2/28/2009

Saturday, February 28 Scores

Lake Land 63 @ Rend Lake 65

Olney Central 77 @ Kaskaskia 74

Wabash Valley 82 @ Lincoln Trail 69

John A. Logan 58 @ Southeastern Illinois 72

2/27/2009

Saturday, February 28 Preview

Another night to honor those who have gave two years of dedication to their respective schools looks to provide much excitement. Wednesday night’s sophomores all left their home gym for the final time victorious. Logan, Lake Land, Olney and Southwestern all protected their home court in the final home game of the season. Saturday night, Rend Lake, Trail, Kaskaskia, and Southeastern all look to do the same and protect home court for the final time this year. All four home teams tonight are coming off losses.

Wednesday night saw Lake Land hoard off a furious comeback by the Statesmen of Lincoln Trail and player of the year candidate Huzie Hambrite hit a game winner. It saw John A. Logan and Southwestern put up 30 point victories, as well as Olney Central snapping a 21-game losing streak to the Falcons of Southeastern Illinois.

Saturday’s matchups are key matchups. Coming down to the final night of GRAC play, there will be a few matchups that have seeding implications for the Region tournament.
Here are the conference standings with Rend Lake games removed.
Southwestern Illinois 13-1
John A. Logan 10-3
Southeastern Illinois 9-4
Olney Central 7-6
Wabash Valley 5-8
Lake Land 5-9
Lincoln Trail 2-11
Kaskaskia 2-11


**Special Note**
The Region meeting will be held Sunday, March 1. I will have final tournament seeds, Player of the Year, All-Conference, All-Region, and Coach of the Year Awards to post. I will post these as soon as I receive them.

Saturday’s Matchups:
Lake Land, 16-12 (6-9) @ Rend Lake, 14-15 (4-11) (3:00PM Start)
Last Outing:
Lincoln Trail 79 @ Lake Land 81 (2-25-09)
Rend Lake 58 @ Southwestern Illinois 83 (2-21-09)
Last Meeting:
Rend Lake 65 @ Lake Land 72 (1-31-09)
Notes:
Lakers look to extend their winning streak to two after a Hambrite game winner. Hambrite who played in pain the entire game with continuing back problems put on his superman cape and put the Lakers on his back as he took over in the final 30 seconds. The Laker win ended a 6 game losing streak as they look to gain momentum into the tournament. The Warriors of Rend Lake were off Saturday and look to be reenergized as the Lakers come into town. The Lakers tournament fate is in the hands of the Warriors, not of Rend Lake but of Wabash Valley. If the Warriors lose, it forces a two way tie for 5th place and will be determined by tie breakers.

Olney Central, 19-10 (9-6) @ Kaskaskia, 11-18 (2-11) (3:00PM start)
Last Outing:
Southeastern Illinois 65 @ Olney Central 75 (2-25-09)
Kaskaskia 73 @ Southwestern Illinois 103 (2-25-09)
Last Meeting:
Kaskaskia 81 @ Olney Central 84 (1-31-09)
Notes:
Olney Central may have to hook the trailer up on the Chevy Express to carry the momentum they have following them. The Blue Knights are winners of four straight after knocking off the Falcons of Southeastern Illinois on Saturday. OCC locked up the 4th seed in the Region tournament with its win Saturday. The Blue Devils of Kaskaskia look to fight off Lincoln Trail for the 7th seed. The Statesmen play Wabash Valley at home and have been playing well. Kaskaskia needs to knock off the Blue Knights and put the pressure on Lincoln Trail Saturday night.

Wabash Valley, 19-10 (7-8) @ Lincoln Trail, 6-21 (2-11)
Last Outing:
Wabash Valley 64 @ John A. Logan 95 (2-25-09)
Lincoln Trail 79 @ Lake Land 81 (2-25-09)
Last Meeting:
Lincoln Trail 79 @ Wabash Valley 89 (1-31-09)
Notes:
An epic IECC battle as the Warriors throw some starter fluid in the Van’s in hopes they start so they can head up Highway 1 to Robinson. The Warriors who have played three of their last four games in the crispy clean-confines of Spencer Sports Center head to Trail. Lincoln Trail, believe it or not has been one of the toughest teams to play in recent games. Three of their last five games have been in overtime, and two were losses on buzzer beaters, and one was a 40 point blow-out. However, they are going to give the Warriors all they can handle and hopefully send them putting their way back down Highway 1. A Statesmen win keeps them alive in the battle for 7th while a Wabash win guarantees a 5th place finish for the Warriors.

Game of the Night:
John A. Logan, 19-8 (11-4) @ #11 Southeastern Illinois, 23-4 (11-4)
Last Outing:
Wabash Valley 64 @ John A. Logan 95 (2-25-09)
Southeastern Illinois 65 @ Olney Central 75 (2-25-09)
Last Meeting:
Southeastern Illinois 85 @ John A. Logan 76 (1-31-09)
Notes:
This matchup turns out not only to be the game of the night, but at the current time is possibly the matchup of the season. The battle for 2nd place is right here. Currently in a tie for 2nd place as far as conference rankings are concerned, although Logan holds a one-game lead for 2nd place in the Region rankings. Logan is coming off a 30-point win over the Warriors of Wabash Valley, while Southeastern dropped its 3rd straight road game on Saturday night. The Falcons come back to the comforts of home and look to force a tie for second in the Region rankings and gain some momentum going into the tournament.

