by Steve Dunford

Every team in the county is in action tonight except Sesser-Valier, which they travel to Trico tomorrow night.  I am sure the faithful from Pitchfork Nation will be a little sad making the trip over there as they took over an establishment in Willisville that is closed now.

I will have West Frankfort coverage from either the Southern Illinoisan or westfrankfortsports.com.  I am going to Thompsonville tonight.  I am also going to write something on the Christopher game.  I am watching the video stream from FoxesFans.net in the archives sometime tomorrow.  The other two games I will squeeze enough out to get a story out of.

Since the surprise icon comes up, you will have to look at my ugly mug for the pic for a while.  Wherever you go tonight, sit back and enjoy a night of good high school basketball.  There are some dandies on tap.

HERRIN (8-3)(0-1) at WEST FRANKFORT (5-5)(0-2)

Both teams have been off since the Eldorado Holiday Tournament and went 3-1.  The Redbirds took the consolation bracket by beating conference foe Massac County 46-33.  The Tigers ended up losing the championship to the hosts, 57-47.  It is noteworthy after winning the EHT that the Eagles cracked the class 2A AP poll at #10 in the state.

Here is what WF coach Kevin Toney had to say about this evening’s contest, “I think Herrin is a very talented and deep team. Their inside players of the Downen twins and DJ Spell are athletic and very skilled. Add to that, the perimeter shooting of Nessler and Bush, make them a formidable group.

Hartline and Ringel handle the ball well, too. If by chance, someone isn’t performing well for them, they have Holloway, McCormick, and others coming off the bench. All that being said, I like our players’ attitudes and their work ethic. Winning some games at the EHT also gives us some added confidence.”

Here is what Herrin coach Mike Mooneyham had to say about tonight,  “Herrin is looking forward to getting back to regular season action. We had a good Eldorado Tournament but came up a little short. The atmosphere was great and I can’t fault their effort.but we just didn’t finish it off when we had the chances.”

The Bearcats blew out Trico Tuesday night.  The Foxes won on a buzzer beater by Oakley Dial 55-52 over GEC opponent Carrier Mills.

The three prong attack of Kaeleb Pedigo, Jared Curry and Bradley Young will cause the Foxes some match-up problems.  If the Foxes play a zone, to stop Young and Curry’s dribble drive penetration Pedigo and Gabe Schimpf will shoot the lights out.  Pratt has played well beyond his years as a freshman.  I am curious who will guard Dial, my money is on Curry.

“Thompsonville Coach Pete Gordon had this to say about tonight’s contest, “We just need to play to our potential relax and play. We have been so tight, and need to  have fun. If we do that we will play well, and when we play well, we can compete with anyone.”

Freshman Corbin Fitch plays like a house a fire and Reed Raubach can come in off the bench and help bust the zone.

This is what Benton Coach Ron Winemiller had to say about tonights outing,  “It is a very tough place to go play. The number one reason it is a tough place to play is that the Patriots are always good and well coached. Roundtree can really catch and shoot and is as capable

“Thompson will create us some match up problems with his size and athleticism. There other guys do a great job of filling their rolls and making it difficult to help into the post because they can catch and shoot. It will be another tough road trip on a Friday night in the River.”

This is what Vienna Coach Cory Waters had to say about tonight’s game.  “Last time we played ZR it was on Homecoming night and we had a lot of energy. We need to make sure we bring that same energy and work on being more disciplined on defense. They have some kids that can score and we need to make sure they don’t get in a rhythm.”

Zeigler-Royalton coach Matt Morgan gave me the following comments about tonight, “Vienna is an extremely deep team that brings a lot of athleticism to the game at every position. They guard extremely well and use their athleticism on the offensive end to attack. It will be key for us to contain their dribble drive and force them to take contested shots. The key for us offensively will be moving the ball and valuing possessions. When we limit our turnovers we usually have good results.”