Fresh off a third place finish at State last season, Coach Matt McCarty’s Lady Aces are looking for an even bigger trophy this year.
Mt. Carmel begins the 2025-26 season tonight by hosting the Castle Knights at The Hilltop. The coach was our guest on today’s Morning Show to preview the new season.
Photo Credit: Nichole Liddle Loudermilk
First match is November 25th at Oblong.
Season opener is November 20th at home against Castle.
First game is December 5th at Marshall.
Season opener is November 25th at home against Wayne City.
Aces coach Michael Brewer was our guest on today’s Morning Show to preview the first round Class 3A playoff game at Tolono (Unity). Kickoff is Saturday at 2pm and our one-hour pregame show starts at 1pm on WSJD-FM 100.5 & wsjd.fm.
Roxana High School has authored a proposal to the IHSA that would expand the high school football playoffs from 256 qualifiers to 384 qualifiers and alter regular-season scheduling to a “flexed regional” format.
If adopted, the IHSA football postseason would have 48 playoff teams in each classification, which is up from the current number of 32 qualifiers. In Class 1A through Class 6A, the top eight seeds in the north and south brackets would receive an opening round bye, while in Class 7A and Class 8A, the top 16 seeds would automatically advance to the second round.
The “flexed regional” scheduling model would divide the state into regions of at least six teams determined by geographic proximity and enrollment. All playoff-eligible football-playing teams in the state would be divided equally into the eight classifications before the season, which would become the group of teams that are divided into each regional.
Schools would be able to schedule their non-regional games on their own.
Under this proposal, Week 1 of the season would start a week earlier to allow the state championship games to still be played during the week of Thanksgiving.
Roxana High School Assistant Principal Adam Miller explains why they feel the two parts of the proposal fit together.
The IHSA’s legislative council must approve the proposal before being placed on an all-school ballot for a vote from all IHSA member schools. If approved by a simple majority, the policy would go into effect next season.
Aces finish regular season at 5-4.
Mt. Carmel looks to clinch a playoff berth tonight hosting the Lawrenceville Indians on Senior Night. Kickoff is 7pm and our pregame show starts at 6pm on WSJD-FM 100.5 & wsjd.fm
On Friday’s Morning Show, The Swami…Mike Mandrell…used his powers of prediction to tell us who he thinks Mt. Carmel will play in the first round of the playoffs. The IHSA will release the 2025 pairings Saturday night.
The Lady Aces traveled to Red Hill for their last regular season game.
The Aces dominated the Salukis winning in 2 sets 25-4, and 25-8.
Stats by for the Aces were Mattie Armstrong 2 kills, 4 assists, 3 digs, Jayla Johnson 2 aces, 1 kill, 4 digs, 1 assist, Maycee Randall 2 aces, 4 kills, 3 blocks, 4 digs, Tenley Davis 1 kill, 2 digs, 4 assists, Lyla Keepes 1 ace, 5 kills, 9 digs, 1 assist, Kyleigh Smith 2 kills, 1 assist, 1 block, Tensley Dunlap 5 kills, 2 digs, Gabby Schneider 5 aces, 4 assists, 4 digs.
The JV won in 3 sets 25-19, 21-25, 15-1.
Leah Lewis 7 aces, 7 digs, 5 kills, 1 assist, Cate Pyatt, 11 kills, Mylee Farmer 11 digs, Mercedes Dillard 2 aces, 8 digs, Leila Sweeney 1 dig, Quincy Keepes 4 aces, 2 digs, 20 assist, Ryleigh Gill 4 digs, Journey Loudermilk 4 kills, Addison Mobley 1 kill, 1 dig. Ryleigh Gill 4 digs.
Next Tuesday night the Aces play Benton for the first round of regionals.
Comments by assistant coach Bonnie Keepes
The Lady Aces hosted Wayne City on Senior night Monday at the hilltop. The team had big crowd support with a fired up student section.
The Aces and Indians played a tight first set, but the Aces landed on top winning 25-22. The second set the Indians put together a big run. The Aces chipped at it but fell 19-25. The student section was fired up and loud and the girls were ready for a third set. Tensley Dunlap was on fire swinging for kill after kill on the outside putting the Aces ahead at the end 25-22. Tensley had a season high 15 kills, and Mattie Armstrong had a season high 18 assists. What a great game to celebrate the seniors. Scrappy defense, and hard aggressive swinging was on full display. The Aces Seniors are Mattie Armstrong, Maycee Randall, Tenley Davis, and Jayla Johnson.
