Mt. Carmel Jr. LADY Aces took 2nd in AlbiON INVITATIONAL

From Coach Bonnie Keepes:


Mt. Carmel Jr. Aces took 2nd in Albion Invitational 

The 7th grade team started In the morning with pool play against Albion. They won the first set in commanding style 25-11, the second set Albion was able to capitalize off our errors, but the girls fought hard for it, and came back from a 19-24 deficit to win 26-24!  The second match the girls won big against Red Hill 25-4, 25-6. The last pool play match of the day was against Fairfield. Our girls continued playing well, and won 25-13, 25-20. Next they headed to the single court gym for the championship game against Jasper Geoff. You could see this team had solid skills, being coached by Fairfield’s high school coach Chet Snyder. Kenley was pumping them up, but I think a bit of nerves came into play. The girls made more errors that match. Jasper Geoff was able to minimize theirs and took the match with set scores of 19-25, 19-25.

The 8th grade team started their tournament at one o’clock against Olney. I was very happy to see the girls start out very aggressive the first match. They won in big fashion 25-7, 25-15. I told them the first set could set the tone for the whole day, and they answered. Next up the girls faced Red Hill and won 25-16, 25-8. The 3rd match of the day was against West Salem. This team was stronger than the first two of the day. The girls showed they could scramble more this game, picking up some tough balls and hustling to get everything up. They took the first set 25-19, but made more serving and receiving errors the second, set dropping it 17-25. The girls showed they really wanted to be in the Championship. They started the 3rd set very strong having West Salem down 18-3 at one point, and finishing 25-13 to win the match. 

Coming into the Championship we knew Fairfield was going to be solid, with many of their girls playing travel ball. Heading to the single gym the girls were excited. We were neck and neck the whole first set to 20-20 when Fairfield was able to put up a 5 point run winning 20-25. I was happy overall with how we played the first set. The second set I could see some frustration creeping in on some. We made some silly errors that we can’t afford in a championship set. Things like that rev up the opposing teams momentum, and keep us down. Fairfield took the second set, to win the match 16-25. 

I was very proud to see both teams take second. Of course we wanted first, but with 7 teams in each bracket it was good to be close to the top.  If you don’t win, you learn! There are some big things we learned from the final sets, that will help us get better this season. 

7th stats vs Albion, Alivia Peach 2 aces, 3 kills, 1 dig, Journey Loudermilk 4 aces, 2 kills, Quincy Keepes 8 aces, 4 assist, Avery Coston 1 ace, 2 kills, Zoie Randall 4 kills, 1 dig, 1 block, Bayley Andrews 2 Assists, Addison Mobley 1 dig, Ella Turner 1 ace, Ryleigh Gill 1 dig.

7th vs Red Hill  Alivia Peach 4 aces, Journey Loudermilk 13 aces, Quincy Keepes 3 aces, 2 assist, Avery Coston 1 kill, Zoie Randall 6 aces, 1 kill, Bayley Andrews 1 ace, Graycee Haggard 1 kill.

7th vs Fairfield Alivia Peach 1 kill, 1 dig, Journey Loudermilk 5 aces, 3 kills, Quincy Keepes 5 aces, 5 assist, Zoie Randall 9 aces, 2 kills, Ella Turner 1 ace, 2 kills

7th vs Jasper Geoff Alivia Peach 1 ace, 1 kill, 1 dig, Journey Loudermilk 1 ace, 1 dig, Quincy Keepes 3 aces, 2 assist, Avery Coston 1 ace, 2 kills, 2 blocks, Zoie Randall 1 ace, 2 kills,1 block, Ella Turner 1 ace, 1 kill, 2 blocks Chloe Toutloff 1 dig.

8th stats vs Olney Lyla Keepes 4 aces, 2 kills, 1 dig, Kyleigh Smith 7 ace, 2 kills, 2 blocks, Evie Sellers 7 aces, 1 kill, Riley Hershey 1 aces, 1 kill, Kinley Harris 4 assists, 2 kill, Leah Lewis 3 aces, 4 assists, 2 digs.

