Staab on Sports

The crew at Renaissance Coliseum begins to tear down after Wednesday's game against Kansas City. PHOTO / ALEX STAAB Peoria, Ill. - The Bradley Braves (1-1, 0-0) got a big lift early, when it was determined that junior Lasha Petree would be playing in the game, and in the starting lineup as well. That coupled with Morton product Brandi Bisping on the opposing sideline gave this one quite a few notable headlines already.  Alas, after eight ties, 13 lead changes, and 52 fouls called, the visiting Milwaukee Panthers (2-0, 0-0) prevailed by a 65-60 score.  The game got off to a very slow start for either side, with both teams narrowly eclipsing double figures.  Bradley knew going in how physical of a team Milwaukee can be, and that was evident, essentially, right from tipoff.  The Panthers would get to the boards early and often, edging Bradley 14-11 in that department. Ironically, that was also the score after 10 minutes.  Both offenses were even a touch slower in...

  The Metamora varsity and sophomore girls basketball teams meet in a distanced huddle after practice on November 16th, the IHSA's first day of official practice. An IHSA decision on the timing of a season is anticipated sometime on Thursday the 19th. PHOTO / ALEX STAAB Metamora, Ill. - An important decision is coming from the IHSA on Thursday, but that hasn't phased the Metamora girls basketball team yet.  Monday was the first day of official practice. That's the timeline right now. It's not concrete when games will happen, but practices can happen, while being guideline-compliant.  Monday's practice for the Lady Redbirds, poised for one of the best seasons in program history, was a good one. They made they most of what they had.  Non-contact drills, socially distant "huddles", it was all there. That's basketball in 2020.  The mentality, senior forward Alana Terry says, is most important.  "Just taking it day-by-day. In the meantime, we're ju...