Weather...Delays...you scheduled what?!

Mother Nature has intervened again and has disrupted spring sports again. Both State Tournaments were postponed and some revising of schedules were done. Now, the next question is this..."What is the IHSA thinking?" You stop a State Semi-Final game after 5 innings because it is a complete game and take 6 outs away from a team who would have had the chance to make a comeback. You then make the 3rd place games in baseball only 5 innings but down in East Peoria at softball you allow them to play an entire game. Whose to say there won't be a marathon game in Softball to take as long as a baseball game? IMO...teams are being cheated of several experiences this weekend in Joliet.
On the pro side, the NBA Finals are set and the yell you heard was NBA Commissioner David Stern as the Celtics and Lakers will renew a rivalry. Yes, the chants of "Beat LA" can be heard already in Boston this morning. It will be good to see the footage of previous Finals games between the two as well as the players in them. In the MLB, I am still amazed at the comeback the Cubs pulled off yesterday against Colorado. That was one of those games that stand out when the season is over as a turning point. It is time to jump in.

Prep Report
- Here is the revised schedule for both baseball and softball this weekend.

Softball
8:30AM - Completion of Cobden vs. Lebanon
10:AM - Carterville vs. Piasa Southwestern and Stanford-Olympia vs. Morrison
12:30PM - 1A 3rd Place Game
2:30PM - 1A Championship Game
5:30PM - 2A 3rd Place Game
7:30PM - 2A Championship Game

Baseball
9AM - Pinckneyville vs. Chillicothe IVC
12PM - Putnam County vs. Tuscola (1A 3rd Place - 5 innings)
2PM - Marissa vs. Jacksonville Routt (1A Championship)
5PM - Class 2A 3rd Place (5 innings)
7PM - Class 2A Championship

- Marshall County, Kentucky and Effingham St. Anthony High School in Effingham, IL are hosting boys basketball summer shoot-outs all day today. There will be several very good teams playing in these.

Pro Sports
- The Boston Celtics won the Eastern Conference Finals by winning Game 6 in Detroit last night and will play the Lakers. The Finals will begin next Thursday.
- Flip Saunders, head coach of the Pistons, is now 0-4 in the Conference Finals. The team probably needs to be kept together for a couple of more seasons, but a new coach may be coming to get this team over the top again.
- The Pistons have also lost in the Eastern Conference Finals the past 3 seasons.
- FYI...The Celtics were the worst team by record in the NBA last season.
- The OJ Mayo is continuing to get uglier as the days go by leading up to the NBA Draft.
- There is still no official word on the Bulls and hiring of Doug Collins.
- The Cubs were down 8-0 in the 2nd inning to Colorado and came back to win 10-9. It was one of those days at Wrigley Field that could change momentum. The Cubs are currently riding a 5 game winning streak.
- The Cardinals sent Chris Duncan to AAA Memphis after struggling lately. This has been a big topic in the STL media lately. However, the Cards face several left-handed starters the next 10 games so this will give Duncan some extra ABs to get his swing back.
- Joba Chamberlain of the Yankees gets more ink here lately than any other player who hasn't done much for a team 5.5 games out of first.
- Start adding the Brewers to the list of "Disappointing Teams" in the MLB as they are now 7 games back in the NL Central.

Lots going on in the sports world but hopefully we will crown some State Champions in Baseball and Softball this weekend. Enjoy the day...I'm out.

DC

Imagine that...

Imagine that...the weather is going to play a factor in the State baseball and softball tournaments today. There is rain and strong stroms forecast for Peoria and Joliet. It makes sense since the weather has factored into the spring schedule this year. Major news on the local college sports scene was announced offically today. Finally, 1/2 of the NBA Finals is set and possibly the NBA could have another Southern Illinois native as a head coach. It is busy so let's get to it.

Prep Scene
- Here is the 1A Baseball Schedule in Joliet today.
10AM - Marissa-Coulterville vs. Tuscola
12PM - Putnam County vs. Jacksonville-Routt
- Here is the 2A Baseball Schedule in Joliet today
4PM - Coal City vs. Stanford-Olympia
7PM - Pinckneyville vs. Chillicothe IVC

- Here is the 1A Softball Schedule in East Peoria today.
9:30AM - Downs Tri-Valley vs. Alexis-United
12:00PM - Cobden vs. Lebanon
- Here is the 2A Softball Scheduel in East Peoria today.
4:30PM - Stanford-Olympia vs. Morrison
7PM - Carterville vs. Piasa Southwestern

***Good luck to all of our Southern Illinois teams!!!***

Local Sports Scene
- SIU Athletics is moving to another station for the first time in 30 years. The Salukis will move to 6 local radio stations of Withers Broadcasting. They are 92.7FM (Herrin), 95.3FM (Centralia), 97.3FM (Carmi), 102.3FM (Harrisburg), 96.5FM (Cape Girardeau), and 920AM (Metropolis).
- Former Pinckneyville high school cheerleading head coach Neva Corn is the new cheerleadind and mascot coach at SIU replacing Maggie Mitchell.

Pro Sports
- Benton native Doug Collins is rumored to be the next head coach of the Chicago Bulls. At the end of the TNT Broadcast last night for the Lakers/Spurs, Collins said nothing was official but he was going to be talking with Bulls representatives the next few days.
- The Lakers have advanced to the NBA Finals after beating the Spurs in 6 games. You know that David Stern is hoping for a Lakers/Celtics NBA Finals and chants of "BEAT LA BEAT LA BEAT LA" echoing through new Boston Garden.
- Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals is tonight in Detroit with the Celtics leading 3-2.
- NASCAR is at Dover this weekend.
- The Chicago Cubs have the best record in baseball with 33 wins going into today.

Busy, busy, busy today as we head into the last weekend of May. Enjoy...I'm out.

DC

Make room for the hardware...

Spring time is the right time for teams in Southern Illinois. After track dominiation last week at EIU with 4 first place trophies going south of I-64, this weekend the south will bring back 3 trophies from baseball and softball. It is a great way to finish off the prep season. 3A Sectionals are also underway in the area. The NBA continues to build the drama in the playoffs with each game and of course, there are other things on the pro docket as well.

Prep Report
- Cobden is in the Final Four in Class 1A softball after a 3-2 win over Edwards County yesterday. It is their first state appearance. The only other State trophies for the school was a 2nd place finish in baseball in 1987 and the famous 1964 2nd place in boys basketball. The Lady Appleknockers will play Lebanon at 12PM in East Peoria tomorrow.
- Carterville reached the State Tournament for the 3rd straight year after beating Teutopolis yesterday 6-0 in the Class 2A Softball Super-Sectional. This will be the first State Trophy in softball for the Lady Lions who will play Piasa Southwestern at 7PM tomorrow night in East Peoria.
- Pinckneyville has advanced to the State Tournament for the 2nd straight year after beating Teutopolis yesteday 3-0. The Panthers earned 2nd place last year and will play Chillicothe IVC in the 7PM contest in Joliet tomorrow night.
- Highland beat Marion 5-1 in the Centralia 3A Baseball Sectional yesterday.
- The Marion vs. Freeburg 3A Sectional game at Centralia was postponed yesterday due to wet grounds and will be played today.
- Marshall County is hosting a big summer high school boys basketball tournament on Saturday. Several area teams will be taking part.

Pro Sports
- The Tampa Bay Rays own the best record in baseball. They just swept a 3 game series at home vs. Texas. In each of those games, no more than 12,500 came for each game. Go figure!!!
- Sammy Sosa is retiring after the 2009 WBC when he plays for his home country of the Dominican Republic. Sitting out 2 years of baseball (2007-2008) and then playing against that level of competition won't be easy.
- The Cubs are hot winning their 3rd in a row and completing a 3 game sweep of the Dodgers last night in extra innings as well as having the best record in the NL.
- Boston prevailed at home last night in the always pivotal Game 5 over the Pistons to take a 3-2 lead in the series.
- The NBA admits a foul should have been called at the end of the Spurs/Lakers game the other night. What good does it do now to admit that?
- Pacman Jones and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell met yesterday to discuss his future. NFL training camp is just around the corner.
- NASCAR is cracking down on people bending and breaking the rules. Two teams were docked 150 championship points and crew chiefs were suspended 6 weeks.

I will say it today and will say it again tomorrow probably that we wish the teams from Southern Illinois the best of luck tomorrow in the State Tournaments. We want all the first place trophies we can get. Enjoy the beautiful weather today. I'm out.

DC

Filling Slots in Baseball and Softball

We had one of the 3 local Super-Sectional games get played yesterday. Today, the other games are scheduled to be played. The teams that win and advance to State are really cutting it close on time to play a game, win, pack, and head north to the respective sites. However, any team would love to have that problem. The business of filling the slots for East Peoria and Joliet will get done today. The NBA Playoffs always has its discussion of foul or no foul and it happened again last night and baseball had a couple of happneings that you rarely see last night.

Prep Report
- The Class 2A Softball Super-Sectional will be at Nashville High School this afternoon at 4:30PM. Carterville will play Teutopolis for the right to advance to the Final Four. The winner will play Piasa Southwestern at 7Pm Friday in East Peoria.
- The Class 1A Softball Super-Sectional will be at John A. Logan this afternoon at 4PM. Cobden will play Edwards County. The winner will play Lebanon or Virginia(game to be played today) at 12PM on Friday.
- The Class 2A Baseball Super-Sectional has been moved from SIU to Kaskaskia College in Centralia. Pinckneyville will play Teutopolis at 1PM today with the winner playing Chillicothe Illinois Valley Central at 7PM on Friday night in Joliet.
- The Class 1A Baseball Super-Sectional was played yesterday at KC before the rains came and not SIU. Marissa beat Dieterich 5-1 to advance to Joliet. The Meteors will play Tuscola at 10AM on Friday. Marissa was last in the State Tournament in 1986 when they were the Class A State Champions.
- 3A Sectionals in Baseball will be happening today in the area as well. Highland will play Marion at Centralia this afternoon in baseball.
- 3A Sectionals in Softball will be played around the state today. At Centralia, Marion will play Freeburg this afternoon.
- Mt. Vernon High School hired former Ram standout Scott Gamber as their head coach last night at a school board meeting. He will replace his former coach Doug Creel who retired at the end of last season.
- The first round of summer basketball camps begin around the state this weekend.

