Holiday Tournament - Day 6

The final day of holiday tournament basketball has either wrapped up or is wrapping up this evening. It has been a very long but fun week to see several teams in all the different tournaments. With the long hours I have put in, it is time for the post today.

Prep Report
- The 66th Annual Centralia Holiday Tournament title will be decided tonight as the host Orphans play Chicago Hyde Park. The Thunderbirds are dandy and will be a heavy favorite in the game.
- I have said this before, but make sure that if you haven't been to the new gym at Centralia you need to get there. It is a first class facility.
- As mentioned yesterday, I will try to wrap up things from the holiday tournaments both boys and girls tomorrow and the next day to wrap up the 2nd tournament season of the basketball schedule.
- It is hard to believe that midwinter tournament will happen over the next three weeks already.

College Sports
- I didn't realize until tonight it has been 9 years since the Big 10 had a team won the Rose Bowl. That was Wisconsin. Now, with the BCS system in place, we haven't always had a Big 10 team in the game the past few years.
- Joe Paterno will coach from the Press Box tomorrow in the Rose Bowl.
- It is a grand day tomorrow with football on from 10AM until late tomorrow night. Seveeral of the big bowls will take place tomorrow.
- Conference basketball play has started and SIU is currently hosting Northern Iowa right now at the SIU Arena. It is a homecoming for former Nashville standout Lucas O' Rear as he plays for the Panthers.
- The Big 10 already had an upset as Michigan State defeated Minnesota.

Pro Sports
- The Cubs made some major moves today. First, they signed former Cardinal Aaron Miles to a contract and then traded Mark DeRosa to the Indians for 3 minor leaguers.
- With the trades by the Cubs, it tells me that they are readying up for other acquisitions to help their team in 2009.
- The Angels have signed reliever/closer Brian Fuentes from the Rockies. He was rumored to be going to the Cardinals.
- John Daly has been suspended by the PGA for 6 months for for the unwelcomed publicity that has followed him around in 2008. If you can recall the stories from this year it does make sense.
- Chad Pennington was named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year for the 2nd time today. He helped lead the Dolphins to the playoffs.
- TV has given the Vikings and Cardinals extra time to sell tickets to avoid local TV blackouts. I can't believe an NFL playoff game isn't sold out.

2008 is over in about 3 hours. If you are getting ready to head out to celebrate, be careful. If you are already out there, be careful. I am catching up on some TV sports and hopefully finding sleep after seeing all of these games. I'm out

DC

Holiday Tournaments - Day 5

The 5th day of holiday tournament action has come to an end with one more day to go. Let's get right to what has taken place in the world of sports.

Prep Report
- Woodlawn won their first ever Sesser-Valier Holiday Tournament Championship tonight beating #7 seeded New Athens 51-47. The Yellow Jackets are a team to be reckoned with in Class 1A posteason.
- New Athens, a 7 seed, defeated #2 Waltonville and #3 SV to get to the SV Final.
- Waltonville and SV came away with 3 wins in the tournament but definitely not finishing where they wanted to be.
- Nashville remains undefeated and won the Mater Dei Tournament tonight. They are playing some very good basketball.
- I will have updates of girls basketball tournaments either tomorrow or the next day as well from Herrin, Mascoutah, and Benton.
- The Centralia Tournament will enter day 3 with an Orphan/Rams rivalry game in a semi-final. Mt. Vernon vs. Centralia will be the highlight game of the day.

College Sports
- They Holiday Bowl is one of my favorite bowl games every year. It is no different tonight.
- Illinois mens BB got a big road win at Purdue in OT tonight to start the Big 10 season.
- #4 Oklahoma was beaten tonight in Men's basketball and then #11 Purdue also lost as mentioned.
- Is anyone else preparing for a big day of college football on Thursday like me?

Pro Sports
- The Broncos have fired longtime head coach Mike Shanahan. The final 3 game losses of the season and missing the playoffs sealed his fate. This is the first time since 1995 there has been a new change.
- Bill Cowher is out of the running for the Jets job but is rumored to be available for every other opening.
- The Bills will keep Dick Jauron around as their head coach for another.
- The 49ers fired offensive coordinator Mike Martz.
- The ice is ready to go for the New Year's Day NHL game at Wrigley Field.
- The Cubs have possibly traded Jason Marquis to the Rockies. This is just a rumor right now. If that happens, then another move to follow could come from the North Siders.

One more day to go and Centralia is the place to be. It is late. I'm out.

DC
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Holiday Tournament Action - Day 4

After a day of being at two different tournaments and seeing many games, late at night posting again is happening so let's get to it.

Prep Report
- Woodlawn will play New Athens in the title game at SV tomorrow night after New Athens upset the Red Devils tonight. The Yellow Jackets went 5/17 from the FT line and SV had every chance in the world to win.
- Massac County remained undefeated and wins the EHT beating Carrier Mills 59-47. NCOE won the Consolation Championship earlier in the day while Meridian took 3rd place.
- The 66th annual Centralia Holiday Tournament kicked off today with a few upsets. It was good to see local teams Salem and Mt. Vernon advance in the winners bracket.
- By the way...if you haven't been to the new Trout Gym in Centralia, you need to get up here and see a jewel of a gym.
- Nashville is currently playing Breese Central in a battle of teams who are undefeated at the Mater Dei Tournament.

College Report
- Since Tennessee is having a new coaching staff for football, their former defensive coordinator is heading to LSU to take the same position.
- During a late lunch today, the Rutgers/NC State game was interesting to watch.
- The best thing about college football bowl games is the coaches coming up with some trick plays that are designed in the weeks previous.
- Just as in the NFL, college football coaches are losing their jobs especially after losses in bowl games.

Pro Sports
- 3 NFL head coaches lost their jobs today. They were the head coaches of the Browns, Jets, and Lions. I believe that other teams will follow suit over the next few days.
- The Cowboys are still saying that Wade Phillips will be back as head coach in 2009. After yesterday, I have serious doubts about his coaching abilities not only on the field, but off, and in the leadership capacity.
- It was amazing the turn around in scenarios yesterday. The Bucs lose to the Raiders and the Bears lose to the Texans knocking themselves out of the playoffs. Then, because of this, the Eagles crush Dallas to get in. You look at the Jets losing at home and not in the playoffs and then the Chargers crushed the Broncos.
- It seems the NFL is going to play the Pro Bowl game in the Super Bowl city one week before the Super Bowl. This is supposed to start in 2010. It would be rotated between Honolulu and the host site after that time.
- Adam Dunn to the Dodgers??? Andruw Jones to the Mets???...just the latest rumors flying around the MLB.

It's late and the 5th day of holiday tournament action awaits me tomorrow. I'm out.

DC

Holiday Tournament Action - Day 3...or a Break...

Decisions decisions face many basketball fans today. You can either take a day off and gear up for 3 days of basketball in the area, or keep the streak going and head to Carbondale this afternoon and this evening to watch more holiday tournament action. With a break, you can sit at home and watch the final week of the NFL season as playoff berths are on the line today in many wild games.

Prep Report
- The Mater Dei tournament has went according to seed as the higher seeded teams won in day 2 of action and those teams that were undefeated remained undefeated.
- South Central is now 3-0 at the Vandalia Tournament. They are another team in Class 1A that could make a run in postseason.
- Carbondale won but Cairo and Murphysboro lost for the local teams in the tournament.
- Consolation games at the C-Dale tourney begin at 1PM at CCHS, while the winners bracket games begin at 5PM at the SIU Arena.
- Trico girls basketball is off to a 10-2 start after beating AJ in the Benton Girls Holiday Tournament.

College Sports
- SIU-E Mens Basketball is finding it hard in its first year of Division one basketball. They are 2-11 after being crushed by Missouri yesterday.
- Does anyone else wonder what is up with Syracuse basketball player Eric Devendorf?
- SIU men's basketball opens up MVC play today at Bradley.
- NFL draftees won't face a wage scale change this year. This is good for the future millionaires of the world.

Pro Sports
- 12PM until about 10:30PM tonight will be solid NFL football games. Lots on the line whether it is playoff berths, draft position, or jobs in the games today.
- Tis the season as the NFL head coaching merry go round will start tomorrow. There will be those that lose their job and those that will keep their job.
- Al Davis is going to miss his first Raiders game today since 1979 due to fall suffered earlier this month.
- So much drama today...and a little involves whether the Lions go 0-16.
- Rumor out of Chicago is that the New Year's Day NHL game is in jeopardy due to warm weather and melting ice.

10AM...and it is time for the NFL pre-game shows. I'm out.

DC

Holiday Tournament Action - Day 2

It has been a long day and it is late at night so let's get right to it.