2/25/2009

Wednesday, February 25 Scores

Lincoln Trail @ Lake Land (Win on Buzzer Beater)
Kaskaskia 72@ Southwestern Illinois 102
Southeastern 65 @ Olney Central 74
Wabash Valley 64 @ John A. Logan 95

2/24/2009

Wednesday, February 25 Preview

This time of year is a tough one throughout the basketball world. College and high school seniors will put on their home white jerseys and take their final trip around the floor in front of their home crowd. In our case, it’s the Sophomore’s time to shine. These men have not given four years to each of our programs, but their impression is none-the-less a lasting one. Some are here for one year, some for two and for some, even three years have been spent in the junior college trenches. On the buses, or in some cases the vans. In front of thousands or maybe just hundreds, these fine young men have gave their all. You do not see these athletes on Sportscenter. You do not see them on ESPN Big Monday. You do not see them on FSN ACC Sunday. You do not see them in the big dance. YET! So take note, tip your hats, and remember the names of the men who wear their respective GRAC school uniforms in a gym near you for the final time. If you get a chance, come out early, stay late, just say thanks.
Wednesday night brings sophomore night to Carterville, Mattoon, Olney and Belleville as these schools play their final regular season game. For some it may be their last, for some it may be the final step of this part of a long journey. Many have played it, few have made it. Good luck to all the sophomores as we head into this final week of regular season, and thank you for all the memories.

Wednesday Matchups:
Lincoln Trail, 6-20 (2-12) @ Lake Land, 15-12 (5-9)
Last Outing:
Lincoln Trail 53 @ Southeastern Illinois 78 (2-21-09)
Lake Land 76 @ Olney Central 78 (2-21-09)
Last Meeting:
Lake Land 58 @ Lincoln Trail 71 (2-9-09)
Notes:
Lincoln Trail comes off a tough road loss at Southeastern to try to take advantage of a struggling Laker team to get back in the win column. The Statesmen knocked off the Lakers in Robinson and load up the vans with high hopes. Lakers currently on a 6 game losing streak have not won since they knocked off the Falcons of Southeastern at Laker Fieldhouse on February 4th. Three of Lincoln Trail’s last four losses have been in overtime or on a buzzer beater. Minus Saturdays loss in Harrisburg, the Statesmen have been playing some good basketball and hope to leave Mattoon with a “W” on Wednesday night.

Kaskaskia, 11-17 (3-11) @ #6 Southwestern Illinois, 27-2 (14-1)
Last Outing:
Kaskaskia 88 @ Wabash Valley 100 (2-21-09)
Rend Lake 58 @ Southwestern Illinois 83 (2-21-09)
Last Meeting:
Southwestern Illinois 77 @ Kaskaskia 54 (1-29-09)
Notes:
The Blue Devils of Kaskaskia travel to face the # 6 team in the country. Coach Hancock and the Devils have been hanging tough and fighting throughout the GRAC season but have struggled to put wins on the board. They travel to Belleville looking to be the first team to knock off the Blue Storm in their own building. With Southeastern Illinois’ loss at Wabash Valley on Saturday and the Blue Storms win at Logan, Coach Campo and the boys locked up at least a share of the conference championship. With one more win, the Blue Storm captures the outright title for the second straight year.

Southeastern Illinois, 23-3 (11-3) @ Olney Central, 18-10 (8-6)
Last Outing:
Lincoln Trail 53 @ Southeastern Illinois 98 (2-21-09)
Lake Land 76 @ Olney Central 87 (2-21-09)
Last Meeting:
Olney Central 71 @ Southeastern Illinois 90 (2-9-09)
Notes:
Southeastern has been one of the many Blue Knight nemeses over the years. The Blue Knights have not beaten the Falcons in over a decade. The red hot Blue Knight team hopes to break that streak on Sophomore night, and keep their winning ways going. Winners of three straight, Coach Burris and the boys have locked in a spot in the 4 – 5 game. The only thing left to determine is whether they will be wearing the white or blue. The Falcons of Southeastern look to get back into the win column on the road. Losers of three straight road games the Falcons look to extend their winning streak against the Knights.

Game of the Night:
Wabash Valley, 19-9 (7-7) @ John A. Logan, 18-8 (10-4)
Last Outing:
Kaskaskia 88 @ Wabash Valley 100 (2-21-09)
Southwestern 82 @ John A. Logan 80 OT (2-18-09)
Last Meeting:
John A. Logan 110 @ Wabash Valley 108 2 OT (2-9-09)
Notes:
Coach Sparks loads up a smoking hot Warrior team in the Ford E350’s and heads to Carterville to play a well rested John A. Logan squad who had Wednesday off. The Warriors keep battle despite their multiple overtime games. Three of their last four games have gone into at least single overtime. Coming off their win against the Falcons of Southeastern they look to keep climbing the standings and creeping towards the Blue Knights of Olney Central. John A. Logan coming off the bye on Saturday looks to regroup after a loss at Southwestern. They are now only one game behind a Southeastern team who has struggled to find the win column on the road. Wednesday night is a big matchup for both teams as they are both only one game behind the team in front of them.

