Who won the 105th 2016 McLean County Tournament?

Girls bracket -
Champs - Tremont Turks

Runner up - LeRoy Panthers

3rd Place - Flanagan Cornell Woodland Falcons

4th Place - Heyworth Hornets

Boys bracket -
Champs - Ridgeview Mustangs

Runner up - LeRoy Panthers

3rd Place - Fieldcrest Knights

4th Place - Blue Ridge Knights

Click for more images from Alan Look Photography and check out the articles and photos in Best Look Magazine and the Normalite family of local newspapers.

 - chimper

When the corn isn't growing in Illinois

When the corn isn't growing in Illinois there is always basketball.  At the holiday break near the end of the year, there is always a holiday tournament somewhere in the state... in fact quite a few of them.  Many have existed for years.  Some have just a few schools.  Some are the granddaddy of them all.  The State Farm Holiday Classic is one if not the granddaddy.  The Classic (as it is known by it's shorter name to many) has been around long before State Farm was it's title sponsor.  It has grown over time but has hosted 64 teams for a good long time.  It is Co-ed wit 32 girls teams and 32 boys teams.  Most teams come from Illinois, but the past has seen other parts of the United State represented as well.

The Classic just concluded.  There will be coverage by Alan Look Photography - Bloomington - Normal's Best Look in Sports Action Photography in the Normalite Newspapers and in the February issue of Best Look Magazine.  Until then, you can enjoy this gallery of images.

2015 State Farm Holiday Classic - Chimperscage - Images by Alan Look
 - Chimper

Canon fires, Ridgeview - Blur Ridge mis-fires

Last night it was Ridgeview-Blue Ridge Mustangs at Tri Valley Vikings. My ears are still ringing from that canon. Thought the EMT's were going to have to defib me when that thing scared the breath out of me the first time they fired it!

It also intimidated the Mustangs.  As I was leaving the field in the 3rd quarter I think I heard the score announced at 68-14.   At the very least it was  a great fall evening with a distinct lake of precipitation - something new for this season!

Photo gallery below from Alan Look Photography, the Best Look in Sports Action photos in Bloomington - Normal and McLean County.  Look for coverage in the Normalite Newspapers and Best Look Magazine.



20140919 Ridgeview-Blue Ridge Mustangs @ Tri Valley Vikings Football Photos - Images by Alan Look

 - Chimper -

Bloomington Normal Sports Photos

This is Alan Look Photography's 14/15th year at being the Best Look in Bloomington Normal Sports Photos.  Alan begin this career shooting for the Normalite in December of 1999. Over the past years he has licensed many sports images to clients locally, nationally, and internationally.  He's also captured many memories from some great local high school events.  Check out what he has to offer and check back each week to see more of the best in sports action photography in McLean County.  Look him up on FaceBook and find out how to get a discount on your next order of $15 or more.

Find all the latest high school sports action here!

 - Chimper -

Illinois State Redbird Red-White Scrimmage

The 2014-15 school calendar sports season in Bloomington - Normal started off on a day that seemed cooler than it was and with a mist that so reminds us that fall isn't far off.  The cool temps were welcome on top the turf of Hancock Stadium and the mist probably kept a few away, but the band, team, fans, cheerleaders, dancers and media did get a feel for all of the elements that return every year.  The Band playing the alma mater, the lights of the one year old renovation, the droning voice on the public address system...  but wait, something is new... at the north end of the field, a new video board only slightly uglied by the renovation of the nearby water tower in the background.

Four quarterbacks are competing for the starting spot this season, including last seasons starter, Blake Winkler.  Lots of new names and faces also on hand as the freshman recruiting class comes in.  Marshaun Coprich scored the first TD.  One thing missing - the voice of the Big Red Marching Machine, Dave Colee.

ISU's first home game is the first Saturday of September.

Check www.alanlook.com again this season for all the Best Look in Bloomington - Normal sports photos. Be sure to look in the Normalite every week for Alan's images and quarterly for Best Look Magazine.



