Jumping out of January...

It is hard to believe but we are already at the end of January. It seems like we just entered the new year. However, time and the sports world goes on in all three aspects so let's get started.

Prep Report
- It was rivalry night in Southern Illinois it seemed as the games that got in had rivalry implications. Impressive road wins by West Frankfort at Benton, Pinckneyville at Nashville, and Trico at Sesser-Valier.
- West Frankfort has won 3 games in 2 weeks after going winless most of the season.
- Herrin is on a streak after winning the WF Tournament last week, they beat Harrisburg at home last night. Today, they jump on a bus and head to play Pleasant Plains in the Pleasant Plains shoot out. This is a rematch of the 2002 Class A State Championship game.
- Who said that Pinckneyville wouldn't be good? A road win at Nashville has changed all of that and the run they have been on in 2009 after winning the BIT again.
- Speaking of Pinckneyville, it will be the place to be today as they are hosting their annual shootout. It has been going on for a long time and it is well run.

College Sports
- SIU is on the road at Evansville tonight. Both teams are facing quick turnarounds for games as the winter storm played havoc with their schedules this week.
- It is another big day of college basketball today with wall to wall coverage on every channel imaginable.
- You have to love college basketball right now in the heart of conference season.

Pro Sports
- Serena Williams has won the Australian Open in tennis this morning.
- The Super Bowl is finally tomorrow.
- Donovan McNabb wants to retire an Eagle. We shall see what management has to say.
- Shaq vs. Kobe...a marketing ploy...we await the opinion of Kobe on this one. If it was...pure genius.
- Speaking of the NBA, the Eastern Conference right now is the Celtics, Cavs, and then everyone else.
- Phil Mickelson never had thoughts on missing the cut of a PGA event right out of the shoot. He did in the FBR yesterday.

Like several other people in the area, I am headed to Pinckneyville for the games today. I'm out.

DC

Slowly to Normalcy...

As we continue to dig out, day by day there seems to be a little normalcy coming back to our lives in the region. The same can be said for high school basketball in the area as some teams are going to play tonight, some have cancelled, and others are moving games to other dates.

Prep Report
- Make sure you check with your local school about games tonight. Some schools are in session and not playing, some schools are out of session and playing, and some schools are out and not playing.
- The GEC Boys Tournament will resume tonight and the championship game will be played on Monday night at SIC.
- If games are still scheduled, there are some big games on the agenda tonight as far as conference implications.
- Congratulations to Lauren Mitchell of ZRC. She now has scored over 2,000 points in her career.
- The State Bowling Tournament begins today in O'Fallon, IL

College Sports
- SIU men and women won their games at home last night. The men beat Missouri State while the women defeated Wichita State.
- The winter weather has also caused issues with college basketball games in the region as well.
- Ed Hightower was supposed to officiate the Purdue at Wisconsin game on Tuesday night but he could not fly out of the Metro East area due to the weather.
- It is so awesome to listen Bobby Knight break down a college basketball game. He is at the head of the class in that particular area on the network.

Pro Sports
- Is the Super Bowl here yet?
- This Joe Torre book is really causing some barbs to be lobbed in all directions.
- Albert Pujols has told the Cardinals to sign Manny Ramirez. Would this not be a turn in the opposite direction of the management if they were to sign him and spend money?
- The rosters for the NBA All-Star game are set. As usual, there are names that are on that shouldn't be and names that aren't on that should be.

The weekend is almost here. I'm out.

DC

Digging Out...

After reading all of the reports after the winter storm, here's hoping that everything can return to normal as soon as possible for everyone in the region. This storm is going to have affects days after it has passed thru the area. The sports world is feeling it as well on the prep and even college scenes. Even with a late January day, there is major news breaking on the national college and pro level as well.

Prep Report
- Without saying, there are several games going to be postponed tonight.
- It wouldn't surprise me to see that games for tomorrow night and even Saturday night are postponed as well.
- The SEC Girls Basketball tournament in Dongola is going to go on as scheduled today with 4 games being played in two gyms.

College Sports
- The weather postponed the Missouri State at SIU game until tonight. It will be the second half of a doubleheader as the SIU women are at home vs. Wichita State.
- #1 DUKE fell on the road at Wake Forest in a very good game last night. It seems that having the #1 ranking is some sort of a jinx again this season.
- A miracle run to the NCAA Tournament last year is long since forgotten. Georgia came out of the SEC gates at 0-5 and today they fired men's head basketball coach Dennis Felton.
- Former IU coach Kelvin Sampson is appealing the ruling not allowing him to coach in college basketball. This tells me that he doesn't like the NBA game and/or he has a job lined up but needs to get the ruling reversed.
- What is up lately with all of the 70 foot plus shots being made in college basketball this season?

Pro Sports
- Herm Edwards is going to join ESPN for their NFL coverage. This will be a great move for both because I am a huge fan of Edwards.
- Jeff Jagodzinski, the fired Boston College coach for interviewing with the Jets, has been hired as the offensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- 12 year contracts don't come around very often. The Red Wings have signed Henrik Zetterberg. Doesn't that seem like an awfully long time?
- Say what you want about tennis, but playing in the Australian heat with the roof open at times takes a pretty special athlete. However, it is nice to see them shut the roof and cool things down.

Amazing as it seems, I continue to find things to do around the house during these winter days. I'm out.

DC

At a Stand Still...

With the weather, things are pretty much at a stand still in the prep sports world in Southern Illinois. Many games have been cancelled and I would expect that as the week goes on that each day will continue to give more cancellations. Though things are at a stand still here, the other parts of the sports world are still running full steam ahead.

Pro Sports
- The State Bowling tournament for both boys and girls will take place this weekend. The tournament is held at St. Clair Bowl in O'Fallon, IL.
- There will be several Southern Illinois teams and individuals competing this weekend in the Bowling State Finals.
- As expected, there are no games to speak of in the area tonight. I would expect that possibly tomorrow or for sure the weekend there will be games back on the docket to be played.
- Check with your school or media outlet for cancellations of games and reschedules.

College Sports
- Bobby Bowden has signed a 1 year extension to remain the head football coach at Florida State. That would be 34 seasons as the head coach of the Seminoles.
- Gary Williams and Maryland are sparring over recruiting. Do you think the pressure of not doing much since a National Championship earlier this decade is playing a part in this?
- The ACC will take center stage tonight with #1 DUKE traveling to #4 Wake Forest.
- Pittsburgh at Villanova is another good game of ranked teams tonight as well.

Pro Sports
- I mentioned the name Kurt Radomski earlier in the week. I don't believe that his name or many other MLB players are going to be quiet over the next few weeks.
- The Cubs have made another deal. They have acquired Aaron Heilman from the Mariners for SS Ronny Cedeno and P Garrett Olson. This should quiet the Jake Peavy to the Cubs rumors.
- Anyone else wondering what 3 songs Bruce Springsteen will play at the Super Bowl?
- Speaking of the Super Bowl, can the game get here so I don't have to listen to all of the hype?

Like most of you, I have some digging out to do. I'm out.

DC

Sports and Cabin Fever...

What else is one going to do with the weather as it is today in the area? You watch sports and read up on things going on in the sports world. The prep sports side will be a little slow with all of the postponements. The college side continues to churn out basketball tidbits while the pro side goes full force into Super Bowl coverage.

Prep Report
- If your team had a game tonight, then you need to make sure the game has been postponed and when the rescheduled date is. Several teams have done that this afternoon already.
- Several games last night were cancelled and/or game times moved up to get away from the weather that has hit the area today.
- Today is a day why athletic directors are underpaid in their jobs.
- Pinckneyville High School is having a shootout on Saturday. Trico/Flora, SV/Trenton-Wesclin, Du Quoin/St. Joe Ogden, Waltonville/Greenville, and Pinckneyville/Riverton.