2/21/2009

Saturday, February 21 Scores

Kaskaskia 88 @ Wabash Valley 100

Lincoln Trail 53 @ Southeastern Illinois 98

Rend Lake 58 @ Southwestern Illinois 83

Lake Land 76 @Olney Central 87

2/20/2009

Saturday, February 21 Preview

Overtime anyone???? Wednesday night’s action was loaded with extra time. Possibly the wildest night of the year saw three of four road teams win, a 4 point win, two overtime games and a double overtime thriller. Rend Lake traveled to Kaskaskia and returned with a four point win. Southwestern Illinois fought off a tough John A. Logan team in Carterville, Wabash Valley knocked off #8 ranked Southeastern Illinois and Olney Central’s Jared Rehmel hit a game winning three in double overtime.
Hopefully Saturday night can bring as much excitement to the GRAC as we head into the final three nights of conference play. Who will finish where and who will get hot going into the Region tournament.

Saturday’s Matchups:
Kaskaskia, 11-16 (3-10) @ Wabash Valley, 18-9 (6-7)
Last Outing:
Rend Lake 72 @ Kaskaskia 68 (2-18-09)
Southeastern Illinois 83 @ Wabash Valley 91 OT (2-18-09)
Last Meeting:
Wabash Valley 91 @ Kaskaskia 78 (1-24-09)
Notes:
Kaskaskia travels to Mt. Carmel coming off of a tough loss at home to the Warriors of Rend Lake. The Blue Devils look to get off their current two game skid against a team that is battling hard despite fatigue. Three of the Warriors last four games have gone into overtime, including a double overtime loss at home against John A. Logan. The Warriors leave their vans in the barns for their third straight home game. Can the Warriors build off of their overtime win over Southeastern and keep reeling into the tournament?

Lincoln Trail, 6-19 (2-11) @ #8 Southeastern Illinois, 22-3 (10-3)
Last Outing:
Olney Central 112 @ Lincoln Trail 109 2OT (2-18-09)
Southeastern Illinois 83 @ Wabash Valley 91 OT (2-18-09)
Last Meeting:
Southeastern Illinois 67 @ Lincoln Trail 63 (1-24-09)
Notes:
Lincoln Trail loads up the Chevy Charters and travel to Harrisburg to try to end their current 3 game skid. The Statesmen have been one of the toughest cookies in this second half of the league. Their last three losses have included a 5 point overtime loss against Southwestern Illinois, a one-point buzzer-beating loss at Rend Lake, and a double overtime thriller with the Blue Knights of Olney Central. Southeastern looks to find their way back into the win column. Losers of two straight, the Falcons look to regain their composure and fight off the Volunteers who are not far behind in the standings.

Rend Lake, 14-14 (4-10) @ #6 Southwestern Illinois, 26-2 (13-1)
Last Outing:
Rend Lake 72 @ Kaskaskia 68 (2-18-09)
Southwestern Illinois 82 @ John A. Logan 80 OT (2-18-09)
Last Meeting:
Southwestern Illinois 66 @ Rend Lake 64 (1-25-09)
Notes:
The Warriors look to avenge an early season loss to the Blue Storm. Southwestern barely came out of Ina on January 25th with a 2-point win. The Warriors coming off a big road win at Kaskaskia hope to be the first team to knock off the Storm in Belleville. Campo’s boys are still creeping up the standings and have now found themselves in the #6 spot.

Game of the Night:
Lake Land, 15-11 (5-8) @ Olney Central, 17-10 (7-6)
Last Outing:
Lake Land 74 @ Southwestern Illinois 88 (2-16-09)
Olney Central 112 @ Lincoln Trail 109 2OT (2-18-09)
Last Meeting:
Olney Central 78 @ Lake Land 88 (1-24-09)
Notes:
A huge game for both teams as the Blue Knights and Lakers compete for the #4 spot in the region tournament. The Lakers smacked the Blue Knights in Mattoon in January, and the Knights look to avenge that loss. The Blue Knights currently hold a one game lead over Wabash Valley and a two game lead over Lake Land. The Lakers are looking to get back on the winning track as they load up the charter and head south to Olney. Coach Brown has dealt with some mid-season injuries that have hindered the Lakers. With the return of Player of the Year Candidate, Huzie Hambrite, the Lakers hope to find the win column and calm Blue Knight Nation.

2/18/2009

Wednesday, February 18 Scores

Olney Central 112 @ Lincoln Trail 109 2OT

Rend Lake 72 @ Kaskaskia 68

Southeastern Illinois 83 @ Wabash Valley 91 OT

Southwestern Illinois 82 @ John A. Logan 80 OT

Wednesday, February 18 Preview

A Monday night set of games that found only one home team on celebrating, and that was because of a buzzer beater. The road teams seemed to be the dominating force in the GRAC on this particular night. Conference leading Southwestern Illinois handed the Lake Land Lakers only their second home loss of the season, meanwhile losing Chris Hines for Wednesday night’s matchup with John A Logan. John A. Logan also extended its winning streak to 6 while calming the Blue Storm of Kaskasia in Centralia. The Blue Knights of Olney Central also jumped back on the win train, or in the IECC case, the Victory Vans as they stole one from district foe Wabash Valley. The only team that couldn’t pull off the road win was Lincoln Trail who got stunned by a buzzer beater to fall 74-73.
Wednesday night brings more excitement as the season draws to a close and tension builds. The top three seeds seem to be locked up, minus who holds which one, but the 4-8 seeds are up in the air. With the OCC win Monday night and a LLC loss, the Blue Knights gained a little breathing room for 4th. With Lake Land off tonight and Wabash at Lincoln Trail the Blue Knights wish to keep creating space. While at the top Southwestern and Logan battle it out in Carterville.