20140816 Redbird Football Scrimmage - Images by Alan Look

 - chimper -

2014 Hoic McLean County Tournament brackets

Having a hard time finding the 2014 brackets for the HOIC-McLean County basketball tournament. You are in luck.  Both Alan Look Photography and the Normalite Newspaper have them!

 - Chimper -

Fall update September 22nd

Some weeks just don't seem to have enough days and the days, not enough hours.

It's the 4th week of football season.  On the high school side, Normal Community West remains undefeated as does University High.  The University High v Prairie Central Hawks was pretty much a blow out.  I can't remember ever seeing a score of 57-6 at the half mark.  It's too bad for the Hawks, a couple less misqueues would have cut about 14 points off that figure.  It's just a matter of polish.  For the Pioneers, it's take care of the second half of the season and the results are limitless.

On the 21st of September, the Redbirds finally opened at home in the renovated Hancock Stadium.  Even if you don't plan on attending a game there, drive by and take a look at the complex.  It really compliments that campus and town.  My favorite view and I need to stop there and grab a picture is from the parking lot by the renovated Duffy Bass baseball field.

The Barker Classic was the last couple of days at the Shirk Center at Illinois Wesleyan.  Volleyball is a fun sport to watch and a pretty tough one to photograph.  I haven't looked at the results, but it's good to see the Barker Classic remain as an attraction here in the cities.


So, yes - time for the shameless plugs and links.  Be sure to check out the Normalite for coverage and go take a look at the latest issue of Best Look Magazine.  It printed in August and will have another issue in November.  Alan Look Photography, the Best Look in Sports Action Photography has some links below to several galleries and archive collections.

High School football game photos 
Illinois State Football game photos
Illinois Wesleyan Volleyball match photos

Complete archive of Bloomington Normal Sports photos from this year and past

Thanks for stopping by!
 - Chimper -

2013 Buck Buchanan watch list kind to MVC

Five players from schools in the Missouri Valley Football Conference have been added to the 2013 Buck Buchanan watch list.  Grant Olson, Caleb Schaffitzel, Tyler Starr, Colton Underwood and Marcus Williams.  All have played in Normal.

For more coverage, check out the Normalite Newspapers and Best Look Magazine.

Click for the 2013 Buck Buchanan watch list MVC gallery by Alan Look Photography

Clean slate for ISU Basketball

There were only starters and only 3 returning scholarship players left for next season after 3 starting seniors graduated in May and several other player departed.  Bryant Allen was the starter.  After a brush with the law for a couple of traffic offenses and a possession of weed charge, Allen is off the team.  All this according to reports in a local newspaper.

Bryant Allen had to be the happiest man on the court.  One could rarely find him not smiling and laughing.  Even on the bench, Allen was always up, sometimes standing up cheering and waving a towel.  He seemed just happy to be there and a part of the team.  Bryant, we will all miss the enthusiasm and energy you brought to Redbird Areana.

Bryant Allen Gallery by Alan Look Photography

Be sure to find more stories and images in Best Look Magazine and the Normalite Newspapers.

 - Chimper -

Judson looks for another opportunity

In the sports section of this mornings local daily was the announcement that Rob Judson is leaving the Basketball Redbirds after 6 successful seasons as an assistant coach.  Chimperscage, Alan Look Photography, and Best Look Magazine all wish Rob the best as he moves on to his next chapter.

Rob Judson gallery by Alan Look Photography.

Look for a more detailed story in Best Look Magazine and as always, check out the Normalite Newspaper.

 - Chimper -

Catching up with the spring of 2013

The weather this spring has bottled us up a little.  Alan Look Photography has been able to make a few events.  And there is other news to report as well.

The Illinois State University Baseball Redbirds took the Valley season, but dropped the final MVC tournament game to the Wichita State Shockers leaving them with 2nd place.  Four Illinois State players were later drafted by MLB teams.  Alan Look Photography's ISU - MLB Draft gallery is here. The four players are Chris Razo, Chad Hinshaw, Brett Kay and Eric Aguilera.

The Titans Baseball team of Illinois Wesleyan University also finished strong.  Alan Look has a gallery for the IWU Titans Baseball season.  Many players netted special recognition this season.

