win

From Bob Bowser:

On Monday, November 22nd, Yellow Jackets Basketball hosted the West Salem Warriors in WEAA Conference action.

When it comes to A-team basketball, the Yellow Jackets always want to make it exciting for everyone. This game would prove no different, as it literally came down to the final possession. After one quarter of play, West Salem led 10-7. The second quarter would see a complete reversal and be tied at halftime 17-17. In the third quarter, the Yellow Jackets stayed on fire and led 26-22 going into the final seven minutes of game time. The fourth quarter would be crucial and Brendan Bowser made two, three-point shots in the quarter to bring the Yellow Jackets back from a four point deficit to a two point lead with two minutes to go. A bucket by Elliott Acree would prove to be the final scoring for the Yellow Jackets in the quarter and the difference in the game, as the Yellow Jackets would win 34-32. Scoring for the Yellow Jackets were: Brendan Bowser with 18 points, Brady Porter with 6 points, Kasen Dulgar with 4 points, Elliott Acree with 4 points, and Rhett Andrews with 2 points. The Yellow Jackets are now 3-3 on the season and 2-2 in WEAA Conference play.

In the C-game, the Yellow Jackets won the game 4-2. Ryland Houchin scored all four points for the Yellow Jackets. The C-team is now 3-2 on the season.

In the B-game, West Salem won 21-15. Scoring for the the Yellow Jackets were: Ryland Houchin with 9 points, Landon Wilford with 4 points, and Teagan Polston with 2 points. The B-team is now 1-4 on the season.

Next up: Thursday, December 1st at St. Joe-Olney for WEAA Conference action with the B-game at 6:00 pm.

IHSA Boys Basketball State Final Tickets On Sale Now

The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Boys State Basketball Tournament returns to the State Farm Center in Champaign this March 10–12, 2022. Tickets for 1A/2A and 3A/4A sessions are now on sale at a Statefarmcenter.com or by calling 1-866-ILLINI-1 (866-455-4641).

All 100-level reserved seats for the sessions are $62 and 200-level reserved seats are $40 with ticket fees applied. Single session passes will go on sale at a later date. Get IHSA State Final tickets here.

“We are thrilled to finally welcome the IHSA Boys State Basketball Tournament back to its long-time home at the University of Illinois,” exclaims Jayne DeLuce, President & CEO of Visit Champaign County. “As we move beyond the pandemic, our community and the State Farm Center will provide a safe and exciting atmosphere for athletes and fans. We’re ready to start a new tradition of welcoming teams, families, fans, officials, and media for the experience of a lifetime.”

Fans can expect a variety of amenities within the State Farm Center through state-of-the-art technology to create an atmosphere worthy of a championship. The tournament also provides fans with opportunities to engage further in the history of IHSA Basketball through a unique exhibit, to immerse themselves in the latest technology with the TechHub and the University of Illinois eSports Club, to enjoy interactive play through activity areas hosted by chambanamoms.com and to provide students and families the opportunity to take part in an academic fair to not only learn about possibilities with the University of Illinois, but also colleges across the country.

Fans looking to book hotel rooms or find community information should visit Legendsplayhere.com, the hub for all IHSA sports hosted in Champaign County.

Visit Champaign County is also seeking volunteers to assist in various ways throughout the tournament. Community members interested in volunteering should contact Mike Koon, Director of Sports, Events, and Film at mikek@visitchampaigncounty.org or 217-351-4133.

Brewer Hoping For Another Big Aces Crowd In Tolono For Semifinal

After one of the biggest Riverview Stadium crowds in many years for last Saturday’s quarterfinal win over Benton, Aces coach Michael Brewer is anticipating another big Aces crowd in Tolono Saturday for the 2pm matchup with the Rockets….

The tailgating area at Unity opens at 10am with gates to the stadium opening at 12 noon.

Brewer’s comments came during a Friday appearance on the WSJD Morning Show.