High School Sports | MyStateline.com

Doby, Dixon take NIC-10's top honors in boys basketball

Scott Leber — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 22:35:48 +0000

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF)--The All-NIC-10 boys basketball team was officially released Friday for the 2022-23 season.

Guilford senior Mekh Doby was named the conference's MVP. The Coach of the Year is Chris Dixon, the head coach of NIC-10 champion Guilford.

Following is a complete list of the all-conference picks as selected by the head coaches of the NIC-10 schools.

ALL-NIC-10 FIRST TEAM
Adrian Agee-Auburn senior
Aedan Campos-Boylan senior
Mekhi Doby-Guilford senior
Carl Harris-East senior
Matthew Hoarde-East senior
Brennan Horton Lee-Auburn senior
Isaiah Houi-Hononegah junior
Malachi Johnson-Guilford junior
Dedric Macon-Freeport junior
Deandre Young-Harlem senior

SPECIAL MENTION
Adam Brown-Belvidere North junior
Rakim Chaney-Auburn junior
Dane Dailing-Harlem senior
Randy Johnson-Jefferson-junior
Antonio Lewis-East senior

Belvidere North's Nick Winters signs with UW-La Crosse

Regan Holgate — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 04:04:15 +0000

BELVIDERE, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF) — Belvidere North linebacker Nick Winters has signed with The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.

Winters was the NIC-10's defensive player of the year last season. He was also named Honorable Mention All-State.

He helped the Blue Thunder post a 7-2 record, which tied for second in the conference.

UW-La Crosse is a successful NCAA DIII program. Nick's older brother, Aaron, already plays there.

"They always come in ranked top 25 in DIII," said Winters. "A very good program. They always go to the playoffs every year, and a very solid coaching staff, so they work hard over there.

Players/coaches announced for the annual Rising Stars Classic all-star games

Scott Leber — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 19:34:01 +0000

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF)--The high school basketball season isn't over just yet in the Rockford area. There are still two more games to be played.

The annual Rising Stars' All-Star Classic will return next month. Top senior players from around the area will square off in a doubleheader. A team of NIC-10 girls stars will play a team of area stars in the first game. That will be followed by the NIC-10 boys stars playing a team of area stars from surrounding schools.

Both games will once again be played at Rock Valley College on Saturday, April 15. The girls' game will begin at 5 p.m. and the boys' game will begin at 7 p.m.

Tuesday morning a panel of media members met to select this year's teams. Following is a list of those teams. There are ten players on each team. Players and coaches are subject to change based on their availability.

NIC-10 GIRLS STARS
Maggie Schmidt-Boylan
Reniyah Shirley-Freeport
Avery Green-Guilford
Lindsey Knuth-Guilford
Sydney Donaldson-Guilford
Grace Vyborny-Harlem
Nikki Harrison-Harlem
Emma Clark-Hononegah
Breacia Carter-Hononegah
TaMya Sago-Jefferson
COACH: Michael Jamerson-Guilford

AREA GIRLS STARS
Ella Grundstrom-Byron
Ava Kultgen-Byron
Harvest Day-Dixon
Ella Govig-Dixon
Tianna Esser-Lena-Winslow
Sydney Carlson-Lutheran
Sydney Driscoll-River Ridge/Scales Mound
Avery Demo-Rockford Christian
Evyn Carrier-Sycamore
Campbell Schrank-Winnebago
COACH: Eric Yerly-Byron

NIC-10 BOYS STARS
Adrian Agee-Auburn
Brennan Horton Lee-Auburn
Ethan Andre-Belvidere North
Aedan Campos-Boylan
Antonio Lewis-East
Matthew Hoarde-East
Carl Harris-East
Elijah Richmond-Freeport
Mekhi Doby-Guilford
Dane Dailing-Harlem
COACH: Chris Dixon-Guilford

AREA BOYS STARS
Owen Greenfield-Forreston
Josh Bunting-Genoa-Kingston
Blake Broege-Lutheran
Walt Hill Jr.-Lutheran
Korbin Gann-Pecatonica
Kevion Cummings-Rockford Christian
Jacob Duerr-Scales Mound
Leorence Kostka-South Beloit
Alex Rahn-Stillman Valley
Ray Maruchie-Winnebago
COACH: Matt Stucky-South Beloit

Harlem's Grace Vyborny signs with Rockford University to compete in two sports

Scott Leber — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 00:00:29 +0000

MACHESNEY PARK, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF)--Rockford University's athletic department is getting two great athletes in one. Harlem High School senior Grace Vyborny has signed with the Regents to compete in both women's volleyball and women's basketball.