College Sports
- Kelvin Sampson is going to appeal his NCAA discipline. Are you serious? Hey Kelvin...no one will hire you right now at the college level.
- Carbondale native and 11 year head basketball coach at Alabama Mark Gottfried resigned yesterday. Increasing pressure from the fan base of disappointing seasons as well as losing to Auburn 4 of the last 5 times will do that.
- A Wisconsin court has ruled that cheerleading is a contact sport.

Pro Sports
- A-Rod is unphased by the shots Torre said in his upcoming book. No kidding...what else is A-Rod going to say.
- The name Radomski is at it again. He said he supplied over 300 MLB players with various kinds of steroids and HGH.
- Today is Media Day at the Super Bowl. This is where we wait with baited breath on all of the various one liners from players and also the dumbest questions asked by reporters.
- The Rams hired 3 new assistant coaches for the upcoming season yesterday.

With nothing to do, I have several hours of shows on the DVR to catch up on. It is time to take care of that. I'm out.

DC

The Calm before the...

You read the title and you know the reason for it. It seems we have a major winter storm coming our way over the next day or so. This will mean that many events are going to be cancelled. However, before we get to that point, there is plenty to talk about.

Prep Report
- The boys basketball regional at Carterville has been moved to Anna-Jonesboro. This is due to damage to the Carterville gym floor.
- Benton won the SIRR Ohio Division wrestling championship this past Saturday. They had lost to Murphysboro earlier in the week. Those two programs are pretty darn salty.
- The GEC tournament will go on this week at SIC. It is a traditional and annual event.
- It is a light schedule in the area with girls basketbal not having very many games.
- The SEC girls tournament is this week.

College Sports
- SIU didn't look real good in a road game at Illinois State on Saturday. They are going to have to find a way to win on the road.
- Look for DUKE to be your new #1 team in the country after Wake Forest was beaten last week.
- This will be the third time a ACC team has been ranked number 1 this season.
- Oregon State Craig Robinson is the first brother-in-law to President Obama. He attended the inauguration last week and then lead his team to a win at Stanford this past weekend.

Pro Sports
- Is anyone else waiting on the Joe Torre book about the Yankees to come out? This could be a very interesting read.
- The NHL All-Star game happened last night. It is tough to get people to watch and be interested when the game is on a channel that few people have.
- Today begins the PR and Hype machine known as the Super Bowl.

Is anyone else making that short list to get to the store? I'm out.

DC

Only the Prep Basketball...

There was no blog yesterday since I was in the gym over 13 hours watching basketball. With that being the case, I have nothing but prep basketball to catch up on today and no other sports.

Winners of the following boys tournaments are as follows in parentheses:
Benton - (Pinckneyville)
West Frankfort - (Herrin)
Massac County - (Carbondale)
Nashville - (Breese Central)
Salem - (Centralia)
Carmi - (Mt. Vernon, IN and Harrisburg)
Sparta - (Columbia)
Midland Trail Conference Tournament - (Woodlawn)
South Egyptian Conference Tournament - (Meridian)

- The GEC will hold their conference tournament next week to wrap up the mid-winter tournament part of the schedule.
- Last night was rivalry night around the area with Carbodale/Murphysboro, Woodlawn/Waltonville, Breese Central/Breese Mater Dei, and Centralia/Mt. Vernon playing for tournament titles on neutral floors.
- With Massac County and Nashville losing in the semi-finals of their own tournaments, the only undefeated team left in the area is Woodlawn.
- Pinckneyville has won 25 games in a row at the BIT which translates into 5 straight undefeated championships. This may have been the most impressive considering the amount of talent that graduated last year.
- The BIT had only one game decided by double digit points and 3 overtime games. The teams were pretty even which meant for close games.
- Eldorado was the favorite but Herrin came in and shocked the world by winning at WF. The Tigers are a team that everyone has been waiting on to do well and this gives them much momentum going into the rest of the season.
- It was good to see West Frankfort get their first win of the season. Kevin Toney is one of the hardest workers in the business.
- The battle of Jackson County went to Carbondale as they beat Murphysboro at Massac County. This game happened even though a regular season contest a couple of weeks ago was cancelled due to all of the off the court problems between the two schools.
- Even with a loss to the Terriers, I still think that Massac County is the favorite in 2A in this part of the state.
- Breese Central wins the NIT over Breese Mater Dei. The Cougars are young, good, and looking to make another run to Peoria. They will have a tough Regional and Sectional to get it done though.
- Speaking of that Sectional, Columbia breezed to the Sparta title beating Trico last night. The Eagles have found their basketball legs after playing into the semi-finals in football.
- At Sparta, it was amazing to me to see the good teams in the pool opposite Columbia. That side was loaded.
- Centralia has 3 wins over Mt. Vernon this year by a total of 5 points. They play one more time in conference and then possibly could meet in the Regional finals.
- Reid Roper hit a free throw with no time left on the clock to give Harrisburg a 50-49 win over Olney and a share of the title with Mt. Vernon, IN.
- With 3 of the top 4 seeds losing in the first round of the SEC tournament, Meridian cruised to a title. The Bobcats are poising themselves to make a run in postseason.
- Woodlawn remained undefeated by beating Waltonville for a 2nd time last night 66-58. The Cardinals win the MTC tournament title for the first time. The Spartans get 2nd and now will exit the conference after one year and be an independent next season. The gym at Louisville North Clay was so full they were turning people away.
- Another note on that game...Woodlawn and Waltonville are 8 miles apart and they traveled over an hour to play the game.
- Why is it so hard to pick all-tournament teams these days? It seemed like it used to be easier.

The wrap up on what was a very busy week in basketball is complete. Rest up...another week begins tomorrow. I'm out.

DC

A Rare Happening...

It is rare that I get to go to a gym I haven't been in but I did so last night. Louisville North Clay High School was the place as I took in the semi-finals of the Midland Trail Conference tournament. I saw a great game and several good individual players in the two games that I will mention later. The countdown is on for the hype machine of the Super Bowl and the bomb that was dropped by Mark McGwire's brother yesterday is still running wild in the sports world.

Prep Report
- In their first year, Waltonville and Woodlawn are making a big splash in the MTC. They will play for the MTC tournament title tomorrow night at Louisville North Clay HS.
- 3 players really stood out to me last night in those two games. Tyler Parrish of Odin as a junior is a great player and must watch if you are a high school basketball fan. He has many tools at his disposal to use in his toolbox on the floor that many players just don't have. (Sr.) Tanner Bushue of South Central scored 30 and (Jr.) Skyler Witges of Waltonville scored 15 as they carried their teams. The junior from Waltonville hit three 3s and 4-4 from the FT line in the last 30 seconds to help Waltonville beat SC.
- Woodlawn is the other team in the MTC final as they handily defeated Odin 68-48 to go to 14-0.
- The next two days are loaded with the wrapping up of high school boys and girls tournaments in the area. Several good games on tap.
- West Frankfort won their girls basketball tournament last night defeating Herrin.

College Sports
- Georgetown lost their first ever home game with John Thompson III as its head coach last night to West Virginia.
- Minnesota lost for the 2nd time this week. They lost at home to Purdue last night.
- For college football fans, there will another Sr. Bowl game this weekend.

Pro Sports
- The Memphis Grizzlies became the 7th NBA team to fire their head coach yesterday. Avery Johnson turned them down.
- Matt Cassel says he is happy to be a backup for the Patriots. However, after this year, he has a big free agency awaiting him.
- We are one weekend away from the hype machine of the Super Bowl to begin playing.
- The Brewers and Cecil Fielder agreed to a new 2 yr. deal yesterday worth $18 million.
- The Ricketts family have bought the Cubs for over $900. WOW!!!

