Aces Wrestlers Drop Close One To Open Season

From Coach Andrew Cheesman: The MCHS Aces wrestling team traveled last night to Oblong to start the season with their first dual. The results may not have gone our way, but our wrestlers made it known that they won't give up that easily. Coming down to the last match Oblong came back beating Mount Carmel 36-37.

In the matches we lost just a few corrections, and it could've easily gone our way winning the dual. Except for the forfeit, every match we won we PINNED. So, nothing to hang out heads about, it’s just time to keep putting the work in and go beat Carmi Bulldogs next Wednesday.

GO ACES!!

MCHS-36 , OPHS-37
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144 - Owen Griffen (Oblong) over Lane Toothman (Mt. Carmel) (MD 11-3) MCHS-0, OPHS-4
150 - Isaiah Kasinger (Mt. Carmel) over Kielyn Wilson (Oblong) (Fall 1:29) MCHS-6, OPHS-4
157 - Liam Wirey (Oblong) over Evan Hedge (Mt. Carmel) (Dec 14-11) MCHS-6, OPHS-7
165 - Johnny Askren (Mt. Carmel) over Judah Sweitzer (Oblong) (Fall 0:42) MCHS-12, OPHS-7
175 - Aaron Teska (Oblong) over Robert King (Mt. Carmel) (Fall 5:39) MCHS-12, OPHS-13
190 - Jaxson Hines (Mt. Carmel) over Unknown (For.) MCHS-18, OPHS-13
215 - Lukas Madlem (Mt. Carmel) over Ethan Miller (Oblong) (Fall 4:28) MCHS-24, OPHS-13
285 - Evan Berberich (Mt. Carmel) over Peyton Walker (Oblong) (Fall 3:23) MCHS-30, OPHS-13
106 - Eli Newlin (Oblong) over Hayden Harms (Mt. Carmel) (Fall 1:59) MCHS-30, OPHS-19
113 - Double Forfeit MCHS-30, OPHS-19
120 - Mason Correll (Oblong) over Unknown (For.) MCHS-30, OPHS-25
126 - Ian Rosborough (Oblong) over Zack Hedge (Mt. Carmel) (Fall 1:38) MCHS-30, OPHS-31
132 - Aaron Sanor (Mt. Carmel) over Aiden Postlewaite (Oblong) (Fall 0:55) MCHS-36, OPHS-31
138 - Cole Littlejohn (Oblong) over Tucker Martin (Mt. Carmel) (Fall 4:59) MCHS-36, OPHS-37

Lady Aces Fall To Fairfield In Regional Title Match

Thursday October 26th the Lady Aces traveled to McLeansboro to face number one seed Fairfield. The team was excited for the match, but we came out a little tight.  Fairfield has a very aggressive serve game. This kept us out of system, leading to us giving Fairfield too many free balls.  This gave them frequent opportunities to run a quick and strong offense. The Lady Mules played solid making few errors. They are ranked 8th team in the state right now and it showed. Fairfield took the regional title with set scores of 14-25, 13-25. For stats the libero Grace Thacker with 7 digs, Kathryn Blake 4 kills, 7 digs, Sarah McCorkle 11 assists, 4 digs, 1 ace. Piper Belt 3 kills, 4 digs, Madison Stevens, 3 kills, 1 block, Maycee Randall 2 kills, 1 block, 1 dig, Nora Jones 5 digs. 

The Lady Aces ended their season 21-12. 

They had a great season, accomplishing a back to back conference champions title. Our coaching staff really enjoy these girls this season. They worked hard and played hard. We had a great bunch of 6 seniors who will be missed. 


From Coach Bonnie Keepes:

Lady Aces Win Regional Semi-Final, 25-21, 25-21

Tuesday October 24th the Lady Aces traveled to McLeansboro to face the number four seed Hamilton County. We came in as the number five seed fired up and ready to win. The set started with the Lady Aces down 0-4 but we clawed our was back up and took the lead at 9-8 and never looked back. We stretched out the lead with great defense, extreme focus, and strong attacking. The second set was closer back and forth scoring. Our girls pulled away at the end taking both sets for the win, with set scores of 25-21, 25-21. 