Prep Report
- Teutopolis is your 2nd Annual Duster Thomas Hoops Classic Champions. They will exit a champion and head back to the Charleston Tournament while Red Bud will take their place at the DTHC.
- Other finishers at the DTHC were 2nd (Olney), 3rd (Lawrenceville), 4th (Du Quoin), 5th (Pinckneyville), 6th (Benton), 7th (Steeleville), and 8th (Carterville),
- The surprise of the tournament was Lawrenceville as they beat both Perry County schools to leave 3-1 and definitely they are on the upswing.
- At Eldorado, 3 of the 4 top seeded teams lost in the quarterfinals. Meridian drilled Hamilton County while AJ got Harrisburg and Carrier Mills got Eldorado to end dreams of a one Saline County Semi-Final. Massac County escaped blemish and advanced to the Semi-Finals vs. Meridian.
- NCOE will play Fairfield in a very interesting Consolation Championship game on Monday.
- At Sesser-Valier, the top of the bracket held seed while the bottom of the bracket saw #2 Waltonville get knocked off in OT by New Athens. The Yellow Jackets will play Sesser-Valier in the other semi-finals.

College Sports
- Florida State dominated Wisconsin in the Champs Sports Bowl today. If this is the indication of the Big 10 in bowls, it would match their regular season performance.
- Pat White of West Virginia became the first ever college QB to start and win 4 straight bowl games as they beat North Carolina.
- As we begin a new week, let the bonanza begin of college football bowl games.
- Also, this will be the week where we get the start of the conference schedule in college basketball.
- Miami lost to California in the Emerald Bowl today. It seemed that the Hurricanes couldn't overcome all of the players they were missing due to various things.

Pro Sports
- Tomorrow is NFL Week 17 day. You know the games, you know the matchups, you know the playoff scenarios. It doesn't get any better in the NFL.
- I missed this the other day, but the Lakers beat the Celtics to end their 19 game winning streak and then the Celtics lost another game last night.
- Do you remember when the Bulls were excited about hiring Vinny Del Negro as coach? It seems they have been giving up a ton of points lately.
- Randy Johnson waited one day to predict good things for the San Francisco Giants. It is December though.

It's late and time to get some sleep. I'm out.

DC

Holiday Tournament Action - Day 1

Late night posting as I just rolled in from a day of basketball action. I have had a crash course in ESPN tonight to catch up with the college and sports world. Without wasting anymore time, let's get to the posting for today.

Prep Report
- At Eldorado and Sesser-Valier, all 8 of the top seeded teams won their first round games.
- NCOE gave Hamilton County all they wanted in the first game of the day before losing by 4. The Fighting Cardinals really do have some magic in that first game each time they are in it at the EHT.
- At Pinckneyville, Olney played in the two closest games of the day. The beat Benton by 7 in game one and then beat Du Quoin by 2 on the evening.
- At SV, the Tornadoes of ZR survived a major scare from Shawnee in the 2nd game of the day. ZR will have another tough one tomorrow vs. Trico.
- Waltonville struggled early but was able to put away Cobden later on in their game at SV today.
- In one pool, T-Town is 2-0, Pinckneyville is 1-1, Lawrenceville is 1-1, and Carterville is 0-2. In the other pool, Olney is 2-0, Benton is 1-1, Du Quoin is 1-1, and Steeleville is 0-2.

College Sports
- Michigan State revised their contract with head football coach Mike Dantonio after a very successful 2008 campaign.
- If Oklahoma wins the National Championship, head coach Bob Stoops would earn a $250,000 bonus.
- No fewer than 5 players will miss the Emerald Bowl for the University of Miami for various reasons.
- With the Christmas break, college basketball is kind of slow right now but will pick up tomorrow with teams having games tomorrow.

Pro Sports
- Randy Johnson is a member of the San Francisco Giants. For a team that wanted to get younger by getting rid of players like Barry Bonds and others, this move doesn't make much sense.
- Jerry Jones gave head coach Wade Phillips the vote of confidence today. Well...I guess Wade and the Dallas Cowboys better win their game on Sunday.
- The Jets/Dolphins game is starting to take on a major rival taste as Chad Pennington is going to try his former team the Jets out of the playoffs.
- The NBA games were pretty good yesterday. The Spurs/Suns really was good as it went down to the last shot.

That is it for today. At this late hour, time to get things rounded up and ready for day 2 of holiday tournament action. I'm out.

DC

Merry Christmas...

Those two words that lead off this post are as beautiful as they get. Take time today to tell everyone you see Merry Christmas as well as enjoy the day with family and friends. Finally, the most important thing, remember the real reason for this day happening.

Prep Report
- It is the calm before the storm. Today is the last off day before 6 days in a row of high school boys and girls holiday basketball tournaments around the area.
- Holiday tournament action means that when it is over we can really start discussing teams and their ability to do well or not so well this season with a 1/3 of the schedule being done.
- I have three tournaments on my agenda at the very least to attend the next three days and I am looking forward to seeing familiar faces at these venues.
- Dalton Morgan of Du Quoin is going to play his college football in Chucktown at EIU this coming fall. He helped lead DQ to a 2nd place finish in Class 3A this past football season.
- Add Mascoutah to the list of schools looking for a head football coach as Terry Moeller is stepping down.

College Sports
- How far has the football program at Notre Dame fallen when they are excited about beating Hawaii? This win in the Hawaii Bowl snapped a 15 year streak of being with a bowl win.
- College football bowl games are taking the day off today, so you will have to wait for the roll call of many games to begin tomorrow through January 8th.
- College basketball is in a break time as well. We are about one more week away from the conference season to start which will bring those great matchups.

Pro Sports
- Today means NBA on TV. There are 3 great games on the docket today with the Hornets/Magic, Suns/Spurs, and Celtics/Lakers on the docket.
- I love the way the NBA gets the best teams and players on Christmas Day as best as possible knowing that people like me will watch all 3 games.
- The Celtics will be looking to win game #20 in a row today in LA.
- Let the "Will Brett Favre play again?" discussion start. We have another offseason to unfortunately talk about that.

Again, I want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas but remember the real reason for the day. Also, the blog is going to be off and on the next couple of days as I go to basketball games pretty much all day the next two days. I may post early or late in the day, or may not post at all depending on how close I am to a computer. I'm out.

DC

Christmas Eve...

The sports world is starting to reach a slower gear as we begin today and then go into Christmas Day tomorrow. However as we wind down a tad there are some happenings in the prep world. The college and pro sports worlds will keep things going over the next two days.

Prep Report
- Nashville has beaten AJ and Pinckneyville on the road and Du Quoin at home last night very soundly. It looks like the Hornets are going to run away with the Mississippi Division.
- Murphysboro HS held a special school board meeting last night to discuss the recent issues in their athletic department. Daryl Murphy will remain as head coach as soon as the final 4 games of his 6 game suspension is done. All coaches who aren't certified were dismissed but as soon as they receive proper credentials they could be hired back.
- On the issue of the two transfers, Murphysboro is still waiting to hear from the IHSA on their eligibility.
- Teams are getting in final practices the next two days before the start of holiday tournaments on Friday morning.

College Sports
- Illinois beat Missouri for the 9th straight time in the annual Busch Bragging Rights game in St. Louis last night. It is time to remove rivarly from the equation until Mizzou actually wins a game.
- Upset city...Gonzaga and Xavier both were ranked as they lost men's basketball games last night.
- As I pointed out yesterday, the TCU/Boise State football game was a classic. I was able to watch most of it and it was a great game between two Top 10 teams. That was the first loss for Boise State this season.
- Wrongly noted...this game was not the renamed Holiday Bowl as that game will take place next week.
- Notre Dame plays in the Hawaii Bowl tonight vs. Hawaii. Has it really been 15 years since ND won a bowl game? During that time, 89 other teams have won at least one bowl game.
- Miami, OH hired Mike Haywood to be their head football coach. He is currently the offensive coordinator for Notre Dame.

Pro Sports
- Duely noted...I said yesterday I didn't believe the Yankees were out of the Teixeira sweepstakes. 8 years and $180 million later, I was proven right.
- So between 3 players, the Yankees have spent $420 million. Also they have the top 4 highest salaries in baseball.
- The real question is where Manny Ramirez is going to go and at this point don't count out the Yankees as a destination.
- The Yankees are going to sell bleacher seats for 25 cents when they host the Cubs for two exhibition games.
- Let the speculation and breaking down of games begin for Week 17 of the NFL. It is the big talk of the week.
- The Celtics won their 19th in a row last night setting a record for being 27-2 to start a season in the NBA. Their arch-rivals, the Lakers, will host them tomorrow in an ABC game to see if the streak can get to 20.

The final day of Christmas shopping is today. I have been done for quite awhile but I know there are several out there battling traffic and people to get those last minute gifts. No way I am doing that. I'm out.

DC

I...C...Y and Z or Sports...

It seems that the bullseye of ice is squarely on Southern Illinois. I journeyed out this morning and the roads were extremely slick. It is hopeful that the weather gives us a break because there are a couple of pretty good basketball games in the area tonight. The MLB and NFL carry the headlines in the pros but we also can't forget about college with both basketball and football in full swing.