Update: New njcaa.org poll; Southwestern Illinois #6, Southeastern Illinois #8

Wednesday’s Matchups:
Olney Central, 16-10 (6-6) @ Lincoln Trail, 6-18 (2-10)
Last Outing:
Olney Central 82 @ Wabash Valley 68 (2-16-09)
Lincoln Trail 73 @ Rend Lake 74 (2-16-09)
Last Meeting:
Lincoln Trail 77 @ Olney Central 85 (1-21-09)
Notes:
This IECC matchup seems to be a good one. The Blue Knights will hop in the Chevy Express on their way to Robinson looking for something they haven’t seen in a LONG time. With a win tonight the Blue Knights will sweep the IECC regular season schedule. After beating the Warriors of Wabash Valley Monday they look to extend their winning streak to 2. Lincoln Trail has been one of the hottest teams in the lower half. Winning two of last four and one loss coming on a buzzer beater in Ina. These teams matchup really well and both rely on great guard and wing play. Look for a high scoring affair.

Rend Lake, 13-14 (3-10) @ Kaskaskia, 11-15 (3-9)
Last Outing:
Lincoln Trail 73 @ Rend Lake 74 (2-16-09)
John A. Logan 85 @ Kaskaskia 77 (2-16-09)
Last Meeting:
Kaskaskia 87 @ Rend Lake 83 (1-21-09)
Notes:
Rend Lake comes into this game after breaking a 7 game losing streak on a buzzer beater to beat Lincoln Trail. The Devils on the other hand after falling to the Volunteers of John A. Logan look to get back in the win column. Coach Wills and the boys of Rend Lake are no pushover. The Warriors are the type of team capable of knocking off anyone on any given night. Two games behind a struggling Laker team from Lake Land, the Blue Devils hope to finish strong and maybe sneak into the 6th spot. Keep your eye on Coach Hancock’s squad down the stretch.



#8 Southeastern Illinois, 22-2 (10-2) @ Wabash Valley, 17-9 (5-7)
Last Outing:
Southeastern Illinois 71 @ Southwestern Illinois 79 (2-14-09)
Olney Central 82 @ Wabash Valley 68 (2-16-09)
Last Meeting:
Wabash Valley 72 @ Southeastern Illinois 84 (1-21-09)
Notes:
Both coming off losses the Falcons travel to Mt. Carmel to try to regroup after falling to #9 Southwestern. The Warriors fought hard early in the game in Harrisburg, but fell short in the second half. Coach Sparks will have the boys in red fired up and ready to respond after falling to district foe, Olney Central Monday night. Coach Todd Franklin was not happy with the way his guys played on Saturday night in Belleville, look for the Falcons to recover and be on a mission tonight against the Warriors.


Game of the Night:
#6 Southwestern Illinois, 25-2 (12-1) @ John A. Logan, 18-7 (10-3)
Last Outing:
Southwestern Illinois 88 @ Lake Land 74 (2-16-09)
John A. Logan 85 @ Kaskaskia 77 (2-16-09)
Last Meeting:
John A. Logan 76 @ Southwestern Illinois 82 (1-21-09)
Notes:
#1 vs # 3. Logan winners of 6 straight, SWIC winners of 9 straight. SWIC 2 games ahead of Logan. Chris Hines suspended for SWIC. ENOUGH SAID!!!

2/16/2009

Monday, February 16 Scores

John A Logan 85 @ Kaskaskia 77

Southwestern Illinois 88 @ Lake Land 74

Lincoln Trail 73 @ Rend Lake 74

Olney Central 82 @ Wabash Valley 68

2/15/2009

Monday, February 16 Preview

The Hallmark Holiday didnt disappoint as # 9 beat # 4 atop the standings along with Wabash moving up the standings, OCC and Lake Land still struggling as we go down the home stretch and another week that features the rare monday night matchups.

Mondays Matchups:
John A. Logan, 17-7 (9-3) @ Kaskaskia, 11-14 (3-8)
Last Outing:
John A. Logan 83 @ Olney Central 59 (2-14-09)
Lake Land 69 @ Kaskaskia 76 (2-14-09)
Last Meeting:
Kaskaskia 86 @ John A. Logan 96 (1-19-09)
Notes:
Both teams enjoyed W's on Saturday night and look to battle it out Monday nigt in Centralia. After beating the Blue Knights on Saturday the Volunteers extended their lead over 4th place to 3 games. Kaskakia broke out of their losing spell and knocked off a struggling Laker team.