Vyborny has shined in both sports at Harlem. In the recently completed basketball season she was named First Team All-NIC-10. She averaged 12.8 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. She also holds some school records including the best field goal percentage in a season (53.7%), and the most ofensive rebounds in a game (14).

She has started on varsity three years at Harlem scoring 970 points and grabbing 740 rebounds.

Vyborny is looking forward to further developing her basketball and volleyball skills at the next level. "It makes me super excited knowing that I can develop my skills on and off the court, and I actually, I love the game so much, so it's an honor just to be able to play in my hometown too, so I get to have all my fans come and watch."

Rockford area basketball players named to IBCA Boys' All-State Teams

Scott Leber — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 18:28:05 +0000

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF)--Several Rockford area basketball players have been named to the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA) All-State Teams for the just completed 2022-23 season. Following is a list of those players. Congratulations gentlemen!

IBCA BOYS ALL-STATE PICKS (2022-23)

CLASS 1A
Thomas Hereau-Scales Mound Junior-First Team
Baylen Damhoff-Fulton Junior-First Team
Ross Robertson-South Beloit Sophomore-Second Team
Korbin Gann-Pecatonica Senior-Third Team
Charlie Weigel-Scales Mound Senior-Third Team
Ethan Price-Fulton Senior-Third Team
Cooper Hoffman-Pecatonica Sophomore-Special Mention

CLASS 2A
Walt Hill Jr.-Rockford Lutheran Senior-First Team
Ray Maurchie-Winnebago Senior-Second Team
Christian Cummings-Rockford Christian Sophomore-Second team
Vontez Dent-Rockford Lutheran Junior-Third Team

CLASS 3A
No local players selected.

CLASS 4A
Adrian Agee-Auburn Senior-Special Mention
Mekhi Doby-Guilford Senior-Special Mention

Rockford area basketball players earn boys' All-State honors from the AP

Scott Leber — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 21:21:47 +0000

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF) — Several Rockford area basketball players have been recognized by the Associated Press for their outstanding seasons by receiving All-State honors.

Leading the way is Rockford Lutheran senior guard Walt Hill Jr. He was named to the All-State Second Team. Hill averaged 22.7 points, five assists and more than two steals per game for a Crusaders team that went undefeated in the Big Northern Conference and won a Sectional Championship.

Also, in Class 2A, Rockford Christian sophomore guard Christian Cummings was named Honorable Mention All-State. Cummings averaged 21 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 4.1 steals per game for a Royal Lions team that finished the season with a 29-3 record.

In Class 1A, South Beloit sophomore center Ross Robertson received All-State Honorable Mention from the AP. Robertson averaged 22.6 points, 14.2 rebounds and three blocked shots per game while leading the SoBos to 27 wins and a Regional Championship.

Pecatonica senior Korbin Gann also received All-State Honorable Mention for Class 1A. Gann averaged 12.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.3 blocked shots and 1.2 steals for a Pecatonica team that won a school record 30 games and a Regional Championship.

Fulton junior Baylen Damhoff and Scales Mound junior Thomas Hereau were named to the 1A All-State Second team. Damhoff averaged 20.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game for a Fulton team that won 26 games and a Regional Championship. Hereau averaged 16.7 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2 steals per game for a Hornets' team that will play for the 1A State Championship Saturday.

No Rockford area players in Class 3A or 4A received enough votes for All-State honors from the AP.

Former Belvidere football coach Doug Chapman dies

Scott Leber — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 04:07:21 +0000

BELVIDERE, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF)--This has been a sad day for folks connected with Belvidere High School. They've learned that former Belvidere football coach and administrator Doug Chapman has died. He passed away last week at the age of 83.

Chapman was the Bucs' head football coach for five seasons from 1970-1974. His '72 team had a record of 8-1. His '74 team went 8-2 and it made the playoffs.

Chapman was also Belvidere's athletic director from 1977-1992.

Auburn ousted by #1 Lisle Benet Academy at NIU Super-Sectional

Scott Leber — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 05:47:18 +0000

DEKALB, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF)--The NIU 4A Super-Sectional left the Auburn Knights feeling anything but super. On this night they were no match for Illinois' #1 ranked Class 4A team Lisle Benet Academy. The Knights lost to the Redwings 67-33.