Stats by for the Aces were Mattie Armstrong 18 assists, 10 digs, Jayla Johnson 1 ace, 2 kills, 13 digs, Maycee Randall, 8 kills, 3 blocks, 1 assist, 2 digs, Tenley Davis 1 kill, 14 digs, 5 assists, Lyla Keepes 1 ace, 3 kills, 13 digs, Kyleigh Smith 2 kills, 2 blocks, Tensley Dunlap 15 kills, 2 digs, Avery Coston 1 kill, 1 dig, Gabby Schneider 2 aces,1 kill, 7 aces, 7 digs.
The JV team had a good night as well. They were great on the offensive and defense side of the ball. We got behind in the first set Leah Lewis ran off 5 aces in a row to kick start us back a lead. The Aces took the win in 2 sets, 25-22, 25-19 Player stats Leah Lewis 7 aces, 6 digs, 3 kills, Avery Coston 6 kills, 1 dig, Cate Pyatt, 5 digs, 8 kills, Mylee Farmer 5 digs, 1 assist, Mercedes Dillard 4 digs, Leila Sweeney 1 dig, Quincy Keepes 2 digs, 17 assists, Ryleigh Gill 4 aces, 1 dig, Josie James 1 kill, Journey Loudermilk 1 ace, 2 kills , Addison Mobley 1 kill.
Comments by assistant coach Bonnie Keepes
Photo Credit Nichole Loudermilk
The five time state champion Lady Aces golf team was at Monday’s District #348 school board meeting with their state championship trophy. Coach Karin Kelsey was unable to attend the meeting, so speaking in her place was Assistant Coach Jennifer Young…
Aces improve to 4-4 with win.
The Lady Aces traveled to Edwards County for a 5 game tournament. They started the day against a warmed up Olney. This didn’t fare well for the Aces dropping the first set 23-25. The girls got ahead with a big run the second set winning 25-14, but couldn’t keep the same momentum and dropped the 3rd 13-15. The next opponent in pool play NCOE, defeated the Aces 12-25, 14-25. They were nailing the lines, and very consistent. The tough pool play put the Aces in the bronze bracket. In the bronze bracket they first faced Robinson. The team looked alive against Robinson and won the first set big 25-13, and sealed the win with a second set score of 25-19. The Aces played those three matches in a row, took a lunch break, and came back to face Grayville. The girls stayed on top defeating Grayville in a quick match 25-10, 25-9. The final match of the day the Aces faced Lawrenceville. The first set score 25-19 the Aces liked better than the final two, 18-25, 6-15. Lawrenceville rallied after the first set loss, and I think it came down to them wanting it more than the Aces. At the end of a long day the team was losing some focus and we just couldn’t get the win.
Stats by for the Aces were Mattie Armstrong 38 assists, 40 digs, 3 aces, Jayla Johnson 2 aces, 12 kills, 18 digs, 1 assist, 3 blocks, Maycee Randall, 4 aces, 20 kills, 11 blocks, 1 assist, 1 dig, Tenley Davis 8 aces, 39 digs, 12 assists, Lyla Keepes 2 aces, 16 kill, 26 digs, 1 assist, 1 block, Kyleigh Smith 13 kills, 4 digs, 6 blocks, Tensley Dunlap 22 kills, 3 digs, 4 blocks, Avery Coston 2 kills, 4 blocks, Gabby Schneider 7 aces, 26 assist, 10 digs, Leah Lewis 2 kills, 1 dig, Mercedes Dillard 2 digs, Mylee Farmer 2 digs.
The Aces will be back at home tonight for Senior Night against Wayne City, JV will start at 6.
Comments by assistant coach, Bonnie Keepes.
Mt. Carmel looks to keep their playoff hopes alive tonight with a trip to Marshall to face the 4-3 Lions. Kickoff is 7pm and our pregame show starts at 6pm on WSJD-FM 100.5 & wsjd.fm
The Mount Carmel Lady Aces faced a highly ranked Norris City team Wednesday night. The Aces traveled to play the Redbirds who are currently 25-1. The Aces made many great digs the first set. They played competitively with NC, dropping the set 18-25. The second set NC really cleaned up their errors, and put the attacking hammer down taking the Aces 8-25. The Seniors at NC won State as 8th graders, making this a stacked team.