The Normal CornBelters have turned the standings around since last year and have led the division in the Frontier Baseball league.  Click here for Alan Look Photography's Southern Illinois Miners at Normal Cornbelter photos.

Very recently analysts have been opening up about the upcoming NBA Draft.  Not left out is Illinois State Basketball Redbirds Jackie Carmichael.  Comcast Sports analysts have Jackie pegged as an early to mid 2nd round pick.  Check out Alan Look Photographys gallery of Jackie Carmichael images.

As you know, many of Alan Look Photography's photos are available for licensing or as prints.  Also, continue to check out the coverage he provides for the Normalite Newspaper Group and his own Quarterly Sports and Leisure Magazine, Best Look Magazine.

 - Chimper -

Redbirds take Regular season, lose tournament to Wichita State

Wichita State seems to be some sort of a nemesis for Illinois State.  Twice this year being the spoiler.

The Baseball Redbirds completed the regular season with the most wins, but lost 5-2 on a miserable cold and rainy late May evening at Duffy Bass Field, walking away with 2nd in the Missouri Valley Tournament.  Still an awesome season by any reasoning.

A small gallery of images from Alan Look Photography are here:  MVC Baseball Tournament Championship Game

Alan Look Photography's complete archive of Illinois State Baseball Images are here:  2013 ISU Redbird Baseball

Be sure to check out Alan Look Photography, the Normalite Newspaper, and Best Look Magazine for all of the Best Look in Sports Action photography in Bloomington Normal and McLean County.

 - Chimper -

Carmichael to combine

Illinois State University Redbird star Jackie Carmichael has been invited to the 2013 NBA Draft Combine in Chicago on May 16 & 17.  Jackie was instrumental in the success of the Redbirds the past few season.  The Redbirds came with in points in the pre-season of the 2012-13 season of beating Louisville who eventually won the NCAA Championship.  They also were within distance of the Wichita State Shockers who were also in the final four.  Several of those games had contested calls and reprimanded referees for calls that many thought should have been in the Redbirds favor.  A reversal could have changed the landscape of he whole playoff bracket.

Jackie was also featured in a pre-season issue of Sports Illustrated and was also on the cover of Best Look Magazine, a publication of Alan Look Photography.  Look for more on Jackie as news and history is made in the Normalite Newspaper and Best Look Magazine.

Jackie Carmichael

Copyright, all Rights Reserved, Alan Look Photography

Jackie Carmichael Image Gallery

- Chimper -

Lexington Antique Tractor Show

Alan Look Photography had a nice time today at the Lexington Tractor Show on old Rt. 66 in Lexington IL.  Roger Whaley organizes the show and it is held in conjunction with the Red Carpet Corridor activities held at the various communities along the road in central Illinois.  Tractors close to 100 years old to the present are on display as are tractors of all different sizes and uses.  The exhibitors really know how to keep these in top condition.

Look for more coverage in the Normalite and in Best Look Magazine's August 2013 issue.

Lexington Antique Tractor Show Gallery


 - Chimper

Loyola joins Missouri Valley

Loyola was officially announced as a new school to the Missouri Valley Conference, bringing Porter Moser back into the Valley as a coach and into Redbird Arena, this time as a foe.  The addition was made possible by the departure of Creighton.

Can't wait for November!

Click for Images of Porter Moser

Check out Alan Look Photography, Best Look Magazine and the Normalite Newspaper for coverage of Bloomington Normal sports.

-Chimper

Upshaw leaves Illinois State

Zeke Upshaw has decided to leave the Illinois State Redbird basketball squad.  Zeke will be graduating in May.  He has a year of NCAA eligibility left.  Graduation and enrolling in a post-graduate program enables him to play next season without sitting out one season.
Images of Zeke Upsahaw

Check out images of other Illinois State Redbird athletes at Alan Look Photography and look for coverage in the Normalite Newspapers and Best Look Magazine

- Chimper

ISU women put down Mo. State

Missouri State Lady Bears were pretty trashed by Illinois State the first half of the game on March 3rd.  About 10 minutes into the game the Bears had less than 5 points on the board, the 'Birds over 20.  That allowed some play time for the Redbird Bench, which also gave the Bears an opportunity to put a few more points back on the board, but the contest was only close the first minute of the game.