Friday has arrived and it is time to begin the weekend countdown. I'm out.

DC

Spinning out the News...

No time to rest as there is plenty of mid-winter tournament basketball. In fact, there are two great 1A boys games in the area tonight that will draw major attention in the area and in the state. Factor in many tournaments will be rolling towards the weekend. Another upset of a #1 in college basketball last night and major news regarding steroids and MLB has broke this morning.

Prep Report
- Pinckneyville being 2-0 in the BIT isn't a shock, but Benton being 2-0 is. They will play Friday night at 7:30.
- 6 games at the BIT so far and no game has been decided by more than 8 points.
- West Frankfort boys basketball got their first win last night defeated the Carterville Lions in their own tournament.
- Speaking of upsets, Herrin beat Eldorado at West Frankfort last night. This is the 2nd straight year where a highly favored Eagles team couldn't run the table at this tournament.
- In the SEC Boys Tournament, Meridian was the only 1-4 seed to win. Seeds 2-4 lost their first round game.
- Louisville, IL is the place to be tonight for great 1A boys basketball action. At 6:45, Woodlawn plays Odin and then at 8:00 Waltonville plays South Central.
- At Sparta, Trico goes to 2-0 as they seem to be finding their stride while Du Quoin was upset by Red Bud.

College Sports
- SIU keeps rolling with a road win at Indiana State last night.
- Wake Forest didn't last long as #1 as they lost at home to Virginia Tech.
- Best finish of the night...South Carolina beating Florida...check it out today.
- Northwestern beat its 2nd straight ranked opponent as they beat Michigan State last night at home. The Wildcats beat Minnesota this weekend.

Pro Sports
- Mark McGwire's brother Jay has come out and said that Mark did HGH and steroids. In fact, Jay was the first person to inject him. Nice...like we didn't know that already but it is good to have some proof now.
- The Padres have reached a deal with former Cubs catcher Henry Blanco.
- Tony Romo says he will be a more active leader on and off the field. Ok...thanks for that announcement.
- Anyone for mock 2009 NFL Draft? There are plenty out there already.
- Stephon Marbury...all the talent in the world and now he wants to play overseas. That mess gets uglier everyday.

The time has come to get some things done to get ready for a big night of basketball. I'm out.

DC

All the Way Around...

Mid week and mid-afternoon is here and another full slate of basketball games in the area is on tap. Really, it is round ball all the way around the docket except for the pros in which the NFL and MLB continue to lead the way.

Prep Report
- The Carmi Invitational had a 4 overtime game last night. Mt. Vernon, IN defeated Olney last night 80-79.
- All the mid-winter tournaments are underway around the area. This includes the conference tournaments.
- Speaking of conference tourneys, the Midland Trail Conference tournament has a great final four. Woodlawn will play Odin and Waltonville vs. South Central tomorrow night at Louisville.
- Herrin continues to win matches in bowling at both the boys and girls levels.

College Sports
- SIU is on the road at Indiana State tonight. We will see if the Salukis can keep their winning ways going.
- The times they are a changing in the Big 10 as Illinois dominated Ohio State last night in conference play.
- Ronald Steele of Alabama has played his last game. A foot injury has derailed his career. This is a shame because he was one of the best players in the SEC when healthy.

Pro Sports
- Jeff Kent of the Dodgers will announce his retirement at a presser today. He was one of the best 2B of all time.
- Though injured, Steelers WB Heinz Ward will play in the Super Bowl. There was no doubt in this happening.
- What are the Cubs doing signing Michael Weurtz to a deal? I have yet to figure out what he has done in the bullpen to merit a return.
- Winter X Games 13 will begin this week on ESPN. Yes, at times some of the things these competitors do are amazing.

Winding down the work day towards another full day of basketball. I'm out.

DC

Mid-Winter Tourneys Day 1

Day one of the onslaught of mid-winter basketball is in the books with upsets, blowouts, and favorites winning as would be expected. With it being the majority of the sports, the pro side is offering some blips on the radar with some NFL and other pro news.

Pro Sports
- A power outage affected several radio stations in the area last night. The outage caused a transformer to go out which stopped coverage for many stations.
- Pinckneyville's BIT streak reached 21 with a win over Hamilton County last night. The Foxes had way too many turnovers and missed free throws to win the game.
- Sparta girls basketball was shorthanded at the Carbondale Tournament due to the fact that 3 of their 5 starters are in Washington DC for the inauguration.
- There are some conference games in the BDC and GEC tonight in the area for both boys and girls.
- The 2nd round of the Midland Trail Conference tournament will take place tonight at Waltonville, Woodlawn, Odin, and South Central.

College Sports
- Big game tonight in Champaign as the Illini host Ohio State in a Big 10 matchup.
- #1UCONN women dominated #2UNC in basketball last night.
- Pittsburgh got back to its winning ways last night in the Big East.

Pro Sports
- Rex Ryan is the new head coach of the New York Jets. He agreed to a new 4 year deal.
- Anquan Boldin of the Arizona Cardinals is still mad about not getting enough catches on Sunday. You are going to the Super Bowl enjoy and have fun.
- The first major of the tennis season is underway down under in Australia.
- Expect the hype maching for the Super Bowl to begin tomorrow after the Inauguration.
- Team USA for the WBC is loading up with a nice roster full of great players. It makes for interesting teammates.

With the start of today, the inauguration festivities are starting to attract my attention so I need to roll. I'm out.

DC

Mid-Winter Madness...

Today begins the mid-winter tournament madness across the state of Illinois. It is your own fault if you can't find a game this week. College basketball continues to turn out games all across the country but the pro side is we have two teams in the Super Bowl.

Prep Report
- Benton, West Frankfort, Carmi, Massac County, Nashville, Sparta, and Salem are just a few of the sites in the area hosting boys basketball tournaments.
- There are three conference tournaments going on this week. The GEC, SEC, and Midland Trail Conferences are all having their annual tournaments this week.
- Carbondale, West Frankfort, and Highland are hosting tournaments on the girls side.
- Bowling postseason should prove to be very good for Herrin as both their boys and girls teams are really doing well in postseason.

College Sports
- SIU got a home win vs. Bradley last night to split with them this season. It wasn't pretty but they managed to get a win.
- We will find out today who the new #1 team in the land is after Pittsburgh lost at Louisville on Saturday.
- A team that quietly is winning and not getting much pub. is UCONN. Jim Calhoun has his team playing very well right now.
- College football has been over a week and as would be expected the talk of the time now is the recruiting and classes your big time programs are working on getting.

Pro Sports
- Who would have thunk it? The Cardinals are going to the Super Bowl. The NFC Championship game was tremendous.
- Questions to ponder...How does Larry Fitzgerald get that open? What did people in St. Louis do when they saw Bill Bidwell hold up the trophy? Do St. Louis fans root for Kurt Warner knowing a win means Bidwell gets a Super Bowl title?
- Pittsburgh is heading to their 7th Super Bowl after a hard fought third victory over Baltimore yesterday.
- This sets up Ken Whisenhunt battling his former team the Steelers in the Super Bowl.
- Anquan Boldin didn't celebrate with his Arizona teammates as he was pouting about not getting enough balls thrown his way. Are you kidding me???
- The Cubs officially gave up on Felix Pie trading him to Baltimore for a left handed pitcher and a minor leaguer.
- Also the Cubs are supposed to have a buyer by mid-week.