Stats for the Aces were Mattie Armstrong 3 assists, 6 digs, 1 ace, Jayla Johnson 2 kills, 4 digs, Maycee Randall, 2 aces, 3 kills, 1 block, Tenley Davis 11 digs, Lyla Keepes 1 kill, 2 digs, Kyleigh Smith 1 kill, Tensley Dunlap 2 kills, Avery Coston 1 dig, Gabby Schneider 2 aces, 4 assist, 2 digs.
The JV team played great the first set. The defense was getting up anything NC game them. They also attacked clean, winning the set 25-22. The second set NC got in some big serving runs that we struggled to pass.
They took the set 14-25. The third set it was more aggressive serving that took down the aces 7-15. Even with the loss we saw some excellent defense. We had 4 girls with over 10 digs, including Leah, Mylee, Mercedes, and Quincy. Avery led with 6 kills. The team fought hard.
Player stats Leah Lewis 15 digs, 3 kills, Avery Coston 6 kills, 1 dig, Cate Pyatt, 5 digs, 5 kills, Mylee Farmer 14 digs, Mercedes Dillard 12 digs, 1 assist, Leila Sweeney 3 digs, Quincy Keepes 10 digs, 14 assists, Ryleigh Gill 4 digs, Josie James 2 kills, Journey Loudermilk 1 dig.
The Varsity team will play in the Edwards county tournament Saturday starting at 9am.
The first match will be back against Norris City, and then Olney for pool play.
Comments by Assistant coach Bonnie Keepes
Photo Credit Nichole Loudermilk
Mt. Carmel - 4, Robinson - 8, Paris - 10, Newton - 5, Olney (Richland County) - 3, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop] - 6,
Singles:
No. 1 - Bayley Andrews, Mt. Carmel def. Emma Walker, Newton, 4-5 , -, -;
No. 1 - Kaidence Eveland, Paris def. Kate Rosborough , Robinson, 6-3 , 6-1 , -;
No. 1 - Daisy Mumford, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop] def. Jordan Piercefield, Olney (Richland County), 6-0 , 6-1 , -;
No. 1 - Jenna Hall, Newton def. Kate Andrews, Mt. Carmel, 6-0 , 6-1 , -;
No. 1 - Julia Eckerty, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop] def. Bayley Andrews, Mt. Carmel, 6-0 , 6-2 , -;
No. 1 - Ezha Biyok, Olney (Richland County) def. Kaidence Eveland, Paris, 7-6 (5), 6-3 , -;
No. 1 - Daisy Mumford, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop] def. Avery Crocker, Robinson, 6-1 , 7-5 , -;
No. 1 - Paedyn Keys, Paris def. Jenna Hall, Newton, 6-1 , 6-2 , -;
No. 1 - Ezha Biyok, Olney (Richland County) def. Julia Eckerty, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop], 7-5 , 6-3 , -;
No. 1 - Paedyn Keys, Paris def. Daisy Mumford, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop], 6-1 , 4-6 , 6-2 ;
No. 1 - Paedyn Keys, Paris def. Ezha Biyok, Olney (Richland County), 6-4 , 6-2 , -;
No. 1 - Julia Eckerty, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop] def. Daisy Mumford, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop], 7-6 (5), 6-3 , -;
No. 1 - Jenna Hall, Newton def. Emma Walker, Newton, 6-0 , 7-5 , -;
No. 1 - Avery Crocker, Robinson def. Kate Rosborough , Robinson, 6-3 , 7-5 , -;
No. 1 - Kaidence Eveland, Paris def. Jordan Piercefield, Olney (Richland County), 6-0 , 6-1 , -;
No. 1 - Kate Andrews, Mt. Carmel def. Bayley Andrews, Mt. Carmel, 3-6 , 6-1 , 10-7 ;
No. 1 - Avery Crocker, Robinson def. Jenna Hall, Newton, 6-1 , 6-3 , -;
No. 1 - Kaidence Eveland, Paris def. Kate Andrews, Mt. Carmel, 6-0 , 6-2 , -;
Doubles:
No. 1 - Olivia Watwood, Robinson - Genevieve Garrard, Robinson def. Madi Riggs, Mt. Carmel - Hazel Earnest, Mt. Carmel, 6-1 , 6-3 , -;
