West Frankfort High School Sports Archives - Page 14 of 20 - Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News

Redbirds draw Carmi-White County in the EHT

December 14, 2016 By Jim Muir Leave a Comment

Eldorado’s Duff-Kingston Gymnasium

NOTE: Bracket Below….Parings for the 52nd Eldorado Holiday Tournament were released today. The West Frankfort Redbirds drew fifth seed Carmi-White County in the first round. Game time is 11:30 am on December 26th. The Bulldogs are 6-1 on the season. They suffered their fist loss of the season at the hands of the Benton Rangers last night, 56-45. With several SIRR-Ohio teams and GEC teams in the field, I will be keeping close tabs on the tournament. Parings below.

Filed Under: Slider, Sports, West Frankfort High School Sports

West Frankfort falls to Salem 55-45

December 11, 2016 By Jim Muir Leave a Comment

The FCHS Redbirds boys Varsity and JV basketball teams split with the Salem Wildcats at home Saturday. In the varsity game, a very good Salem team came out on top 55-45. For the second straight game West Frankfort got off to a slow start as they fell behind 11-4

Jaryd Clark crashes the boards last year down at Massac County with Austin Glodich and Keagan Thrash (Metropolis Planet File Photo)

after one quarter. Salem led 24-15 at halftime and 37-25 after three quarters on their way to the 10 point win. Both teams used a very good man to man defense throughout the game, but Salem’s superior height was the difference as they scored several points from the paint. Noah Allen led the Redbirds in scoring with 17 points, 12 of which came in the second half. Click on the article to read the story from westfrakfortsports.com

Filed Under: High School Sports, Sports, West Frankfort High School Sports

West Frankfort girls defeat Johnston City this afternoon

December 10, 2016 By Jim Muir Leave a Comment

Morgan Griffith getting the 2,000 point ball being presented by long time West Frankfort coach Matt Hampleman

The FCHS Lady Redbirds Varsity and JV basketball teams both defeated Johnston City Saturday. In the Varsity game, West Frankfort came out on top 63-35. The Lady Redbirds got off to a slow start as they committed several turnovers on their way to a 10-6 first quarter lead. West Frankfort took control of the game in the second quarter as they out scored the Lady Indians 22-12 to take a 32-18 halftime lead. Here is the link to the story from westfrankfortsports.com

Filed Under: High School Sports, Thompsonville Junior High Sports, West Frankfort High School Sports

Franklin County HS basketball preview 12/10/16

December 10, 2016 By Jim Muir Leave a Comment

Steve Dunford-Franklin County Hoops and Gridiron

WOODLAWN (2-3) AT CHRISTOPHER (2-1)

The last time the Christopher Bearcats stepped on the floor was a 61-57 defeat to the Wayne City, in the Championship Game of their own Turkey Tournament. Woodlawn was 55-32 winners last night against the Odin Eagles. The Cardinals were very competitive in a

Bradley Young in the Championship Game of The Christopher Turkey Tournament last year( Southern Illinoisan file photo)

very tough Carlyle Kaskaskian Classic, where they finished fifth.

The Cardinals have only one starter back in guard Blake Wollerman, for the team that finished fourth place at the Class 1A State Tournament. Trey Isasc and Jordan Hoppa were the first two off the bench. The cupboard is not bear for first year coach Scott Gamber.

I watched all three games at Christopher. Teams were keying on Bradley Young. Kaleab Pedigo had an explosive week averaging 27 a game. Jared Curry had a nice week as well too.

Young is going to explode on someone, and it is going to be tonight. The Bearcats have some unfinished from last year and they are going to win by three tonight.

SALEM (3-3) at WEST FRANKFORT (1-2)

Salem finished fourth in the Lawrenceville Capital Classic and has split in their next two games. An eleven point win over Fairfield got my attention. However, a loss to Mascoutah sent their stock south.

Jaryd Clark crashes the boards last year down at Massac County with Austin Glodich and Keagan Thrash (Metropolis Planet File Photo)

Noah Allen and Austin Glodich have been carrying most of the scoring burden for the Redbirds this year.

It is tough to analyze a team that is coming out of the Apollo conference, when most teams have a 217 area code. Logic would go with the Wildcats tonight. I am going with my gut and my heart and going with the Redbirds by one. I expect Kyle Hammers to have a breakout game tonight at Max Morris Gym

Filed Under: Christopher High School Sports, High School Sports, West Frankfort High School Sports

High School Basketball Preview 12/9/16

December 9, 2016 By Jim Muir Leave a Comment

Steve Dunford Franklin County Hoops and Gridiron

Five out of the six teams in the county will be in action tonight, four will have conference games. The games will be previewed below. I have the county schools going 1-4 tonight. I might be the most hated man in the county right now after you read this. Around 10 P.M. I hope I am the biggest liar in the county. It does not get any better than HS basketball on a cold winter’s night around Southern Illinois.