Basketball fans, use the rest of the day wisely to rest up for the upcoming bonanza this week. I'm out.

DC

Conference Sunday...

Today, the NFL takes center stage with 2 games to determine who will be going to the Super Bowl in two weeks in Tampa Bay. That is the rage of the day. The prep side of the world is the calm before the mid-winter tournament storm takes place this week for boys basketball, while the college sports world is in full steam basketball mode.

Prep Report
- Saxony Luthern (MO) won the Chester Invitational last night beating New Athens 78-64.
- Not many games on the docket last night, but Du Quoin did beat Trico 57-52. It seems these two always play close games when they get together.
- The WF Mid-Winter Classic for girls opened up play yesterday. It runs during the same week as the Boys Mid-Winter Classic at Max Morris Gym.
- FYI...if you can't find a game this week, it is your own fault with all of the tournaments in the area.
- Of course, today is the calm before the storm of games that will break out across the state this week.

College Sports
- SIU hosts Bradley tonight in a rematch of a game earlier in the season in which the Braves won at home.
- The SIU women are struggling and lost again at home to Drake yesterday.
- It is good to see that Nashville Lucas O' Rear is getting lots of PT for Northern Iowa. I have seen many of his games on TV including ESPNU yesterday.
- Being #1 in college basketball during the regular season is a bullseye. Pittsburgh found that out last night after losing at Louisville. The new number 1 in the land should be Wake Forest.

Pro Sports
- Eagles/Cardinals and Ravens/Steelers are the NFL Conference Championship games on the docket today. The winners will go to the Super Bowl and then let us know who we all will be watching in a couple of weeks at parties all across the nation.
- Question...wouldn't it make more sense to have the East coast game on first and then the game in the Mountain time zone on last?
- As I posted yesterday, the Bucs have hired a new football coach. It didn't take them long to introduce him to the public cause they did it yesterday.
- The Phillies and Cole Hamels have agreed to a 3 year deal. Smart move by the Phillies because he is one of the better pitchers in the MLB right now.
- NASCAR is having its fan fest at Daytona this weekend minus the cars. There is no testing in 2009 at tracks that hold events.
- On a side note, you can test at non-NASCAR race tracks. Rockingham has been a popular spot to test. One team even tried to book up 53 days to keep the other teams out and NASCAR put a stop to that.

Well, the time has come to end today due to the fact that Kentucky is getting ready to take the floor. I'm out.

DC

Stuffed on a Saturday...

On this late Saturday afternoon, there is plenty and I do mean plenty of sports to talk about today. All three levels are pretty full with things going on.

Prep Report
- The South 7 boys basketball race is as crazy as ever. Centralia is the lead team on top, but then the muddled mess of balanced teams start to trail after that.
- Massac County and Murphysboro are going to play a couple of big games this year. One will probably be for the Ohio Division title, and the other will probably be in the regional.
- West Frankfort remains winless after losing to Herrin, but Pinckneyville is quietly winning game after game this year.
- Chester will wrap up its mid-winter tournament tonight while Centralia and Meridian are hosting shootouts today.
- Trico at Du Quoin and Gallatin County at Galatia are the only boys regular season games on the schedule tonight.
- The girls docket is loaded with games with the Highland Tournament beginning as the highlight along with Sesser-Valier Waltonville at Pope County being on paper a pretty good game.

College Sports
- Saturday afternoon in January...get a remote and watch plenty of college basketball all evening.
- Illinois is in a battle at Michigan State right now. It is a very good game with a half still to play.
- DUKE had a very impressive win over Georgetown at home today.
- There is one football all-star game today on ESPN2. This is the first of a couple that will allow college players to give last looks at NFL scouts.
- Lane Kiffin, the head football coach at Tennessee, is making the staff full of guys with NFL experience. That will help in recruiting.

Pro Sports
- The Rams have hired Steve Spagnuolo as their new head football coach. He was the defensive coordinator with the Giants.
- Shock and surprise from this part of the world after Jon Gruden was fired by the Bucs. He was actually working in the facility when he received the word.
- The Bucs then hired Raheem Morris who was an assistant coach with the Bucs.
- Less than 24 hours to go until the Conference Championship games in the NFL. The second game will be a cold weather spectacular.
- Tiger Woods is going to speak at one of the many inauguration parties on Tuesday for President Elect Barack Obama.
- Has the PGA season really started? Wow...won't be long until summer.

Lots of stuff going on but time to use the remote to surf the TV channels. I'm out.

DC

Tipping It Off...

The weekend is here and it is time for another full slate of high school boys basketball. Conference games are in full swing and big games tonight especially in the South 7 will help to decide a conference champion. Round ball controls the college sports world, while the NFL in its final weeks of the season continues towards its end.

Prep Report
- This is the final weekend before a full slate of mid-winter tournaments begin next week in the area.
- The Chester Tournament will wrap up this weekend.
- Games of note tonight include Althoff at Carbondale, Marion at Centralia, Harrisburg at Massac County, and Lebanon at Woodlawn.
- On the girls side, the annual and very tough Carbondale Tournament will take place as well as the girls tournament at West Frankfort that has been going on already.

College Sports
- The NCAA will consider 7th grade basketball players as hoop prospects. Interesting...
- ESPN Bracketology is a great read and excitement made for fans.
- It didn't look like USC football coach was happy about QB Mark Sanchez going pro yesterday.
- Several players are going to return for junior and senior season of football which is more than I thought do.

Pro Sports
- The Lions picked Titans D Coordinator Jim Schwartz to be their new head coach.
- The Rams have cut their choices to 4 and Jim Haslett isn't one of them.
- Is Arizona really in the NFC Championship game?
- Ed Werder just won't let it go. Again, proclaiming that T.O. is on his way out in Dallas. It was nice to see Owens' agent come out against it and say it was false.
- NASCAR is just around the corner and Tony Stewart will be in the Bud Shootout due to a rule change. He is running his own team this season.

Time to tip off the weekend...I'm out.

DC

Filling a Void...

Today is an afternoon serving of sports to help fill your appetite. It is a Thursday afternoon and there really isn't much going on in the world of sports that would garner more headlines than the other. With it being a rather slow day, it will be quick for you to read.

Prep Report
- The IHSA has lifted the postseason bad on Murphysboro High School. The remediation plan is in place but the school will remain on probation until January 13, 2010.
- I mentioned Goreville girls basketball earlier in the week, and then they got an impressive win at home vs. SVW last night. The Lady Blackcats are going to be a tough out come postseason.
- Sandoval has hosted a girls basketball tournament for many years. However, a power outage forced the games to be moved to Centralia Jr. High School last night.
- Several girls games tonight on the docket including Carmi at Eldorado, ZRC at Carterville, and Johnston City at Hamilton County.

College Sports
- Let me be the first to say...watching college basketball with the high school and college 3 pt. line on the floor at the same time is as annoying as it gets. Can these schools not pay and get the old line removed and put down a temporary line if a high school game is played there?
- SIU lost a tough one at Creighton. It seems the Salukis are a one step forward two steps back team this year.
- Heisman winner Sam Bradford of Oklahoma is going to return for his junior season.

Pro Sports
- The Padres are after David Eckstein to be their shortstop this year.
- Roger Clemens is welcome back to Astros training camp but only as a fan.
- The Cowboys are supposedly going to release T.O. Take it for what its worth but Ed Werder is reporting this so who knows what is really going on.
- The Rams are interviewing everyone for their head coaching job it seems like and they like many other teams haven't named a head coach yet.

Quick...brief...to the point...I'm out.

DC

Change, Change, Change...