Rakim Chaney knocked down a three-point shot right off the bat for Auburn, but it was pretty much all downhill from there. The Redwings' used their size and leaping ability to throw down dunks, and to swat away Auburn shots. The Redwings knocked down shots from behind the arc. Most importantly the Redwings didn't let the Knights turn the game into a track meet.

Auburn finishes its season with a record of 23-13. Benet Academy improves to 34-1. The Redwings will head to Champaign this weekend.

For highlights, watch the media player above.

Lutheran Crusaders lose a one-point heartbreaker at Sterling

Scott Leber — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 05:38:16 +0000

STERLING, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF)--There are heartbreaking postseason losses, and there are HEARTBREAKERS. This one was the latter for Rockford Lutheran. The Crusaders came up a point short Monday night at the 2A Sterling Super-Sectional losing to Taylor Ridge Rockridge 60-59.

The Crusaders were down one point as the final seconds ticked away. They had the ball in the hands of their All-State guard Walt Hill Jr. Hill rushed a deep three-point shot from the sideline while well-defended. It struck the front of the rim and bounced away and with it so went the Crusaders' season.

This is the second straight year they've been ousted from the Super-Sectional in Sterling by Rockridge. The Crusaders final record is 26-10.

For highlights watch the media player above.

Scales Mound returning to State; Hornets win Super-Sectional

Scott Leber — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 05:30:10 +0000

DEKALB, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF)--The smallest public school in Illinois is making this State basketball thing look easy. Scales Mound, a high school with an enrollment of 70 students, has a basketball team returning to the IHSA Class 1A State Tournament for the second straight year.

The Hornets defeated Chicago Marshall for the second straight year at the NIU Super-Sectional Monday night 60-56.

The Hornets replenished their lineup with an entirely new starting five this season, and they haven't missed a beat.

In this game Thomas Hereau was high scorer with 23 points. Jacob Duerr scored 15 and Charlie Weigel added ten. Jonah Driscoll also nailed a pair of big three-pointers.

Scales Mound will play in the 1A semifinals in Champaign Thursday morning at 11:45 against Tuscola.

For highlights watch the media player above.

Byron Lady Tigers bring home a state runner-up trophy

Scott Leber — Sun, 05 Mar 2023 03:49:58 +0000

NORMAL, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF)--The Byron Lady Tigers gave it their best shot, but they came up short Saturday against a taller Breese Mater Dei team in the Class 2A State Championship game at Illinois State University.

Mater Dei's 6-5 sophomore center Alyssa Koerkenmeier towered about the Tigers. She scored 16 points in the first half helping Mater Dei grab a six-point lead. Koerkenmeier finished the game with 23 points. She also had 14 rebounds and a whopping ten blocked shots.

Mater Dei freshman Amelia Beer added 13 points.

Byron was outrebounded 43-32. The Lady Tigers shot only 26.7% from the field (16-60) due largely to Koerkenmier's defensive pressence in the paint.

Freshman guard Macy Groharing led Byron in scoring with 14 points. Senior All-State forward Ava Kultgen sored 12 points and Karsyn Bielskis added ten.

Byron ends its season with a record of 34-3.

For highlights and postgame reaction, watch the media player above.

'Overtime' March 3, 2023

Scott Leber — Sat, 04 Mar 2023 08:05:48 +0000

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF)--Regan Holgate and Scott Leber bring you their latest episode of 'Overtime.' A look at all that's happening in girls' and boys' high school basketball in the Rockford area.

This show includes highlights of Rockford Auburn, Rockford Lutheran and Scales Mound clinching sectional championships.

We catch up with the Byron Lady Tigers at the girls' 2A State Tournament. We bring you a look at the local girls who received All-State honors this week from the Associated Press. We feature Rockford Lutheran point guard Walter Hill Jr. in our Spotlight Segment. We also bring you some moving images from this basketball season, and we list our 'Terrific Trios', our top three picks for the best players in our area for boys and girls.

To view this episode, watch the media player above.

Images of the high school basketball season in the Rockford Region

Scott Leber — Sat, 04 Mar 2023 07:19:58 +0000

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF)--There's nothing like the fast-paced action of high school basketball, but sometimes to truly appreciate what happens on the court you have to slow things down, way down.

That's what we did. We made some snapshots of the season that's now wrapping up. To view our video, watch the media player above.