Prep Report
- If the weather allows, Du Quoin at Nashville and Waltonville at Hamilton County are the highlighted games on the schedule tonight.
- After seeing a game this past weekend where a team only got 5 FGs in a game, I saw one last night where a team had 6 FGs in a game.
- The Hornettes of Nashville are 10-1 and really dominating teams they are playing right now.

College Sports
- SIU got a mark in left side of the column last night beat Western Michigan.
- If you are home tonight, a must see college bowl game is tonight when #9 Boise State plays #11 TCU in the bowl formerly known as the Holiday Bowl in San Diego.
- Texas Mens BB is really taking on all comers as they played Michigan State on Saturday and now will play Wisconsin tonight.
- Speaking of good games, the always good Border Battle between Illinois and Missouri will take place tonight in St. Louis at 6:30PM on ESPN2.

Pro Sports
- It is nice to see some more MLB guys playing in the WBC Classic. I am not sure if this event couldn't be held at the end of the year instead of before a season.
- Now the Yankees say they have no deal on the table for either Manny or Teixeira. Now, the issue is are they telling truth or who will actually sign these two.
- Speaking of the Yankees, they received a $26.9 million dollar tax bill from the MLB for their salaries. Do you realize that is well over half way for total salaries by MLB teams?
- The NFL had another great game last night as the Bears came from behind to beat the Packers in OT and keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
- Speaking of the Packers, they have to be the biggest disappointment of the season as they go from 13-3 and the NFC title game to 5-10 with a game to go.
- Next week at this time, we will have the annual NFL head coach hot seat season where coaches will await their fates after the season.

Being up early, it is nice to see Mike and Mike in the Morning and First Take on ESPN 2. It is becoming habit to make it a point to view and listen to these shows each day. I'm out.

DC

Playoff Finality...

Many things around the area are frozen solid after a couple of days of negative digit temps and wind chills. However, the NFL reaches the finality that is the regular season and those teams that will or will not make the playoffs. It may be the last week of the regular season, but the playoffs do start next week for many teams.

Prep Report
- There won't be many games tonight and tomorrow with Christmas in mid-week.
- With these days off from schools, coaches are getting valuable practice time with their teams this week. It doesn't matter what level, but practice time means much to teams this time of year when school is our for Christmas Break.
- Comcast out of Chicago is going to covering Christmas boys basketball basketball tournament action this coming weekend. Check your local listings for details.

College Sports
- SIU men's basketball won't be successful unless their offense comes around.
- It is that time of year when we see the long list of college football players entering into the NFL Draft.
- Sam Bradford, the QB at Oklahoma, was voted the AP College Football Player of the Year.
- Is ESPNs Bracketology ever out of season?
- Old partners met up over the weekend. Former IU player Eric Gordon and former IU head coach Kelvin Sampson met on the roads of the NBA. I am sure this warms the hearts of Hoosier fans everywhere.

Pro Sports
- The Yankees are now rumored to be readying a 3 year deal for Manny Ramirez. Who said the economy was bad from the Yankees perspective.
- Anyone...anyone...sign Mark Teixeira...it seems he may have priced himself out of reach of a few teams. Hometown teams, the Nationals and Orioles, are still in the running along with Boston and the Angels.
- The Boston Celtics won their 18th game in a row last night vs. the Knicks. It is a streak similar to the Rockets streak a couple of years ago.
- Speaking of the NBA, they have done it right again on Christmas Day with the Spurs at Suns and Celtics at the Lakers for our viewing pleasure.
- The hockey rink at Wrigley Field is being set up for the Red Wings vs. Blackhawks on New Year's Day. You can see pictures at the Chicago Cubs website.

NFL Week 16 & 17
- Before the playoffs come the Lions who will enter next week's game at Green Bay with an 0-15 record.
- So seriously, the Patriots could win 11 games and not get in the playoffs? Thank you for the terrible football in the AFC West for that possibility.
- Tennessee won home field in the AFC playoffs while beating Pittsburgh yesterday, and the NY Giants won home field in the NFC playoffs while beating Carolina last night. If you missed these two games, you missed two of the best football games this NFL season.
- After going 1-15, it is no small miracle that the Dolphins can win the AFC East by beating the Jets next Sunday. Also, big props to the Falcons for getting into the playoffs after the disaster that was last year on and off the field.
- Speaking of that game, the NFL has moved that game to 3:15 to get it on national TV. Also, the Denver at San Diego game will be on Sunday night with the AFC West title on the line and the Cowboys at Eagles will be at 3:15. Thank you TV for making these changes to allow us to see these big games.
- The Dallas Cowboys can get in the playoffs by winning at Philadelphia next week.
- Games to watch next week: Cowboys at Eagles, Dolphins at Jets, Broncos at Chargers, Raiders at Bucs, and Jaguars at Ravens. These will decide playoff berths.

As I look back, it comes with the visual evidence that I have typed much here today. I'm out.

DC

Winter Enters with a Wallop...

So...winter came in with some thunder today. Wind chills are in the negatives as we roll out of bed this morning. It is going to be a great day to sit inside, turn the TV on, and watch sports while staying warm.

Prep Report
- After having seen Nashville, they are the best defensive team I have seen so far. They allowed the Benton Rangers only 5 field goals last night in a game. In fact, the Rangers only had 2 FGs in the the last 3 quarters.
- Murphysboro is showing no issues with head coach Daryl Murphy being suspended. They won again last night routing West Frankfort. They picked up 2 Ohio Division wins this weekend.
- Shhh...but Hamilton County is a very good basketball team that is just about done sneaking up on people. The Foxes are good.
- Cisne is your champion at the Conrad Allen Holiday Tournament after beating Thompsonville last night. Crab Orchard finished in 3rd place after beating Clay City.
- The first two days of the week will have some basketball games around the area. Note that Waltonville is at Hamilton County and Du Quoin is at Nashville on Tuesday night.

College Sports
- Purdue showed some major weaknesses in the game of Davidson's Stephon Curry yesterday. The Boilermaker defense really showed what Curry has to work on in a nationally televised game.
- Michigan State showed they are going to be very tough in the Big 10 with a neutral court win over Texas yesterday.
- SIU let one get away again yesterday. This young team is taking some bumps this season with a lack of offense on the team.
- It was good to see come college football back on yesterday with 4 bowl games. A couple of the games were very exciting.
- Mt. Union on their 10th Division III Football Championship yesterday.
- Penn State won the women's volleyball National Championship. They finished the season 38-0 and won their 64th straight match in the process.

Pro Sports
- The season that is 2008 has been very disappointing for the Dallas Cowboys. Now, they lose the final home game at Texas Stadium. Look for some coaching changes and personnel changes in the offseason for a team who has the talent to be much better.
- With winter officially here, look for the NFL games in the cold today to be very interesting.
- Two things in sports I am tired of hearing about...Rafeal Furcal vs. the Braves and LeBron James and where he will sign.
- Evander Holyfield...it is time to give up on the boxing career.
- It is interesting that in this late stage of the year, several big time MLB free agents are unsigned.
- The sounds of counting machines were ringing out in the NBA last night. Kobe got 41 vs. Orlando, Jamal Crawford got 50 for the Warriors vs. Charlotte, and Dwyane Wade got 43 vs. Memphis.

In doing my duty of watching sports and staying warm, I am headed to the TV. I'm out.

DC

Full Slate of Sports...

You take sports, you add a weekend, and then a little off the floor issue and it makes for full Saturday of things to discuss. So with that, let's get right to it.

Prep Report
- Daryl Murphy, the head boys basketball coach at Murphysboro, has been suspended by the IHSA for 6 games after breaking a rule regarding recuiting.
- Speaking of Murphysboro, their entire sports program is on probation and can't participate in postseason until a remediation plan is drawn up and okayed by the IHSA. They also have 7 coaches in their sports program who are not certified to coach at the high school level.
- I got to see Massac County first hand last night again and they are the real deal. They are very good and it wouldn't surprise me to see them in Peoria in March.
- Du Quoin dropped Pinckneyville to 0-2 in the SIRR Mississippi Division last night. When was the last time PCHS started 0-2 in conference play?
- It is surprising to me that West Frankfort and Herrin have 1 win between them going into games tonight. Herrin is at Pinckneyville and West Frankfort is at Murphysboro.
- Pick your poison at the EHT...Eldorado, Harrisburg, Massac County, and Hamilton County to name a few teams.

College Sports
- The football bowl season begins today as the first of 34 games are scheduled with 4 today.
- Richmond defeated Montana to win the FCS football championship last night.
- SIU men's BB plays in the John R. Wooden Tradition Tournament in Indianapolis today. They will play St. Mary's of CA and that game will follow a nationally televised game bewteen Purdue and Davidson.
- Louisville will play Minnesota in college basketball today. The past two Kentucky coaches (Rick Pitino and Tubby Smith) will be in this game.
- If you haven't get a chance to take in the women's college volleyball National Championship tonight. I watched a bit of the semi-finals and it was awesome to watch.