Pro Sports
- The Lakers outlasted the Spurs last night to win the always pivotal Game 5 and extend their lead in the series to 3-1. There is some question as to a foul that wasn't called at the end of the game when Derek Fisher of LA bumped Brent Barry of the Spurs. IMO...there was no foul and had Barry continued to shoot instead of stopping and then shooting he would have got the call.
- Game 5 of the Celtics and Pistons will be tonight in Boston.
- Word is that the Packers are keeping the locker of Brett Favre as is in the locker room after his retirement. Are you kidding me? How many other Packer greats don't have a locker set aside like that? It is time for the Packers to move on and give that locker to the next player.
- Can the New York Mess...I mean New York Mets...have anymore off the field problems to distract them? They are already 5.5 games out of first in the NL East and with that payroll are really underachieving.
- The Cleveland Indians pulled off the first triple steal since 1987 in their win over the White Sox last night.
- It was slo-pitch night in Camden Yards last night as the Orioles and Yanks combined for 9 home runs.

As I type, sun is popping out from behind the clouds. It looks to be a nice day to get in some sports events. I'm out.

DC

Rescheduling for Everything...

The weather cancelled all 4 Super-Sectionals in the area yesterday. Three are to be played today and one tomorrow with that one thing to remember...weather permitting. Summer has unofficially started now that Memorial Day weekend has passed.

Prep Report
- The Class 1A Baseball Super-Sectional is scheduled for today at 1Pm at SIU between Marissa-Coulterville and Dieterich. The Class 2A game will follow at 4PM between Pinckneyville and Teutopolis.
- The Class 2A Softball Super-Sectional is scheduled for today at 4:30PM at Nashville between Carterville and Teutopolis.
- The Class 1A Softball Super-Sectional is scheduled for tomorrow at John A. Logan at 4PM between Cobden and Edwards County.
- Carlyle lost in the Lincoln Land Baseball Super-Sectional to Stanford-Olympia 7-6 in 8 innings after leading 6-2 in the bottom of the 6th.
- Lebanon will play in the Carrollton Super-Sectional today vs. Virginia at 4PM after it was postponed today.
- Rumor on the street is that one basketball job in the area will be filled this week.

College Sports
- Ping Ping Ping...the Super-Regionals for baseball begin this weekend for college baseball teams. It then is on to Omaha for the College World Series.
- I have been hooked on watching the College Softball Super-Regionals this weekend. Their World Series begins this weekend.

Pro Sports
- Detroit came back to tie their NBA Eastern Conference Final series at 2-2 with a win over the Celtics.
- Can someone tell the Pittsburgh Penguins that it is going to be tough to win the Stanley Cup if you don't score a goal? They have been shut out twice by the Red Wings in the first 2 games of the series.
- Big Brown is dinged up a little on a hoof is a questionable for the Belmont Horse Race on Saturday.
- After winning 9 in a row to start the year, Brandon Webb of the D-Backs has been roughed up for 2 losses in his last two starts.
- The Phillies scored 20 runs on the Rockies yesterday.

3 day weekend means the work week won't be as long. Hopefully I will have some baseball and softball results to discuss tomorrow if games are played today. I'm out.

DC

Memorial Day

Just like the entire spring, the weather is going to play a factor in the games scheduled for today. We already have some cancellations and I would expect more as the day goes along. This will make for a tight schedule this week just like the postponement of the Super-Sectional for boys basketball at Carbondale this past winter.

Prep Report
- Both of the Softball Super-Sectionals are postponed for today. The Class 1A Super-Sectional to be held at John A. Logan between Cobden and Edwards County has been moved back until Wednesday at 4PM due to rainy weather forecasted for tomorrow. The Class 2A Super-Sectional to be held at Nashville between Carterville and Teutopolis has been postponed either until 4:30 today or they will try it tomorrow at 4:30.
- As of this posting, I have heard nothing on any schedule changes for the 2 baseball Super-Sectional games to be held at SIU today. The 1A game between Dieterich and Marissa-Coulterville is scheduled for first pitch at 1PM while the 2A game between Pinckneyville and Teutopolis is scheduled for first pitch at 4PM.
- Another local team of sorts, the baseball Carlyle Indians, are scheduled to play in the Lincoln Land Baseball 2A Super-Sectional vs. Stanford-Olympia today if the weather permits.
- Lebanon softball is another local team still alive. They are scheduled to play Virginia in the Carrollton 1A Super-Sectional.
- For any game you are going to attend today, make sure to check things before you leave.

Prep Sports
- Scott Dixon won the Indy 500 yesterday in a classic effort. Danica failed to finish the race for the first time in 4 tries. She was knocked out due to a pit road incident with Ryan Briscoe. She then went down pit road looking for a fight but was detained by security.
- Kasey Kahne took advantage of a flat tire by Tony Stewart with 2 laps remaining to win the Coca-Cola 600. Stewart had 5 second lead with 2 to go when a tire blew.
- 1100 miles of racing yesterday lived up to all its billing yesterday.
- Home was what the Spurs needed as they handled the Lakers last night to get their NBA Western Conference Series to 2-1 in favor of the Lakers.
- Tonight, Game 4 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals will be in Detroit where the Celtics lead 2-1.
- Several MLB games on the agenda today and tonight with it being Memorial Day.
- The Padres, masters of playing long extra inning games, beat the Reds 12-9 in 18 innings. The Padres have played in 4 games this season of 13 innings or longer.

Final Thought Today
- Today is Memorial Day. Please take some time out of your schedule to remember all of those serving our country today everywhere in the world fighting for our freedom allowing us to enjoy the things that we are doing today. Also, remember those who have gone before us in years previous who have done the same to allow us the freedoms we continue to enjoy. I'm out.

DC

Southern Illinois dominates IL HS Track

The title says it all. All 4 track State Championships will reside south of I-64 for one year as Southern Illinois was very dominating the past 2 weekends. It shows just how good track has become in the deep south. While that success was going on, Regional and Sectional Championships were being decided across the state as well. Plus, it is busy on the weekend of the unofficial start of summer in the pro ranks as well.

Prep Report
Boys Track State Championships
- Herrin gets the Repeat winning its 2nd consecutive State Championship in Class A Boys track. They beat Carlinville 54 to 42.5 to take it home. Chad Lakatos, on his way to Edwardsville next year, ends his Herrin tenure on the highest of notes.
- Individual champions from Southern Illinois were as follows: Cody Doerflein (Du Quoin) pole vault, Matt Eader (West Frankfort) shot put, and Tommie Taylor (Herrin) 100m dash.
- Team champion in an event was Herrin in both the 4x100m relay and 4x200m relay.
- All four track trophies for the year go south of I-64. Benton girls and Herrin boys win the Class A side. Both schools from the Ohio Division of the River to River Conference. East St. Louis boys and girls win both Class AA and they are from the Southwestern Conference.
- Several other individuals and teams raced for medals yesterday and all are to be congratulated for their efforts as well. It should make everyone in Southern Illinois proud of the dominant effort put forth the past two weekends in Charleston.

Baseball
Class 1A Baseball
- Marissa-Coulterville, on the strength of a bases loaded walk in in the 2nd beat Goreville 1-0. The Meteors will play Dieterich at 1PM in the SIU Super-Sectional tomorrow.
Class 2A Baseball
Brandon Hardin again was too much for Harrisburg for the 2nd year in a row in the postseason as the Panthers won 4-1. Pinckneyville will play Teutopolis at 4PM in the Super-Sectional tomorrow.
Class 3A Baseball
Nathan Dorris of Marion struck out 15 Mt. Vernon Rams leading the Wildcats to a 7-0 Regional Championship. Marion will play Highland next week at the Centralia Sectional.

Softball
Class 1A Softball
Cobden defeated Trico 3-1 yesterday in the Steeleville Sectional. Cobden will play Edwards County, who defeated Woodlawn 7-4, in the John A Logan Super-Sectional at 4PM tomorrow.

Class 2A Softball
Carterville scored a run in the top of the 7th and it was enough to beat Pinckneyville 1-0. It was the 2nd straight year in a row that the Lady Lions have ended the Lady Panthers season. Carterville will play Teutopolis in the Nashville Super-Sectional tomorrow at 11AM.

Class 3A Softball
Marion trailed Breese Mater Dei 6-2 in the bottom of the 7th but scored 4 to tie and then scored in the 8th to win their own Regional 7-6. The Lady Wildcats advances to the Centralia Sectional where they will play Mascoutah at 4:30PM on Wednesday.

Big Bear Classic
Once again, I had the extreme pleasure of playing in the Big Bear Classic at Stardust Golf Course in Johnston City, IL. Tom Wheeler and the Wheeler Family puts on the scramble and basically it goes like this. If you know a Wheeler, you may be asked to play. However, once you play in it you are in but if you don't play in it for some reason then the chance to get back in may or may not come around very quickly. Golf is almost an after thought of the day as it is good to visit and talk with people you don't get to see very often. Radio personalities, coaches, and other dignitaries play in the event. It is well done by all the Wheelers. I will say publicly I enjoyed it again and look forward to playing again in 2009.