'Overtime' spotlight: Lutheran's Walt Hill Jr.

Scott Leber — Sat, 04 Mar 2023 07:12:29 +0000

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF)--Walt Hill Jr. has never lost a Big Northern Conference game in his four varsity seasons with the Rockford Lutheran Crusaders.

The All-State point guard makes playing basketball look effortless whether he's driving to the basket, leading a fastbreak or knocking down shots behind the arc.

Friday night had had a 19-point fourth quarter en route to a 35-point game leading the Crusaders to a 2A Sectional Championship in Johnsburg against Aurora Christian.

We shouldn't be surprised. Basketball runs in the Hill family. Walt Hill Sr. was a standout player for Rockford's Boylan Titans in the 1990s.

This week we feature Hill Jr. in our 'Overtime' spotlight segment. Watch the media player above to view this story.

Chaney's 30-point explosion ignites Auburn's Sectional Championship victory

Scott Leber — Sat, 04 Mar 2023 06:52:54 +0000

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF)--There's something about playing on Rockford Jefferson's court that brings out the best in Rockford Auburn junior guard Rakim Chaney. Last year he came up big in a regional championship game there. Friday night he played even bigger in the Knights' 69-59 Sectional Championship win against St. Charles East.

Chaney drilled three quick three pointers early in the first quarter to help the Knights jump out to a 17-8 lead after the first quarter. The Knights stretched that lead to 33-15 at halftime. They lead by 20 points much of the second half, before St. Charles East got hot from behind the arc in the fourth quarter to close the gap to ten points.

Chaney finished the game with a career-high 30 points. He made six three-point baskets in all.

"It felt really good," said Chaney. "I love playing on this court, especially after the first regional title. It just felt good stepping back here every time I get here. Like I said, in warmups it felt good, and in the game after the first shot it kept flowing."

Give credit to some great effort on the defensive end by the Knights for the win too. They've come up with back-to-back great defensive efforts in this Sectional.

"The guys did a great job, really came through," said head coach Bryan Ott. "The pressure once again I think, relentless pressure got them out of rhythm."

For the Knights, it's their first sectional championship in seven years. Auburn's record improves to 23-12. The Knights advance to the 4A NIU Super-Sectional Monday night in DeKalb. They will face Lisle Benet Academy a team with a record of 33-1. That game will tip off at 7:30.

For highlights of this Sectional Championship game, watch the media player above.

Walter Hill Junior's 19-point fourth quarter leads Lutheran to Sectional Championship

Scott Leber — Sat, 04 Mar 2023 06:41:57 +0000

JOHNSBURG, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF)--Walt Hill Jr. has had an incredible basketball career at Rockford Lutheran High School. He doesn't want it to end just yet.

Friday night he extended it by scoring 19 points in the fourth quarter and 35 total points in the game leading the Crusaders to a 65-58 win against Aurora Christian to capture the 2A Johnsburg Sectional Championship.

The win advances the Crusaders to the Sterling Super-Sectional Monday night against Taylor Ridge Rockridge.

For highlights of the Crusaders Sectional championship watch the media player above.

Scales Mound survives Fulton; advances to NIU Super-Sectional

Scott Leber — Sat, 04 Mar 2023 06:34:59 +0000

LANARK, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF)--For the second straight year the Scales Mound Hornets are headed to the NIU Super-Sectional. They defeated Fulton Friday night 50-46 at the 1A Eastland High School Sectional.

The Hornets are returning to NIU with an entirely new starting five this season. Their record is 31-5. Monday night they'll face Chicago Marshall in a rematch of last year's Super-Sectional that was won by Scales Mound 55-34.

For highlights of this game against Fulton watch the media player above.

Byron Lady Tigers to play for the state championship

Scott Leber — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 00:48:18 +0000

NORMAL, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF)--The Byron Lady Tigers continue their dominant postseason run. Thursday afternoon their won their Class 2A State semifinal game against Chicago Butler Prep 55-43.

The Lady Tigers led 22-13 at halftime after taking command in the second quarter by outscoring Butler 12-2. Byron opened up a 17 point lead in the third quarter before Butler made a run, but the Lady Tigers stayed poised and closed the deal.

For Byron head coach Eric Yerly, it's always been about more than wins or losses. It's about the journey, and that journey has led them to the state championship game.

"We had some tough times and we had some adversity and we learned from our mistakes, and that's typically what we do is teach growth and peak at the end of the season and you're seeing it now."