Pro Sports
- With this cold air coming in tonight, NFL games in Kansas City, Cleveland, Denver, and Chicago are going to be must watches the next two days.
- The 313th and final game will be played at Texas Stadium tonight when the Baltimore Ravens make their first and only appearance to play the Dallas Cowboys. There could be another playoff game if things work out, but look for this to be a very momentous occasion especially after the game with the closing ceremony. I have a lot of fond memories watching my Cowboys play games in there over the years.
- The Boston Celtics won their 17th game in a row last night over Chicago. They host the Knicks tomorrow night and they could very likely get their 18th in a row.
- I am already tired of the "they said-they said" between the Braves and Rafeal Furcal.
- C. C. Sabathia got $9.5 million in the bank from the Yankees and he hasn't even played a game.
- This just in...Boston is still in the Mark Teixeira sweepstakes...no kidding? Duh...

Well...that is pleny as we begin the final full weekend of shopping before Christmas. I'm out.

DC

Friday Frivolity...

The weekend is here and there are some big basketball games tonight. Schools are having their last day of school before Christmas Break begins which adds to the excitement. It is a wonderful time of year with conference games tonight before holiday tournament action begins.

Prep Report
- It is the final weekend before holiday tournament action and several big conference games are on the agenda tonight.
- Centralia at Mt. Vernon, Pinckneyville at Du Quoin, Carlyle at Breese Central, Fairfield at Vienna, and Carmi at Hamilton County highlight the schedule of conference games tonight.
- The IHSA has announced that they are going to have a Student Advisory Committee. You can go to their dot.com and check out the details.

College Sports
- One thing not to do on a college basketball road trip...get arrested for allegedlly assautling a cab driver. Welcome to the world of Mississippi Head Coach Andy Kennedy after an incident in Cincinnati.
- One season isn't over, and we know that Alabama will play Virginia Tech in a season opening football game next year.
- The Richmond vs. Montana BCS division football championship game will be fun to watch this weekend.

Pro Sports
- The Colts have clinched a playoff spot in the AFC after winning at Jacksonville last night. More on the NFL later this weekend with a couple of big games.
- If the Red Sox aren't in on the Mark Teixeira sweepstakes, then that leaves who...the Angels?
- The Braves are crying foul saying that Rafeal Furcal had a verbal deal with them. However, the Dodgers ended up signing him. One has to remember that nothing is for sure unless it is put down on paper.
- On top of that story, the Braves say they are done dealing with Furcal's agents.
- The Yankees introduced C.C. Sabathia and AJ Burnett to the media yesterday. There was a lot of money standing there in one spot.
- Brandon Roy had 52 points in a Blazers win over Phoenix last night.

Fun, fun, as a Friday is here and big basketball games tonight. I'm out.

DC

Full Steam Ahead...

Back to a full schedule of action tonight as the weather is going to cooperate. The IBCA has selected people to be honored for their hardwork in sports and other things. It is a good day for SIU in a couple of sports while Tiger Woods has announced his healthiness to the golf world.

Prep Report
- The IBCA has inducted several local members and teams into their Hall of Fame. Rick Metcalf who coached at Joppa, Sesser-Valier, and Vienna was selected. Bryant Lowe of Cairo was selected. Official Ray Albert of Odin was selected as were the 1994 and 2000 Okawville girls basketball teams.
- Back to normal tonight as the weather has subsided. The Conrad Allen Holiday Tournament in Wayne City will continue with the night 4 schedule with 3 games.
- I believe all of the Holiday tournament seedings and pairings are set in the area.
- West Frankfort at Massac County, Johnston City at Cobden, and ZRC at SVW highlight the girls basketball schedule tonight.

College Sports
- SIU Men's BB got a road win over a bad NIU team last night. This will build some confidence for the players.
- Larry Warner of SIU Football was named an AP All-American yesterday. He is the 8th Saluki to receive such an honor.
- With all of the talent that has played basketball at UNC, it is hard to believe that Tyler Hansbrough will be the all-time leading scorer when he graduates.
- As if Indiana Basketball didn't have enough problems, now Eric Gordon says that drug use derailed the team. Is there anything else that happened when Kelvin Sampson was there?

Pro Sports
- The Celtics are playing in thin air right now after winning their 16th straight game last night.
- Breaking...no NBA coaches have been fired in the past 24 hours.
- Week 16 of the NFL kicks off tonight with the Colts at Jaguars. The Colts are favored but they will be without Marvin Harrison in the game.
- Pacman Jones will play for the Cowboys vs. the Ravens on Saturday night. He needs to play much better than he has recently.
- Even with Chrysler shutting down car plants for a month, they are still going to be a player in NASCAR.
- Rafeal Furcal has signed with the Dodgers...we think...since he said a day earlier he was going back the Braves.
- It is nice to hear from Tiger that he will be stronger than before. All golfers on the PGA love to hear that.

FYI...one week until Christmas Day...better get that shopping done. I'm out.

DC

Thawing Out...

Freezing fog and a little bit of mist can make for treacherous driving. That is what many of us in Southern Illinois learned about this morning. Even with the weather going on and looking like it is warming up, there are some cancellations that happened last night as well as will happen this morning. There were games in the area last night as well. The college and pro sports world continue to play as we build toward the holiday season.

Prep Report
- The Conrad Allen Holiday Tournament in Wayne City tonight as been postponed due to the weather. The games from tonight will be played on Saturday before the evening session.
- Eldorado went on the road and got a huge road win at county rival Harrisburg last night. The Eagles may have gotten themselves a #1 seed for their own EHT.
- The Marion Wildcats are off to Orlando, FL for a tournament. They will play this week there before returning home for their Holiday tournament.
- Bowling is becoming quite the popular sport at the prep level. I hear more and more each day about the numbers of kids trying it and more schools adding it to their sports departments.

College Sports
- Penn State gave Joe Paterno a 3 year extension on his coaching contract yesterday.
- OU will be minus RB DeMarco Murray for the BCS title game vs. Florida.
- Buffalo did the right thing by giving head football coach Turner Gill an extension. Hey Auburn, this was the person you should have hired.
- SIU Men's BB will be on the road at Northern Illinois tonight. It will be a tough game and especially tougher if the underclass players don't step up.
- There was a good women's basketball game last night. DUKE beat Stanford at home in a battle of top 10 teams.

Pro Sports
- Where has Ed Werder been all week? I can't find him on TV. Can you?
- The NFL released the names for the NFC and the AFC Pro Bowl teams. This game will be played in February and don't think that everyone is going to make the trip over to play.
- Manny, Teixeira, and many others are still on the free agent MLB market.
- Speaking of free agents, the Cubs signed Royals OF Joey Gathright to a 1 year deal. This will sure up the bench and outfield defense. This also tells me that Felix Pie is going to be packaged in a trade somewhere.
- The MLB is going to have their own channel starting on January 1st. This will be a great addition to the sports channels we receive.
- Matt Kenseth went winless in 2008 in NASCAR races. So, he will get a new crew chief.
- From the NBA, Stephon Marbury of the Knicks is not playing now and with the issues he has he bought a ticket to see his team the Knicks play the Lakers. Go figure...

As the afternoon has come upon us, it is time to get out and get something done before the sports evening begins. I'm out.

DC

Winter Ways...

Many of us in Southern Illinois are feeling the wrath of winter this morning. Whether it is ice, snow, or just plain cold we are all getting a piece of it this morning. However, the gyms around the area remain hot with good basketball action and that continues tonight. Auburn is in some hot water with their football coach hiring, while another NBA team has sent a head coach packing.

Prep Report
- Weather may play a factor in games tonight in far Southern Illinois due to the winter weather.
- Huge matchup tonight as Eldorado travels to Harrisburg in a big non-conference game.
- In the BDC East, Fairfield will travel to Hamilton County in a big conference matchup.
- 2 man crews worked a couple of games last night at the Conrad Allen Tournament. It is rare now because most every game will have 3 man crews.
- More pairings will be coming out this week on schedules for holiday tournaments. It will be 6 straight days of basketball in the area this year.

College Sports
- How does Auburn hire a guy to be their head football coach when his record at Iowa State was 5-19 the past two seasons? This is a head scratcher for sure.
- Illinois State has hired Brock Spack to be their next football coach. He was the defensive coordinator at Purdue.
- Nothing like basketball where Cleveland State rolls into Syracuse and wins a game. This is a huge upset for sure.
- I know the Big East is a good basketball conference. However, when you have as many teams as the league has, then you should have good depth.
- I saw some SLU highlights the other night and it was good to see both Kyle Cassity and Brett Thompson getting solid minutes and being very productive.
- Speaking of SLU, Alton grad Ruben Cotto is still looking for a place to play after transferring from SLU.