The libero Grace Thacker with 14 digs, 2 assist, Kathryn Blake 7 kills, 10 digs, 1 assist, 1 block, Sarah McCorkle 18 assists, 1 dig, 4 aces, Piper Belt 4 kills, 9 digs, 1 ace, 1 block, Madison Stevens, 7 kills, 1 block, Maycee Randall 5 kills, 2 blocks, 2 digs, Nora Jones 2 digs, 1 ace, 2 assists, Marissa Goldman 1 ace, Chandler Cusick 2 kills, 2 digs, 1 block. 

The Lady Aces Varsity team is now 21-11. They go into the regional final facing the number one seeded Fairfield with a record of 33-3. They will travel back to McLeansboro for championship match starting at 6:00 on Thursday the 26th.  The team would love to see a great fan turnout. Fairfield fans always pack the place. Let’s show our aces pride and come support these girls!!  Also be on the lookout for more details.  There may be a possibility for high school kids to ride on a fan bus.

Comments by Assistant Coach Bonnie Keepes

Stats From Mt. Carmel 49, Lawrenceville 20

Lawrenceville @ Mt. Carmel

October 20, 2023

Mt. Carmel

Rushing Sisson 23 carries 196 yards (4 TD’S)

Acree 14 carries 95 yards (2 TD)

Fullop 7 carries 34 yards 1 TD)

A. Militoni 3 carries 40 yards

Gillihan 1 carry 4 yards

S. Militoni 1 carries 12 yards

TOTALS 49 carries 381 yards (7 TD’s)

Passing Sisson 3 completions 5 attempts 55 yards (0 TD)

TOTALS 3 completions 5 attempts 55 yards (0 TD)

Receiving Gillihan 2 receptions 43 yards

Peach 1 reception 12 yards

TOTAL 3 receptions 55 yards

Penalties 5 – 33 yards

Fumbles 1-1 lost

Interceptions 0

Punts 1 (31 avg)

First Downs 29

Lawrenceville Rushing 34 – 199 yards (2 TD’s)

Jenkins 13 carries – 124 yards (1 TD)

Waller 11 carries – 59 yards (1 TD)

Halter 3 carries – 8 yards

Oakes 4 carries - 8 yards

Lill 3 carries – 0 yards

Passing Halter 3 – 8 = 30 yards (1 TD)

Penalties 8 – 66 yards

Fumbles 0-0

Punts 4 (32.5 yd avg)

First Downs 10

Receiving Jenkins 3 receptions -30 Yards

SCORING

1st QUARTER

9:15 24 YARD RUN BY Waller L 8 MC 0

2 pt run by Jenkins

6:15 4 YARD RUN BY ACREE L 8 MC 7

KICK GOOD BY LOUDERMILK

2ND QUARTER

11:58 1 YARD RUN BY SISSON L 8 MC 14

KICK GOOD BY LOUDERMILK

8:06 4 YARD RUN BY ACREE L 8 MC 21

KICK GOOD BY LOUDERMILK

7:51 65 YARD RUN BY JENKINS L 14 MC 21

RUN FAILED

4:36 17 YARD RUN BY SISSON L 14 MC 28

KICK GOOD BY LOUDERMILK

1:48 17 YARD RUN BY SISSON L 14 MC 35

KICK GOOD BY LOUDERMILK

HALFTIME L 14 MC 35

3RD QUARTER

8:59 25 YARD RUN BY SISSON L 14 MC 42

KICK GOOD BY LOUDERMILK

2:58 10 YARD PASS (HALTER TO JENKINS) L 20 MC 42

RUN FAILED

4TH QUARTER

2:59 1 YARD RUN BY FULLOP L 20 MC 49

KICK GOOD BY KING

FINAL SCORE

LAWRENCEVILLE 20 MT. CARMEL 49

Lady Aces Wrap Up Regular Season With Win At Red Hill

Tuesday October 17th the Lady Aces traveled to Red Hill. The Varsity team won in 2 sets against the Salukis. The team played well, and won big. 25-12, 25-11. 

The libero Grace Thacker with 8 digs, 1 kill, 1 assist, Kathryn Blake 6 kills, 1 dig, 1 ace, Sarah McCorkle 20 assists, 6 digs, 4 aces, Piper Belt 7 digs, 2 aces, Maycee Randall 5 kills, 1 block,  Nora Jones 3 kills, 4 digs, Marissa Goldman 1 assist, Chandler Cusick 4 kills, 9 digs, 4 aces. 