Benton (5-1) at Herrin (4-1)

This is the conference opener for both SIRR Ohio division teams tonight. Benton is coming off a 5-0 Goreville Tournament championship. Herrin is coming off of a strong 4-1 showing at the Pyramid Plus on Thanksgiving week.

Herrin has basically the same core coming back from last year in

Ranger All Tournament team recipients from the Goreviille Invitational, left Austin Wills, middle Timmy Henson (MVP) right Derek Oxford

Ranger All Tournament team recipients from the Goreville Invitational, left Austin Wills, middle Timmy Henson (MVP) right Derek Oxford

Nessler, Spell, and the Downen twins. Benton has the same core as well too.

Rust might be a factor for the Tigers tonight, not playing in two weeks. The Goreville Game on Saturday night of the tournament was the only real test the Rangers has had.

I say the Rangers will come out of Memorial gym tonight at the skin of their teeth. I am going with the Rangers by three in a barn burner.

Harrisburg (1-2) at West Frankfort (1-1)

Harrisburg is coming off of a 1-2 week at the Ernie Bozarth Classic in Murphysboro. The Redbirds were defeated at Eldorado last Tuesday night by twelve points, in which the Eagles seemed to dominate. Tonight, both teams open SIRR Ohio play.

Blake Drue might be out for the season for the Bulldogs, but Coach Randy Smithpeters has a lot of role players that are back from last year. At the top of the list is 6’ 3” junior Isaiah Saulsbury.

This is one of those games that you don’t really know what to expect. What I do not see is the Redbirds having an answer to shut down Salusbury. I am going with Harrisburg by five. I hope that when I make the walk home from Max Morris gym, I will be wrong, talking about a Redbird victory.

Chester (5-1)(0-1) at Sesser-Valier (1-4)(0-0)

Earlier in the week I would have said Yellow Jackets by 20. The questions I have, Is Vienna that good, Did Chester overlook them, or do they miss Dylan Schwartz that bad?

Chester losing Wednesday night still has me shaking my head. The Devils might have got blown out at Okawville Tuesday night, but was far from being embarrassed up there.

I am going Chester by 10. This is one of those match-ups that peaks my curiosity and I am looking forward to seeing how it turns out.

Zeigler-Royalton (1-3)(0-0) at Vienna (5-1)(1-0)

As I said earlier, I am still shaking my head about the Eagles making the long road trip and beating Chester Wednesday night.

I am afraid it is going to be a long night for the Tornadoes down at the Eagles Nest. If Z-R gets hot from the outside, and Vienna overlooks them, the Tornadoes might be able to stay around or spring the upset.

I have to go with Vienna by 20.

Thompsonville (3-3) at Webber Township (4-1)

This is a rematch in the opening round of the Christopher Thanksgiving Tournament where Webber defeated T’ville 62-56.

I am just going to say this. If Tigers play tonight like they did Tuesday night down at Carrier Mills, the Trojans will blow them out. If they have showings like they did when they have played NCOE this year, it might be a good ball game; and Thompsonville might leave Bluford with a win tonight.

I have to go with the law of averages. I have to go with Webber by eight, especially at home.

Filed Under: Benton High School Sports, High School Sports, Sesser-Valier High School Sports, Sports, Thompsonville High School Sports, West Frankfort High School Sports, Zeigler-Royalton High School Sports

Several Franklin County former basketball players recognized on RLC Alumni Weekend

December 9, 2016 By Jim Muir Leave a Comment

One thing in this picture, I noticed there are a lot of coaches and some officials in the picture. Nearly every Franklin County High school had alumnus who attended the event. I wonder if Ron Stanart sang the National Anthem before the Warriors’ Game?

INA, Ill. — Rend Lake College alumni players and coaches gathered on campus Saturday, Dec. 3, for the 4th Annual Warriors Basketball Alumni Weekend. FROM LEFT are; Brian Shaw, Derek Hood, Tommy Holder, George Brown, Trent Simpson, Hardy Crawford, Mark Dannenmueller, Josh Webb, Jack Smith, Damon Lee, Ron Stanart, Matt Hampleman, Mike McClure, Tim Wills, Chuck Doty, John Fisher, Walter Woodard, Wayne Arnold, Mitch Haskins, Jim Bybee, Jim Waugh, Hugh Moore, Marcus Fisher, Gary Burzynski, Steve Lacy, Lanny Shaw, Bill Kirk, Dean Jackson, Terry Taylor, Dan Lovin, Joe Norris, and Garry Hefner. Not Pictured: Dan Wymer, Bob Kelley, and Roger Yates (Photo by Nathan Wheeler / RLC Public Information)

Filed Under: Benton High School Sports, Christopher High School Sports, College Sports, High School Sports, Sesser-Valier High School Sports, Sports, Thompsonville High School Sports, West Frankfort High School Sports, Zeigler-Royalton High School Sports