Pro Sports
- Rafeal Furcal is going to return back to the Braves. This will allow the Braves to possibly make a trade for pitching.
- At age 46, Jamie Moyer has signed a new 2 year deal with the Phillies. It would be cool to see him pitching at age 50.
- Barry Bonds still wants to play in the MLB. Okay...
- The Sacramento Kings became the 6th team to fire their head coach as they showed Reggie Theus the door yesterday. That means 1/5 of the teams have fired their coach before Christmas. This is astonishing.
- Carl Peterson has resigned as the GM of the Kansas City Chiefs. He has been with them since the early 1990s.
- The San Jose Sharks have 52 points through 30 games of the NHL season. This is a new record for the league.

Time to shake off the icicles and get this day going. I'm out.

DC

Changes Abound...

Yesterday, one could be rather warm and comfortable. Today, it is an icy wonderland in many places around here. As is the deal today, we roll into another week after a big weekend of sports. Also, the first of the many holiday tournaments begin this week on the prep scene.

Prep Report
- The 55th Annual Conrad Allen Holiday Tournament will start tonight at Wayne City High School. There will be 6 nights of action at this prestigious tournament.
- We should find out today some pairings for a couple of holiday tournaments as well as the rest of the week.
- Tis the season for those rumors to start about teams, what tournament they will be in next year, and which tournaments may not be around.
- I noticed over the weekend that the Carbondale Holidiay Tournament will play day 2 on a Sunday at the High School and SIU Arena. This will bring in fans like me for games to watch.

College Report
- SIU looked good again for a half, but the 2nd half came and got them again as the basketball Salukis lost at Nevada last night. Again, the glaring thing as has been in recent seasons is the lack of offense.
- #4 Gonzaga lost last night at Arizona in the big game of the day in men's basketball.
- Winning at Ball State has landed their head football coach Brady Hoke at San Diego State as their head football coach.
- Is anyone else waiting on the college football bowl season like myself?

Pro Sports
- Quote of the night from T.O. - "ESPN equals Ed Werder Sports Network."
- Yes, as a Dallas Cowboys fan, it irritates me to see the spotlight put on my team more than others. However, Ed Werder did a great job of stirring things up and focusing our team to win last night.
- Arizona is 6-0 vs. the NFC West, but has a losing record against everyone else. Are they as good as people think?
- Can it really be true the Dolphins are in the playoff hunt?
- There were some really crazy coaching decisions in games yesterday. I couldn't believe the Bills giving one away to the Jets.
- Kansas City snatched a loss from the jaws of victory yesterday vs. the Chargers.
- The Lions continued to 0-14 on their season after losing to the Colts.

Just kidding...but the weather around here today makes you wonder if there is Global Warming...just joking...I'm out.

DC

Computer Issues...

There was no posting yesterday due to computer issues. I was unable to make it onto the wild froniter known as the internet due to connectivity problems. Enough with the reason, with 2 days to cover in the world of sports I need to get right to the headlines.

Prep Report
Friday Night
- Nashville looked very impressive with a road win at Pinckneyville. The Hornets are still undefeated and still have 5 games before the Christmas.
- It was wild but an ending favorable to Benton as the Rangers snatched victory away from the jaws of defeat in West Frankfort. Benton trailed by 10 with 2 minutes to go and managed to win the game. It marks the 2nd time in 5 years the Rangers have beaten the Redbirds.
- As I have said before, keep an eye out on Woodlawn. They defeated Class 3A Breese Mater Dei on Friday night by double digits to remain undefeated on the season. They have to be the #1 seed at the SV Holiday Tournament.
- Credit to Scott Burzynski and his gutty Carterville Lions. Having lost two players to injury already this season, they continue to go out and play hard. They beat ZR this week and then played at good Sesser-Valier team to a 4 point loss on the road.
Saturday Night
- The Marion shoot-out was a hit as several teams and players from around the country were in to play. Here's hoping this can grow into something each year.
- Speaking of that, Carbondale got a good win over Lexington Catholic as did Marion over Vashon last night.
- Harrisburg outlasted Du Quoin in 2 OTs to win last night at home. The Bulldogs are playing very good basketball right now heading into the Eldorado Tournament.
- Massac County got two blow wins in the SIRR Ohio the past two nights over Murphysboro and Herrin.
- West Frankfort Lady Redbirds basketball is off to a 9-2 start to the season.
- Christmas Tournament pairings will be coming from everywhere this week.
- Althoff boys and Cahokia girls won the South 7 Bowling Conference Championship yesterday.

College Sports
- My pick, QB Sam Bradford of Oklahoma, won the Heisman last night over 2007 winner Tim Tebow of Florida and Colt McCoy of Texas.
- One small part of the ceremony I like is to see all of the former Heisman trophy winners that return be a part. Man, there are some very good football players in that group.
- Out of the blue, Auburn has hired Iowa State head football coach Gene Chizik to be their next football coach. I didn't see this name on the radar at all for this job but he was at Auburn before.
- Richmond defeated NIU in the semi-finals of the Football Championship Subdivision Game. The Spiders will play Montana in the title game next weekend.
- SIU Mens BB will play in Nevada today. This will be a tough road test for the Salukis.

Pro Sports
- The Seahawks at Rams game today won't be on local TV as the game is not a sell out. That is what happens when two teams at 2-11 are playing.
- Nice to know that the Dallas Cowboys are the only professional sports team where teammates have disagreements, issues, and arguments during the season. I will not step off the sarcastic train.
- Week 15 of the NFL season brings us another round of important games as well as weather conditions to play in.
- The 76ers became the 5th NBA coach to be fired before Christmas. The Sixers had expectations of being better especially after making the playoffs last year and then signing Elton Brand in the offseason. Look for them to go with an interim coach the remainder of the season and make a run at recently fired Wizards coach Eddie Jordan.
- K-Rod didn't take long to make a splash. He has told the NL East that the Mets are the team to beat.
- The Indians have signed former Cubs starter and closer Kerry Wood to a 2 year deal. This ends the Prior/Wood era for the Cubs.

That ends it. Hopefully, I have made up for Saturday when I was unable to post. I'm out.

DC

Cruising into Conference Play...

No tournaments around this weekend but there are plenty of games as conference play kicks into high gear in the area. It also brings up some major rivalry matchups as we go along in the weekend. A couple of blips of college and pro sports are thrown in like the snow flurries that some of us saw this morning.

Prep Report
- Conference games galore happen around the area tonight as there are no tournaments this weekend.
- Games of note tonight are Carbondale at Mt. Vernon (South 7), Herrin at Harrisburg (Ohio), Nashville at Pinckneyville (Mississippi), Carterville at SV (BDC West), and Fairfield at Eldorado (BDC East) as the hilighted matchups of the night.
- Marion is hosting a big high school boys shootout tomorrow at the high school.
- It is nice to see high school basketball on the ESPN family of networks. You can see the talent in the country before the college scene.

College Sports
- Syracuse has haired former SU football player and current New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Doug Marrone to be their new football coach.
- Northern Iowa is in the semi-finals tomorrow vs. Richmond. They always seem to do well when the Playoffs start in football.
- Ruben Cotto of St. Louis will be transferring at the end of the semester. He is not getting the playing time on the court that he expected.

Pro Sports
- Another great Thursday night game last night as the Bears beat the Saints in OT to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
- Is there any other team in the NFL that is covered with so much scrutiny like the Dallas Cowboys? I would think other teams have this stuff going on, but we aren't told about it.
- The Phillies have signed OF Raul Ibanez to a 3 year deal. He will likely get the LF job since Pat Burrell is not returning.
- I can't wait until Cole Hammels pitches against the Mets next year after what he said recently calling the Mets "choke artists."
- Currently the trade that would have sent Jake Peavy to the Cubs is "off." However, no trade is off and this is the Johan Santana deal of last winter that took awhile but finally got completed.
- Only December, but the Celtics and Lakers are playing really well. However, it is a long NBA season so we will see come the spring when the playoffs begin.

I will have to bide my time until games tonight with something to do. I'm out.

DC

Spending Time in the Sports World...

It is nice to know the economy is bad, but the Yankees keep right on spending. No one else seems to be jumping in but New York teams. Even with that, there are other things going on in the sports world to keep our interest.

Prep Report
- Herrin is still rolling in girls basketball undefeated after a win over SVW last night. They will be hosting their annual Christmas tournament in a couple of weeks.
- Trico at Pinckneyville, Fairfield at Johnston City, AJ at West Frankfort, Carterville at SVW, and Webber Township at Galatia highlight the girls basketball schedule tonight around the area.
- Pope County girls basketball is off to a 7-1 start this season after win over 2A Harrisburg last night.
- AJ won the Lawrenceville Wrestlign Tournament last Saturday. West Frankfort finished 3rd in the tourney as well.