Senior Ava Kultgen again led Byron in scoring with 17 points, but she had a lot of help. Freshmen Macy Groharing and Malia Morton each scored 10 points. Senior Ella Grundstrom added 14 rebounds and seven assists.

"When I know I'm not scoring a lot, like I'm missing my shots, I have other roles to play and that turned into rebounding in the second half and that's what really led us to the bigger lead," said Grundstrum. "I find roles that aren't being taken care of and fill them instead of scoring the most points."

"We told them we felt like we were getting good shots," said Yerly. "I just slow down a little bit because we were rushing them because of the speed of the gam,e and once we got a couple to fall, I think we got more confidence. I'm just happy for the kids and really pleased at our community, I think we broke over into the other section and filled ours up. Outstanding representation for the Byron community.

"I couldn't ask for a better way to go out," said the senior Grundstrom. "You know losing last year in the sectional final against Winnebago, I mean they were a great team, but to be here my senior year along with my best friends is the way to go out."

The Byron girls came into this season arguably as one of the underdogs, but it's pretty amazing what a little chip on the shoulder can do. Now just one game stands between them and another 2A state title. They will play for the championship on Saturday at 12:45 against Breese Mater Dei. Mater Dei knocked off defending 2A state champion Quincy Notre Dame in the other semifinal game 61-54.

Local basketball players earn girls' AP All-State honors

Scott Leber — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 05:35:38 +0000

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF)--Several local girls in the Rockford area have received All-State Basketball honors from the Associated Press. Following is a list of them.

             AP GIRLS ALL-STATE 2022-23

1A
First Team-Galena Soph. Gracie Furlong 5-10 18ppg, 6.2 rbs., 5 steals, 3.1 assists
HM-Orangeville Jr. Whitney Sullivan 6-3 14ppg, 11rbs., 3 assists, 3 steals, 4 blocks
HM-Orangeville Soph. Laney Cahoon 5'7 16ppg, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 6 steals

2A
First Team-Byron Sr. Ava Kultgen 6-1 17.1ppg, 6.1rbs., 2.5 steals. FG 59%
HM-Bago Sr. Campbell Schrank 5-9 16.1ppg, 7.2 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 assist
HM-Stillman Jr. 6-1 Mya Janssen 12.2ppg, 10.7 rbs., 2.1 steals FG 56.8%,
She had 21 double-doubles. Career: 949pts., 913 rebounds, 178 blocks.

3A
HM-Boylan Jr. 6-2 Lily Esparza 13.7ppg, 9.7rbs., 2.7 blocks, 2.1 steals, 2 assists
HM-Sycamore Sr. 6-4 Evyn Carrier 16.7ppg, 9.4rebs., 2 blocks.
HM-Sycamore Jr. 5-8 Lexi Carlsen 12.1ppg, 4.1 assists, 5.3 rebounds, 2.7 steals

4A
HM-Guilford senior 6-0 Lindsey Knuth 13.7ppg, 8 rebounds.

Auburn punches a ticket to the Sectional Finals with win over Hampshire

Scott Leber — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 04:59:53 +0000

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF)--Three postseason games, all three in the win column so far for the Auburn Knights. They will continue to represent the NIC-10 in IHSA tournament play after defeating Hampshire 61-40 Wednesday night at the 4A Jefferson Sectional in a semifinal game.

The Knights had only a slim lead at halftime, but they dominated the second half. They improve their record to 22-12. They'll meet Huntley in the sectional championship game Friday night at Jefferson.

For highlights watch the media player above.

Lutheran advances to Sectional Championship game at Johnsburg

Scott Leber — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 04:41:20 +0000

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF)--The Rockford Lutheran train keeps chugging along on the IHSA postseason tracks. The Crusaders whipped Lombard Montini 65-46 Wednesday night in a semifinal game at the 2A Johnsburg Sectional.

As an added bonus, senior Blake Broege scored his 1,000th career point for the Crusaders during the game.

Lutheran is now 25-9. The Crusaders will play Aurora Christian Friday night in the Sectional Championship game. Aurora Christian is the team that knocked Rockford Christian out at the Genoa-Kingston Regional.

For highlights of this game watch the media player above.

Central and big man Drew Scharnowski too much for Boylan

Scott Leber — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 04:25:54 +0000

BURLINGTON, Ill. (WTVO/WTVO)--It's safe to say the Boylan Titans haven't seen a big man all season quite like Central High School's Drew Scharnowski. Scharnowski helped lead a dominant effort and Boylan's season ended with a 65-33 loss at the 3A Burlington Sectional.