Change is in the air with the sports world as well as with the weather we live in. Winds are blowing, temps are dropping, but the world of sports stays on its' axis today in full spin mode. A record performance in college basketball last night to go along with consistent play from area prep teams make for a Wednesday discussion.

Prep Report
- Isaiah Cunningham of Eldorado is as good as advertised. He dropped a smooth and easy 26 points in front of Missouri Southern head basketball coach Robert Corn.
- Nashville continues to roll after a big win at home over Murphysboro last night. The Hornets remain undefeated.
- Woodlawn also remained undefeated with a road win at Louisville North Clay last night.
- Girls basketball rules the docket tonight with 4 games in the area.

College Sports
- If you haven't seen it...see it. Jodie Meeks of Kentucky scored 54 points in a road win at Tennessee last night. This breaks a 39 year old record by Dan Issel of most points in a game.
- SIU heads out on the road tonight to Creighton. This is a decent rivalry now in the MVC, while it used to be a heated rivalry when Kyle Korver was playing for the Blue Jays.
- Polls are great but isn't it nice we have a tournament at the end of the season to decide a National Champion in college basketball.

Pro Sports
- Herm Edwards is possibly staying in Kansas City to coach in 2009 for the Chiefs. There is no official fact to this yet, but hopefully he will stay in the league.
- Many of the Giants star players want Plaxico Burress back at WR for them in 2009. This is a big vote of confidence for him.
- Derek Lowe is now with the Braves. That is a spot I wasn't thinking he would go.
- Do you realize that the Red Sox signed 4 guys who have rehabbed recently from injuries to one year deals?

I think I will wind on out of here as well. I'm out.

DC

Tumbling Tuesday Temperatures...

The weather is matching the month now at least temperature wise. However, it is a full slate of high school basketball since it is a Tuesday night in the area. The MLB has elected a couple of former players to the HOF while even in this late time of offseason there are players being signed by teams for the upcoming 2009 season.

Prep Report
- For 1A girls basketball, Pope County has to be in the forefront in Southern Illinois. They are 17-4 and got a double overtime win on the road at ZRC last night.
- Goreville is another 1A girls basketball team to watch out for as well after they improved to 12-4 on the year last night.
- Tuesday night means a good menu of both boys and girls basketball tonight. On the boys side, the key games are Crab Orchard at Carrier Mills, Carlyle at Wesclin, and Okawville at Waltonville.
- The girls side is full of games as well with Carbondale at Marion, Althoff at Mt. Vernon, and Nashville at Pinckneyville.

College Sports
- If you get a chance, you must watch an Oklahoma game because Blake Griffin of the Sooners is a pretty special player.
- Tuesday night is Big 10 - SEC game night on ESPN. Indiana plays at Ohio State in the Big 10 while Kentucky travels to Tennessee in the SEC.
- Louisville has started off 3-0 in the Big East for the first time ever and play #1 Pittsburgh this Saturday.

Pro Sports
- Jim Rice and Rickey Henderson were elected to the MLB HOF yesterday. I am still awaiting the name of Ron Santo to come across as a member.
- Other notes about the MLB HOF, Tommy John failed to make it in his final season on the ballot while Mark McGwire got fewer votes than he did last year.
- Tony Dungy has retired from the NFL Colts as of yesterday. He is a class act and will be missed in the NFL.
- Ben Roethlisberger of the Steelers is an injury waiting to happen. It is amazing that he is still playing right now with all of the shots he has taken in his brief career.
- The Red Sox made the signing of John Smoltz official while the rumor is the Braves are about to sign Derek Lowe to a 4 year deal.

Time to crank up the work machine for a Tuesday. I'm out.

DC

Winds of Change...

2nd full week of January and the winds of change in the NFL has the Arizona Cardinals one win away from the Super Bowl. I never thought I would see the day. As we move along a new week of high school sports begin while conference basketball kicks into high gear in the college ranks.

Prep Report
- Woodlawn girls basketball won the Midland Trail Conference Tournament on Saturday night by beating rival Webber Township. This is the first year that the Lady Cardinals have been in the conference and participated in this tournament.
- Monday night means plenty of girls basketball in the area. Fairfield at Hamilton County, Carterville at Pinckneyville, and Murphysboro at Sparta highlight the schedule tonight.
- The 47th Annual Chester Boys Basketball Tournament begins tonight and will continue the entire week. It is the first of many mid-winter tournaments coming up the next couple of weeks.

College Sports
- UNC has taken on their second ACC loss already after losing at Wake Forest last night in a very entertaining. THey are 0-2 in the ACC and haven't been 0-3 since 1996-1997.
- Illinois really handed it to the Hoosiers on Saturday. Indiana has a long way to go to get back to being an NCAA Tournament team.
- Conference play heats up this week with some games of rivalry note. This is when college basketball gets fun.
- Tim Tebow will return for his senior season at Florida. Smart move on his part because as of now he is not a very draft choice in the NFL.

Pro Sports
- Seriously...the Cardinals are hosting the NFC Championship? I am in shock and no one predicted this at the beginning of the year. The Eagles are a hot team and playing very well right now though.
- The Eagles did to the Giants what the Giants did to the Cowboys last year. The Eagles won on the 3rd try in a season.
- Ravens vs. Steelers...another hard hitting football game for the AFC title.
- The Broncos are going to hire Josh McDaniels as their new head coach. He was the offensive coordinator for the Patriots in recent years.
- Tony Dungy is going to let the Colts and the world know if he is going to return as their head coach today.

The work week is officially on and that means I must get something done. I'm out.

DC

Kickoff Once Again...

On this cold January day, it is the NFL that takes centerstage. We had one good and one bad game yesterday, but hopefully both will be good today. Several prep events happened yesterday in both basketball and wrestling. A couple of local wrestling teams won tournament titles which always makes Southern Illinois proud.

Prep Report
- Great game at Trico last night as Sesser-Valier wins the game by 1 point and takes a lead in the BDC West.
- Okawville played Nashville tough at home but it wasn't enough as the Hornets remained undefeated on the season winning 47-36.
- At 14-6, the Marion Wildcats are playing pretty well. They beat Collinsville last night in the Highland Shootout. The regional that includes the 4 Southern Illinois South 7 schools is going to be a very interesting week.
- The Benton Rangers wrestling team won the prestigious Mt. Olive Invitational yesterday while the Murphysboro wrestling team won the Murdale Title yesterday in Carbondale.
- Sesser-Valier Waltonville girls basketball won the Chester Tournament beating Valmeyer in the final last night pretty handily.

College Sports
- SIU has won 2 MVC games in a row after beating Evansville at home last night. All is a little calmed now in the Saluki world.
- Don Meyer, the head basketball coach at Northern State, passed Bobby Knight with 903 career wins last night.
- It was sort of a blah day in college basketball as there weren't many upsets.
- After Boston College beat #1 ranked UNC last Sunday, all was pretty good. Then Harvard and Miami have beaten them the last two games.

Pro Sports
- Turnovers and struggling to get touchdowns will get you beat out of the NFL playoffs. That is why the home standing Titans and Panthers lost yesterday.
- 5 interceptions...that is what Jake Delhomme threw for Carolina vs. Arizona last night in a very ugly performance.
- The Titans had way to many chances in the red zone to score touchdowns and when you don't in the playoffs you get beat.
- Today, the Eagles are at the Giants while the Chargers are at the Steelers. It will be cold weather in both places and also hard hitting.
- The Giants have to be worried to play the Eagles for a 3rd time in a year. Last year, the Giants lost the first two games to the Cowboys but beat Dallas in the playoffs.
- Again I ask...what is Pacman Jones thinking these days?
- The MLB HOF vote is due this week and it will be interesting to see who gets in. Rickey Henderson seems to be a lock, but several others deserving will have a tougher time getting in.
- The Red Sox have now picked up both John Smoltz and Brad Penny. Talk about boosting energy to pitching staff.

