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   LeRoy Makes a Statement in Rivalry Win Over Heyworth       Photos by  Alan Look Photography Rivalry games rarely need extra fuel, but with the end of the regular season looming and postseason positioning very much in play, Friday night’s boys varsity showdown between  LeRoy and the Heyworth Hornets  had the feel of something bigger than a typical February game. The Hornet Nest was buzzing well before tip. A larger-than-normal crowd filled the gym, bolstered by families of young cheerleaders who packed the stands ahead of their halftime performance after a pregame cheer camp. The energy was real, the noise constant, and the stage set. The junior varsity contest did little to foreshadow what was coming. Heyworth controlled the JV game comfortably, opening the bench with more than two minutes remaining and rolling into “everyone plays” mode well before the final horn. Then the varsity teams took the floor—and everything changed. From the opening p...

   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...

 Peoria Lions Outrun the Ironmen in a Hard‑Charging, Heartland Showdown Photos by Alan Look Photography There are nights in Illinois high school basketball when the gym feels less like a venue and more like a broadcast booth waiting for Harry Caray’s voice to boom through it. Last night’s Peoria Lions vs. Normal Ironmen matchup was one of those nights—loud, fast, physical, and brimming with the kind of Midwest determination that Caray would have stretched into a full‑throated spectacle. From the opening tip, the Lions pushed the tempo with a confidence that suggested they wanted the game played on their terms. They attacked the floor in long, punishing strides, turning rebounds into runway‑length sprints and forcing the Ironmen to defend in transition more often than they preferred. The pace wasn’t just quick—it was relentless, the kind of up‑tempo surge that wears on legs and tests discipline. Normal, known for its structured sets and half‑court execution, found itself wrestling w...