Scharnowski has signed with Division I Belmont University in Nashville, but this young man looks like he could play in the Big Ten or another Power 5 Conference school. He's all of 6'9. He was blocking shots, bringing the ball up the court, and knocking down shots from the perimeter. Scharnowski only scored 16 points, but that was all the Rockets needed in the blowout.

The Rockets led 42-14 at halftime. They advance to Friday's Sectional Championship game against Huntley. Boylan ends its season with a record of 22-12.

Boylan celebrates Netavia Wickson's state wrestling championship

Scott Leber — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 00:20:48 +0000

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF)--It was time for some celebrating at Boylan High School Wednesday afternoon before classes dismissed for the day. The student body turned out in the gymnasium to recognize state wrestling champion Netavia Wickson. They showered her with cheers and applause.

Wickson won the 135 pound championship last Saturday at the IHSA Girls' State Wrestling competition in Bloomington. She dominated her weight class allowing only one point to an opponent the entire tournament.

Wickson became the first girl from Rockford to win a state championship in high school wrestling. She appreciated the support from her school.

"It just felt great seeing everyone cheering for me and supporting me knowing that they were rooting for me," said Wickson. "It felt great to have that big support system from my school.

And what does it mean to her to have made Rockford wrestling history?

"It means a lot. I can't believe that I just like made history."

Wickson went 11-5 competing against boy wrestlers during the regular season. She went 8-0 competing against girls for an overall record of 19-5. She's only a junior, so she'll pursue another state championship next year.

NOTE: Hononegah's Angelina Cassioppi and Freeport's Cadence Diduch also won girls IHSA state wrestling championships last weekend.

Byron Lady Tigers follow in the footsteps of their heroes

Scott Leber — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 05:08:42 +0000

BYRON, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF)--The Byron Lady Tigers will be competing at State this weekend in Normal. Byron going to State has a familiar ring to it.

That's because the Lady Tigers won back-to-back state championships in 2016 and 2017. The stars of those teams were Lexi Devries, Paige Holloway and Bailey Burrows. They had the same head coach that they have now in Eric Yerly.

Watching those teams very closely at State were this year's current seniors. They were in middle school at the time. They dreamed of following in the footsteps of those older Byron players. Now, here they are, doing exactly that.

"I was right there in the stands watching them," said current Byron senior Brittyn Bielskis. "They were definitely my role models, and I'm so glad that would could finally bring Byron back to State."

"I was in the stands, and we all knew that one day we could get here if we really tried," said senior Ella Grundstrom.

Current Byron senior Ava Kultgen also was in the stands as a youngster watching those State games. "Most of us we went and watched them down there at Redbird Arena, and we saw what it was like. It was super cool for us, and we've got the young kids here as well too watching us, and we just want to make an impact on them."

Yerly says it's a cycle of success that helps make basketball programs great.

"I told the kids yesterday they don't realize what they're doing to keep our program going. There's a bunch of little eyes that are in the stands that you guys see, and it wasn't too long ago that they were those kids."

Byron will play in the 2A State Semifinals Thursday at 2:30 at Illinois State University. Their opponent will be Chicago Butler.

Pecatonica's season ends with loss to Fulton

Scott Leber — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 04:33:57 +0000

LANARK, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF)--Pecatonica's first ever Sectional Tournament wins in boys' basketball remains elusive. The Indians again weren't able to secure it Tuesday night. They lost to Fulton 62-51 at the 1A Eastland Sectional.

Pecatonica trailed the entire game. The Indians struggled with their perimeter shooting from start to finish.

They finish their season with a school record 30 wins and five losses. Fulton improves to 25-9. The Steamers will play in the championship game Friday night against the winner of Wednesday's semifinal between South Beloit and Scales Mound.

For highlights of this game, watch the media player above.

Byron Lady Tigers claim Super-Sectional win and a trip to State

Scott Leber — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 05:32:43 +0000

ELGIN, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF)--For the third time in eight years Byron will have a team playing in the IHSA Class 2A Girls State Basketball Tournament. Monday night the Lady Tigers earned a trip to Normal and the Final Four by defeating DePaul College Prep 52-45 to win the Elgin Community College Super-Sectional.