Pro Sports
- 1100 miles of racing awaits gear heads today. The Indy 500 kicks off at noon for the open wheel fan which will see CART and INDY league drivers unified for the first time in 12 years at this event. The Coca-Cola 600 will run this evening in Charlotte for the NASCAR fan.
- In the NBA, Boston did something they hadn't done in 7 road playoff games and that was to win on the road last night in Detroit. The series is now 2-1 in favor of the Celtics as home court advantage was regained.
- The Spurs will try to get back in their series with the Lakers tonight after losing the first two games.
- I hate to say "I told you so" but the St. Louis Cardinals are in the NL Central race for the long haul. They are tied with the Cubs for first place going into action today.

Detroit Sports City
The city of Detroit had a sports bonanza last night of their own. The Pistons hosted the Celtics in Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals. The Red Wings hosted the Penguins in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals. The Tigers hosted the Twins in a MLB regular season game. All 3 events went on roughly during the same time frame. The kicker is that all 3 sports events were SOLD OUT. That my, fellow sports fans, is impressive!!!

Hey...I would love to type some more but I have typed a lot and I have 1100 miles of racing to watch today. I'm out.

DC

All about the plaques and trophies...

This day can be termed Championship Saturday. We have championships to be decided in Class 1A-4A baseball and softball Regionals and Sectionals all across the state. We also will decide a Class 1A and Class 2A Track Champions for the boys in Charleston today. Such a big day all around we need to get right to the rundown of the day.

Prep Sports
1A Softball
Red Hill Sectional - Woodlawn vs. Edwards County (11AM)
Steeleville Sectional - Cobden vs. Trico (11AM)
---The winners of these two games will play Monday at John A. Logan at 4:30PM.

2A Softball
Pinckneyville Sectional - Carterville vs. Pinckneyville (10AM)
Newton Sectional - Teutopolis vs. Trenton-Wesclin (10AM)
---The winners of these two games will play Monday at Nashville at 4:30PM.

1A Baseball
Goreville Sectional - Goreville vs. Marissa-Coulterville (1PM)
Farina Sectional - Dieterich vs. winner of Altamont and Clay City
---The winners of these two games will play Monday at SIU at 1PM.

2A Baseball
Harrisburg Sectional - Pinckneyville vs. Harrisburg (1PM)
Robinson Sectional - Olney vs. Teutopolis (10AM)
---The winners of these two games will play Monday at SIU at 4:PM.

3A Baseball
Mt. Vernon Regional - Mt. Vernon vs. Marion (1PM)

3A Softball
Marion Regional - Marion vs. Breese Mater Dei (11AM)

- Boys track at Charleston yesterday was more of a mental challenge then a physical challenge. Several weather delays meant that the meet was thrown well over 3 hours off of schedule. Herrin is set qualifying for 7 events and should make a major run at a team title. The Class A side is loaded with individuals who will go for a State Championship today. The down side is that Class AA in Southern Illinois was shut out on getting to today. The forecast is for much better weather today with no rain in the forecast.

Pro Sports
- The Lakers have a 2-0 lead in the NBA Western Conference Finals. The Spurs look like a very tired team after a 7 games series with the Hornets, while the Lakers look very fresh. Kobe Bryant is taking his game to a whole new level in this playoffs and it is a pleasure to watch.
- Congratulations to Barry Zito on getting his first win as a starter this year for the MLB Giants.
- Doug Davis of the DBacks returned from cancer surgery last night and got a win. Congratulations to him and I wish him nothing but the best.
- Everyone talks about the hitters not having much time to hit a baseball...how about thinking of the pitchers who have less time to react to a batted ball coming back at them? MLB was very lucky this week that 2 pitchers weren't more seriously injured.
- Instant Replay is the new talk in the MLB after missed home run calls this week. MLB will try it out in the Arizona Fall League.
- Another person heard from about the "Patriots" and "Spygate." Mark your tally sheets.

Question of the Day
I would like to hear from you the sports fan. Gas prices are now knocking on the $4.00 mark. I just paid that much this morning. I would like to hear from you the reader and see with the high gas prices if you are changing your sports watching ways by not traveling as much. Post your thoughts here.

I'm out.

DC

Championship Weekend...

Sectional Championships are set with games finished yesterday. It brings up some interesting matchups. Also, the boys state track meet starts today and finishes tomorrow at EIU. It is a busy time of the year because we will also soon be transitioning into the summer camp season for all sports. It seems anymore that the "offseason" is just a term collecting dust.

Prep Report
- 2A Baseball yesterday saw Harrisburg beat Carmi 9-2 and advance to their own Sectional Title game vs. Pinckneyville. The Bulldogs have played well all year and continue to be the dominate team in postseason.
- 2A Softball had another classic played at the Perry Co. Fairgrounds yesterday. The host Lady Panthers beat Carmi 1-0 and will advance to play Carterville on Saturday. The Lady Panthers do all the little things right and it continued yesterday.
- 1A Baseball was a comeback completed as Goreville trailed 3-0 yesterday but came back to beat Trico 5-3. The Blackcats advance to the title game to play Marissa-Coulterville tomorrow.
- 1A Softball had one of the better endings of the day. Gallatin Co. had a runner at 1B with 1 out in the 7th but was doubled off on a line drive to the first baseman to end the game. Trico wins 1-0 and advances to play Cobden tomorrow.
- 1A Softball also involved a team from Southern Illinois traveling north. Woodlawn beat Altamont 9-3 to advance to play Edwards County in the Red Hill Sectional Final.
- 3A Baseball in the area will have Mt. Vernon will Marion in the Regional Championship on Saturday at Mt. Vernon.
- EIU is the site of the Boys State Track meet today and tomorrow. Southern Illinois is well represented both by teams and individuals. Look for a tremendous weekend from Southern Illinois.

Pro Sports
- Detroit evened the Eastern Conference Finals with a win at Boston. That is good news for the Pistons since Boston hasn't won a road playoff game yet.
- The whole situation surrounding OJ Mayo is taking more twists and turns then a roller coaster at an amusement park. Thing is...I think the ride is just beginning.
- If anyone else that was a part of the New England Patriots organization and feel like they were mistreated or know of something the organization did wrong...please take a number and wait your turn. It seems like the line continues to grow for people as yesterday a former player aired their problems with the accusation of abuse of players who were on Injured Reserve.
- Baseball games will be a big hit this weekend. MLB is about 50 games into the schedule and trends for teams are starting to take place. It won't be long before trade deadline talk begins.
- It is a big racing weekend with the Indy 500, Coca-Cola 600, and many local events at tracks in the area. The summer racing season is upon us.

It is shaping up to be a beautiful weather weekend. There are plenty of things to do this weekend as well as go watch and do. I'm out.

DC

Advancing down the trail...

As I have said for weeks, the IHSA postseason in baseball and softball was going to be good and it is not letting us down. There were some very good games yesterday, and it will continue again today. The weather looks good through the weekend so we are going to have these matchups. Summer means more local and pro sports going on and I touch them all today.

Prep Report
- I got to see a tremendous game at the Pinckneyville Softball Sectional yesterday. Carterville beat JC 3 to 1 in a classic. Carterville lead the entire game, and it came down to 2 outs in the bottom of the 7th with the bases loaded for JC. The Lady Indians could only muster a ground out to end the game. Good hitting, good defense, and close plays were all a part of it. Carterville advances to another Sectional Final and awaits the winner of the Carmi/Pinckneyville game today.
- Just thinking...I wonder if the loss in a makeup BDC game at Carmi on Monday has given Carterville a sharper edge about playing in the postseason.
- In 1A, Cobden advanced to the Sectional Final at Steeleville by beating arch-rival and conference foe Goreville 4 to 0. Dacota Knop fired a 3 hit shutout for Cobden. They await the winner of Gallatin Co. and Trico today.
- Baseball was just as good in the area yesterday. At Harrisburg, Pinckneyville survived 3 first inning errors and a 3-0 deficit to come back and beat Carterville 5-4 in 8 innings. This is the second straight game the Panthers have won in extra innings. They await the winner of the Harrisburg/Carmi game today.
- In Class 1A Baseball, Marissa-Coulterville beat Shawnee 4-1. The Meteors await the winner of the Trico/Goreville game today.
- The Boys state track meet begins tomorrow in Charleston on the campus of EIU.

Local Sports Scene
- The Miners opened up their season last night with a 12-9 win over the Gateway Grizzlies.
- It is nice to see those SIU Saluki Women Basketball players who left the program are landing on their feet in other college programs to continue their careers.
- If you are a parent, keep your eyes open because there are going to be many great clinics and camps for all sports locally this summer for children to participate in.

Pro Sports
- If you didn't see it, something happened last night that rarely happens. San Antonio had a 20 point lead but lost to the Lakers in LA in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. The Spurs aren't ones to lose leads like that down the stretch of big games.
- Gmae 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals will take place tonight in Boston between the Celtics and Pistons.
- Ouch...is there really truth to the rumors that the Football Rams could leave St. Louis? If it happens, this would be the 2nd time an NFL team has left the Gateway to the West in 20 plus years.
- The next question is if the Rams leave St. Louis, what are you going to do with that big thing called the Edward Jones Dome?
- Brandon Webb of the Diamondbacks lost his first game of the year at Florida last night after winning his first 9 starts of the season.
- Simple math equation...Cardinals > Padres...It seems that St. Louis just owns San Diego whether it is in the regular season or postseason.

So much going on and even more events this weekend at all sports levels. It is tough to beat this time of year with sports and the warm summer coming up. I'm out.