Football rules early but a UCLA/USC rivalry basketball game awaits later this evening. Who needs to get outside when I have sports to watch. I'm out.

DC

Chores for Saturday...

It has been a busy day for me so that is why I am posting now at this early evening hour. However, that doesn't change the sports day as there is plenty going on.

Prep Report
- Murphysboro gets both of their suspended players back and steamroll at Harrisburg last night. This changes things in the Ohio Division as well as in the postseason format.
- Du Quoin got a big double overtime win over AJ last night at home, but Nashville continued to roll beating Sparta.
- Speaking of the Hornets, they are undefeated and head to county rival Okawville for a game tonight.
- The other undefeatededs, Woodlawn and Massac County, won their games very easily last night.
- There are games in the area tonight. Trico, after winning at Carterville, will host SV for the BDC West lead tonight. Cairo goes to Mt. Vernon, Centralia at Danville, and South Central at Carlyle highlight the schedule this evening.

College Report
- The second of the three part basketball season is well underway and it is fun to see conference matchups and games begin with the rivalries.
- SIU hosts Evansville tonight in a Valley rivalry that includes a local flavor. SIU will be inducting a new Hall of Fame class tonight.
- You can't go wrong on January weekends as there is plenty of basketball all around on the TV channels.
- College football is over and now we await the all star games and the NFL Combine.

Pro Sports
- Former Lions and 0-16 head coach Rod Marinelli has taken an assistant defensive coaching position with the Bears.
- Pacman Jones says his days in Dallas aren't over. Doesn't a release mean that a place doesn't want you back? He thinks that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is going to have him back.
- The Titans and Ravens game going on right now is a great game. Bad weather and hard hitting have been a mainstay in this one.
- One more game to follow tonight as the Cardinals travel to Carolina to try to win a game on the east coast for the first time all season.
- The Trail Blazers vs. Darius Miles vs. the NBA took a hit today as Miles was signed by the Grizzlies. Portland was crying foul if someone signed him because it would hurt their salary cap.
- Even with the cold temperatures, the MLB channel is a great channel. The film clips and shows about everything baseball are great and I highly recommend the shows about old stadiums because it will take you down memory lane.

Speaking of a lane to travel, the Titans/Ravens game is good enough to deflect my attention towards it more than the computer. I'm out.

DC

Chomping at a Friday...

Per the Gators, I am chomping at the bit to begin this Friday and the weekend. Full slate of basketball action tonight in the area in the prep ranks with several good games. The college football season is finally over, while the pro sports world spins at a quick pace with various in and out of season sports going full tilt.

Prep Report
- Conference matchups highlight the schedule tonight around the area. The headline games are Eldorado at Carmi, AJ at Du Quoin, Centralia at Cahokia, Murphysboro at Harrisburg, Breese Central at Columbia, and Waltonville at Odin.
- The IHSA ruled yesterday that Mike DeDecker and Dre Shean Payne are eligible to begin playing for Murphysboro after transferring from Carbondale earlier in the season. The school is still working on the IHSA's remediation plan.
- Alan Englehardt and the Pinckneyville Lady Panthers picked up a huge win at Murphysboro last night. He is and has done an outstanding job with that program since taking over.
- More and more mid-winter tournament pairings are being released as this week go on as well.

College Sports
- Florida is your football National Champion after beating Oklahoma 24-14 last night. The Gators did a great job of limiting the OU offense in scoring chances.
- Heisman trophy winners are now 1-6 in BCS games...Florida has two of those wins.
- Tim Tebow of Florida has 2 rings in 3 years. It would be in his best interest to come back to school and go for a 3rd because he is a 3rd to 4th round pick at best in the NFL.
- Yes, it is too early to decide who will be the best team in college football in 2009.
- Bobby Bowden is going to return for his 34th year of head coaching at Florida State.

Pro Sports
- First, John Smoltz signs with the Red Sox and now Glavine may be on the move. The old guard for the Braves are thinning out.
- The Cubs made it official by having a presser to introduce Milton Bradley to the media and Cubs fans yesterday. He will wear #21.
- Even though we are a day away, I can already hear the pads popping on this weekends NFL games. These are going to be fun to watch with the hitting in these games.
- Great, now Favre says he will wait weeks to decide on 2009 to play or not. What a joke!!!
- The economy has made Petty and Evernham join up and make one team. Again, the season hasn't started, but the economy has already hit that sport hard both on and off the track.

Ah the weekend...here it comes. I'm out.

DC

Full of Facts...

Some days have more information more than others and this is one of those. There is plenty of things to read about so let's get to it.

Prep Report
- Murphysboro is still waiting to hear back from the IHSA regarding the investigation that was opened up in December.
- Rob Flanagan, head boys basketball coach at Olney, notched career win 300 the other night.
- Defending Class 1A Boys Basketball State Champion St. Anne had a rough night the other night. They were whistled for 7 technicals in their loss to Dwight. In the midst of the technicals, one of the St. Anne assistant coaches received 2 and was ejected.
- Herrin and Harrisburg are becoming boys bowling powers in Southern Illinois. This is a sport that is really starting to flourish and become very popular.
- Several girls games on the docket tonight in the area for a Thursday. Nashville at Carterville, West Frankfort at Carmi, and Okawville at Hamilton County are the highlighted games.
- Pairings have been released for the Carmi and SEC tournaments coming up in a couple of weeks.

College Sports
- The Post Dispatch has an article in the sports section about the Billikens and local products Kyle Cassity and Brett Thompson. Rick Majerus is pretty upfront and cuts right to the chase about his assessment of the two so far.
- SIU got their first MVC win at Wichita State last night. The Shockers are not what they were a couple of years ago when they made a run in the NCAA Tournament but the Salukis will take any win at this point.
- The fall of the star of Davidson's Stephen Curry continues to drop after another poor performance against DUKE and their
- Oklahoma vs. Florida for all the marbles of college football is tonight. Yes, Utah has to be in the discussion right now.
- Jeff Jagodzinski is now the former head football coach of Boston College after he interviewed for the NY Jets head coaching position. Now the AD at BC is taking a major stand about contracts and fulfilling those.

Pro Sports
- The Dallas Cowboys have released Adam "Pacman" Jones after new charges of crime have been put out there that the NFL didn't know about after the infamous Las Vegas incident. This is probably the best thing the Cowboys could have done.
- Brett Favre of the Jets is firing back at teammates over their comments regarding being around him. It just makes people want to be the new head coach of the Jets doesn't it with all the love going around.
- Eric Mangini left the Jets behind and now is the head coach of the Cleveland Browns. He was the ballboy there in 1994.
- Trevor Hoffman threw everyone a changeup by not going to the Dodgers but he will be pitching with the Red Sox.
- John Smoltz is on the verge of signing a deal with the Red Sox. How wierd will he look not being in a Braves uniform?
- With the NFL Playoffs coming again this weekend, LT says he is doubtful with a torn tendon in his groin...OUCH!!!

As I said, it was a day to with much to talk and read about but little time to do it. I'm out.

DC

Mid-Point...

Mid week of the first week of the new year has arrived. We have another day off before finally having the alleged National Championship college football game. There were quite a few highlights around in the prep world of basketball as well as the NFL and MLB taking many of the headlines in pro sports.