The Lady Tigers led throughout the game, but they were only up by four points with 3:28 to play. But they made just enough free throws down the stretch, and they continued to play solid defense to hang on for the win sending some Byron students spilling onto the court as the girls received their Super-Sectional plaque.

Freshman Macy Groharing scored 21 points for Byron. Senior Ava Kultgen was next with 18 points.

"I think we put in a lot of work to get to this moment," said Byron senior Ella Grundstrom. "We knew this could happen if we put our minds to it."

Groharing said the Lady Tigers kept their poise throughout the game. "(Coach) Yerly talked to us before about how you need to stay calm. You don't want to get amped up because if you get amped up you usually will probably go down. Towards the end of the game, you will lose all your energy, so we just stayed calm the whole game."

"Oh it means everything," said Brittyn Bielskis of the trip to State. "This has been our goal since the beginning, but we were taking it one step at a time, and by the end of the day we really executed this game, and I couldn't be prouder of our teammates for getting the job done."

"It's so exciting," said Kultgen. "We've been working the last four years us seniors, really just putting in the time to get where we are today."

Byron, which is ranked #3 in the State in 2A will play in the state semifinals Thursday at Illinois State University against #4 ranked Chicago Noble/Butler. That game is scheduled for a 2:30 p.m. tipoff. The other 2A semifinal following that game will have #1 Quincy Notre Dame playing Breese Mater Dei.

For highlights of Byron's Super-Sectional win watch the media player above.

Rockford East students and faculty celebrate Camden Taylor's state championship

Scott Leber — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 05:05:50 +0000

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF)--It's not often East High School is able to celebrate a state champion in any sport, so students and faculty members weren't about to pass on a chance to do that Monday afternoon.

At the end of the school day they filled the gymnasium to honor senior swimmer Camden Taylor for winning a state championship in the 100 freestyle Saturday in Westmont. His winning time set a new IHSA state record. Taylor also finished second in the 200 freestyle with a time that was the fifth fastest in state history.

Taylor is the first state champion in swimming from East High School in 59 years. I asked him if what he accomplished on Saturday had sunk in yet.

"Yea, it's definitely sunk in. I never really thought this would happen, but now just, I did it and it just feels surreal."

Do you feel like you swam a perfect race that 100 freestyle?

"It was almost perfect, but it definitely felt good."

Not surprisingly, Taylor is being recruited by major college swimming programs across the country including Tennessee and USC.

Lutheran advances to sectional with win over Elgin St. Edward

Regan Holgate — Sun, 26 Feb 2023 04:19:45 +0000

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF) — The Lutheran Crusaders hosted their 2A regional final Saturday night against Elgin St. Edward.

Lutheran won 76-60.

The Crusaders move on to the Johnsburg Sectional Championship Wednesday at 7 p.m. against Montini.

For highlights watch the media player above.

East falls in regional final to Huntley

Regan Holgate — Sun, 26 Feb 2023 04:17:20 +0000

ROCKTON, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF) — The E-Rabs traveled to Hononegah Saturday night for the 4A regional championship against Huntley.

East started out slow, they went into the second half down six. They would climb their way back, but lose in a heartbreaker 49-48.

They end the season at 22-12.

For highlights watch the media player above.

Rockford Christian's season comes to an end against Aurora Christian

Regan Holgate — Sun, 26 Feb 2023 04:05:33 +0000

GENOA, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF) — Rockford Christian met with Aurora Christian in the 2A Genoa-Kingston Regional Saturday night.

The Royal Lions narrowly lost 53-51. They end the season at 29-3.

For highlights watch the media player above.

Rockford East's Camden Taylor captures state title in state record time

Scott Leber — Sun, 26 Feb 2023 03:22:09 +0000

WESTMONT, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF)--Rockford has a new state champion in the swimming pool. Rockford East senior Camden Taylor is the guy.

The 6-9 Taylor is a generational swimmer. He showed that a couple weeks ago when he finished claiming every NIC-10 record in every individual swimming event. Saturday he came up big again at the IHSA swimming and diving meet.

Taylor competed in two events. First was the 200 freestyle. He had the second best time coming into the finals. He started great and led almost the entire race, but Champaign Central's Noah Miller passed him up in the final 25 yards. Taylor settled for second place by 17 hundredths of a second.

2-and-a-half hours later it was time for Taylor's second and final event, the 100 freestyle, his best event. He had the top time coming into the finals. Taylor started clean, took the lead from the start, and he never gave it up.