The JV team came out strong and won in 2 two quick sets 25-7, 25-9.  Highlights were Lyla Keepes 4 kills, 3 digs, Jayla Johnson 3 digs, 6 kills, 1 ace, Mattie Armstrong 12 assists, 2 digs, 7 aces, Madellyn Bingham 4 kills, 1 block, 1 Kyleigh Smith 2 kills, Mercedes Dillard 1 ace, 1 dig, Kyla Militoni 2 digs, Tenley Davis 7 digs, 2 assist, 1 ace. 

The Fresh/Soph team also won big 25-9, 25-3. 

The Lady Aces Varsity team ended their regular season 20-11. This put the Aces with back to back 20 win seasons and co conference champions. 

The Lady Aces will face Hamilton County the first round of regionals on the Lady Foxes home court.  They boast a 21-9 record, very close to our 20-11. We expect a very competitive match on the court Tuesday the 24th at Hamilton County Jr/Sr high. 

Comments by Assistant Coach Bonnie Keepes.

Lady Aces Beat Wayne City On Senior Night

Monday October 17th the Lady Aces hosted Wayne City for senior night. The Varsity team won in 2 sets against the Indians. The seniors played great and were  in command of both sets. The girls had fun their last time on the aces court, winning big 25-16, 25-11. 

Grace Thacker was presented with an achievement award for surpassing 500 digs, and Sarah McCorkle for surpassing 500 assists. 

The stats were libero Grace Thacker with 11 digs, 4 aces, 1 kill, Kathryn Blake 10 kills, 1 dig, 2 assists, 2 blocks, Sarah McCorkle 23 assists, 2 digs, 2 aces, Piper Belt 4 digs, 1 ace, 2 kills, Maycee Randall 4 kills, 1 block,  Nora Jones 5 kills, 2 digs, Marissa Goldman 1 ace, Chandler Cusick 4 kills, 1 dig, 2 aces. 

The JV team came out strong and won in 2 sets against a scrappy Indians team with set scores of 25-21, 25-14.  Highlights were Lyla Keepes 4 kills, 7 digs, Jayla Johnson 11 digs, 4 kills, 2 aces, Mattie Armstrong 11 assists, 7 digs, 6 aces, Madellyn Bingham 3 kills, 1 block, 1 block, 1 dig, Kyleigh Smith 1 kill, 1 block, Mercedes Dillard 5 digs, Kyla Militoni 7 dig, Gabi Peach 7 digs, 2 kills, Tenley Davis 11 digs, 1 assist. 

The Fresh/Soph team did not have a match. 

The Lady Aces Varsity team travels to Red Hill for their last regular season matchup with Fresh/Soph starting at 5:15. 

Seniors Nora Jones, Grace Thacker, Piper Belt, Kathryn Blake, Chandler Cusick, Marissa Goldman. 

500 Dig milestone achievement recipient Grace Thacker and 500 Assist milestone achievement recipient Sarah McCorkle 

Chandler Cusick with parents Kristi and Chris Cusick

Kathryn Blake with parents Amy and Mike Blake

Marissa Goldman with parents Russell and Julie Goldman 

Piper Belt with parents Beau and Kelly Belt

Grace Thacker with parents Tim and Heather Thacker

Nora Jones with parents Ryan and Cindy Jones

Lady Aces Place 7th At Edwards County Tourney

Saturday October 14th the Lady Aces traveled to Edwards County for a 12 team tournament. The girls ended up placing 7th for the day. The Varsity team lost the first match to N.C.O.E. 13-25, 19-25.  The next matchup we faced Richland County and won in 3 sets 25-21, 19-25, 15-12. 

This put the Lady Aces in the Silver Bracket. The first match in silver was against Oblong. The Aces won 25-16, 25-18. Next they faced Robinson and lost in 3 sets 13-25, 25-21, 12-15. The girls had some very long volleys and fought hard but Robinson pulled ahead at the end. The  fifth and last match of the day the girls faced Newton. The girls lost in 3 sets 19-25, 25-19, 4-15.  They were up the whole second set and won, but Newton got it done. They scored quickly in the last set. 

