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  Best Look Magazine proudly presents the 2025 McLean County Area High School Boys Basketball All Star Photo Series, showcasing the region's most talented and dedicated young athletes. Capturing the intensity, skill, and passion of these standout players, this exclusive series celebrates the future stars of the court who have left an indelible mark on the season. Enjoy the breathtaking action shots and join us in honoring the grit and glory of McLean County’s finest in this unforgettable collection. Brock Holtz - Bloomington High School Purple Raiders!

NORMAL, Ill. — Ryan Cermak powered the Illinois State Redbirds to a 9-5 victory over the University of Illinois-Chicago Flames on Sunday, smashing two home runs in a standout performance at Duffy Bass Field. Cermak’s second homer of the game came in a pivotal moment, electrifying the crowd as he leaped onto home plate to complete his trot around the bases. The Redbirds’ offense erupted for nine runs, overwhelming the Flames in a contest that showcased Illinois State’s dominance in the matchup. The win improved Illinois State’s record as they capitalized on a balanced attack against UIC’s pitching. The Flames, despite a late rally, couldn’t close the gap, finishing the game with five runs. The Redbirds’ victory underscored their strong play in the Missouri Valley Conference, while UIC struggled to keep pace. Both teams are set to continue their seasons with upcoming conference games later this week.

  BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (AP) March 19, 2010 — The Flying Dutch of Hope College punched their ticket to the NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Championship final Friday night, defeating the University of Rochester Yellowjackets 86-75 in a hard-fought semifinal at the Shirk Center at Illinois Wesleyan. The game featured intense competition, including a moment when Hope’s Philana Greene and Rochester’s Jodie Luther wrestled for a loose ball. Ultimately, the Flying Dutch pulled away with strong offensive play and clutch shooting to secure the victory. Hope College will now advance to the championship game, looking to claim the national title.

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (March 18, 2011) — Brittany Hasselbring maneuvered around the top of the key during an NCAA women's basketball game between the Washington University Bears and the Illinois Wesleyan Titans at Shirk Center on Friday. The matchup featured intense competition as both teams fought for a spot in the next round. Hasselbring played a key role in the Titans’ offensive efforts, looking to create opportunities against Washington University's defense. Illinois Wesleyan hosted the game at Shirk Center, drawing a strong home crowd in support of the Titans.

  This Day in History: BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (March 14, 2009) — Sioux Falls Storm quarterback Mitch Tanney delivered a pass under pressure Saturday night as the Bloomington Extreme defense closed in at U.S. Cellular Coliseum. Tanney, facing an unblocked rush from defensive lineman Leif Murphy, managed to get the throw off before being hit. The Storm traveled to Bloomington for the matchup against the Extreme in the indoor football showdown. Both teams looked to gain early momentum in the season as they battled in front of a lively crowd in downtown Bloomington.

 

  From my chair, the West v Richwoods varsity boys basketball game looked closer than it ended up. West fell short on a 50-36 game. West has what seems to be an unusually young bunch of ballers with just 3 seniors on the team. Two or three of the starters for this game were sophomores and very hard working young men! Be sure to check out all this games and this seasons photos at https://alanlookphotography.zenfoliosite.com

All good things come to an end, they say.  Tri-Valley has been the HOIC football champs the past 3 years and hasn't lost a regular season game in probably as long.  It all ended last night in Downs.  Rain fell steadily during most of the game making the ball difficult to hang on to.  A fumble late in the game seemed to seal the Vikings fate. Game Photos!   More coverage in the LeRoy Leader 9-13 edition!