No. 1 - Shelby Fry, Paris - Ava Barrett, Paris def. Ella Whitacre, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop] - Jette Sauerbery, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop], 6-0 , 6-1 , -;
No. 1 - Gracie Taylor, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop] - Addison Seaton, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop] def. Beth Brocious, Newton - Lauren Gier, Newton, 6-3 , 6-1 , -;
No. 1 - Addy Strauch, Robinson - Avery Strauch, Robinson def. Summer Downen, Olney (Richland County) - Ryen Gray, Olney (Richland County), 6-1 , 6-4 , -;
No. 1 - Jailyn Hall, Newton - Olivia Sornberger, Newton def. Olivia Watwood, Robinson - Genevieve Garrard, Robinson, 6-2 , 6-3 , -;
No. 1 - Shelby Fry, Paris - Ava Barrett, Paris def. Piper Berger, Olney (Richland County) - Annara Cox, Olney (Richland County), 6-7 (5), 6-2 , 6-4 ;
No. 1 - Alivia Peach, Mt. Carmel - Ava Giese, Mt. Carmel def. Gracie Taylor, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop] - Addison Seaton, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop], 6-3 , 6-3 , -;
No. 1 - Bella Moreschi, Paris - Myah Bartos, Paris def. Addy Strauch, Robinson - Avery Strauch, Robinson, 7-6 (6), 6-7 (2), 6-1 ;
No. 1 - Jailyn Hall, Newton - Olivia Sornberger, Newton def. Shelby Fry, Paris - Ava Barrett, Paris, 6-2 , 6-3 , -;
No. 1 - Bella Moreschi, Paris - Myah Bartos, Paris def. Alivia Peach, Mt. Carmel - Ava Giese, Mt. Carmel, 7-6 (1), 6-0 , -;
No. 1 - Jailyn Hall, Newton - Olivia Sornberger, Newton def. Bella Moreschi, Paris - Myah Bartos, Paris, 6-1 , 6-2 , -;
No. 1 - Alivia Peach, Mt. Carmel - Ava Giese, Mt. Carmel def. Shelby Fry, Paris - Ava Barrett, Paris, 4-6 , 7-6 (5), 6-1 ;
No. 1 - Addy Strauch, Robinson - Avery Strauch, Robinson def. Madi Riggs, Mt. Carmel - Hazel Earnest, Mt. Carmel, 6-3 , 6-2 , -;
No. 1 - Gracie Taylor, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop] - Addison Seaton, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop] def. Ella Whitacre, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop] - Jette Sauerbery, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop], 6-0 , 6-2 , -;
No. 1 - Piper Berger, Olney (Richland County) - Annara Cox, Olney (Richland County) def. Beth Brocious, Newton - Lauren Gier, Newton, 6-2 , 3-6 , 10-7 ;
No. 1 - Olivia Watwood, Robinson - Genevieve Garrard, Robinson def. Summer Downen, Olney (Richland County) - Ryen Gray, Olney (Richland County), 4-6 , 6-4 , 10-3 ;
No. 1 - Addy Strauch, Robinson - Avery Strauch, Robinson def. Gracie Taylor, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop] - Addison Seaton, Casey (C.-Westfield) [Coop], 6-1 , 6-3 , -;
No. 1 - Olivia Watwood, Robinson - Genevieve Garrard, Robinson def. Piper Berger, Olney (Richland County) - Annara Cox, Olney (Richland County), 6-2 , 6-4 , -;
Aces two-point conversion to win the game in OT fails.
Wednesday night the JH XC team ran their Regional Meet at Salem. The course was 1.8 miles long.
In the Girls race 8th grader Ava Alka finished 2nd overall with a time of 11:36 and qualified to run at the State Meet.
In the Boys race 8th grader Eli Wilcox finished 1st place and won the Regional individually! Eli finished with a time of 11:09.
The Boys team also qualified as a team to run at the State Meet!
Eli Wilcox and Ava Alka finishes were both school records for highest finish in a Regional!
The boys and Ava will run at the State Meet in DuQuoin Oct. 18th.