Madi Stevens was voted to the Edwards County All Tournament Team. 

For stats the libero Grace Thacker had 67 digs, 7  aces, 4 assists, Kathryn Blake 30 kills, 29 digs, 2 assists, 8 blocks, Sarah McCorkle 63 assists, 22 digs, 8 kills, 6 aces, Piper Belt 36 digs, 4 kills, 7 aces, 3 assist, 4 blocks, Maycee Randall 12 kills, 9 blocks, 2 assist, Madison Stevens 36 kills, 11 digs, 4 blocks, 2 assist, Nora Jones 8 digs, Marissa Goldman 6 digs, 5 aces, Chandler Cusick 10 kills, 2 digs, 1 assist.

Comments by Assistant Coach Bonnie Keepes.

Stats From Mt. Carmel 48, Marshall 21

Mt. Carmel @ Marshall

October 13, 2023

Mt. Carmel

Rushing Sisson 11 carries 201 yards (5 TD’S)

Acree 7 carries 38 yards (1 TD)

Fullop 8 carries 40 yards 1 TD)

S. Militoni 2 carries 3 yards

Coston 1 carry 1 yard

A. Militoni 4 carries (-10 yards)

TOTALS 33 carries 273 yards (7 TD’s)

Passing Sisson 1 completion 3 attempts 45 yards (0 TD)

Blake 0 completions 1 attempt (0 TD)

TOTALS 1 completion 4 attempts 45 yards (0 TD)

Receiving Gillihan 1 catch 45 yards

TOTAL 1 catch 45 yards

Penalties 5 – 45 yards

Fumbles 2-0

Interceptions 0

Punts 2 (27.5 avg)

First Downs 14

Marshall

Rushing 39 – 131 yards (3 TD’s)

Matzke 18 carries – 80 yards (3 TD’s)

Giannavola 13 carries – 39 yards

Boyer 4 carries – 13 yards

Tarble 2 carries - 4 yards

Huisingo 1 carry – 0 yard

Scott 1 carry – (-5 yards)

Passing Matzke 4 – 11 = 34 yards

Penalties 6 – 55 yards

Fumbles 2-0

Punts 4 (25 yd avg)

First Downs 10

Receiving Boyer 2 catches -24 Yards

Patton 2 catches - 10 Yards

SCORING

1st QUARTER

9:08 42 YARD RUN BY SISSON MC 7 M 0

KICK GOOD BY LOUDERMILK

5:45 2 YARD RUN BY ACREE MC 14 M 0

KICK GOOD BY LOUDERMILK

2:46 4 YARD RUN BY SISSON MC 21 M 0

KICK GOOD BY LOUDERMILK

2ND QUARTER

11:48 22 YARD RUN BY SISSON MC 27 M 0

KICK NO GOOD

7:33 10 YARD RUN BY FULLOP MC 34 M 0

KICK GOOD BY LOUDERMILK

2:48 2 YARD RUN BY MATZKE MC 34 M 7

KICK GOOD BY PATTON

2:27 69 YARD RUN BY SISSON MC 41 M 7

KICK GOOD BY LOUDERMILK

:40 11 YARD RUN BY SISSON MC 48 M 7

KICK GOOD BY LOUDERMILK

HALFTIME MC 48 M 7

3RD QUARTER

2:10 13 YARD RUN BY MATZKE MC 48 M 14

KICK GOOD BY PATTON

4TH QUARTER

5:44 2 YARD RUN BY MATZKE MC 48 M 21

KICK GOOD BY PATTON

FINAL SCORE

MT. CARMEL 48 MARSHALL 21

NCOE Big Run Dooms Lady Aces

Wednesday October 11th the Lady Aces traveled to Norris City. The Varsity team went 3 sets with the Redbirds. The first set our attacking game was flawless, and helped us win 25-22. The second set we dropped 18-25. We made more attacking errors, and NCOE hit very well. The third set the Redbirds started with a big run and we couldn’t find a way to catch up, losing 14-25. 

