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   A Golden Milestone: The State Farm Holiday Coed Basketball Classic Turns 50 in Bloomington-Normal For half a century, the  State Farm Holiday Coed Basketball Tournament  has been a cornerstone of winter sports in  Bloomington-Normal , blending tradition, competition, and community into one of Illinois’ most enduring high school basketball showcases. Now celebrating its  50th year , the Classic stands as a testament to the staying power of the game and the student-athletes who give it life every December. What began as a local holiday event has evolved into a respected stage where boys and girls programs share equal spotlight, fans pack the stands, and generations of families return year after year. The Classic is more than a tournament—it’s a seasonal marker, signaling that basketball season has fully arrived in the heart of the state. Over five decades, it has built a reputation for competitive matchups, spirited crowds, and an atmosphere that feels bot...

   Saturday Night Special: Pioneers Outlast Spartans in a Defensive Grind!       Photos by  Alan Look Photography Welcome to the high school hoops scene! Despite a sparse pre-Christmas crowd, The atmosphere? Electric! The intensity? Through the roof! On Saturday night, December 20, 2025, the hardwood in Normal was the place to be as the  Pioneers of Normal University High  played host to the  Spartans of Springfield Southeast . It was a classic Central Illinois showdown—physical, determined, and a total defensive battle from the opening tip to the final horn! Right from the get-go, you knew points were going to be at a premium. Defense was the name of the game! The Pioneers? They brought the energy! Coach was leaning on that depth, using a revolving door at the scorer’s table. Wave after wave of fresh legs coming at the Spartans! It was a track meet disguised as a basketball game! U-High substituting early and often, keeping the pressure high...