College Report
- QBs Tim Tebow of Florida, Sam Bradford of Oklahoma, and Colt McCoy of Texas will head to New York City on Saturday night to see who wins the Heisman. Tebow won it last year.
- Mississippi State followed Washington's move and hired an offensive coordinator to be their new head coach. They got Florida offensive coordinator Dan Mullen to lead the Bulldogs.
- Marty Simmons has the Evansville Purple Aces off to a 6-1 start in his 2nd year. It will be interesting to see if that hot start translates into a good MVC season.

Pro Sports
- Word to any other team in the MLB...time for other teams besides the Yankees and Mets to participate in the offseason. However, in a bad economy, a new stadium and biggest payroll chance allows the Yankees to still dominate in the spending spree.
- The Yankees have signed C.C. Sabathia, are looking to trade for Mike Cameron of the Brewers, and then try to sign AJ Burnett to a 5 year deal to give them two of the better starting pitchers in the MLB.
- The Mets traded for JJ Putz from the Mariners to be their setup guy in the 8th inning for K-Rod.
- Carmelo Anthony scored 33 points in the 3rd quarter in a win over the T-Wolves. He finished the game with 45. That is an impressive effort and one for the record books.
- Trades and firings...welcome to the NBA this first part of the season.
- Pacman Jones may be out for the season with a herniated disk in his neck. This happened on a botched punt return against the Steelers on Sunday.
- I get the feeling that NASCAR is really taking a major hit with the economy by teams reducing drivers, personnel, and other such costful things.

After spending time here, it is time to spend time elsewhere. I'm out.

DC

Shaking It Up...

After most of us were shaken with the news of the arrest of the governor of Illinois, it was time to head out and see basketball last night. Sometimes hype and games don't matchup. However, I had the thrill of taking in the Waltonville/Woodlawn game last night that lived up to its billing. It is interesting already to see how other teams come out of the Thanksgiving tournaments and begin their regular season. Also, an award for a local college coach was handed out as well as plenty of things to discuss including the bizarre in the pro sports world.

Prep Report
- Great game in Waltonville last night as Woodlawn beat Waltonville 63-58. It was standing room only by the time the JV game started last night and the crowd was electric the entire game. This was the only regularly scheduled meeting between the two teams this season.
- So much for being down, the Pickneyville Panthers won at Murphysboro last night to go to 4-0 on the season. They will be tested on Friday night when they play Nashville who is also undefeated.
- ZR is struggling after their Christopher Turkey Tournament win. They have lost to Carrier Mills and lost to winless Carterville last night. This is a similar take as it was to last year.
- NCOE is another boys basketball team that is rolling in the early season. After winning the Grayville Tournament, they got a big win over Carmi.

College Report
- Stephen Curry of Davidson is a good player. He can score many points. However, shouldn't a player have more than 27 points when he has 27 shots in a game like last night?
- It is a little right now without college football to talk about.
- Northern Iowa is still alive in the FCS football playoffs. they will host Richmond on Saturday.
- Dale Lennon of SIU was named the AFCA Region 4 Coach of the Year.

Pro Sports
- The first domino has fallen for the MLB offseason. K-Rod is close to a 3 year deal with the Mets and the Yankees are close to wrapping up C.C. Sabathia to match.
- With those signings done or close to being done, the trickle down affect of signings and money will start to happen pretty quickly now.
- Jake Peavy is still out on there to be traded...at least I think it will happen but it will take multiple teams to get it done.
- Happy Anniversary to Jerry Sloan of the Utah Jazz as this is 20th year of being on the sidelines coaching the Utah Jazz.
- Derrick Rose of the Bulls missed a game the other night. The reason was he was eating an apple in bed late at night, rolled onto a knife, and cut his left forearm. Yes, find the story and read it to believe it.
- The final 3 weeks of the NFL season has big games and complaints by players frustrated with coaches are starting to happen.

I just saw the money that the Yankees are going to give C.C. It will total around $160 million. I would take the 1 or the 6 of that pay out. I'm out.

DC

Rumbling Around...

Being awake but before getting out of bed, I heard a prolonged rumbling outside. I thought to myself that it couldn't be thunder in December. Lo and behold, it was thunder and plenty of rain to go along with it. The bright side is that this rain could be snow. However, being a Tuesday night there are several big area basketball games tonight including a huge rivalry game. The other sports areas are kind of a potpourri of things on this Tuesday morning.

Prep Report
- Several good games in the area tonight. Harrisburg at Fairfield, Pinckneyville at Murphysboro, and NCOE at Carmi highlight the schedule on the boys side.
- The girls side has Centralia at Mt. Vernon, New Athens at Trico, and Harrisburg at West Frankfort to highlight that side of the schedule.
- The center of the 1A boys basketball world tonight will be in Waltonville. Arch-Rival Woodlawn makes an appearance as two of the better Class 1A teams in the area battle it out.
- Trico and Johnston City girls basketball are off to great starts this season. It is impressive how they are rolling through conference games so far.
- The Lady Lions of Carterville got a big road win last night at ZRC in BDC West play. That will shake the standings up a bit.

College Sports
- For the second time in the last few months, QB Colt McCoy of Texas has said he will return for his senior season.
- Phil Fulmer, former head coach for Tennessee FB, accepted an administrative job with the university yesterday. That will be a different change in his usual job routine.
- Washington says quote, "We think we got our guy" when talking about USC offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian. I would take the word "think" out and say something like "We have the guy we want." It would sound more definitive.
- Bowl teams are pleased to find out that graduation rates are up for those teams. That is why they call them student-athletes.
- Louisville basketball won its 3rd game in 3rd days. That is a lot of basketball in this day and age compared to normal schedules these teams play.

Pro Sports
- The Wolves have fired Randy Wittman as their head coach and replaced him with Kevin McHale. This marks the 4th head coach to be fired following Oklahoma City, Toronto, and Washington.
- With the NBA firings already, how many more will take place and why take a job in that pressure packed league?
- I thought the Panthers vs. Bucs would be a battle of the defenses last night. I was wrong.
- Paul Azinger will not return as Ryder Cup captain. Probably a good move after he brilliantly lead the team to a victory this past fall as that would be hard to top.
- The Mets are close to signing K-Rod to a 3 year deal. I can't wait to see the dollar they spend to get him.
- Greg Maddux made his retirement official by quietly announcing it yesterday in the classy fashion just like he did while playing in the MLB.

Time to rumble into a new day. I'm out.

DC

Chillin on a Monday...

The chilly weather did nothing to stunt the height of activity that was the weekend in sports. It was another great December weekend in the NFL with games and playoff spots on the line. We now know the official lineup of the 34 bowl games in college football, and then we slow down a bit from tournament play in the prep ranks to get down to some good old fashioned conference play.

Prep Report
- After the opening week of tournaments, teams will delve into conference play this week. There are going to be some very interesting games to determine championships this season.
- Looking for a game to go to tomorrow night, Woodlawn at Waltonville is the game to be at in the area.
- Several good girls games tonight including Johnston City at SVW, Vienna at Goreville, North Clay at Webber Township, and the City of Metropolis Tournament begins tonight at Massac County High School.
- FYI...take a breath this week with no tournaments for the boys in the area, but the holiday tournaments will start next week with the Conrad Allen Holiday Tournament at Wayne City.

College Sports
- All 34 bowl matchups are set for the upcoming college bowl season.
- Florida will play OU in the title game, while Texas is on the outside looking in playing Ohio State in the Fiesta Bowl.
- Utah has earned a trip to the Sugar Bowl, however I don't believe playing Alabama in the Crimson Tide's back yard is going to be much fun.
- Stephen Curry of Davidson is amazing scoring as much as he does and credit to the coaching staff for running plays to get him the ball.
- Bradley gave Michigan State a run at home yesterday, but the Spartans pulled away at the end.

Pro Sports
- The march to a winless season continues as the Lions lost their 13th straight of the season.
- For the first time since 1975, the Cardinals (named Arizona) have won a division title. The last time they were known as the Big Red and playing on artificial turf in Busch Stadium.
- The NFC playoff race is as tight as it gets. After the Cowboys gift wrapped a win to the Steelers, they are not doing well in trying to get in the playoffs.
- The Titans and Giants joined the Cardinals as division winners yesterday.
- Its the Mets vs. the Yankees for the back pages in the fish wrap of New York City. The Mets are going after K-Rod while the Yankees are going after C.C. Sabathia. If one signs, then the other will have to do something to make things even.
- The Celtics keep rolling with their 12 straight victory after beating the Pacers in OT last night.
- Rumors are swirling that the T-Wolves are going to fire their coach. If it happens this would make the 3rd coach to receive such a fate.

The day has come to watch the retirement of Greg Maddux. Hard to believe he won't be on the mound next year. Vintage is the word that comes to mind describing his career. I'm out.

DC

Ending the Rush...