He claimed the state championship. Even more impressively was the fact he set a new state record with a time of 43.72 seconds. That beat by one-hundredth of a second the former record which had been held by Ryan Held of Springfield. Held later went on to compete in the 2016 Olympics.

To view video of Taylor's races and to see his reaction to his win and record, watch the media player above.

Auburn grabs regional win over Guilford, 48-39

Sat, 25 Feb 2023 05:50:07 +0000

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF) — The Auburn Knights and Guilford Vikings battled it out once again Friday night. They played at the Castle for the 4A regional title.

Auburn won 48-39.

The Knights now move on to the Jefferson Sectional championship Wednesday at 7 p.m. against Hampshire.

For highlights watch the media player above.

Pecatonica celebrates regional championship, beat Dakota

Regan Holgate — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 05:47:37 +0000

ASHTON, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF) — Pecatonica and Dakota were vying for a regional title in class 1A Friday night at Ashton-Franklin Center.

Pec celebrates a regional title with a 76-31 win.

The Indians will play the winner of the Fulton Regional (Fulton/East Dubuque) on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Eastland Sectional.

For highlights watch the media player above.

SoBos card home-court win in regional championship against Christian Life

Regan Holgate — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 05:45:58 +0000

SOUTH BELOIT, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF) — The South Beloit SoBos hosted their regional championship Friday night in class 1A. They welcomed Christian Life to town.

Ross Robertson and the SoBos won 51-22 to win their regional.

They will face the winner of the Stockton Regional (Scales Mound/Sterling) on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Eastland Sectional.

For highlights watch the media player above.

Byron Lady Tigers roll into the Sectional Championship game at Winnebago

Scott Leber — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 05:54:32 +0000

BYRON, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF)--Sectional Tournament games aren't supposed to be easy. The Byron Lady Tigers sure made it look that way Tuesday night at the 2A Winnebago Sectional.

They jumped out to a 14-0 lead and rolled to a 54-23 win over an Aurora Central Catholic team that came in with a record of 26-6.

Freshman Macy Groharing led Byron with 16 points. Byron improves to 31-2 on the season. The Lady Tigers will face Big Northern Conference rival Stillman Valley in the sectional championship game Thursday night.

For highlights of this game, watch the media player above.

Stillman Valley girls advance to Sectional Championship game

Scott Leber — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 05:46:48 +0000

WINNEBAGO, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF)--The Stillman Valley girls basketball team earned its 28th win of the season Tuesday night. This one coming in the semifinals of the 2A Winnebago Sectional. The Cardinals defeated Marian Central Catholic 59-47.

That sets up an All-Big Northern Conference showdown Thursday night for the Sectional Championship between Stillman and Byron.

For highlights of this game watch the media player above.

Luke's gritty effort locks down Le-Win/Stockton's trip to Team State

Scott Leber — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 05:28:08 +0000

OREGON, Ill. (WTVO/WQRF)-- The Le-Win/Stockton PantherHawks are headed back to the Dual Team State Tournament this weekend thanks in part to a gritty effort by 152-pound wrestler Garrett Luke.

Luke took the mat for the final match of the night at the 1A Oregon Dual Team Sectional Tuesday night with the PantherHawks clingning to a 36-31 lead over Marian Central Catholic.

Luke was wrestling with a severely injured right arm. The injury happened this past weekend at the Individual State Tournament, but there was no keeping him off the mat on this night, not with so much at stake.

Luke came through delivering a win by a 12-3 decision giving the PantherHawks a 40-31 victory. They will head back to State in Bloomington this weekend.

Luke described what it was like waiting for that decisive final match knowing his team's fate was in his hands.

"It's really nerve-wracking you know, if you don't win the whole season could be over, but in the end if you do win it makes it all worth it."

Luke says he might have ligament damage in his right arm. He'll probably have an MRI done this week, but he says this is the time of the year when wrestlers have to suck it up even when they're injured.

"Yea. We have some other guys, but I figured I'd be the right guy to do it, so you've just got to suck it up sometimes."

"What more do you want closing a match out with Garrett Luke, said Le-Win/Stockton head coach Kevin Milder. 'He's a four-time place winner. You can't ask for much more than that."

"I'm just so excited for these guys to experience a state tournament. It's just incredible."

Le-Win/Stockton will be going after its fourth team state championship this weekend. The PantherHawks previously won state in 2017, 2019, and 2021.