The libero Grace Thacker with 9 digs, 1 ace, Kathryn Blake 9 kills, 5 digs, 2 assists, 1 block, Sarah McCorkle 18 assists, 5 digs, 3 kills, 2 aces, Piper Belt 6 digs, 3 aces, 1 assist, 1 block, Maycee Randall 2 kills, 2 block, 1 dig, Madison Stevens 6 kills, 4 digs, 1 block, 1 assist, Nora Jones 1 dig, Marissa Goldman 4 digs, 3 aces, Chandler Cusick 3 kills. 

The JV team had many very long volleys. We had some great defensive plays. I saw some great things, but we just couldn’t get the win. We lost both sets 19-25, 18-25. Highlights were Lyla Keepes 4 kills, 12 digs, 1 ace, Jayla Johnson 18 digs, 3 kills, Mattie Armstrong 16 assists, 16 digs, 1 kill, 2 aces, Madellyn Bingham 2 kills, 1 dig, Kyleigh Smith 6 Kills, Mercedes Dillard 7 digs, Kyla Militoni 14 dig, Gabi Peach 4 digs, 3 kills, Tenley Davis 11 digs. 

The Fresh/Soph did not have a match tonight 

The Lady Aces Varsity team travels to Edwards County on Saturday the 14th with play starting at 10am.  Come support and watch the Lady Aces play at home on Monday the 16th facing Wayne City for Senior night. 

Comments by Assistant Coach Bonnie Keepes.

Lady Aces Get Past Grayville In 3 Games

Tuesday October 10th the Lady Aces traveled to Grayville. The Varsity team won in three sets.  25-12, 24-25, 25-5. We played clean the first set winning big. The second set we made error after error, and gave away the set. The team reset, and played their game winning quickly in the third. 

The libero Grace Thacker with 14 digs, Kathryn Blake 9 kills, 6 digs, 6 aces, Sarah McCorkle 22 assists, 7 digs, 5 kills, Piper Belt 14 digs, 1 assist, 3 kills, Maycee Randall 1 kill, 2 blocks, 1 dig, Madison Stevens 10 kills, 3 digs, 4 blocks, 4 aces, Nora Jones 2 aces, Marissa Goldman 6 digs, 2 aces, Chandler Cusick 2 kills, 2 blocks, 1 assist. 

The JV team started strong the first set winning 25-17. The second set we let Grayville creep in a bit, but still finished with the win 25-22. Highlights were Lyla Keepes 3 kills, 7 digs, 2 aces, Jayla Johnson 6 digs, 5 kills, 1 ace, Mattie Armstrong 18 assists, 6 digs, 2 kills, 2 aces, Madellyn Bingham 5 kills, 1 dig, Kyleigh Smith 3 Kills, 1 dig, Mercedes Dillard 4 digs, 1 ace, Kyla Militoni 1 dig, Gabi Peach 4 digs, 3 kills, Tenley Davis 6 digs, 2 aces, 1 assist. Harper Taylor 1 dig, 

The Fresh/Soph did not have a match tonight 

The Lady Aces travel to Norris City  on Wednesday the 11th.  JV will start at 6:00 o’clock, Varsity will follow. 

Comments by Assistant Coach Bonnie Keepes.

Lady Aces Clinch Share Of LIC Title

Thursday October 5th the Lady Aces traveled to Paris. They came into the gym ready to clinch the conference champions title. The first set, we came out firing on all engines and won 25-9. The Tigers came out the second set revved up after a big loss, and played like a different team. The Aces made more mistakes the second set as well, and were down for half the match. Our team wanted the win in 2 sets. We tightened up play, got on a run, and took the set 25-20.

Sarah McCorkle has a season high 23 assists. The libero Grace Thacker with 5 digs, 1 kill, Kathryn Blake 4 kills, 7 digs, 3 aces, Sarah McCorkle 23 assists, 1 dig, 2 kills, 3 aces, Piper Belt 6 digs, 1 assist, 3 kills, 1 block, Maycee Randall 3 kills, 5 block, 1 assist, Madison Stevens 11 kills, 1 dig, 1 block, Nora Jones 1 dig, 2 aces, Marissa Goldman 1 dig, Chandler Cusick 2 kills, 1 block.