8th vs Red Hill Lyla Keepes 4 aces, Evie Sellers 3 kills, Riley Hershey 5 aces, 1 kill, Kinley Harris 5 aces, 1 assist, 1 kill, Leah Lewis 2 aces, 4 assists, Mercedes Dillard 1 ace, Brynlie Mounts 1 dig, Madi Riggs, 1 kill, Leila Sweeney 4 aces.

8th vs West Salem Lyla Keepes 5 aces, 3 kills, 2 digs, Kyleigh Smith 5 aces, 4 kills, 3 digs, 1 block, Evie Sellers 1 ace, 5 kills, 1 block, Riley Hershey 7 aces, 1 kill, 2 blocks, Kinley Harris 4 aces, 6 assists, 1 kill, 1 block, Leah Lewis 9 assists, 1 dig, Mercedes Dillard 1 kill, 1 dig, Mylee Farmer 1 dig. 

8th vs Fairfield Lyla Keepes 5 aces, 1 kill, 2 digs, Kyleigh Smith 2 aces, 3 kills, 1 dig, 1 block, Evie Sellers 1 ace, 1 kill, Riley Hershey 2 kills, Kinley Harris 1 ace, 2 assists, 1 kill, 1 block, Leah Lewis 4 assists.

Tonight the girls face Parkview middle school at home with 6th grade starting at 5:00. 

Photo Credit Nichole Loudermilk

Jr. Lady Aces Win 2 of 3 At Carmi

From Coach Bonnie Keepes:

Last night the girls traveled to Carmi. The 6th grade team faired well, playing the Carmi 7th grade B team. They lost the first set 15-25 won the second 25-17, but lost the match in the final set 5-15. 

Highlights are Opal Earnest with 5 aces, Jersey Mounts a kill,  Annie Kanipe with 2 aces, Josie James 1 assist, Haleigh Prosise 1 ace, Peyton King 1 kill, Hannah Lewis 1 ace, Erin Delong 1 ace. 

The 7th grade team took a big win! Tonight was the best they have played. They missed very few serves, were transitioning off the net well and attacking  with more confidence. They took the first set 25-14, and the second 25-11. 

The takeaways were Alivia Peach 2 aces, Journey Loudermilk 1 ace, 1 kill, Quincy Keepes 4 aces, 2 assist, Avery Coston 2 kills, Zoie Randall 1 ace, 1 kill, Bayley Andrews 2 Assists, Stella Woodcock 1 ace, Ryleigh Gill 1 dig.

The 8th grade team started a bit slow again. Once we cleaned up our hitting errors, and started picking up their sporadic free balls, we were able to get in a groove, and there was no turning back.  They took both sets 25-19, 25-9.

For the Stats Lyla Keepes 1 aces, 2 kills, Kyleigh Smith 1 ace, 4 kills, 2 blocks, Evie Sellers 1 ace, 1 block, Riley Hershey 3 aces, 1 kill, Kinley Harris 6 aces, 4 assists, Leah Lewis 3 aces, 1 assists.

It’s a was a great night to be an Ace! This Saturday the 7th and 8th head to the Albion tournament. The 7th will play in the morning and the 8th in the afternoon. 

Jr. Lady Aces Sweep Albion

From Coach Bonnie Keepes: We had quite an exciting night of volleyball for the crowd! The 6th grade started off the night with a super close set that went to the high score of 30-28 beating Albion. The second set the girls only had time to play to 15, and lost 12-15. We were so excited to see the girls trying to get pass, set, hits, and being more aggressive moving to the ball. 

Some stats to share are Opal Earnest with 3 assists, and a dig, Annie Kanipe with an Ace, 1 kill,1 dig, Jersey Mounts 1 kill, Josie James 1 ace, Peyton King 1 assist, Addie White 2 aces. 

The 7th grade girls were slow to start their match dropping the first set 25-17. They just had too many errors and got down. The second set they were able to get momentum going with better serving and communicating. They continued this and played hard into the next two sets winning the match 25-18, 15-11. 