DC

Dancing around the sports world...

Here we go...the Sectionals are ready to kick off today with some outstanding matchups on tap. The NBA Draft Lottery was held last night and why the team with the worst record doesn't get the first pick is hard to understand.

Prep Report
- Today is the first round of Sectional Games for 1A and 2A. There are going to be some very good games this week.
- In 1A baseball at Goreville, it will be Marissa vs. Shawnee while in 2A at Harrisburg it will be Carterville vs. Pinckneyville.
- In 2A baseball at Harrisburg, it will be Pinckneyville vs. Carterville and in 1A at Goreville it will be Marissa vs. Shawnee.
- The softball side features two excellent, rivalry games. In 1A at Steeleville, it will be Cobden vs. Goreville. The Pinckneyville Sectional today features Johnston City vs. Carterville in a game I am hoping to attend.

Pro Sports
- The Chicago Bulls won the #1 pick in the NBA Draft Lottery last night. There were 8 teams that had worse records then the Bulls.
- Boston won Game 1 in the Eastern Conference Finals over Detroit last night.
- Credit Jerry Jones, the owner, of the Dallas Cowboys for taking full advantage of the salary cap and money by signing Marion Barber and Terrance Newman to long term deals.
- The NFL owners also voted out of the labor deal. This means it will run out in 3 years.
- Mike Piazza announced his retirement from the MLB yesterday. He had a HOF career in my opinion.

Off Topic
- I was reading this morning that former figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi won Dancing with the Stars. This would be the 2nd celebrity who has won the contest that has professional dancing training. Ok...would it not make more sense to have people who aren't professionally trained win?

With that, it may be the only mention of that TV show in this blog. It is time to get the work day started and hopefully attend the Pinckneyville Softball Sectional. I'm out.

DC

Total Sports Bonanza...

The week before the unofficial start of summer is going to be busy. Today is no different. There is plenty on the plate so let's get right to it.

Prep Report
- In a BDC make-up game, Carmi beat Carterville 2-0 at home to make a three way tie for the conference Championship between Carmi, Carterville, and Johnston City. The Lady Bulldogs and Lady Lions could meet again on Saturday in the Pinckneyville Sectional Championship.
- Harrisburg won the Herrin Regional beating the Tigers 10-0 and advanced to their own Sectional this week.
- Woodlawn Softball won the Wayne City Regional yesterday beating Odin 3-0. The Lady Cardinals will advance to the Red Hill Sectional this week.
- The Benton Girls Track team was honored with a reception at the high school last night. Many people turned out to honor the recently crowned State Champions.
- The track Meet of Champions was held yesterday at SIU for local high school teams. On the boys side, Carbondale won Class AA while Herrin tuned up for this weekend by winning Class A. The girls side had Benton winning Class A while Marion won Class AA.
- Class 3A and 4A baseball and softball regionals are starting this week.
- Baseball and softball Sectionals for Class 1A and 2A begin tomorrow. There are several great matchups in the area.
- Class 2A Soccer Sectionals will also be taking place this weekend.

Local Sports Scene
- Iowa's leading scorer from last year, Tony Freeman, is transferring to SIU. He will have one year of eligibility left after sitting out the mandatory year this coming season.
- Rend Lake's men and women track teams finished 3rd in the NJCAA Nationals this past weekend.
- The Miners will begin their season this weekend as they wind down training camp.

Pro Sports
- Heart of a Champion...That is the life of the Spurs as they won Game 7 on the road in New Orleans last night. It takes a special effort to dethrone a champion and the Hornets were close but didn't get the job done.
- The Conference Finals are set in the NBA. In the West, it will be the Spurs vs. the Lakers and the East will have the Celtics vs. the Pistons. This is a ratings bonanza for the NBA and fans like myself.
- The NBA Draft Lottery will be tonight at 6:30PM. This is where the ping pong balls fall where they may and the future of organizations are taken care of.
- John Lester of the Red Sox threw a no-hitter last night. Considering what he has been through, it was a very inspirational and emotional moment for anyone that knows his story.
- Jim Edmonds can still pick it in the outfield. He had another highlight catch in the outfield for the Cubs last night in Houston on the hill in centerfield.
- Speaking of that hill in Houston in centerfield, when are they going to remove it so no one gets hurt out there?
- Albert Pujols hit a HR in San Diego that is still going I believe this morning.

Loaded up...ready to go...and not enough time to take in all the sports. However, I am going to give my best effort to do so. I'm out.

DC

Still smiling...

The warmth of the after glow from this weekend at Charleston is still very warm for Southern Illinois. It puts a smile on your face to know how well every athlete from Southern Illinois did this weekend. It is a light schedule on the prep side today but later in the week things will pick up again. Making up for that is the pro side with tons of events and happenings.

Prep Report
- The Meet of Champions will be held today at SIU for local track athletes. The timing of this event isn't great as it comes 2 days after the State meet for girls while it happens 5 days before the State Meet for boys. However, the competition down here is very strong and usually some very good displays of track ability happen.
- The Benton Rangerettes State Champion track team will be welcomed back to the school tonight at 9PM.
- Harrisburg will play Herrin today in a regional baseball final. On the softball side, Woodlawn will play Odin in a regional final.

Local Sports Scene
- The Rend Lake College baseball team had its season ended yesterday one game short of reaching the NJCAA World Series.

Pro Sports
- The Celtics survive another Game 7 and will advance to play Detroit in the Eastern Conference Finals. Does it seem like the 80's all over again?
- The Celtics/Cavs game reminded me of the Hawks/Celtics game from 1988 when Dominique and Bird went at it. Paul Pierce and LeBron James were amazing on the offensive end.
- The Hornets and Spurs will play Game 7 tonight of their series with the winner getting the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals.
- The field for the Indy 500 is set after some high drama on bump day. The 92nd annual race will happen next Sunday.
- Kasey Kahne was voted into the All-Star Race by the fans and then won the race Saturday night in the NASCAR event. The 600 will be Sunday evening.
- Pittsburgh will play Detroit in the Stanley Cup Finals. This is a dream matchup for the NHL with "Hockey Town" taking on Syd the Kid. Now, will anyone outside of those two cities watch the series.
- One week away from Memorial Day and the Yankees are in last place in the AL East. Do you think the heat is turned up in that clubhouse?
- The Cubs went 8-2 on their last homestand and have a 2 game lead in the NL Central.
- All the divisions in the MLB are still pretty close except for the NL West where the DBacks have a 5.5 game lead on the Dodgers. That looks like maybe a 2 horse race.
- In the "It's about time" category, the Cardinals honored Stan Musial by naming a road outside of Busch Stadium after him.

It is time to get ready for the work week. The best part is knowing a 3 day weekend awaits at the end. I'm out.

DC

South Reigns Supreme in Charleston...

Southern Illinois was very well represented at Charleston yesterday with a couple of State Championships for teams in the area, individual champions, and good finishes. Baseball and softball are advancing to the Sectional in 1A and 2A after games the past couple of days. Basically, it is going to be all about prep sports today because it dominates the sports scene.

Prep Report

Girls Track
- The Benton Rangerettes are the Class A Girls Track State Champions for the 2nd time in 3 years. They scored 71 points yesterday easily outdistancing 2nd place Eureka who had 45 points. Leah Orley of Benton won the triple jump, 110m high hurdles, and the 300m IM hurdles earning 37 points for Benton. Courtney Smith didn't win an event but earned 26 points for the team. Ashley Webb of Benton finished in 2nd place in the discus.
- East St. Louis is the Class AA Girls Track State Champions for 2008. They are SI due to the fact their Sectional was loaded with teams from our area and ESL feeds into postseason competitions around here.
- Kimberly Spencer ended her prep career at Pinckneyville with a 4th straigth championship in the 100m dash. For good measure, she also won the 200m dash as well.
- Other Class A individuals were Carmi's Lauren Winkleman took 3rd and WF Kecia Simpson finished 9th in the long jump. Winkleman was 7th in the triple jump. Harrisburg's Tonya Tuttle was 9th in the pole valut. Dani Helmers of Chester was second in the shot put and Herrin's Amanda Wieland was 9th in the discus. Tess Shubert of Okawville was 3rd in the 400m dash.
- On the Class AA side, Malaikah Love of Carbondale finished 3rd in the triple and long jump. Marion's Hannah Baker finished 8th in the discus.

1A Baseball
At the Goreville Sectional, there are going to be some very good games. Marissa will play Shawnee in one game and then Goreville will play Trico. In another game that feeds into the South Central Sectional, Woodlawn lost to South Central 7-2 in a regional final marred by a final inning fight between a player from Woodlawn and and a player from South Central.

2A Baseball
The Harrisburg Sectional has 3 of the 4 teams placed already. In one game, it will be a rematch of a Sectional Game last year when Pinckneyville battles Carterville while Carmi awaits the winner of the Harrisburg vs. Herrin Regional Final which will take place tomorrow.

1A Softball
The Steeleville Sectional is set. Cobden will play Goreville one more time in an SEC rivalry game. In the other contest, it will be Trico vs. Gallatin County. At the Wayne City Regional, Woodlawn will play Odin tomorrow in the Regional Championship with the winner there advancing to the Red Hill Sectional.

2A Softball
The dream matchups are ready to happen at the Pinckneyville Sectional. Johnston City will play Carterville in one game while Carmi will play Pinckneyville in the other game. This foursome is high level softball at its finest.

It was a tremendous day at Charleston for Southern Illinois. It just shows you how deep the track talent is in Southern Illinois and how much better the area is getting each year. We hope that we have similar results next week when the boys trek north to Charleston. Baseball and softball Regionals and Sectionals have some great matchups next week. It is a beautiful time of year and I am not only talking about the weather but the sports that are being finished up on the prep level. I'm out.