The JV team started strong the first set winning 25-18, the girls are getting in a pattern of second set let down, we just didn’t serve receive as well the second set. We dropped the set 19-25. The third set we led from the start, finishing with a score of 15-9. Highlights were Lyla Keepes 9 kills, 12 digs, Jayla Johnson 13 digs, 3 kills, Mattie Armstrong 18 assists, 7 digs, 1 kill, 3 aces, Madellyn Bingham 5 kills, 4 digs, Kyleigh Smith 3 Kills, 5 digs, Mercedes Dillard 4 digs, Kyla Militoni 9 digs, 2 aces, 1 assist, Gabi Peach 1 dig, 2 kills, Tenley Davis 22 digs, 1 assist.

The Fresh/Soph team played clean tonight minimizing errors and won in 2 sets 25-16, 25-4.

The Lady Aces travel to Grayville on Tuesday the 10th with Fresh/Soph starting at 5 o’clock, followed by JV and Varsity.

The Varsity win at Paris clinched a three way tie for the LIC conference title with Robinson and Newton.

Comments by Assistant Coach Bonnie Keepes.

Lady Aces Knock Off Newton; Can Clinch Share Of LIC Title Tonight

Tuesday October 3rd the Lady Aces traveled to Newton. With the chance to tie for the conference title the girls were excited to play. The first set, we came out tight and didn’t execute. The Eagles took the first set 25-12. 

Volleyball is a very momentum driven game, and the second set we stole that momentum and hung on to it winning 25-15. The third set our girls were attacking aggressively, and playing very good defense. I could not believe some of the balls Grace dug, she was Wonder Woman!  We won the match taking the third set 25-21. 

The girls had another season high 31 kills, 20 assists. Kathryn Blake had her first double double with 10 kills and 10 digs. Madison Steven had a personal best as well with 12 kills. 

Some highlights were the libero Grace Thacker with 15 digs, Kathryn Blake 10 kills, 10 digs, Sarah McCorkle 20 assists, 5 digs, 1 kill, Piper Belt 11 digs, 1 ace, 1 kill, Maycee Randall 6 kills, Madison Stevens 12 kills, 1 dig, Nora Jones 3 digs, Marissa Goldman 2 digs, 1 ace, Chandler Cusick 1 kill. 

The JV team started strong the first set winning 25-16, Our team just didn’t pass well the second set, and Newton played clean. We dropped the set 7-25. The third set was back and forth but Newton won 12-15. Highlights were Lyla Keepes 2 kills, 7 digs, Jayla Johnson 8 digs, 3 kills, Mattie Armstrong 7 assists, 5 digs, Madellyn Bingham 4 kills, Kyleigh Smith 2 Kills, 1 dig, Mercedes Dillard 5 digs, 1 kill, Kyla Militoni 8 digs, Gabi Peach 1 dig, 1 kill, Tenley Davis 5 digs. 

The Fresh/Soph team had a hard time defending aggressive attacks from Newton losing the match 12-25, 20-25. 

The Lady Aces travel to Paris on Thursday with Fresh/Soph starting at 5 o’clock, followed by JV and Varsity. 

With a win at Paris the Varsity team will clinch’s a three way tie for the LIC conference title. 

Comments by Assistant Coach Bonnie Keepes.

CHANGE IN PLANS: MCHS ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTION CEREMONY TO BE HELD PRIOR TO FRIDAY’S FOOTBALL GAME AT RIVERVIEW STADIUM

MT. CARMEL) Golden Aces fans, get to the stadium early Friday night to help honor six Golden Aces greats. The 2023 Mt. Carmel High School Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony will now be held at 6:30 p.m. prior to the 7 p.m. kickoff as the Aces battle Casey Westfield.

The second annual event will induct a class of six into the Athletic Hall of Fame, a creation of the Mt Carmel Sports Boosters.

This year’s class of inductees include the state runner-up 1957 baseball team, legendary head football coach Jim John, state champion golf head coach John White, wrestling state champion and football standout Tanner Crum, (Class of 2011), football great Luke Drone (Class of 2003), and basketball legend Craig Snow (Class of 1997).

Those being recognized are being asked to arrive at the north end zone, nearest to the construction site by 6:15 p.m. The ceremony will now be held just after the coin toss at approximately 6:30 p.m.

A reception in honor of the 2023 Hall of Fame Class will be held at Stymie’s Rest at West Berwick Golf Course following the game. The public is invited to attend.