The rush of the opening season basketball tournaments is over as the remaining ones closed up last night. It was a good week of basketball and many teams have gotten off to good starts. A tremendous day of college football closed yesterday and now we await the official pairing of teams at bowl games over the next few weeks. Count me in as very excited that OU will play Florida for a National Championship. With December brings the big 4 weeks of the NFL where big games are played in all kinds of weather.

Prep Report
- The final week of opening season tournaments came to a close last night in the area. Now for a couple of weeks, conference play will begin for both boys and girls basketball.
- Winners including at Du Quoin (Waltonville and Du Quoin), at Trico (Red Bud), and at Harrisburg (Harrisburg).
- I was amazed at how well Du Quoin played this week after just finishing football. Indians fans need to be patient with their team as they find their basketball legs.
- As usual in Southern Illinois, in the first two weeks I have seen some very good officiated games in the area. Kudos to those who don the stripes each night to make this most difficult job look easy.
- There is much discussion and will continue to be much discussion in the coming months about the regional assignments for teams in basketball. Several round tables were held in places I was at this week.

College Sports
- In between games I had the chance to see some of the major college FB games yesterday. This day of college FB is starting to rank right up there with some bowl game days.
- I thought it was very cool to once again see UCLA and USC wearing their road uniforms during a game. These are two of the most recognizeable jerseys in college FB today and I think it is a great idea to bring this tradition back.
- Math equation of the day...Oklahoma FB > Missouri FB...The Tigers have lost 4 in a row to OU and haven't come close in many of the games.
- Florida will join OU in the title game after beating Alabama yesterday. The Gators were very impressive down the stretch in crunch time.
- Speaking of tradition...Penn State will play USC in the Rose Bowl.
- Washington football ran the table this year finishing 0-12...ouch.
- Losses that hurt in college basketball happen all season long. SIU losing to Charlotte yesterday is a real bad loss.
- Stephen Curry scored 44 in a win over NC State for Davidson yesterday. He has picked up right where he left off last season.

Pro Sports
- More than likely, we have seen the last of Oscar De La Hoya as a professional boxer. Manny Pacquiao destroyed Oscar last night in a match that ended in the 8th round by KO after De La Hoya didn't come out for the bell.
- NFL in December...important games played in all kinds of weather conditions.
- Do you realize that the Arizona Cardinals have the chance to win a division title for the first time since they were the St. Louis Cardinals playing in old Busch Stadium in 1975?
- Buffalo will play Miami in Toronto in the dome today in the NFL. The Bills gave up a home game to play here. It is supposed to be cold, windy, and snowy today in Buffalo.
- ARod has said he will play for the Dominican Republic in the 2009 WBC.
- Rafeal Furcal has turned down a deal to play for the Oakland A's.
- With Q school going on for the PGA, it is make or break time for guys to win and get their tour card for 2009. Harrison Frazar shot a 59 to take the early lead. This is only the 5th time that it has been accomplished.

The 10 o'clock hour has arrived and that means the NFL pre-game shows are on. Time for me to migrate to a recliner or couch. I'm out.

DC

Blanketed in Sports...and Snow...

I was surprised to see the amount of snow on the ground this morning. It was just enough to look pretty and also to make the roads very slippery this morning. Today is wrap up day for opening season basketball tournaments in the high school ranks while we slide into a bonanza of college football conference championship games. This FB games will determine the bowl game lineup for this month and next. Finally, there will be an end of an era in the MLB on Monday.

Prep Report
- Nashville beat Columbia 56-48 last night to win the McKendree/Lebanon Tournament. The Eagles are less than 2 weeks into BB practice after a semi-final appearance in football, give the Hornets the props for winning and being very good to start the year when most people expect them to be down a little. I have seen Nashville play this year and they are a very impressive team.
- A 1A school who will no longer fly under the radar is Woodlawn. The Cardinals won the Marissa Tournament last night beating Okawville 51-33. After winning a regional for the first time since 1988 last year as well as having eventual 2nd place team Nokomis down at half in the Sectional last year, this is a team to keep on eye on.
- How good is Du Quoin? Having less than a week to get ready for basketball season they have looked pretty dominating in 2 games with 2 games left to be played today.
- Trico, Du Quoin, and Harrisburg will wrap up their tournaments tonight.
- Good reports out of Marshall County from the shoot-out after the first two days. Today is the grand finale with several good teams, great players, college coaches, and possibly even a visit from Michael Jordan watching his son play for Chicago Whitney Young.

College Sports
- It is a BCS bonanza today where college football will crown football conference champions. If I didn't have basketball to go watch today, I would be on the couch all day.
- ESPN will run a special tomorrow where all the bowl game lineups will be set.
- Buffalo crushed Ball State last night in the MAC title game last night. This took some of the luster off of Ball State and ended their undefeated season.
- SIU will host Charlotte in a basketball game today. The series has been competitive between the two lately but with th 49ers being 1-6 this may not be the case today.
- John A. Logan College in Carterville is hosting a JUCO men's basketball tournament today. There are going to be some very good players and teams participating.

Pro Sports
-Greg Maddux will announce his retirement from the MLB on Monday in his hometown of Las Vegas. He will be a first ballot HOF and I think will make a run at the record for highest percentage of vote for him to get in which is currently held by Tom Seaver.
- Speaking of Maddux, this was a guy I have followed closely since the first day of his career and his been one of my favorite players of all time. With him retiring, I feel a little older today.
- It's way early in the NBA season, but as of now the Lakers and Celtics are playing like they may see each other in the Finals in June once again.
- A judge has blocked the suspensions laid down by the NFL to 5 players for breaking the steroid policy rule. This particular thing is not giving good press to the NFL.
- LPGA qualifying school is going on right now as golfers are playing for their tour card. Michelle Wie is playing and is doing well enough she should get her car unless she pulls one of her mistakes again.

As with the snow by mid-morning, it is time for me to melt away from the keyboard and get out to watch some basketball. I'm out.

DC

Weekend Energizing...

There is a little energy in the air as the IHSA has divided the teams into regionals and sectionals. It is a wave that is taking over the state this morning as teams find out where they are going for postseason. This is the final weekend of opening season basketball tournaments, but never fear there are plenty of games to watch. Throw in the fact that there are big time college football games tomorrow with the NFL this weekend it is a bonanza of sports as we start the first weekend of December.

Prep Report
- Day 1 of the Marshall County Shoot-out is over with. Today and tomorrow will feature more of the nationally ranked teams and players in games. Many people from around the area and country will be attending this weekend.
- The IHSA has come out with the assignments for boys and girls basketball teams in the Regional and Sectional. This was quite a surprise as well as shows me that I didn't know when they were coming out.
- Big weekend of basketball around the area as tournaments at Lebanon, Harrisburg, Du Quoin, Marissa, and Trico will crown champions.
- It is amazing how each year the seedings of holiday tournaments seem to come out earlier and earlier each year.
- The IHSA has also put out the Scholastic Bowl sectional sites as well.

College Sports
- This is the eve of a huge day of college football tomorrow with several big conference championship games that have all the implications you can think of on the BCS Bowl Series.
- Washington didn't look very far to get their new head FB coach. The went in conference and got Steve Sarkisian, current offensive coordinator at USC.
- Colt McCoy, QB at Texas, not the Big 12 player of the year. However, he was only good enough to make Second Team AP All Big 12. Does that make any sense?
- After a brutal collision in a basketball game earlier in the week against Lamar...UK Player Ramon Harris was released from the hospital yesterday.
- Those Indiana players who transferred due to the Kelvin Sampson debacle will have to sit out one season. They were looking to play this year and skip the mandatory one year sit-out.

Pro Sports
- Question...just how bad are the Oakland Raiders on and off the field right now?
- The Patriots have brought back Junior Seau to their team.
- Those 6 NFL Players who were suspended this week for using a diuretic are appealing to a judge.
- The Yankees have begun talks with C. C. Sabathia. The bidding for him is going end up being a major chunk of change.
- Federal prosecutors have dropped 4 counts of lying to a grand jury for Barry Bonds. This reduces the charges to 10.

As like everyone else, I need to go and read, re-read, and re-read those postseason high school basketball pairings once again. I'm out.

DC

Countdowns...

3 weeks from today is Christmas. Hard to believe, but the holiday is creeping up on us pretty quickly. Key games are being played now as the results will be used to help seed upcoming Christmas tournaments around the state of Illinois. College sports is stocked full with happenings going on in all sports. The NFL will get a game on TV tonight while the MLB is starting to crawl back into the picture with the offseason moves by teams.