Prep Report
- West Frankfort ended the unbeaten streak of Herrin in girls basketball winning 57-49.
- Sara Rennie won career game #599 last night at Marion.
- The Cairo girls basketball team is 9-0 after a win at the Chester tournament last night.
- Woodlawn had the most impressive win last night in boys basketball beating Hamilton County at home 70-52. They are starting to put themselves directly under the spotlight of favored teams in 1A to get to state.
- Benton put up a stand but eventually fell to Harrisburg last night 86-53. The Rangers were playing without leading scorers Trevor Myers and Tim Corn due to conduct detrimental to the team. They will be out 3 more games.
- By far, the toughest 1A regional has to be at ZR where NCOE, Waltonville, SV, and ZR are all there.

College Sports
- One more day and we can finally decide a National Champion in football not named Utah.
- The Utah AD says the BCS violates some anti-trust laws. The thing is that no cinderella team will ever have a chance to win the football title.
- Jeff Jagodzinski of Boston College will soon be unemployed after interviewing with the Jets after breaking a contract item.
- SIU Men's basketball will try to find a conference win on the road at another struggling team in Wichita State.
- Arkansas pulled another upset beating #7 Texas last night in men's basketball.
- Interesting game of the night is Davidson and Stephen Curry at DUKE. It should be interesting as the NBA announcers from ESPN will be doing the game.

Pro Sports
- AC/DC in Chavez Ravine...could be if Trevor Hoffman signs the offer the Dodgers have put forth.
- Manny Ramirez is still on the market and the Giants announced they have never been in the running for him.
- Jason Marquis has officially been traded from the Cubs to the Rockies.
- Saints RB Reggie Bush had microfracture knee surgery yesterday. This will keep him out for quite some time.
- No head coaches have been hired in the NFL yet. I think most everyone in and out of the league are candidates.

Mid week...mid morning...nice to know the workweek is half over. I'm out.

DC

Getting to Work...

The BCS has got to start these football games earlier so a person can get to bed with work the next day. It is tough to watch such a great football game late into the evening and then have to go to work. Speaking of work, the Cubs look like they have completed their offseason work as of now while work in conference play for prep basketball begins again in earnest tonight.

Prep Report
- Back to the conference grind tonight as many games are on the docket in both boys and girls basketball.
- On the girls side, the Chester Tournament and the Midland Trail Tournaments are ongoing this week.
- Althoff at Mascoutah, Carlyle at Columbia, and Hamilton County at Woodlawn are the highlighted games of the evening on the boys side.
- Mt. Vernon at Marion, Mater Dei at Althoff, and Herrin at West Frankfort highlight the girls side of the schedule.

College Sports
- Texas is good, but after winning a close game vs. Ohio State last night they are on the outside looking in as far as possibly being considered for C0-National Champions.
- 2 games left in the college football bowl season and one is tonight. The GMAC Bowl will feature Tulsa vs. Ball State tonight.
- Pittsburgh is your new #1 team in men's college basketball after UNC lost on Sunday.
- After an NCAA visit, numerous violations, and a suspension included...SEMO has fired Scott Edgar as their men's basketball coach.

Pro Sports
- To the Cubs...it is time to play the game. Well, how about "game on." Anyways, Milton Bradley is expected to sign a 3 year to deal and become their right fielder today. This is the reason the Cubs were trading DeRosa and Marquis to free up salary space.
- Jason Giambi is looking to return to his MLB beginnings by signing a deal with the Athletics.
- Andy Pettitte has turned down a 1 year, $10 million dollar offer from the Yankees. I wish I could turn down that money.
- Chargers @ Steelers...LT vs. Big Ben in the superstar injury game.
- Plenty of head coaching job left in the NFL as no one has made a move yet.

One must work before play with games tonight so that is what I am off to do. I'm out.

DC

Back to Work...

Many of us will head out to work and to school for the first time in a while today. However, there are things that remain the same to keep us in the groove and that is this daily posting here on this site. Yes, I will admit that it is tough getting into a groove today already. It may take a couple of days but I think I like many of you will get it done.

Prep Report
- With the start of a new school week, we are back to having basketball games.
- Just released this morning on the IHSA website, the seeds for girls basketball regionals will be released January 22 and the pairings will be released the following day.
- It is good to see that Cairo and Murphysboro will play once again in boys basketball tomorrow night. This was a pretty good rivalry game in the late 60s and 70s.
- There is a hand full of games plus on the girls basketball side tonight.

College Sports
- Disappointed...shocking...stunned...that is my description from the UK side of things after a 30ft. shot by Louisville beat the Wildcats yesterday. I am still shaking my head after that one.
- For anyone who thinks a team can go undefeated in college basketball the entire season, I just don't see it happening anymore.
- Speaking of that, UNC went down in defeat at home to Boston College last night. The Heels were #1 and undefeated at the time.
- I am totally impressed with the job that John Beilein has done for the Michigan mens' basketball program in his short time there. They had a big win over Illinois at home yesterday.
- SIU lost again at home to Drake. They last time they started 0-3 the Dawgs went 10-5 in conference under Bruce Weber. However, I am not seeing that right now especially after 2 home losses already.
- The Fiesta Bowl is tonight between Texas and Ohio State. These 2 played a couple of great regular season games a couple of years ago. However, if the trend holds in the bowls for the Big 10, then look for the 'Horns to win.
- Word on the street is that if Boston College head football coach Jeff Jagodzinski interviews with the Jets then BC will fire him. That seems just a tad harsh.

Pro Sports
- The Ravens and Eagles advanced to the Divisional playoffs yesterday with wins.
- Ed Reed and Asante Samuels are as fun to watch in the secondary as anyone...except when they are playing my team.
- Even after the loss, Bill Parcells will stay with the Dolphins in his management position.
- Tony Dungy will wait a week and then let the Colts know if he is returning to be their head coach.
- Brady still hurt...question on when he will be back...so the Patriots have used their franchise tag on Matt Cassel to protect him for 2009.

Wow...the body is working to adjust to the new, "old" schedule also known as getting back to work. I'm out.

DC

Kicking It Around...

The inspiration today comes from San Diego punter Mike Scifres. He punted around the ball last night in a way to dominate an NFL like no other punter in recent memory. So for all those punters and kickers, I am also going to kick things around at all levels of the sports world today.

Prep Report
- Marion continues to win games at home this year after beating Althoff last night. It is amazing at how many teams in the S7 will have a say in who will will that conference.
- Slow night for games but Nashville remained undefeated after beating Chester, Du Quoin beat Herrin, and Pinckneyville beat Sparta in the only other games on the docket.
- Breese Mater Dei defeated Hillsboro in girls basketball action yesterday 79-30. Why am I putting that in here? BMD went on a 45-0 run during the game...WOW!!!
- This week and next week you will see pairings for the upcoming mid-winter tournaments around the area.

College Sports
- Anyone else feel a little lost without college football today? It will pick up on Monday with a game a night until the National Championship on Thursday.
- Tis the season for college football coaches to deny they are in the running for NFL jobs.
- Today is a big day for me on the college basketball scene. The "Dream Game" will take place as Kentucky travels to Louisville for an afternoon game. It happens once a year but all of it is special.
- BYU had their 53 game home winning streak snapped last night by Wake Forest. The Deacons played the game of the Cougars by getting up and down the floor winning 94-87.
- SIU will try to get a MVC win today as the Salukis host Drake.
- Northern State's Don Meyer tied Bobby Knight for the most wins in NCAA men's basketball history at 902. They defeated Upper Iowa 63-58.