Highlights were Alivia Peach had 1 ace, Journey Loudermilk 1 ace, 1 kill, Quincy Keepes 1 ace, 2 assist, 2 digs, Avery Coston 3 aces, 1 kill, Zoie Randall 3 aces, 2 kills, 1 dig, Bayley Andrews 1 assist, Ella Turner 1 ace, 1 block.

The 8th grade matchup was intense. The aces started with some errors and got in a hole to start the first set, they just couldn’t catch up and dropped it 22-25. The next two sets the girls showed grit, and really wanted the win. They attacked more and played better defense against a scrappy Albion team, taking the second 2 sets and winning the match 25-18, 15-11. 

The takeaways were Lyla Keepes 3 aces, 2 kills, Kyleigh Smith 1 ace, 5 kills, 2 digs, 3 blocks, Evie Sellers 3 aces, 4 kills, 4 blocks, Riley Hershey 2 aces, 2 kills, 2 blocks, Kinley Harris 2 aces, 10 assists, 1 kill, 2 blocks, Leah Lewis 1 ace, 4 assists, 1 dig, Mercedes Dillard 1 kill, 1 dig, Mylee Farmer 1 dig. 

I was so proud of our teams tonight. They showed they wanted the win, and after getting down they fought back! Our next matchup will be against Carmi on Thursday the 9th away starting at 5:15. 

Comments by coach Bonnie Keepes 

Jr. Lady Aces Sweep Grayville In Home Opener

From Coach Bonnie Keepes:

The Jr. Lady Aces played their first home Volleyball game tonight against Grayville. We started with an inter squad match with the 6th graders. Kim Winters led them to a great start. It was nice for them to play each other and gain confidence. 

 Next the 7th grade group faced Grayville. The first set we made quite a few serving and hitting errors. Their head coach Kinley Drone was very happy to see they cleaned it up more it the second set, had some good attacks and better serving. 

They won both sets 25-18, 25-10. 

Highlights against Grayville, Alivia Peach had 1 ace, 3 kills, Journey Loudermilk 2 aces, Quincy Keepes 7 aces, 4 assist, Avery Coston 3 aces, 2 kills, Zoie Randall 4 aces, 4 kills, Bayley Andrews 3 Assists, Ella Turner 2 aces, Ryleigh Gill 1 ace. 

 The 8th Grade matchup started with a short moment of serve receive struggles, but then we took command and didn’t let up.  I was so happy to see them moving better on defense, and attacking with much more confidence. We were playing aggressive, and attacking many more out of system balls. The girls took the win with set scores of 25-16, 25-16.

The 8th grade girls highlights were Lyla Keepes 3 aces, 5 kills, Kyleigh Smith 2 kills, an ace, 1 dig, 1 block, Evie Sellers an ace, 2 kills, 1 dig, Riley Hershey an ace, 3 kills, 1 dig, 1 block, Kinley Harris 4 aces, 4 assists, 1 kill, 1 block, Leah Lewis 2 aces, 3 assists, 1 dig, Mercedes Dillard 1 dig, Brynlie Mounts 1 kill. 

The Lady Aces face Albion Tuesday starting with the 6th grade at 5:15 and 7th and 8th to follow. 

Jr. Lady Aces 8th Graders 2nd At Robinson

From Coach Bonnie Keepes:

The 8th grade group started a little slow as well. I could tell some of them were wound up and nervous. The first set against Robinson we lost 17-25, but I saw a change in momentum shift at end with strong serving. The second set we came out much more aggressive building on the momentum from the first set winning 25-16. Lyla Keepes was able to get in a serving zone ending the first with 9 straight and starting the second with a run of 11. The girls started attacking more and moving better along the net. The 3rd set we took the match 15-7 for the win. We quit making as many errors and showed our skill. 

With that win we went to the Championship facing Casey, they were moving well and playing smart. Something I think we will get to with more play. We started slow again losing 13-25. The second set we were ahead most of the set but had a break down in serve receive at the end losing 22-25.