Lady Bears at Lady Redbirds Photo Gallery by Alan Look.

Be sure to check for coverage by the Normalite Newspaper and Best Look Magazine.

Cody White, BHS at West, and El Paso-Gridley takes 3rd in 2a IHSA Girls

Another busy weekend finally settling down.  Don't think we are quite caught up, but all the images are worked, sent to the publisher and posted online.

Friday night at High Schools are always fun and work filled.  Adding a local celebrity appearance and the work just about doubles.  It's all good, I really enjoy seeing the local youth that I've photographed and followed make it above and beyond the high school level.  Cody White is one of those.  He was a multiple sport athlete at Normal Community West High School.  As a football Wildcat, he wore #5.  After graduation, he played for the Redbirds at Illinois State and for his senior year, he place the offensive line that allowed the fewest sacks ever in ISU history.  I believe it was 5 or 6 for the whole year.  Last year, he began the football season with the Houston Texans in the NFL.  THe first 4 games of the season he was on their practice squad.  After being approached by another team, the Texans promoted him to the regular roster.

It was also Senior night at West, so you can find images of both Cody and the senior night basketball game against BHS by clicking here - BHS Raiders at Normal West Wildcats, Cody White Night photos.

Saturday was dedicated to the IHSA Girls Basketball 2A 3rd place game between Walther Lutheran Lady Broncos and El Paso-Gridley Titans.  The first half was nip and tuck, but the Titans pulled away in the 3rd quarter to finish over the Lady Broncos at the final buzzer.  It wasn't the most physical game I've witnessed but the more than usual contact made the game exciting.  This was the Lady Titans first time to the Illinois High School Association State Finals.  Images are here:  IHSA 2A 3rd place game Walther Lutheran Lady Broncos v El Paso-Gridley Lady Titans basketball photos.

Looking is always free, but please consider supporting your local photographers.  Also be sure to look in the Normalite Newspapers for coverage and Best Look Magazine.

Others with photos from the IHSA 3rd place game are:
Jmax Photo and John Power Photography

-chimper-

Chicago Auto Show photo galleries

February isn't a month that I would call my favorite, but it does feature one of my favorite events - the Chicago Auto Show.  Presented every year for over a hundred years, the show is currently hosted by the Chicago Automobile Trade Association.  They know how to show.

The event varies a bit from year to year, mostly due to the changing of the industry and by what the builders and collectors bring in.  New vehicles are shown by most of the automakers, from large to small.  Missing are the very high end luxury models makers.  You will find the Rolls, Lams, Maseratis, Aston Martins on display, but not a large display by the maker.

The last several years, the move to show off more economical vehicles has been prevalent.  The number of large SUV's and trucks of every size have dwindled, as have the number of concept vehicles.

It's still the place to be during February for me.

Check out the photo's in the Chicago Auto Show photo gallery by Alan Look Photography.  If you don't see enough, go to his archive to see over 300 more.  Just use the search bar embedded in the gallery page and look for 2013 Chicago Auto Show!

As always, there will be coverage in the Normalite and Best Look Magazine.

-chimper-

Ironmen and Redbirds both winner this weekend

A pair of fairly handy wins for local teams this past weekend.  The Maroons of Champaign Central played at the Ironmens home of Normal Community.  The Jr. Varsity game was a one point win for NCHS, but the Varsity game had a much better cushion.  On Saturday afternoon, the Salukis of Southern Illinois University came to Redbird Arena to visit the Redbirds of Illinois State University.  It was almost a 40 point decision for the Redbirds.  The excitement lasted to the end as the Salukis recieved 2 technical fouls with less than a minute to go sendingBarry Hinson off the court with an ejection.  ISU walk on Matt Stacho saw some minutes late in the game and scored a pair of points off a lay up.


Champaign Central Maroons vs Normal Community Ironmen photo gallery

Southern Illinois Salukis vs Illinois State Redbirds photo gallery

Both photo galleries are by Alan Look Photography.  Coverage will also be provided by the Normalite and Best Look Magazine.

-chimper-