Staab on Sports

Kierston McCoy delivers during Thursday's game at Havana. The junior struck out 13 in a complete game win. The Tigers move to (7-0) with the win. PHOTO / ALEX STAAB Havana, Ill. - Since eeking out a 5-3 eight-inning win over Tremont, the top-ranked Illini Bluffs Tigers have been on a roll. In fact, their last two games, wins over Athens and ROWVA/Williamsfield combine for a 27-1 score (15-0 and 12-1).  It was a unique day for the Tigers - their first gameday without a school day. The debut of the schedule change, albeit annual at the end of the academic years, didn't phase Illini Bluffs one bit. An early onslaught from the Tigers had things looking like it was headed towards an abbreviated game. The five-run second inning was followed by a pitcher's duel between Illini Bluffs' Kierston McCoy and Havana's Taryn Wickman. With McCoy and Wickman doing their thing, it set up a 6-1 final score. Illini Bluffs waisted no time getting into the hit column, as Bradley signee A...

The 20th-ranked Metamora softball team huddles up after defeating 7th-ranked Canton on Tuesday afternoon. The Redbirds could tie East Peoria for first place with a win on Thursday. PHOTO / ALEX STAAB Metamora, Ill. - It was a tall task that stood in front of the #20 Metamora Redbirds (9-5, 5-2), as #7 Canton (11-3, 5-2) tried to snap the Redbirds seven-game win streak in a key mid-May matchup. A Redbird win and a #14 Washington win over #13 East Peoria would mean a four-way tie atop the Mid-Illini standings with the postseason starting in as early as 22 days.  The Redbirds brought the bats early and often, including two home runs and a five-run second inning, in route to a five-inning mercy rule win by a 12-0 score.  Metamora, however, is in the right headspace. In essence, they're playing Canton as opposed to #7 Canton.  "The rankings don't matter that much. All that matters is where you fall at the end of the year, hopefully winning championships. Today gets us a step c...

The Cougars do their pregame dance routine to the classic song "Footlose" prior to an April 13th game against Parkland. PHOTO / STEVE DAGGS East Peoria, Ill. - Less than 24 hours after suffering a loss to the Spoon River Snappers (35-25), the 19th-ranked ICC Cougars (17-16) would have to recharge and face the Snappers again, this time in an elimination game within the Region 24 Softball Tournament. Recharge they did, getting off to a white-hot start, powered by back-to-back-to-back home runs from Priscilla Peek (2-RBI), Alexis Finchum (Solo), and Abbi Taylor (Solo). Despite a late charge from the visitors, the Cougars would hold them off with a 8-7 win when the Snappers unsuccessfully tried to steal home for the final out.  While the first game of this Snappers-Cougars postseason series took a walkoff hit from Peek, #19 ICC was determined to have that not be the case. Peek got it going with a two-run bomb over the flag pole in center field, then Alexis Finchum shot one to rig...

The Linder family after Coach Linder was recognized pregame for his 300th career win, which occurred last Saturday. Pictured left to right are his daughters, Reagan and Morgan, and his wife, Kim.   Metamora, Ill. - There was quite a bit to talk about before Wednesday's non-conference softball tilt between Metamora (5-5) and Eureka (4-5). For one, it was Senior Day, as the Redbirds honored Bri Tanksley, Anna Guzman, Kate LeMasters, and Alex Bishop with pregame festivities. Prior to that, Head Coach Deric Linder was recognized for having collected his 300th career win last Saturday. The matchup against the Hornets provided the opportunity for Deric Linder to be in opposing dugouts to his daughter, Reagan. He said while it's certainly a great thing, you try to balance focusing on the game with well-wishes for her performance. "You never really think about it. When you get out there between the lines, it's just playing against another team. You do want to see her succeed, ...

Metamora prepares to snap the ball during the second half of Friday's game against East Peoria. The Redbirds won the season opener by a 42-6 final score. PHOTO / ALEX STAAB   East Peoria, Ill. - March 19th, 2020. Exactly 365 days ago, the District 122 Board of Education officially approved the hiring of new Head Football Coach Jared Grebner. One year later, his tenure officially began with a road game against East Peoria, a 42-6 rout.  Yet, when the new leader was asked about the hiring approval and season opener dates lining up, he, rightfully so, was more concerned about the on-field performance. "I had no idea about that. That was far from my mind. I was just worried about this team getting their first win," Grebner said.  You could see the emotion, the hype build up as it got seconds closer to kickoff at Eastside Centre on Friday. With the kickoff delayed a brief moment, it gave fans time to take in the players getting a little extra hyping up of each other in before ...

Metamora senior Alana Terry announced on Wednesday via Twitter that she'd commited to Lewis University to continue her basketball career. The commitment makes her the highest-level recruit (NCAA D2) under Head Coach Brianna Morrow, all schools.  FILE PHOTO / MIKE ROEDELL Metamora, Ill. - Alana Terry is just like many high school senior student-athletes across the state of Illinois. Left waiting to see if they will even have a season. However, she was able to check one thing off despite the pandemic, announcing via Twitter on Wednesday that she is committed to continuing her basketball career at Lewis University in Romeoville, Illinois.  Lewis was the first school to reach out to the 5'11" starting post. The Flyers and Coach Samantha Quigley-Smith were a favorite early in the recruiting process.  "Ever since sophomore year and we were first at the camp and I was introduced to the campus, they've always been on the top of my radar," Terry said. Now, the recrui...

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...