Prep Report
- Centralia is looking for a new head football coach as Phil Watson has resigned.
- The IHSA has put out the sites and assignments for boys wrestling teams on their website.
- As I looked on the calendar today, there will be one week of non-tournament regular season basketball before the third week of the month means Christmas tournament begins once again.
- The Du Quoin Tournament is a muddled mess right now with every team having at least one loss with the exception of Benton and Du Quoin.
- Speaking of the Indians, they didn't look too bad after just 5 practices before beating Carterville last night.
- The Marissa Tournament title game will feature two of the better Class 1A teams in the area in Woodlawn vs. Okawville on Friday night.
- At the McKendree/Lebanon tournament, another great title game will feature Nashville and Columbia.

College Sports
- Tommy Tubberville resigned yesterday as head football coach at Auburn. Pressure from not being the best team in the state vs. Alabama may have help lead to that departure.
- Boise State and Ball State will not meet in a bowl game of the unbeatens. Ball State feels that it is in their best interest to stay in the bowl games where the MAC is guaranteed a game.
- What have we learned in the ACC/Big 10 Challenge...The #1 and #2 teams in the ACC are way better than the #1 and #2 teams in the Big 10 at least this point in the season.
- The ACC won the challenge for the 10th straight season.
- Tis the season for teams to be getting invites and accepting invites to bowl games. I start lining up my TV watching when the teams start falling into place.

Pro Sports
- MLB offseason is picking up steam. The Cardinals have acquired Khalil Greene from the Padres to be their shortstop. Not a bad move, but I wonder at this point who the Cardinals are parting with to get him.
- The Giants have signed Bob Howry to a deal. He was in the bullpen for the Cubs the past two seasons but had trouble getting people out as the second half of the season went on.
- Mike Hampton has pitched very little for the past several years but still got $2,000,000 from the Astros. Why?
- The NFL Thursday night game features the Raiders at the Chargers. There is nothing glamorous about the AFC West this season.
- The Rooneys are close to reaching a deal to keep control and keep the Steelers in Pittsburgh.
- The ripple effect from the Plaxico Burress incident is starting to get a little bigger as the days go by. Teammate Antonio Pierce has been called to testify before a grand jury.
- Worst coaching job to have in sports...NBA head coach...Sam Mitchell was fired by the Toronto Raptors yesterday after starting the year 8-9 and as of today would be in the Eastern Conference Playoffs. I don't understand it.

The clock is ticking towards an early lunch for me. I'm out.

DC

Transition Completed...

It is a round ball week as we have fully shifted gears into the basketball season. As this week hits midway, we start to see after two weeks some of the teams that are getting off to good starts and who will be good this season. Football is dominating in mid-week of the college sports world as news on and off the field leads the way with coaching changes, interviews, and rumors. Finally, the NFL can't wait until the weekend when games are going to be played to get the off the field incidents out of the headlines.

Prep Report
- After seeing some Class 1A schools from around the area, I am here to tell you it will be very competitive come postseason time.
- Nashville improved to 3-0 last night at the Lebanon/McKendree Tournament. They have defeated Alton Marquette, Madison, and Trenton-Wesclin. Not bad for a team who is allegedly not going to be as good this year.
- Don't forget...the Marshall County Shoot-Out begins tomorrow night with some local basketball teams taking to the court.
- Du Quoin will play their first boys basketball game of the season tonight just 5 days after finishing 2nd in Class 3A football. The last time they finished 2nd in Class 3A they went ahead and won their own Tip-Off Classic.

College Sports
- Officials at Notre Dame are denying reports that Charlie Weis will be back next season to be their head football coach. It is very interesting the clouds that are swirling around regarding this job.
- Rumor hitting the world is that Washington has talked to Mike Leach about their head football job.
- USC is going to wear their red jerseys at UCLA on Saturday as the Bruins wear their blue jerseys. This will cost USC a timeout by rule for doing this since one team has to wear a mostly white jersey. To equal things out, UCLA is going to call time out. Both teams want a return to tradition of both wearing dark jerseys when they play each year. I think this is a great idea.
- The ACC-Big 10 Challenge is all square after one night of play. Illinois blew a lead to Clemson, while Purdue didn't look very good playing DUKE.

Pro Sports
- The NY Giants have suspended Plaxico Burress for the rest of the season for his arrest over the weekend. The side note is the gunshot wound he suffered will keep him out for 4 to 6 weeks anyway. What a shame that a talent like Burress won't be playing for the Giants especially when they have been so good this season.
- The NFL came out with the 6 names who are being suspended for breaking the steroids policy. The six used a diuretic which can mask steroids if used correctly.
- One of the best players in the NBA, Tracy McGrady of the Rockets is out 3 weeks with an injury. He just seems to not be able to stay healthy.
- The MLB hot stove season is beginning and the rumors of trades are swirling. The Braves and White Sox are close to a deal that would send Javier Vazquez to the Braves.

With another post complete, it is time for me to transition to another part of my day. I'm out.

DC

Stretching It Out...

Stretching out your sports entertainment is the theme of the week. With week 2 of basketball tournaments going on, there are plenty of games and teams to see this week. Tugging a little harder to get viewing time will be college football and basketball especially as the weekend approaches. Reaching the breaking point of stretching is the off the field news that seems to be following pro sports right now.

Prep Report
- Sites for postseason boys and girls basketball were released yesterday on the IHSA website. There is still a 1A Boys regional down here that needs a host. It should be interesting to see who ends up getting that regional.
- If you are wanting to know the assignments for postseason, it was late January last year before we know those.
- There were 2 close games at Du Quoin last night in the Tip-Off Classic. It may be that with more questions than answers to begin the tournament that there will be some close games.

College Sports
- USC is willing to give up timeouts so they can wear their home uniforms at UCLA on Saturday. UCLA will be wearing their home blue uniforms as is the norm, but USC is wanting to wear their home red ones as well.
- December 8th is the date that ND head coach Charlie Weis will meet with the AD to discuss his future. Wies is currently telling recruits he will be back next season.
- Tis the season for coaching changes at all positions in the college football level. Schools that haven't done well are currently cleaning house at many places.
- SIU will host SLU tonight in a men's basketball game. SLU has former Vienna standout Brett Thompson and former Pinckneyville standout Kyle Cassity on their team.
- Speaking of basketball, the ACC-Big10 challenge begins tonight.

Pro Sports
- The NFL is making more headlines off the field this week then on. The Chargers/Raiders game on Thursday night won't draw enough attention away from that.
- Plaxico Burress turned himself in to authorities yesterday over the gun charge from last week. He has arrived and is at practice today for the Giants.
- Pacman Jones will be returning punts and kicks and playing some downs on Defense as the Cowboys go to Pittsburgh this week.
- The Knicks have banished Stephon Marbury from their facilities until the Knicks can get a deal worked out.
- There is some MLB news. The Brewers have offered salary arbitration to both C.C. Sabathia and Ben Sheets. Also, Mike Hampton has signed a 1 year deal with the Houston Astros.

After all of this stretching, I am warmed up for the day. I'm out.

DC

Cyber-Monday

Today is Cyber-Monday and many people are on their computers getting the latest internet deals for Christmas. I am putting this post out for a Cyber-Monday sports readers to get your day off to a great start.

Prep Report
- The Marion JV won the Crab Orchard boys basketball tournament this past weekend while NCOE repeated as champions of the Grayville Tournament. Breese Mater Dei won the Murphysboro Tournament.
- Tournaments at Du Quoin, Trico, Marissa, and Harrisburg will kick off tonight. The Lebanon Tournament will continue on after starting last weekend.
- At Du Quoin, I am interested to see the renovations done to Anders Memorial Gymnasium as well as seeing how football will affect the Indians in games this week.
- Carbondale won the Harrisburg girls basketball tournament this past weekend.

College Sports
- Oklahoma jumped over Texas in the BCS standings and into the Big 12 Title game.
- Next Saturday is going to be a football bonanza with all of the great conference championship games on tap.
- As I have said before, the days of the bigger schools dominating smaller ones in basketball are over. WKU continued the trend by beating #3 Louisville yesterday.
- Dabo Swinney is the new head football coach at Clemson. He was the interim coach after the firing of Tommy Bowden.
- Lane Kiffen is reportedly going to bring defensive guru and father Monte Kiffin on to Tennessee.
- It seems from reports that ND football coach Charlie Weis is on a hotter seat than we expected.

Pro Sports
- The Browns are now at their #3 QB as Derek Anderson has went down for the season with a PCL injury. He joins Brady Quinn on the IR list. Also, head coach Romeo Crennel is on the hot seat with a 4-8 record.
- The whoosh of air that you heard was out of the balloon of the Jets. After a big win over the Titans last week, the Jets hit rock bottom in a bad loss at home to the Broncos.
- 4 road teams won games yesterday that started at 3PM. If you picked all 4 of those, you are a tremendous NFL game picker.
- I guess after weeks of doubt, I am going to have to take the Falcons seriously after they won again on the road yesterday.
- What a difference a year makes...check out the Dolphins and Rams.
- If you are the Rams, would you keep your current head coach or look for another one?

Now after you have had a short break from shopping on the 'net, you may go back to looking for those deals. I'm out.

DC