West Frankfort drops one on the road at Eldorado

December 7, 2016 By Jim Muir Leave a Comment

The FCHS Redbirds boys varsity and jv basketball teams split at Eldorado Tuesday. In the varsity game, Eldorado came out on top 60-48. Noah Allen led the Redbirds with 17 points including five 3-

West Frankfort in their home opener against Cairo. Photo from westfrankfortsports.com

pointers. Kyle Hammers scored 10 points, while Keagan Thrash and Brendan Russell added 6 points each. Jaryd Clark scored 4 points, while Bradlee Croslin and Ethan Riddle added 3 and 2 points respectively. The Redbirds start Southern Illinois River to River Ohio division play Friday Night against Harrisburg at Max Morris gym. Read full story by clicking on the link from westfrankfortsports.com

Filed Under: Sports, Uncategorized, West Frankfort High School Sports

FCHS Lady Redbirds Win At Du Quoin

December 6, 2016 By Jim Muir Leave a Comment

The FCHS Lady Redbirds basketball team traveled to Du Quoin Monday and came out on top 60-51. West Frankfort led at every

Team photo from westfrankfortsports.com

quarter break 13-8, 25-20 and 43-35 on their way to the 9 point victory. Morgan Griffith led the Lady Redbirds with 32 points. She also tied for the team lead in rebounds with 7 and led the team with 5 assists and 3 steals. Griffith, who led the state in scoring last season, has now scored over 30 points in six of West Frankfort’s seven games and is averaging 36 points per game. West Frankfort’s Megan Beery had a very good game as she scored 18 points including two 3-pointers. Cali Wright scored 8 points, while Madison Freeman chipped in with 2 points Please click to read the entire story from West Frankfort Sports.

Filed Under: High School Sports, Sports, West Frankfort High School Sports

Franklin County Basketball Preview 12/6/16

December 6, 2016 By Jim Muir Leave a Comment

Steve Dunford-Franklin County Hoops and Gridiron

Three of the counties teams are in action tonight. West Frankfort and Thompsonville make trips to Saline County tonight as they go to Eldorado and Carrier Mills respectively. Sesser-Valier makes the trip down west down I 64 to Okawville.

Thompsonville (3-2)(1-1) at Carrier Mills (2-4)(1-1)

Last season the Carrier Mills Wildcats bit Thompsonville Twice. The first was an eight point loss at home. The return trip on the road last year was a 22 point loss that T’ville did not play well at all.

Both teams have everyone back, except two freshmen who are playing big roles, Will Gibbs for CM and Corbin Fitch for Thompsonville.

Thompsonville has the size advantage and Carrier Mills is quicker. This has been a match up that has intrigued me since the start of the season. The Wildcats 2-4 record is deceiving. Even though they went 2-3 at Vienna, talking Eldorado to the wire they lost to Galatia last Friday night. Thompsonville has upset on their conference record falling to Pope County last Tuesday night with both teams sitting with a 1-1 conference record.

For the Tigers to come away with the win tonight, they are going to have to shoot the lights out to bring Coach Keil Peebles out of that 2-1-2 zone they play a lot. Walker, Hill and company are just going to be too much. I am going with Carrier Mills by three tonight. If the Tigers come out of this week with a split, as an alumnus, I will take it.

Sesser-Valier (1-3) at Okawville (4-0)

I have repeatedly said that Sesser-Valier plays a very brutal schedule for a 1A school at the start of the year. Tonight they make the trip to Washington County to play in that palace that I would like to make a trip up there one day.

Noah Fredreking will be the nemesis in the side maroon teams around here for the next few years. After he graduates, will be a thorn in the Saluki’s side. He has signed a letter of intent to play for Marty Simmons and the Evansville Purple aces.

They have another nice player in Gant. It is a little harder to keep track of the Rockets since the no longer are in the BIT and play in their own tournament.

I am just going to be honest, after this week S-V can be 1-5. They would still deserve a decent seed in the Holiday Tournament after playing a very brutal schedule. I have to take Okawville by 20 tonight. This is a team that you can see at Peoria. I just hope the IHSA sends them north again.

West Frankfort (1-0) at Eldorado (6-0)

The Eagles record is a little gaudy. The Vienna tournament is basically a 1A tournament now. The only regular season game they have played is an OT win over Gallatin County.

Traxler and Attebury both are a load inside, but Kevin Toney has a lot more size this year than Austin Glodich. What I am trying to remember from last season, the Redbirds have the advantage in the backcourt. It will be a great matchup tonight down at Duff-Kingston gym.

This is a game that can have some big time implications on the seedings of the Eldorado Holiday Torunament that should be coming out soon. I am not knocking the GEC, but when you barely get by Carrier Mills and Gallatin, it makes me wonder how they will match up with the Redbirds. I am going with WF by five.

Filed Under: High School Sports, Sesser-Valier High School Sports, Sports, Thompsonville High School Sports, West Frankfort High School Sports