Lincoln Trail, 6-17 (2-9) @ Rend Lake, 12-14 (2-10)
Last Outing:
Southwestern Illinois 83 @ Lincoln Trail 78 (2-11-09)
Wabash Valley 105 @ Rend Lake 102 2OT (2-14-09)
Last Meeting:
Rend Lake 64 @ Lincoln Trail56 (1-19-09)
Notes:
The battle for 8th place has been owned by Rend Lake for most of the year. With the bye and a Rend Lake loss Saturday night, Lincoln Trail found itself looking down on someone for the first time all year. Rend Lake looks to take the 8 spot back and no better time to do it than against the Statesmen and in their own gym. Shouldbe a great battle as Cottens boys are playing hard and trying to gain momentum for March.

Southwestern Illinois, 24-2 (11-1) @ Lake Land, 15-11 (5-7)
Last Outing:
Southeastern Illinois 72 @ Southwestern Illinois 79 (2-14-09)
Lake Land 69 @ Kaskaskia 76 (2-14-09)
Last Meeting:
Lake Land 57 @ Southwestern Illinois 67 (1-19-09)
Notes:
The Blue Storm coming off their big win Saturday night agains the Falcons of southeaster, have to regroup and get back to work. The Lakers however, who are 11-1 in Laker Fieldhouse look to get back in the win column.. Losers of 4 straight try to hang on to the battle for 4th place. Will Lake Land join the winner of the Chevy Express bowl to stay in the top half?

Chevy Express Game of the Night:
Olney Central, 15-10 (5-6) @ Wabash Valley, 17-8 (5-6)
Last Outing:
John A. Logan 83 @ Olney Central 59 (2-14-09)
Wabash Valley 105 @ Rend Lake 102 (2-14-09)
Last Meeting:
Wabash Valley 71 @ Olney Central 77 (1-19-09)
Notes:
The Blue Knights load up the Chevy Expresss' along with their 3 game losing streak and head down the road to IECC foe the Wabash Valley Warriors.. The only think hotter than the black marks left by the CE, are the Warriors. Creeping up the standings and going into two double over time games. The Blue Knights have been struggling as of late, but all three losses have came from the top three teams in the standings. Should be a great monday night match up to head up the February air, not that this rivalry needs any added fire. But the fuel this year is the two way tie for 4th place. Who will break out of the bottleneck and gain some breathing room.

Saturday, February 14 Scores

Southeastern Illinois 72 @ Southwestern Illinois 79
Lake Land 69 @ Kaskaskia 76
John A. Logan 83 @ Olney Central 59
Wabash Valley 105 @ Rend Lake 102 2OT

2/13/2009

Saturday, February 14 Preview

Happy Valentines Day oh wait, WHO CARES??? The "Hallmark Holiday" will not be thought about in southern Illinois Saturday night because there is GRAC Basketball to be played. Action that will set your heart on fire so quick that Cupid will blush. Another exciting Wednesday night leads into some key mid-conference matchups. With Lake Land falling to Wabash, the Blue Knights took a half game lead over the Lakers for sole possesion of fourth place. Southeastern and Southwestern both won but were battled to overtime. John A Logan stole one of Cupids arrows and shot it through the heart of Rend Lake. With matchups that include #1 vs #2, or in a national point of view, #4 vs #9; #3 vs #4 the excitment will be at an all time high on Saturday night. So grab your box of chocolates, or in our case a bag of popcorn, and a soda, sit back and let the games begin.

Hallmark Holiday Matchups:
Lake Land, 15-9 (5-6) @ Kaskaskia, 10-14 (2-8) 3:00PM
Last Outing:
Lake Land 79 @ Wabash Valley 86 (2-11-09)
Kaskaskia 62 @ Southeastern Illinois 67 OT (2-11-09)
Last Meeting:
Kaskaskia 78 @ Lake Land 83 (1-17-09)
Notes:
Both the Lakers and the Blue Devils have seen better stretches than what they are going through right now. Kaskaskia has dropped 5 straight while Lake Land, without two starters, has lost 2 straight. One of the streaks will end Saturday night in Centralia. Which one will come out of Cupids Chokehold for a W.

Wabash Valley, 15-8 (4-6) @ Rend Lake, 12-13 (2-9) 8:00PM
Last Outing:
Lake Land 79 @ Wabash Valley 86 (2-11-09)
Rend Lake 64 @ John A. Logan 96 (2-11-09)
Last Meeting:
Rend Lake 84 @ Wabash Valley 86 (1-17-09)
Notes:
Coach Sparks loads up the IECC vans with his smoking hot Warrior team and heads to Ina to face Coach Wills and his Warrior squad. The Warriors knocked off the Lakers of Lake Land, and lost a close game in double overtime to Logan. They look keep Rend Lake from breaking their 6 game losing streak. However, the Warriors of Rend Lake are not one to lay down for just anyone. They are a team known for not backing down from a challenge and laying down.

