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  Ironmen Set the Tone Early, Hold Off Panthers at Normal Community The crowd inside Normal Community High School may have been sparse, but the message delivered by the Ironmen was anything but quiet. From the opening tip, Normal Community seized control and never bothered to hand it back, dispatching United Township 67–57 in a game that was decided more by pace and poise than by the final margin. Normal Community came out crisp, confident, and comfortable in its own gym. Shots fell early and often, and by halftime the Ironmen had built a commanding 32–16 advantage. The Panthers, meanwhile, spent most of the first half chasing rebounds, chasing shooters, and chasing a rhythm that never quite arrived. The Ironmen looked like a team that knew exactly where it wanted to go—and how to get there. Credit United Township for refusing to fold. The third quarter belonged to the Panthers, who tightened defensively and finally found some daylight at their own end of the floor. Holding Normal ...

   Knights Stand Tall in Heart of Illinois Road Win Graphics by Alan Look Photography Under the bright lights of the Heyworth gymnasium on Tuesday night, the Fieldcrest Knights demonstrated why they are a force to be reckoned with in the Heart of Illinois Conference. Entering the contest on the heels of a dominant performance against Dwight, the Knights maintained their composure and clinical execution to secure a 54–40 victory over the Heyworth Hornets. The win further solidifies the Knights’ standing as they navigate a demanding early-season schedule. The contest was defined by Fieldcrest’s ability to control the tempo and capitalize on high-percentage opportunities. From the opening tip, the Knights established a physical presence in the paint, making every possession difficult for the Hornets’ offense. While Heyworth fought to find their rhythm in front of a supportive home crowd, the Knights' defensive rotations proved too disciplined to crack. By the second half, Fieldcr...

  Saints and Raiders Ignite the Shirk Center in Intercity Showdown The atmosphere at the Illinois Wesleyan University Shirk Center was electric on Wednesday night as the 2025 Bloomington-Normal Intercity Basketball Tournament continued with a doubleheader featuring the  Bloomington Central Catholic Saints  and the  Bloomington High Purple Raiders . In a night that showcased the depth of talent in McLean County sports, the hardwood battle highlighted the fierce rivalry and community spirit that defines high school basketball in the heartland. The evening opened with the  Bloomington Central Catholic girls basketball  team making a resounding statement against their crosstown rivals. The Saints, led by the dynamic play of standout Emme Hurie, controlled the tempo from the opening tip to secure a convincing 51-28 victory over the  Bloomington High Purple Raiders . The Saints' defensive intensity was the story of the...