Pro Sports
- The NFL had to be happy with 2 great games yesterday and one ending in overtime.
- I still have mixed feelings on whether or not the NFL should change their overtime rule. I need more time to think about it.
- Key to the Chargers win last night was their punter Mike Scifres. He was amazing at pinning the Colts deep in their own territory.
- 2 more games today as the Ravens are at the Dolphins and the Eagles are at the Vikings.
- As I said a week ago, we will have another year on "What will Favre do?" to go through once again. I was tired from last year's saga already.
- The Cowboys haven't fired Wade Phillips but the rumor is they are already looking at Mike Shanahan.
- Still no movement on some big name MLB free agents. It is hard to believe that we are already into January and there are still some big named guys left to get. It is definitely a much tighter market this year.

I have just realized that we have NFL action in just under an hour. So it is time to move into a more comfortable position to work the remote. I'm out.

DC

Winter Blahs...

Today is a winter blah kind of day. It is cloudy, cool, and rainy which translates into getting comfortable couch time with the remote in hand. It is an interesting day with college basketball, football, and then of course the NFL Playoffs beginning. All of that coming to you today.

Prep Report
- An oddity last night with it being Friday and no games last night which rarely happens between November to March.
- There are some games in the area tonight: Du Quoin/Herrin, Sparta/Pinckneyville, Althoff/Marion, and Nashville/Chester.
- As mentioned, with the 2009 part of schedule here it is time to start figuring out favorites to win regionals.
- With posteason, I am still awaiting the pairings of the regionals for the sectionals.

College Sports
- The need for a playoff has happened again as Utah beat Alabama to go undfeated for the season. 'Bama was ranked #1 most of the season and was handled pretty easily.
- In fact, this is the second time that Utah has run the table and won a BCS game.
- It was a bittersweet day yesterday as the Cotton Bowl hosted the final Cotton Bowl game. That stadium has seen some dandy games and players over the years. The event will move the new Dallas Cowboys stadium in Arlington, TX starting next year.
- Tennessee at Kansas is a highlight game for today on the men's basketball scene.
- SIU has lost two players, Torres Roundtree and Christian Cornelius. Cornelius has suffered through injuries and that is the main reason for leaving. Roundtree was a headlining recruit from McCluer North in St. Louis. This means they have only 9 scholarship players on their roster.

Pro Sports
- We have 2 NFL Playoff games today. Atlanta is at Arizona and no word on if the game is sold out or not. The Colts are at San Diego to see if 3 time NFL MVP Peyton Manning can keep his good play going.
- Tony Dungy, Colts head coach, hasn't decided if he is going to retire but will wait a week after the season ends to decide.
- Jason Garrett is supposed to be the heir apparent to Wade Phillips in Dallas. However, he is interviewing for head coaching jobs like he doesn't have a guarantee. I think it would be interesting to see if Garrett is hired somewhere else if Dallas gets rid of Wade Phillips and hires a new head coach.
- In the NBA...Stephon Marbury had problems with Kevin Garnett when the two were in Minnesota. Now he says he would have no problem. Yeah...sure...playing on a winning team will do that.
- The Dodgers are looking to trade underproductive and overpriced CF Andruw Jones somewhere. To think how high the expectations started for him and where they are at currently is not where I thought he would be.
- Speaking of baseball, the MLB channel made its debut on Thursday and it is another welcomed addition to my TV channel viewing.

We are heading towards to lunch which means I need something to eat as well as get in position on the couch for the viewing of many things today. I'm out.

DC

The Party is Over...

The holidays and all of the parties are officially over as we have cruised thru Christmas and New Year's into 2009. We turn the page and now we are in this new year but the sports continue to be the same. With it being after the holidays and school still on Christmas break, there aren't many events going on the next two days. College football is in full steam ahead mode with several games and conference basketball going on as well. The pro sports world though keeps on churning.


Prep Report
- Here are the boys teams that won holiday tournament in the area and around the state.
Conrad Allen - (Cisne)
Eldorado - (Massac County)
Duster Thomas Hoops Classic - (Teutopolis)
Carbondale - (McCluer North)
Mater Dei - (Nashville)
Sesser-Valier - (Woodlawn)
Marion - (Lake County, TN)
Centralia - (Chicago Hyde Park)
Freeburg-Columbia (Columbia)
Charleston - (Edwardsville)
Vandalia - (South Central)
- To my knowledge, there are no games in the area tonight but there may be some rescheduled games today or tomorrow.


College Sports
- Do you think that each time USC plays in the Rose Bowl against a Big 10 team they are even worried to play them? The Trojans have won 3 straight games in the Rose Bowl becoming the first team ever to do that while dominating three different Big 10 teams (Michigan, Illinois, and Penn State.)
- Best game of the day was the Gator Bowl as Nebraska defeated Clemson in a tight game.
- Iowa won 8 games this year, but looked like a different team as they crushed South Carolina.
- Georgia dominated Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl thus pointing out again the weakness of the Big 10 in football this season.
- 3 more games on the docket today which include the Cotton Bowl, Liberty Bowl, and Sugar Bowl.


Pro Sports
- You are the Boston Celtics. You won an NBA title last year, had a long winning streak this season, and things are going well. Do you really want to bring in Stephon Marbury? This is the being reported.
- Peyton Manning is the MVP of the NFL. This is a solid choice as he carried this team to a long winning streak at the end of the season and into the playoffs.
- One day away from the start of the NFL Playoffs.
- Oh yeah...the Jets are starting to throw some daggers the way of Brett Favre. It makes you wonder if he wants to return to a place where some teammates didn't like him very well.
- Seriously, your NFL team is in the playoffs and you can't sell out. The NFL has extended the deadline again so Arizona can sell out and keep the game on local TV.

With all of the basketball I watched this week, it took time away from things I need to get done here, there, and everywhere. I'm out.

DC

Happy New Year!!!

2009 has arrived on the calendar. It is amazing because with all of the basketball in the past week it seems the last week of the year was a blur for me. However, even though it is a holiday, there is still plenty of things going on and things to talk about today.

Prep Report
- The holiday tournaments have wrapped up, and now it is time for the weekly state rankings to mean something since teams have several games in.
- After this past week, has anyone changed their favorites to win regionals?
- After this week, have regionals become a little stronger or a little weaker?
- Here are some winners of girls holiday basketball tournaments this past week. Hosts are listed first and then the champion in parentheses:
Benton - (Christ Presbyterian Academy)
Herrin - (Herrin)
Mascoutah - (Althoff)
Lebanon - (Trenton-Wesclin)
Riverton - (Petersburg Porta)
Carlinville - (Carlinville)
State Farm Holiday Classic - (Bloomington Central Catholic)
Charleston - (Edwardsville)
Lutheran South - (Troy Triad)
- I will be listing the winners of boys tournaments tomorrow.

College Sports
- Firmly planted on the couch and recliner, I have been taking in the annual bowl games of the day.
- Is Cincinnati really in the Orange Bowl game tonight?
- Thank goodness for Iowa, or the Big 10 wouldn't have a win yet in bowl games.
- I am interested in seeing if Penn State can hang with USC. The Trojans are good and angry about not playing for a National Championship again.
- Coming out of the gate 0-2 in the MVC is not what the Salukis had in mind.

Pro Sports
- The NHL gets high marks from me for having outdoor hockey. Having watched between commercials of college football, Wrigley Field is a great host site and the Red Wings and Blackhawks don't like each other adding to the fire.
- The baseball Giants are supposedly highly interested in Manny Ramirez.
- Speaking of former Giants, Barry Bonds had some hip surgery in hopes of returning to play again. Is it just me or do I not forsee this happening.
- With all of these NFL jobs open, every name currently in and out of the business is being considered for coaching positions.
- I am still amazed that the Dolphins are in the playoffs after winning just 1 game last year. Yes Lions fans there is hope.
- As a Cubs fan, I am still waiting to see who they are planning to get after making those trades yesterday.

Well, posting time is over and it is back to the TV for some college football. I'm out.

DC