John A. Logan, 16-7 (8-3) @ Olney Central, 15-9 (5-5) 7:30PM
Last Outing:
Rend Lake 64 @ John A Logan 96 (2-11-09)
Olney Central 71 @ Southeastern Illinois 90 (2-9-09)
Last Meeting:
Olney Central 56 @ John A Logan 87 (1-17-09)
Notes:
The Blue Knights look to regain some pride after the smack down Coach Imhoff and the boys put on them in Carterville. Losers of two straight Coach Burris and Blue Knight Nation look to regain momentum into the home stretch of the conference season. The Volunteers of Logan and winners of four straight look to keep the streak alive and keep making room between theirselves in 3rd place and the Blue Knights and Lakers in 4th.

Cupids Game of the Night:
#4 Southeastern Illinois, 22-1 (10-1) @ #9 Southwestern Illinois, 23-2 (10-1) 3:00PM
Last Outing:
Kaskaskia 62 @ Southeastern Illinois 67 OT (2-11-09)
Southwestern Illinois 87 @ Lincoln Trail 78 (2-11-09)
Last Meeting:
Southwestern Illinois 74 @ Southeastern 82 (1-17-09)
Notes:
Not only the best matchup in the GRAC, but possibly the best matchup in the country Saturday night. These two top ten teams battle it out for the second time this season. Both 10-1 in the league, these two school have battled for the top spot for the last two or three years. Southwestern and the Harrington gang look to get a little pay back from the 8 point loss in Harrisburg in mid-January. Both coming off overtime thrillers, they look to keep up their winning ways. Anyway you have it there is only going to be one number 1 when Sunday morning rolls around. Who will Cupid fall in love with and shoot with his infamous arrow.

2/11/2009

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Southwestern Illinois 83 @ Lincoln Trail 77

Lake Land 79 @ Wabash Valley 86

Kaskaskia 63 @ Southeastern Illinois 67

Rend Lake 64 @ John A Logan 96

Wednesday, February 11 Preview

Monday night brought not only excitement throughout the GRAC, it also brought points. The high scoring affair in Mt. Carmel itself post 218 points total, while Southeastern posted its 3rd highest scoring output of the season by scoring 90. Lincoln Trail dropped in 71 while picking up its second straight league win over the Lakers of Lake Land. Olney Central and Lake Land stayed tied in 4th place even though both faltering Monday night. Meanwhile, Southeastern regained the lead over Southwestern, and Logan improved their lead over 4th place to 2 games. Tuesdays National ranking polls also had a shift with Southeasterns loss. They dropped to 4th place while Southwestern creeps up a little more coming in at the number 9 spot. Wednesday night will bring no less excitement as always.
Wednesday Night Matchups:

Rend Lake, 12-12 (2-6) @ John A. Logan, 15-7 (7-3)
Last Outing:
Rend Lake 53 @ Southeastern Illinois 63 (February 7, 2009)
John A. Logan 110 @ Wabash Valley 108 2OT (February 9, 2009)
Last Meeting:
John A Logan 54 @ Rend Lake 56 (January 14, 2009)
Notes:
The Warriors coming off a tough 2 point loss Saturday night to SWIC, now have to travel to a Volunteer team riding an emotional high. The 110-108 double overtime game against Wabash Valley put 2 games of seperation between John A Logan in 3rd place and the two teams tied for 4th. The Volunteers hope to maintain or even build on that lead while rend lake is hanging on trying to stay above a hot Lincoln Trail team

Kaskaskia, 10-12 (2-7) @ #4 Southeastern Illinois, 21-1 (9-1)
Last Outing:
Kaskaskia 45 @ Lincoln Trail 64
Olney Central 71 @ Southeastern Illinois 90
Last Meeting:
Southeastern Illinois 75 Kaskaskia 66 (January 14, 2009)
Notes:
A struggling Kaskaskia team travels to a determined Falcon crew. Franklins Falcons upset coming off a loss and a drop two places in the national rankings are looking to prove they are still one of the best teams in the country. In proving so they dropped 90 points against Olney Central Monday night. Kaskaskia has dropped 4 in a row and look to regain some momentum, however Harrisburg is a tough place to do so.

#9 Southwestern Illinois, 22-2 (9-1) @ Lincoln Trail, 6-16 (2-8)
Last Outing:
Southwestern Illinois 66 @ Rend Lake 64
Lake Land 58 @ Lincoln Trail 71
Last Meeting:
Lincoln Trail 56 @ Southwestern Illinois 95 (January 14, 2009)
Notes:
Southwestern, who just found out they are now a top 10 team in the country, travel to Robinson to face a very confident and hot shooting Lincoln Trail Team. Coach Cotten has the Statesment firing on all cylinders as they make the second half run in the GRAC. Coach Campo has his boys playing well also. The Blue Storm put a hurting on the Statesmen in their first meeting this season and Lincoln Trail has definitely not forgot.

Game of the Night:
Lake Land, 15-8 (5-5) @ Wabash Valley, 14-8 (3-6)
Last Outing:
Lake Land 58 @ Lincoln Trail 71
John A Logan 110 @ Wabash Valley 108 2 OT
Last Meeting:
Wabash Valley 83 @ Lake Land 92 (January 14, 2009)
Notes:
A hot Wabash Valley team hosts a stuggling Laker squad. The Lakers, losers of two straight, have been battling without two starters. According to the JG-TC, Hambright is back. Coach Brown hopes his return will spart the Lakers and help them return to their winning ways. Wabash Valley a team that is improving more and more everyday, hopes to hold off the Lakers, as they bounce back from a disappointing double overtime loss.