DC

A Smashing Saturday...

This could be a huge day in Southern Illinois for girls track. Several individuals and Benton's team have a chance to win State Championships. The boys are done with Sectionals and will be at EIU next weekend. Baseball and Softball will be going full tilt with the good weather. There is a lot of prep sports so let's get to it.

Prep Report
-Benton Girls Track have set themselves up quite nicely to go for a State Championship today at Charleston in Class A. Courtney Smith and Leah Orley are qualified to participate in 4 events. Also, Kimberly Spencer of Pinckneyville is qualified in the 100m and 200m. Remember, she is going for a 4 peat in the 100m.
- Southern Illinois is well represented individually as well in Charleston. Carmi, WF, Harrisburg, Chester, Herrin, Marion, and Carbondale are all represented. We wish everyone the best of luck.
- Herrin won the Boys Track Chester Sectional and qualified for 10 state events next weekend in Charleston. They outdistanced Du Quoin 130 to 98. The Tigers are loaded and ready to win another State Championship in the last year of Chad Lakatos at the held.
- West Frankfort won the Boys Track Harrisburg Sectional outscoring Benton 128 -119. Matt Eader of WF won both the shot and discus very easily. Saylor Shurtz also won 2 events in the long jump and and 200m. Aron Kays of Benton beat Shurtz in the 100m by winning it.
- In Class AA Boys, Cahokia beat East St. Louis 135-130 in a preview of a battle to take place for the Class AA State Championship next weekend in Charleston. Locally, Lucas Cherry of Carbondale and Kyle Pender of Centralia were the only qualifiers locally to make it to Charleston.
-Mother Nature messed with schedules of regionals in baseball and softball. There are semi-finals and championships going on today and Monday in the area. Check with area schools before heading out for game times.
- There is basketball coaching news. Long time Teutopolis head coach Ken Crawford is now the JV coach at Gallatin County. He played on the 1973 Ridgway team that won a Class A State Championship so he is returning home.

Pro Sports
- The Lakers close out the Jazz last night 4 games to 2 to advance to the Western Conference Finals. They will await the Game 7 winner between the Spurs and the Jazz. That game will be Monday.
- Game 7 between the Celtics and Cavs will be this Sunday. The Pistons await the winner.
- Jason Isringhausen of the Cards has made his way to the DL.
- Jayson Werth of the Phillies had 3 HR and 8 RBIs in a game last night vs. the Blue Jays.
- The Rays of Tampa Bay are on a roll and 7 games over the .500 mark. Could it be their year?
- Chipper Jones of the Braves is hitting well over .400 this year and we are almost to Memorial Day. That is a big effort so far.
- Big Brown will go for the 2nd win of the Triple Crown at the Preakness today. He is only 1 of 2 horses who ran in the Kentucky Derby who will run in the race today.
- NASCAR will hold its All-Star race tonight in Charlotte at Lowe's Motor Speedway. This is a race for the money which makes for some very edgy racing.

The weather is going to be beautiful today. There will be many chances to enjoy events outside and then enjoy some quality TV sports as well. Off to enjoy the day...I'm out.

DC

Flying around...

The weather yesterday will play havoc on games in the postseason as it did in the regular season. State Track for Girls and Boys Sectionals today should have some pretty good weather to run and throw in. We wish all of those in Southern Illinois the best of luck. As for the pros, Cards fans are still shaking their heads at Izzy once again, and the NBA Playoffs continue to be awesome. So, there is plenty of sports flying around so let's get started.

Prep Report
- The Girls State Track Meet will be today and tomorrow at EIU. Questions abound like...
Can Benton win a second State Championship in 3 years?
Can Kimberly Spencer of Pinckneyville win the 100m dash for the 4th straight year?
Can Sparta make a run at a State Championship?
These questions will all be answered by the end of tomorrow.
- The Boys Track Sectionals will be held today. Chester, Harrisburg, and Nashville will be hosting Sectionals on the Class A side while Belleville East will host a sectional on the Class AA side.
- The weather has wrecked many baseball and softball regionals in the area. How fast fields dry out will be the key if games are played today and if championships will be played on Saturday or pushed back to Monday. If you are heading to one of these games, make sure to check with the schools to see if your game is still on.

Pro Sports
- Will the Cardinals ever be able to go back to Jason Isringhausen not even in a save situation but in any close game situation? That performance yesterday was awful and it doesn't look like right now he is close to being the person who has saved almost 300 games.
- Yesterday's game I attended in St. Louis was the first time I had been to or seen a game on TV where there was water standing on the infield and they were still playing. Getting the game in was a must and the ground crew at Busch Stadium will have their work cut out for them today to get the field ready for games this weekend.
- Jim Edmonds went 1-4 in his Cubs debut. It still looks wierd that he is wearing that uniform.
- Speaking of the Cubs, they are 6-1 on their current homestand with the Pirates coming in for 3 more this weekend.
- Brandon Webb of the Diamondbacks improved to 9-0 yesterday. Obviously, he is the lead candidate to start the All-Star Game for the NL as well as Cy Young winner.
- The New York Yankees are in last place in the AL East. A 13 year playoff streak is on the line for them this year.
- NBA teams are 20-1 in the semifinal portion of the playoffs at home.
- Speaking of the NBA, why do the Spurs and Hornets have to wait 3 days to play a Game 7?
- Charles Barkley owes a Las Vegas casino $400,000. I can't afford any of those zeros in the sports they are in.

With the thought of Barkley losing almost a half a million dollars, that tells me I need to go work and earn some money today. I'm out.

DC

To the park...

The clouds are going to give us more water today. This means problems for local postseason games. The Cubs have signed Jim Edmonds. Yes, I am still in shock as much as seeing the play Manny Ramirez made yesterday. With the days warming up, the local sports scene is also gathering momentum. Summertime is rolling towards us and I can't wait for it to get here.

Prep Sports
- It looks like another questionable weather day as rain is predicted pretty much all day. This will throw a kink into the plans of postseason games this week.
- Speaking of weather, those teams that get their games in and others are rained out, will have a distinct advantage as far as pitchers to be used.
- Nashville vs. Carterville is set in the Carterville softball regional. This should be a really good game especially since Hornette pitcher Caitlin McClintock is healthy and pitching again.
- So far, there haven't been any upsets in baseball and softball as top teams are advancing.
- The Girls Class A and AA Track Meet will begin in Charleston tomorrow.
- The Boys Class A and AA Sectionals will be held around the state tomorrow.
- Is anyone suprised that Marion and Carbondale girls will play for a soccer Regional Title?

Local Sports Scene
- Rend Lake is your District 24 Champion after beating John A. Logan yesterday. They advance to host a 3 team district tournament this weekend with the winner of that advancing to the National Tournament in Colorado.
- RLC Women's Golf team is in 6th place after two rounds in the NJCAA Tournament in Daytona, Florida.
- We are less than a week away from the SI Miners opening their season up.

Pro Sports
- Jim Edmonds is officially a Cub now. Wow...the times are a changing. If the Cubs don't use him as an everyday player then there is a chance he can be very productive. He is an improvement over Felix Pie at this point and Pie needs extra at bats at AAA Iowa to work on his swing.
- Manny Ramirez of the Red Sox made the catch and play of the year last night. He catches the ball, momentum carries him up the wall, he high fives a fan, and then hits the cut off man who threw to double off a runner. You will have to see this highlight as it was awesome and Manny being Manny.
- Interleague Play will begin in the MLB this weekend.
- Semi-finals of the NBA Playoffs...no one except Detroit can win a road game in these series.
- Senator Arlen Spector of Pennsylvania...it is time to shut up and let Spygate rest. Roger Godell has dealt with it, and please, do we really need another worthless Congressional investigation? I mean, the best part of these has been the bad quotes and mispronouncing of names, teams, and facts.

To the park I go as I am making my first trip of the year to see an MLB game in St. Louis today. Here is hoping that the weather holds off and I will be able to see a game. I'm out.

DC

Win...Advance...Survive...Finished

The title of this post sums it up. Terms used in sports that cover high school, college, and pro sports seasons going on right now. In the postseason, we know all you want to do is win and move on. You don't care by how much, but that you just do it. The pro sports world is rolling as usual 24/7. However, at this time this morning, there is nothing new to report on the Jim Edmonds to the Cubs rumors. Anyways, let's get started.

Prep Report
- Survive and advance...that is what Carterville softball did yesterday vs. Murphysboro winning 1-0. The Lions only got one hit and still won the game.
- On the flip side...Cobden looked very impressive in their opening regional game with a 12-0 win over Meridian.
- Gena McKenzie of Woodlawn gave up a lead off hit in the game and then retired 21 batters in a 7-0 win over Wayne City in the Regional. This marked the 3rd time in 4 days these teams have played due to rescheduled conference games.
- Familiarity on the baseball side is going to lead to some good games. There were some very close games yesterday in the opening rounds again.
- Class 3A and 4A schools are wrapping up their seasons in baseball and softball.

Local Sports
- Rend Lake and John A. Logan will meet today for the Region 24 Baseball Championship at Rent One Park. It has been a crazy tournament. Also, the Vols have 3 wins over the Warriors this season already.
- Rend Lake Men's Golf team will play in the National's in Arizona this weekend.
- We are a week away from the Miners opening their season. One week from this Saturday, they will be opening at home.