The highlights against Robinson were Lyla Keepes 14 aces, 1 kill, 4 digs, Kyleigh Smith 4 kills, and 1 block, Evie Sellers 4 kills, Riley Hershey an ace, 1 dig, Kinley Harris an ace, 4 assists, 1 kill, 1 dig, 1 block, Leah Lewis 7 assists, Mercedes Dillard 2 digs, Brynlie Mounts 1 kill, Madi Riggs 1 kill, and 1 block. 

Facing Casey Lyla Keepes had 4 aces, 5 kills, Kyleigh Smith 1 kill, Evie Sellers 1 ace, 1 block, Riley Hershey 3 aces, Kinley Harris an ace, 3 assists, 2 kills, Leah Lewis 1 ace, 2 assists, Mercedes Dillard 1 dig, Mylee Farmer 1 dig. 

Second place wasn’t bad considering both  the teams we played have been playing for a solid month. We will get strong each match!  Next we face Grayville at home on Monday, with 6th grade having an inter squad match. 7th grade will be starting at 6 o’clock with 8th following. 

Jr. Lady Aces 7th Graders Finish 3rd At Season Opening Tourney

From Coach Bonnie Keepes:

The Jr. High Volleyball team started their season in Robinson this weekend. The 7th grade started out against a strong Robinson team. Robinson has been playing for a month, so they had more team chemistry, but our girls started to settle in and won their second match against Olney taking 3rd in the tournament.  Scores were 15-25, 13-25 L vs Robinson and against Olney 25-20, 25-18 W.  Some highlights vs Robinson Alivia Peach had 3 digs and 1 block, Journey Loudermilk 1 dig, Quincy Keepes 2 aces, 1 assist, 1 kill, Avery Coston 1 kill, Zoie Randall 1 kill, 1 dig, 1 block, Bayley Andrews with 1 Assist, and 1 dig, Addison Mobley 2 aces, and 1 dig, Ella Turner with 1 ace, and 1 dig, Ryleigh Gill 1 dig. 

Facing Olney Alivia Peach had 1 ace, and 1 block, Journey Loudermilk 6 aces, Quincy Keepes 4 aces, 3 assists, 1 kill, Avery Coston 1 ace, 2 kills, 1 block, Zoie  Randall 1 ace, 3 kills, Bayley Andrews 1 assist, Ella Turner 1 ace.  

Yellow Jackets Win 1st Round Regional Game

In game 1 of the SIJHSAA Class S Regional at St. Joe, the Yellow Jackets took on West Salem.  After one quarter, the Yellow Jackets led 13-6 and continued their lead at the half by the score of 18-10.  After three quarters, the Yellow Jackets had increased their lead to 28-13.  The final score ended with the Yellow Jackets on top, 34-21.  Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was:  Tim Harness with 12 points, John Hefner with 8 points, Ryland Houchin with 8 points, Jaxon Morris with 4 points, and Landon Wilford with 2 points.  With the win, the Yellow Jackets move to the semi-final round of the Regional against the #1 seed St. Joe Wildcats on Thursday at 6:00 pm.

BENNETT WITSMAN FINISHES 2ND AT THE SOUTH CENTRAL DIVISION OF THE “ELKS HOOP SHOOT” CONTEST

Bennett Witsman (Age 8) hit 18 out of 25 and finished second in the boy’s 8-9 age division at the Illinois South Central Division Elks Hoop Shoot Contest in Salem, IL this past Saturday. Bennett tied with another competitor with 18 and had to go to a 5 free throw shoot-off.  In the shoot off, Bennett made 4/5 and his competitor made 5/5 to claim the Championship.

Other Mt. Carmel participants were: Tate Buss (10-11 boys) and Vance Taylor (12-13 boys).


Jackets Sweep New Hebron

On Thursday January 12th, Yellow Jackets Basketball traveled to New Hebron in non-conference action.  In the C-game, the Yellow Jackets won 31-1.  Scoring for the C-team was:  Karson Bray with 10 points, Austin Bates with 6 points, Wyatt Buchanan with 5 points, Jayce Weiss with 4 points, Max Ford with 2 points, Caleb Smith with 2 points, and Kole Castino with 2 points.