2/10/2009

Monday, February 9 Scores

John A Logan 110 @ Wabash Valley 108 (2OT)

Olney Central 71 @ Southeastern Illinois 91

Lake Land 58 @ Lincoln Trail 71

2/08/2009

Monday, February 9 Preview

Following another eventful Saturday in GRAC play, 4 teams jump back into action Monday night for make up games from Wednesday January 18 snow cancellations. Saturday Night John A Logan broke a game ahead of the 3 way tie, leaving Lake Land and Olney Central still neck and neck in fourth. Lincoln Trail came away victorious for the first time in conference play and the top two teams stayed strong and came away with wins. Here is a look at Monday nights matchups.

John A Logan, 14-7 (6-3) @ Wabash Valley, 14-7 (3-5)
Last Outing:
John A Logan 70 @ Lake Land 61
Wabash Valley 78 @ Southwestern Illinois 83
Last Meeting:
Wabash Valley 87 @ John A Logan 84 (February 2, 2008)
Notes:
The Warriors were off Saturday night while the Volunteers traveled to Mattoon to be the first team to drive away from Laker Fieldhouse with a win. Now they have to refocus and travel to Mt. Carmel against a Warrior crew that is buying into what Coach Sparks is selling and starting to gel. Should be a good matchup and another classic GRAC battle.

Olney Central, 15-8 (5-4) @ Southeastern Illinois, 20-1 (8-1)
Last Outing:
Southwestern 92 @ Olney Central 79
Rend Lake 53 @ Southeastern Illinois 63
Last Meeting:
Olney Central 50 @ Southeastern Illinois 80 (February 23, 2008)
Notes:
The Blue Knights travel to Harrisburg to battle a tough Falcon Squad. The Knights are coming off of a tough 13 point loss to the Blue Storm of Southwestern on Saturday night, while the Falcons knocked off the Warriors of Rend Lake. The Falcons 1 game removed from their first loss of the season try to start a new streak. The Knights struggled from the floor Saturday night and hope to find their shooting touch in Harrisburg while looking for a half game lead over the Lakers of Lake Land for 4th place.

Lake Land, 15-7 (5-4) @ Lincoln Trail, 5-16 (1-8)
Last Outing:
John A. Logan 70 @ Lake Land 61
Kaskaskia 45 @ Lincoln Trail 64
Last Meeting:
Lake Land 85 @ Lincoln Trail 72 (Febraury 27, 2008)
Notes:
Thanks to the snow, the timing of this recheduled matchup looks to be an interesting one. With Lake Land suffering a tough home loss to the Volunteers of John A Logan, they immediately hit the road to Robinson. The Statesmen are about to play a game from an unfamiliar situation tonight, following a conference win. Coach Cotten led the Statesmen to their first conference win of the season beating Kaskaskia Saturday night. The Lakers look to rebound while the Statemen look to build and try to find some late season momentum.

Saturday February 7 Scores

Kaskaskia 45 @ Lincoln Trail 64
Rend Lake 53 @ Southeastern 63
Southwestern Illinois 63 @ Rend Lake 53
John A Logan 70 @ Lake Land 61

2/06/2009

Saturday, February 7 Preview

Saturday Matchups:(All 7:30 Starts)
Kaskaskia, 10-12 (2-6) @ Lincoln Trail, 4-16 (0-8)
Last Outing:
Kaskaskia 76 @ Vincennes 90
Lincoln Trail 51 @ John A. Logan 71
Last Meeting:
Lincoln Trail 80 @ Kaskaskia 82
Notes:
Lincoln Trail is still looking for their first win of the conference season while the Blue Devils of Kaskaskia are looking to end a 3 game skid. Lincoln Trail battled the Devils in early January and look to build on that in Robinson this Saturday night.

Rend Lake, 12-11 (2-7) @ # 2 Southeastern IL, 19-1 (7-1)
Last Outing:
Olney Central 80 @ Rend Lake 73
Southeastern IL 65 @ Lake Land 75
Last Meeting:
Southeastern 78 @ Rend Lake 66
Notes:
The Warriors and the Falcons will both be ready to get back on the court for some rebound action on Saturday. With both teams are coming off tough losses from Wednesday night everyone will be ready to draw first blood. Southeastern suffered their first loss of the season to the Lakers of Lake Land while the Blue Knights of Olney Central knocked off the Warriors. The first matchup of the season between these two teams was a battle and nothing less is expected Saturday evening.

# 11 Southwestern IL, 21-2 (8-1) @ Olney Central, 15-7 (5-3)
Last Outing:
Olney Central 80 @ Rend Lake 73
Wabash Valley 78 @ Southwestern IL 83
Last Meeting:
Olney Central 68 @ Southwestern IL 81
Notes:
Southwestern recently slipped into a half game lead over the Falcons of Southeastern with a win over Wabash Valley in Belleville. They have also been creeping up the National Standings jumping from 14 to11 this past week. The Blue Knights riding a two game conference winning streak, something that havent been able to say in recent years, look to keep building and climbing. The Blue Knights are involved in the 3 way log jam for third place and look for a win and to force a two way tie for 3rd and not 4th. The Blue Storm are carrying a 6 game win streak into "The Dungeon".