Pro Sports
- Detroit advanced to their 6th straight Eastern Conference Finals by eliminating Orlando last night. In the process, Richard Hamilton became the all-time leading scores for the Pistons in their playoff history.
- New Orleans cruised to a game 5 win over the Spurs. However, the Spurs' Robert Horry became the leader in playoff games played in NBA history with 238 games.
- In the NHL...Pittsburgh has a 3-0 lead over Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference Finals while Detroit has a 3-0 lead over Dallas in the Western Conference Finals.
- The news gets worse for Barry Bonds as his indictment was refiled to change the counts against him.
- Annika Sorenstam, arguably the best woman golfer in history, will retire at the end of the year from the LPGA. We may never see another one like her ever with the accomplishments she has had over the years.
- Justine Henin, the world's #1 women's tennis player, will retire today at age 25. Do what? Huh? Even with injuries and being #1 in the world, it would be tough to walk away because you may not be able to get it back if you change your mind.
- Tis the season for NFL holdouts during mandatory workouts over contract disputes.
- Matt Walsh visited with Roger Godell yesterday and really...we didn't learn anything new. Also, there was no taped walk through of the Rams in 2002 so that excuse for their loss is out the window.
- Memo to Mike Martz...when you are having a walk through for a Super Bowl and you see someone walking around in a shirt for the other team, then you probably should ask them why they are there and ask them to leave.

It is busy for the mid-week and if the weather can hold off we are going to have much more to talk about tomorrow. I'm out.

DC

Times they are a changing...

The postseason has begun in baseball and softball for Class 1A and 2A. Teams are wrapping up conference games as well. In the pro sports world, it seems that the Cubs are wanting to sign Jim Edmonds. Can anyone imagine Edmonds in a Cubs jersey? I am having a hard time.

Prep Sports
- West Frankfort and Nashville boys track teams won their own invitationals yesterday.
- Herrin beat WSV in 9 innings in softball yesterday to open up the Carterville Regional. I think this will be the first of many good games this postseason in both baseball and softball.
- There isn't many events scheduled today but games in regionals will continue.
- Nashville softball is getting healthy at the right time winning over Trenton-Wesclin 8-0. Caitlin McClintock is getting healthy at the right time.

Local Sports Scene
- The Miners continue to ready for their season to begin with exhibition games.
- Former 2B Bo Hart plays in the Frontier League for Schaumberg.
- The Region 24 Baseball Tournament has taken on a life of its own. Keegan Dennis of JAL threw 172 pitches in a game the other day, and the quality of games has been tremendous.

Pro Sports
- Say it ain't so...Jim Edmonds may be wearing a Cubs jersey?!?!?! The word today is if he passes waivers on Wednesday he will be patroling the outfield on the North Side.
- The Yankees are a bit banged up now with A-Rod and Posada on the DL.
- Greg Gagne says he is ready to close for the Brewers again. Funny, I don't believe manager Ned Yost has been told.
- Asdrubal Cabrera of the Indians turned an unassisted triple play last night for the Indians. This was the first one since Rafeal Furcal did it for the Braves in St. Louis a few years back and I was there to see it.
- Can the Celtics win a road playoff game? They are 0-4 now and their series with Cleveland is tied at 2.
- Matt Walsh is meeting with NFL Commissioner Roger Godell this morning about Spygate. Is it still an issue yet?

It is time to go and watch the waiver wire to see if Jim Edmonds is going to be with the Cubs. I'm out.

DC

Postseason upon us...

The sun is making an appearance today after the miserable weather we had yesterday. It is a light schedule on the prep side with postseason events coming quickly. MLB is taking the lead on the pro side as we are 40 games plus in and trends for teams are starting to take shape.

Prep Report
- It is a light day on the baseball and softball side in 1A and 2A as Regional play begins this week. There will be some make-up conference games I am sure played this week.
- Nashville is hosting the Jared Morris Invitational and West Frankfort is hosting the Redbird Invitational today in boys track. These two events are a couple of last meet tune ups for Sectionals on Friday.

Pro Sports
- For the first time ever, the Tampa Bay Rays are 5 games over the .500 mark. Does anyone else feel spoiled about their baseball team?
- Florida has the best record in the NL with a winning percentage of .622. Pre World Series hype will begin this week when the Rays and Marlins battle during interleague play this weekend.
- First goes Izzy out of the closing role and then goes Gagne for the Brewers out of the closing roll. I wonder if LaRussa and Brewers manager Ned Yost conferred about the decision this past weekend.
- The Cubs swept Arizona out of Chicago completed the 3 game sweep yesterday. The D-Backs had the best record in the MLB when the weekend started.
- Game on in the NBA Playoffs in the Western Conference as both series are tied at 2-2. Detroit looks to close out Orlando in Game 5 while Boston will try to win their first game on the road tonight in Cleveland in the Eastern Conference.
- OJ Mayo...the story that ESPN broke yesterday is very interesting watch and read. If you are a high school and college basketball fan it will wake you up to the realities that are out there for high school and college athletes. If these allegations are true, it is not good for Mayo and USC.

A busy but exciting week of prep sports awaits us with track, baseball, and softball. Can you believe that the 2007-2008 prep season is almost over. I'm out.

DC

Blowing through sports...

I believe it is raining sideways right now outside as I post. The wind is blowing so hard that with it raining it looks that way. Oh well, we can't change the weather but we can talk some sports.

Prep Report
- Nashville softball won the Johnston City Softball Tournament yesterday by beating West Frankfort and Murphysboro. The Hornettes got 2 wins from freshman Breanne Pelker to take the title after having a first round bye. Their ace, Caitlin McClintock, who has been injured, started the title game and threw 3 innings. It looks like the Hornettes are rounding into shape just in time for the regionals. Also, Murphysboro pulled an upset defeating Johnston City 2-1 in the semi-finals of the same tournament.
- Pinckneyville softball beat Heath, KY 2-0 but lost to Owensboro Catholic, KY 2-0 yesterday.
- Du Quoin beat Marissa in baseball yesterday 8-2 in a battle of 2A and 1A.
- Harrisburg baseball picked up a couple of wins over 3A and 4A schools. The Bulldogs beat East Peoria 10-0 in 5 innings and defeated Edwardsville 7-5 in 6 innings due to rain.
- Regionals for 1A and 2A baseball and softball start this week with Championship Saturday at the end.
- Class AA Soccer Sectionals, Boys track sectionals, and Girls State Track will be this happening this weekend.
- I just noticed this tidbit over the weekend. Chicago North Lawndale, the 2A State Champs in Boys Basketball, will move to Class 3A next year.

Pro Sports
- Greg Maddux became only the 9th pitcher in MLB history to win 350 games last night with a win over the Colorado Rockies. Being my favorite player, I can brag a little bit about him. We may never see another pitcher reach this plateau based on the talent and longevity of this man on the mound. The scary thing is that we don't know when he may stop due to his pitching style.
- The Cardinals have relieved Izzy of his closing duties temporarily. There is no word when he will get these duties back.
- Izzy isn't the only closer struggling, Greg Gagne joins him at the number 5 of save attempts blown this year which is the highest in the MLB.
- The Cubs won their second straight over Arizona yesterday as the NL Central race continues to be tight.
- IMO...the Chicago Bulls really missed their coach when Mike D'Antoni signed with the Knicks. This was the guy to go with the players on their roster. Now, the other openings in the league will start to fill up.
- Kyle Busch grabbed his 3rd Sprint win last night in Darlington on the NASCAR circuit.

The cold, wet, and gusty winds today will keep many of us inside watching sports and doing inside projects. Let's hope that the weather gets much better so prep events can get completed over the next few weeks. I'm out.

DC

Stuffed with Sports...

Track reigns supreme today with Sectional track meets being held yesterday for the girls. Southern Illinois is looking very good with good teams and several individuals that have a great chance of bringing home championships to Southern Illinois. Baseball and softball enter their final weekend of the regular season before the postseason starts up. The pro side sees MLB races starting to take shape and Jason Isringhausen blowing another save for the Cardinals. The NBA Playoffs are continuing to be very competitive with all the series being pretty even.

Prep Report
- Benton won their 8th straight girls Sectional yesterday winning on their own track. Leah Orley and Courtney Smith lead the Rangerettes as they look to win their second State Championship in 3 years next weekend in Charleston. The Rangerettes scored 125 points, Herrin was second with 77, and West Frankfort was third with 68.
- Sparta won their own girls Sectional yesterday. They scored 119 points in the meet followed by Breese Central with 88, and Nashville in 3rd place with 71 points.
- East St. Louis dominated the Marion Class AA girls Sectional yesterday scoring 164 points followed by Cahokia with 75 and Belleville West with 72.
- Charleston will host the Girls Class A and AA State Meet next weekend on the campus of EIU. We have several good teams and individuals going north so it looks to be a very good weekend for Southern Illinois if everything works out.
- In a boys track meet, Cahokia boys were dominating scoring 202 points to win the South Seven meet. Marion finished second with 98 points.
- The Class A and AA Boys Sectionals will be next Friday.
- This is the final weekend of regular season baseball and softball. Baseball seesa couple of doubleheaders scheduled for today at Benton and Pinckneyville. Murphysboro and Greenville are hosting tournaments today.
- Herrin, Johnston City, and and Crab Orchard are hosting softball tournaments today.
- Regionals for Baseball and Softball start next week with Championships being on Saturday.