In the B-game, the Yellow Jackets won 34-11.  Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was:  Ryland Houchin with 14 points, Jaxon Morris with 13 points, Karson Bray with 4 points, and Austin Bates with 3 points.

In the A-game, the Yellow Jackets pulled out the victory winning 20-18.  Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was:  Tim Harness with 9 points, John Hefner with 5 points, Ryland Houchin with 4 points, and Daniel Riggs with 2 points.

Yellow Jacket Basketball Recaps

On Thursday, December 8th, Yellow Jackets Basketball hosted Cisne in WEAA Conference action.  In the C-game, the Yellow Jackets won 19-8.  Scoring was:  Ryland Houchin with 8 points, Teagan Polston with 4 points, Jaxon Morris with 3 points, Karson Bray with 2 points, and Wyatt Buchanan with 2 points.

 In the B-game, Cisne defeated the Yellow Jackets 33-14.  Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was:  Teagan Polston with 7 points, Ryland Houchin with 3 points, Jaxon Morris with 2 points, and Karson Bray with 2 points.

 In the A-game, Cisne won the game by the final score of 45-7.  Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was:  Levi Potts with 3 points, Landon Wilford with 2 points, and Tim Harness with 2 points.

On Wednesday, December 7, Yellow Jackets Basketball hosted New Hebron in non-conference action.  In the C-game, the Yellow Jackets won 13-9.  Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was:  Ryland Houchin with 4 points, Austin Bates with 3 points, Karson Bray with 2 points, Max Ford with 2 points, and Isaac Trapp with 2 points.

 In the B-game, the Yellow Jackets defeated New Hebron by the final score of 25-17.  Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was:  Jaxon Morris with 6 points, Ryland Houchin with 5 points, Teagan Polston with 5 points, Karson Bray with 5 points, and TJ Singh with 4 points.

 In the A-game, New Hebron defeated the Yellow Jackets 38-20.  Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was:  Tim Harness with 8 points, John Hefner with 7 points, Ryland Houchin with 3 points, and TJ Singh with 2 points.

MT. CARMEL ELKS' 51st ANNUAL HOOP SHOOT COMPETITION SET FOR DEC. 10TH

MT. CARMEL’S ELKS LODGE #715 WILL HOST THE 51st ANNUAL ELKS HOOP SHOOT COMPETITION ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2022 AT MT. CARMEL HIGH 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, 2023. 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 4, 2020 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. 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 14, 2023 AT FRANKLIN PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL IN SALEM, ILLINOIS.

Jackets Sweep West Salem In WEAA Action

Yellow Jackets Basketball traveled to West Salem on Monday, November 21st for WEAA Conference action. In the C-game, the Yellow Jackets defeated the Warriors 27-6. Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was: Teagan Polston with 11 points, Ryland Houchin with 8 points, Jaxon Morris with 4 points, Karson Bray with 2 points, and Austin Bates with 2 points. The C-team is now 2-1 on the season.

In the B-game, West Salem beat the Yellow Jackets by the final score of 39-25. Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was: Ryland Houchin with 13 points, Teagan Polston with 6 points, Jaxon Morris with 4 points, and Wyatt Buchanan with 2 points. The B-team is now 1-4 on the season.

In the A-game, the Yellow Jackets jumped out on top 9-2 after the first quarter and never looked back. At halftime it was 21-9 with the Yellow Jackets on top. After three quarters, it was still the Yellow Jackets on top 29-21, with the final score ending up 42-36. Scoring for the Yellow Jackets was: Tim Harness with 20 points, John Hefner with 8 points, Stetson Potts with 4 points, Teagan Polston with 4 points, Landon Wilford with 2 points, Joel Schneider with 2 points, and Ryland Houchin with 2 points. The A-team is now 3-3 on the season, 3-2 in WEAA Conference play.

Next up: Thursday, December 1st at home against St. Joe for WEAA Conference action. 5:15 C-game.