The first Friday in October was a pleasant change from many in September.  The air was a bit cooler and no lightning!  The Spartans of Olympia visited Hancock Stadium to take on the Pioneers of University High. It was senior night for the Pioneers. Check out the Normalite Newspapers and Best Look Magazine for game coverage by the Best Look in Sports Action Photography in Bloomington Normal . 20151002 Olympia at UHigh football photos - Images by Alan Look  - Chimper

The two girls semi-final games of the 2013 102nd McLean County tournament were held Thursday night at the Shirk Center on the campus of Illinois Wesleyan University.  The Panthers of Le Roy took on the Titans of El Paso - Gridley in the first game.  The first half was pretty tight, but the Titans took the early lead.  In the 3rd Quarter, the Titans pulled away and never looked back till the final buzzer. The second game for which we weren't able to remain on site, pitted the Turks of Tremont against the Vikings of Tri-Valley.  We can report that the Turks won that game. The results of these two game set up a rivalry 3rd place game on Saturday between Tri-Valley and close neighbor Le Roy.  The Championship game on Saturday night sets up an outside the McLean County borders war between Tremont of Tazwell County and El Paso - Gridley of McLean and Woodford Counties. The boys semi-finals play tonight with Fieldcrest against Ridgeview and Tri-Valley against Bl...

Several coverages this past weekend for the Normalite Newspaper group, Best Look Magazine and Alan Look Photography . On Friday Night, it was to Colfax for Ridgeview Mustangs hosting the Tri Valley Vikings for homecoming.  I'll apologize in advance, I have about 100 more images for this gallery if the computer shop can recover them from my crashed Mac.  Right now, chances look good.  Those 100 images contain all of the shots of the band. On Saturday it was football at Illinois State with the Redbirds hosting Youngstown State Penguins and then in the evening the Volleyball Redbirds took on the Drake Bulldogs .  Click on any of the links for photos and news links. John Power also covered Central Catholics football game .

The night didn't disappoint.  Everything that makes a Chili Bowl exciting.  Stormy weather, The Wildcats and the Ironmen, lots of fans and an oblong ball that takes funny bounces.  Yes, they were all there tonight.  The Wildcats took the Ironmen at home and will get to place the Chili Bowl in their trophy case till next year.  I don't have a lot of stats or side notes.  I haven't a clue how many yards Edwards ran for the Iron or what happened to Jefferson just before the half.  I do know the Cats returned to the field after the break and Alex didn't show up till later on the back of the squad cart under a blanket - padless.  It did appear to be an injury to his leg.  I'm sure there will be more known tomorrow. Chili Bowl pictures will be available at Alan Look Photography later this weekend. John Power covered the Central Catholic slaying of Pontiac tonight.  His photos will be available in a few days as well. Be sure to check ou...

The Redbirds of Illinois State University pulled out a double overtime win this afternoon against in state foes, the Panthers of Eastern Illinois University.  Lots of flags, lots of pauses, lots of points. Take a peek at our image gallery inside of Alan Look Photography

Most Friday nights you can find me at a high school football game.  no exception on the 14th.  Coverage this night was Homecoming at Normal Community West High School against conference foes Danville Vikings.  It was come from behind, get way ahead, let them almost catch up, then win for the Wildcats. Images on Alan Look Photography Website Friend, fellow photographer and Best Look Magazine contributor John Power was reportedly at the El Paso - Gridley Titans v Fieldcrest Falcons game and part of the night at Eureka for the game against the Central Catholic Saints.  Not sure if he made it to both of them.  Check his website for images from those games.

Be sure to take a look at Best Look Magazine contributing photographer John Power's photo galleries . The last two he posted are Alma v Illinois Wesleyan and Prairie Central v Central Catholic.

Reported by the Pantagraph this morning: After a dismal record this season, Chad Parker has been non-renewed as the Manager for the CornBelters Professional Baseball team affiliated with the Frontier Baseball League .  No replacement has been announced and no time table established to fill the manager position. Parker took the helm this year after the release of 2 year manager Hal Lanier. The CornBelters finished the season in last place 9.5 games from their closest conference opponent and 28 games from first.  They won 29 games. Visit Alan Look Photography for more images of the Normal CornBelters.

Illinois Wesleyan women's basketball standout from Pana Illinois has signed a pro contract to play with a 2nd League team out of Ferrol Spain.  Lett is a six foot, 1st team All American and garnered the Most Valuable Player pick in last years National Tournament. http://alanlook.photoshelter.com/image/I00006IGLkrfMQ4k