Pro Sports
- The NBA coaching circle goes round and round. It looks like Rick Carlisle is going to be the head coach of the Dallas Mavericks. Mike D'Antoni, currently the head coach of the Suns, is looking at Chicago and New York. As we go on, expect more dominoes to start falling as coaching positions are filled.
- Detroit vs. Orlando, New Orleans and San Antonio, and Los Angeles vs. Utah are series with a 2 to 1 advantage with the teams listed first with the advantage. Boston leads Cleveland 2-0 as Game 3 with be tonight in Cleveland. Gosh...the NBA Playoffs have been great this year and we are not even half way through.
- Today is Pole Day for the Indianapolis 500. It seems like this race is kind of an unofficial start to the summer during Memorial Day Weekend.
- Tony Stewart won the Nationwide race last night at Darlington. He and the rest of the Sprint guys will race tonight under the lights in Darlington, South Carolina.
- Ted Lilly had 10 strikeouts vs. the Diamondbacks in a Cubs win yesterday. He seems to be finding his groove in May after struggling.
- If you haven't seen the highlights, you need to see Seattle's Richie Sexson start a bench clearing brawl after being thrown at. It is one of the better one in recent memory.
- Jason Isringhausen of the Cardinals is in a real slump right now after blowing another save chance last night. How are you feeling about him now Cards fans as your closer? Is it time for a change? Post your thoughts.

With that I am finished. I am hoping to read some of your thoughts on Izzy and other sports topics. I'm out.

DC

At the Finish Line...

Times, lengths, and finish lines are the key words of the day as girls track sectionals are on the docket today. Also, we are winding down the baseball and softball regular seasons.

Prep Report
- Girls Class A and AA Track Sectionals will be going on today. Benton and Sparta host Class A Sectionals and Marion hosts a Class AA Sectional.
- Next Friday, the Boys will have their Track Sectionals for both Class A and AA.
- The weather will be a key role if there are to be baseball and softball games played today and tomorrow.
- There is still no word on the basketball jobs that are still open in Southern Illinois.

Pro Sports
- The NBA coaching dominoes are about to fall. The first will be who will hire Mike D'Antoni.
- What a treat it is to watch San Antonio and New Orleans go at it in the playoffs. There are so many good players and numerous great plays to watch in the series.
- We can officially end the Matt Walsh/Spygate saga now that the new tapes had little of anything new in them.
- Several NFL teams will be having mini-camps this weekend for rookies and veterans alike.
- Brandon Webb of the Diamondbacks is 8-0 already and cruising to a dominating Cy Young Award. On the flip side, Barry Zito is 0-7 for the Giants.
- Is there a hotter hitter in baseball right now then Chipper Jones of the Braves?

This is the first of many big weekends in May for prep events with championships to be decided all month. I'm out.

DC

A Tidy Thursday...

The rain will cancel many events around the area. However, the pro sports world continues to churn out happenings.

Prep Report
- There won't be much happening around the area today with the rain forecasted for pretty much the whole day.
- The SIRR boys track meet is scheduled to be at Sparta while the BDC Boys track meet is scheduled to be at Eldorado if weather permits.
- Girls Track Sectionals for Class A will be tomorrow.

Pro Sports
- Matt Walsh and Spygate really came to a screeching halt with the finding out that the only tapes he had was more of the signal stealing on tape of other NFL teams.
- Barry Zito goes to 0-7 on the season for the SF Giants.
- I wanted to hit against my Cubs yesterday with the way they were pitching against the Reds.
- The US Olympic Baseball team made the right decision to not allow Roger Clemens to play for the team. That would be way to much distraction.

It was brief but there it is for a Thursday morning. I'm out.

DC

Sporting at Mid-Week

All of these good games in prep baseball and softball, I can't wait to see the postseason begin. It is going to be one of the most competitive in recent memory.



Prep Report

- The Marion Baseball team continues to rack up huge offensive numbers with another 12-2 win yesterday in beating West Frankfort.

- Pinckneyville Baseball gets a win on the road over 3A Mt. Vernon yesterday 12-1. This team is loaded both on offense and defense as well as many veterans with much experience.

- In a battle of 1A vs. 2A, Carterville blasted Trcio 16-0. The Lions are really playing some good baseball and it is no surprise that Bobby Jackson has his team doing that. He is a good coach.

- Quietly under the radar, the Carmi Bulldogs continue to win. They are 11-6 but had many games cancelled due to weather early in the year, but this team is talented.

- As I have mentioned, 1A baseball will be very equal come postseason. Example of this is Cobden upset Pope County yesterday 10-2.

- Speaking of Cobden, the softball team pulled off an impressive win on the road yesterday at Pinckneyville in 11 innings 2-1. Cobden is looking as the favorite in 1A in Southern Illinois.

- Carterville beat Trico 7-0 in a battle of two teams looking to advance in 1A and 2A.

- Weather will be a factor today in the schedule of games this afternoon. There are several good games if they are played.



Pro Sports

- The Giants moved $126 million dollar man Barry Zito back into the starting rotation yesterday.

- A no-no almost happened in the MLB last night with Gavin Floyd coming to within 2 outs.

- The Dodgers are streaking to get back to within 3 games in the NL West, while the Brewers are streaking the other way dropping to 5 games back in the NL Central.

- Kobe Bryant is your NBA MVP this year.

- Is it just me, but how many more times in a clutch situation late in a game will LeBron James miss a big shot? It has happened a couple of times already this postseason.

- The Bulls are pursuing Mike D'Antoni of the Suns very hard for their head coaching position.

- Between Cedric Benson of the Bears, Marvin Harrison of the Colts, and Roger Clemens...who has the craziest headlines following them around these days?



It is time to head out and begin mid-week activities. I'm out.



DC

Questions to ponder...

Even with under a week left, there are still some good baseball and softball games going on at the prep level. Also, I ponder some questions in the pro sports scene as well as some other tidbits.

Prep Report
- AJ ended Harrisburg's 21 game winning streak by beating the Bulldogs 8-5. It truly shows how balanced 2A baseball is in the South especially teams that feed into the Harrisburg Sectional.
- Speaking of baseball teams, Carterville continues its good play with a win over Chester yesterday in baseball.
- Du Quoin is finding their game at the right time with another win in baseball over Murphysboro yesterday. The Indians will be a dangerous team come Regional time and especially if they and Pinckneyville hook up in the Regional Championship.
- Carterville was impressive in a dominating road victory at Nashville yesterday in softball by winning 11-0. The Lions didn't throw their ace in the game. This could me a matchup a week from Saturday for the Carterville Regional Championship.
- Interesting game in softball today as AJ is scheduled to play Murphysboro. Two teams with solid wins this year trying to find their way before postseason starts.
- Cobden in 1A softball seems to be the team to beat with another win over a good Goreville team yesterday.
- CZR won their annual Lady Cat Invitational in track yesterday. They beat River to River schools Du Quoin and Nashville in the process.

Pro Sports
- As I mentioned long ago, teh Cardinals are going to be in the thick of the NL Central race all year long.
- Where have the Cubs of a couple weeks ago gone that went 8-2?
- FYI...sometimes accidents happen in horse racing.
- Kobe Bryant is the NBA MVP this year.
- The Hornets and Pistons have looked very impressive in their series by going up 2-0.
- How come we know who wins the awards in the NBA before they are announced whereas other sports it is top secret until the announcement?
- Ozzie Guillen...isn't it about time you grow up? The cute factor is over.
- Marvin Harrison...what are you doing? You are a future Hall of Famer!!!
- Roger Clemens...why do I feel uncomfortable each day when I hear something new about him and his past?

With those questions, I am leaving you to ponder them. I'm out.

DC

Sports on Cinco de Mayo...

The first full week of May is full of activity as high school sports for the spring is winding down and the local sports scene is starting to pick up. There are going to be many local events going on this summer in the area that will be mentioned here. Also, the pro scene continues to go.

Prep Report
- The final week of the regular season for baseball and softball in 1A and 2A is here.
- Harrisurg and Christopher will be the sites of two big girls track meets this afternoon.
- AJ and Harrisburg will battle today on the baseball diamond in a clash of teams that could make a deep run in postseason.
- Carterville will play Nashville today in softball in what will probably be a preview of the Regional Championship a week from Saturday in Carterville.
- There is still no word on any of the basketball jobs still open in the area on both the boys and girls sides. With us well into May, time is getting short to hire since the summer basketball season is right around the corner.

Local Sports Scene
- Todd Obergoenner and Chelsea Harris were the winners for the men and women at the first SIGA event of the year at Hickory Ridge. Obergoenner is currently attending SIU while Harris attends Austin Peay University.
- Today is the second of 2 days for Fontier League Tryouts at Rent One Park in Marion, IL. That season is just weeks away from beginning.
- Speaking of the Miners, they will have several fun promotions at the ballpark this year. Go to their website to check out what will be going on.
- JUCO baseball and softball postseason is starting to go locally. There is some very good talent on the field to go and watch.

Pro Sports
- The Cardinals beat the Cubs last night 5-2 to win the series in St. Louis.
- Does anyone else have a red flag fly up knowing that Skip Schumaker publicly voiced he worked out in the offseason with Mark McGwire?
- Greg Maddux was denied in getting his 350th win of his career once again.
- Roger Clemens is sorry for his personal problems. Great, now someone tell him to drop the defamation suit for his sake.
- The NHL is feeling pretty good with Dallas vs. Detroit and Philly vs. Pittsburgh in the Conference Finals. Problem is people outside of hockey and those 4 cities...will they care enough to watch?
- Dallas beat San Jose in 4 overtimes last night to advance in the NFL Playoffs. The game ended well into the early morning hours.
- Why do I feel like the Boston Celtics are in trouble in the playoffs if the Hawks took them to 7 games?
- Mike D'Antoni has permission to talk with the Bulls and Knicks in order to leave Phoenix. Hey Chicago...with your roster and personnel, this is your coach if you want offense.

With that, it is time to start the day of Cinco de Mayo. I'm out.