Game of the Night:
John A. Logan, 13-7 (5-3) @ Lake Land, 15-6 (5-3)
Last Outing:
Lincoln Trail 51 @ John A. Logan 71
Southeastern IL 65 @ Lake Land 75
Last Meeting:
Lake Land 61 @ John A. Logan 63
Notes:
The Lakers coming off of a big win Wednesday night against the number 2 ranked Falcons look to continue their winning ways against The Volunteers. Saturday Nights matchup is an important one because Lake Land and John A Logan are currently in a three way battle for third place with the Blue Knights of Olney Central. The two teams will try to form some seperation between each other in what is set to be another epic Great Rivers matchup. The Volunteers also look tokeep their winning ways and do something that no other team has done this season, beat the Lakers in Laker Fieldhouse. The Lakers are currently 11-0 at home.

2/04/2009

Wednesday, February 4 Scores

Lincoln Trail 51 @ John A Logan 71

Wabash Valley 78 @ Southwestern Illinois 83

Olney Central 80 @ Rend Lake 73

Southeastern 65 @ Lake Land College 75

2/03/2009

Tuesday February 3, GRAC News

Last Nights Score:
Volunteer State 68 @ Wabash Valley 107... Wabash improves to 15-6 on the season remaining at 3-4 in GRAC play.

Wednesday Night Action:
The GRAC jumps back into action Wednesday night after an eventful Saturday Night. With Lake Land and Olney Central both pulling out home wins they continue to be neck and neck both improving to 4-3. However, with is loss to Southeastern, John A Logan also dropped to 4-3 creating a three way log jam for 3rd place 2 whole games behind the Blue Storm of Southeastern.
As we start the second half of the GRAC the excitment only heightens. No longer are you seeing teams for the first time. Adjustments are to be made and teams are looking to avenge early losses or build on early wins. Wednesday night opens up the second time thru and here are Wednesday nights matchups and game previews.

John A. Logan, 12-7 (4-3) @ Lincoln Trail, 4-15 (0-7)
Last Outing:
John A. Logan: Southeastern Illinois 85 @ John A. Logan 76
Wabash Valley: Lincoln Trail 79 @ Wabash Valley 89
Last Meeting:
Lincoln Trail 59 @ John A. Logan 76 (1-7-09)
Notes:
The Volunteers travel to Robinson looking to form some seperation in the 3rd place log jam. After losing their last two games Coach Imhoff and the Volunteers look to get back on the right track. Meanwhile the Statesmen are still looking for their first conference win. They have battled tough night in and night out but are still looking for the edge to put them into the Win column.

Wabash Valley, 15-6 (3-4) @ Southwestern Illinois, 20-2 (7-1)
Last Outing:
Wabash Valley: Volunteer State 68 @ Wabash Valley 107
Southwestern Illinois: Southwestern Illinois 77 @ Kaskaskia 54
Last Meeting:
Southwestern Illinois 83 @ Wabash Valley 69 (1-7-09)
Notes:
The Warriors are one of the hottest teams in the league. Since their tough loss to Southeastern Illinois on January 21st they have reeled off 3 straight wins included Monday nights 107-68 win over Volunteer State. They have look revived and ready to make a push in the second half. Southwestern Illinois is coming off the bye Saturday night are fresh and ready to attack and try to make a run atop the GRAC Standings. With both teams playing an uptempo game, Wednesday night should be a good battle and an exciting game to watch.

Olney Central, 14-7 (4-3) @ Rend Lake, 12-10 (2-6)
Last Outing:
Olney Central: Kaskaskia 81 @ Olney Central 84
Rend Lake: Rend Lake 65 @ Lake Land 72
Last Meeting:
Rend Lake 94 @ Olney Central 96 2OT (1-7-09)
Notes:
The Blue Knights coming off a close win against Kaskaskia look to continue their winning ways as they travel to Ina. Rend Lake however, coming off of a tough road loss remember the game they let slip away to start the year. The double overtime battle at OCC in early January was a tough one to swallow for the Warriors. Wednesday nights matchup should be a great one.

Game of the Night:
Southeastern Illinois, 20-0 (7-0) @ Lake Land, 14-6 (4-3)
Last Outing:

Southeastern Illinois: Southeastern 85 @ John A. Logan 76
Lake Land: Rend Lake 65 @ Lake Land 72
Last Meeting:
Lake Land 68 @ Southeastern 79 (1-7-09)
Notes:
Another tough road game for the already tested Falcons as they travel to Mattoon. The loss at Harrisburg left a tough taste in the mouths of the Lakers as they look to avenge the loss and keep their perfect (10-0) record at home. Meanwhile the Falcons still battling for the number 1 spot in the country look to continue their winning streak and bump it up another notch to 21. Another epic GRAC matchup as these teams look to battle it out Wednesday night.

Special Notes:
Saturdays win at John A Logan marked Coach Todd Franklin's 300th win in only his 12th season at the helm of the Falcons of Southeastern Illinois. Congratulations go out to Coach Franklin and his players for this accomplishment.

Also Coach Jay Harrington of Southwestern Illinois recently notched his 600th career win.. Congratulations to Coach Harrington as well.