DC

Special Sports Efforts

I am going to take some time to break down the 3A baseball and softball teams and their postseason pairings today. As you will notice, the regionals will feature teams that are very familiar with each other. This is also the final week of the regular season for 1A and 2A baseball and softball teams as well. As you can tell, the month of May means things get real busy.

Prep Report
3A Baseball
Mt. Vernon will host a 3A Regional that will resemble a South Seven Tournament. Besides the Rams being in it, the Regional will have Marion, Carbondale, and Centralia in it as well. The winner of this Regional will advance to the Centralia Sectional. The winner of that Sectional will advance to the Super-Sectional which will be held at the University of Illinois where the Illini play baseball. The other two South Seven teams, Cahokia and Belleville Althoff, will play in the Althoff Regional which also feeds into the Centralia Sectional.

3A Softball
Marion will host a 3A Regional that will also resemble a South Seven Tournament. Carbondale, Marion, Mt. Vernon, and Breese Mater Dei will be in this Regional. The winner at Marion will advance to the Centralia Sectional. From there, the winner of that Sectional will advance to the Mt. Zion Super-Sectional. The other two South Seven teams, Cahokia and Belleville Althoff, will play in the Mascoutah Regional which also feeds into the Centralia Sectional.

- Girls track Sectionals will be held around the state this Friday and Saturday. In Southern Illinois, Benton and Sparta will be hosting a Class A Sectional while Marion will be hosting a Class AA meet.
- Class A Girls Soccer Sectionals will begin this weekend as well. AJ will be participating at the Columbia Sectional.
- Class AA Girls Soccer Sectional will begin the weekend of the 17th.

Pro Sports
- Big Brown dominates the Kentucky Derby with a special effort which was the good side of horse racing. The bad side is that the 2nd place horse Eight Belles had to be put to sleep after breaking both front ankles.
- Clint Bowyer snuck in late and won the race at Richmond last night that was dominated by Denny Hamlin until tire problems with 8 to go took him out of contention.
- New Orleans dominated the Spurs at home in Game 1 of their series. Interesting that Chris Paul is pretty special and is really putting himself in elite league status with his play.
- Detriot shut down Orlando last night with their defense. If the Pistons play like that, they may be the favorite to get out of the East if the defense can be as special as that.
- Boston and Atlanta will play their 4th Game 7 between the two franchises today. Boston has won the previous 3.
- Old Home Night at Busch Stadium tonight as former Cardinal Jason Marquis will pitch for the Cubs against former Cub Todd Wellemeyer who will pitch for the Cardinals. Did you get that? ESPN is doing the game so it will be a 7PM start tonight.
- Ted Lilly gave a special effort yesterday going 7 innings and saving a Cubs bullpen that was depleted after the 2/3 of an inning outing by Rich Hill on Friday night.
- Speaking of Hill, he was shipped out to Class AAA Iowa to work on his mechanics.
- Brandon Webb of the Diamondbacks is 7-0 already. Speaking of streaks, the Dodgers have won 8 games in a row.

NBA and MLB dominate the sports scene today. However, it seems the weather will be much better than yesterday as it will be warming up and the winds won't be as brisk so getting outside and enjoying will be on the agenda as well. FYI...Mother's Day is a week away...have you gotten your gift yet? I'm out.

DC

To the post...

The first full weekend of May brings about a full plate of sports. The weather is warming as are the NBA Playoffs. We are in for some great games in the Semi-Final rounds but there is still a game 7 to be played. It is time to get right to it.

Prep Report
- Enrollments for the 2008-2009 school year have been released by the IHSA on their website.
- One change in 4 classes is that Chester will go from 2A to 1A next year.
- In a 3 class system, Benton, Harrisburg, Herrin, Massac County, Mt. Carmel, Olney, and Murphysboro go from 2A to 1A.
- The IHSA also released on their website the pairings for 3A and 4A baseball and softball postseason regional pairings.
- We are less than a week away from the Track Sectionals for girls.
- There were not a lot of games played yesterday due to the weather.
- There is a sprinking of games and events today but not as full as we wind down towards the postseason.
- As May marches on, we are getting closer to all of the summer camps, shootouts, and 7 on 7s in the area.
- Columbia baseball coach Dustin Nail will resign after this season to take an elementary principal position at Okawville Elementary School. He just guided his team to a State Championship last year.

Local Scene
- The first SIGA golf event is today at Hickory Ridge Golf Center in Carbondale. The field is loaded with good players on both the men and women sides.
- The weather is going to be great today so get out and enjoy nature and the fresh air.

Pro Sports
- Memo to Rich Hill of the Cubs...you will either throw strikes or Lou Piniella will take you out until you decide to listen to him and do so.
- How wierd was that game in St. Louis last night?
- The Dodgers are fighting their way back in the NL West race now just back 4 games back.
- Is this 1988 again with Atlanta taking Boston to a 7th game of their opening playoff series?
- New Orleans vs. San Antonio and Los Angeles vs. Utah in the Western Conference...does it get any better with the level of basketball we are about to watch?
- Marvin Harrison of the NFL Colts has himself in some hot water with the incident at his sports bar in Philadelphia.
- Nick Hill is participating in Chicago Bears Rookie Camp this weekend in Lake Forest, IL.
- NASCAR from Richmond, VA tonight as Denny Hamlin will start on the pole.
- Finally, how could we end without the first Saturday of May as the traditional day for the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY. You name the celebrity, and they will probably be in attendance for post time at 5:04CST.

The DVR will get plenty of use today as the weather will lend itself to enjoying the great outdoors. I'm out.

DC

A Softball Classic...

Great atmosphere and game at Carterville yesterday in softball. Rarely does a game live up to the hype and this one most certainly did. The schedule is full for today locally if the weather cooperates and pro sports is getting very busy.

Prep Report
- I attended the Johnston City at Carterville softball game yesterday. There were well over 1500 fans in attendance. If this is a precursor to the Pinckneyville Sectional level of softball then Southern Illinois is in for a treat. Carterville won 1-0 in 9 innings. You had 2 great pitching performances, some errors that were followed up by big plays to erase mistakes, and then just flat out great plays by both teams as well. They could meet again in the Sectional Semi-Finals if all plays out.
- For those of you keeping track in softball this season: Carterville has beaten Johnston City and Johnston City has beaten Pinckneyville, and Pinckneyville has beaten Carterville.
- I want to also give credit to the umpiring crew on the game. These two men were outstanding!
- 2A Pinckneyville beat 3A Marion in softball yesterday 3-0 showing once again the Lady Panthers will play anyone no matter the school size.
- While at Carterville, I had a chance to check out the new football and track facility. It is the nicest in Southern Illinois by far.
- Sparta and Benton won the SIRR Girls track meet yesterday.
- In baseball, teams like Du Quoin, Nashville, Sparta, Murphysboro, Steeleville, and Woodlawn are teams playing better baseball right now that won't be easy outs come postseason time.
- 3A and 4A baseball and softball pairings will be released today on the IHSA website.

Local Sports Scene
- The Players Cup 2008 will be played this weekend at Hickory Ridge Golf Center. This is the opening tournament for the Southern Illinois Golf Association.
- Single game Miners baseball tickets go on sale this Saturday.
- The season of fund raising golf scrambles is upon us.

Pro Sports
- The Cubs and Cardinals will renew their rivalry this weekend at Busch Stadium.
- The Detroit Tigers have clawed their way back into the AL Central.
- The MLB Standings are starting to shake themselves out with the favorites being on top.
- With Roger Clemens, does everyone see why you don't file defamation suits against others?
- Detroit advanced past Philly and will play Orlando in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals.
- The Spurs and Hornets are ready to tangle in the Western Conference Semi-Finals.
- The other NBA Series are all at 3-2.
- The NHRA Series will be racing at Gateway International Raceway in Madison, IL this weekend.
- NASCAR is racing under the lights this weekend at Richmond, Virgina.

Stay safe today as we are expecting some rough weather this afternoon and this evening. I'm out.

DC

Super Softball today...

I had the pleasure of attending a great track meet at Benton yesterday. Also, there is a big softball game with JC and Carterville I am hoping to attend today.

Prep Report
- I headed to the Chuck Oyler Invitational at Benton yesterday to watch a boys track meet. Several athletes and teams were impressive. Matt Eader of West Frankfort was tremendous throwing a meet record 55-2 in the shot put and the discus at 166-9. Cody Doerflein of Du Quoin set a meet record in the pole vault at 15 feet. Ryan Rushing of Du Quoin won the 200m pretty easily. Murphysboro had several relay teams that were tremendous as well as the distance runner for Wayne City ran some very good times. The race in the 300m intermediate hurdles is one of the best races to watch. I recommend getting out to a track meet to watch because the athleticism shown is impressive.
- Carmi is your champion in the BDC of the girls side of track. They won the meet on their track.
- The SIRR girls track meet will be at Benton today.
- The big Johnston City vs. Carterville softball game is today. There is enough off the field activity over the past year to make this rivalry even more juicy. I am planning on attending this game today.
- A 2A vs. 3A softball game will happen today between Pinckneyville and Marion today. These are two very good programs that will be going at it.

Pro Sports
- Avery Johnson goes 194-70 and a Finals appearance in four yearsas a head coach of the Dallas Mavericks and gets fired yesterday. Are you serious?
- Washington is not backing down from LeBron James and Cleveland in their NBA Series at all even with Agent 0 Gilbert Arenas being out.
- John Smoltz of the Braves is going to return to the Braves bullpen. The wear and tear on his arm can't hold up as a starter.
- The Cubs scored 19 runs against the Brewers last night. Hopefully, they have saved some runs for the rest of the season.

It was short and sweet but Thursday is filled with high school sports today. I'm out.

DC