Benton (0-1) vs Hardin County (0-1)
The Rangers fell in a 67-65 overtime loss to the Anna-Jonesboro Wildcats last night to open their season at the Goreville Invitational Tournament.
Here is a link to the story from last night’s game from Jim Muir.
Hardin County out of the Greater Egyptian Conference is featured by 6′ 6″ three year starter Jamison Hicks in the middle, 6′ 1″ G-F Hunter Cullom, 5′ 10″ PG Jaron Austin, and 6′ 2″ forward Gabe Fowler. There could be a cast of four that will fill the fifth slot in the starting lineup for the Cougars tonight.
Hardin County Coach Rodney Lane stated that, “This is not the most athletic bunch that I’ve had but this is my favorite bunch.”
The Cougars, by far, play the toughest schedule in the GEC. Along with this week at Goreville, they play in the Eldorado Holiday Tournament, have a home and home with Crittenden County KY, and also face Kentucky schools Union County and Webster County. Webster Co., two years back, decimated the field at Eldorado.
I have the Cougars finishing third in the GEC, and Jack Bullock has the Cougars slated to finish fourth.
Here is the link to the box score from last night’s 35-25 loss by the Cougars to the Hamilton County Foxes from Jack Bullock of A Baseline view.
http://abaselineview.com/abvgorevilletourney.html
Thompsonville (1-2) at Pope County (3-2)
After the Tigers pulled off a barn burner win against New Athens, their fortunes were not very good last week at Christopher as they were blown out by Webber Township and Wayne City.
The Pirates had a good week at Crab Orchard with a nice 18 point win over Elverado, and took the hosts down to the wire for a two point loss.
Both teams open Greater Egyptian Conference play tonight in Golconda.
Coach Bill Simmons will be going with 6′ 6″ Josh Floyd in the middle. Floyd has been a three year starter since he transferred from Massac County. In the paint with Floyd will be 6′ 3″ Cole Blankenship, and 6′ 1″ Nick Walker.
In the back-court will be three interchangeable guards that can pop the three in 5′ 11″ Sebastian Fasolo, and Matthew Davis and Jackson Eddington, both at 5′ 8″
When I asked Coach Simmons how he thought the season would go a couple of weeks ago, he said, “I hope maybe we can win a conference game. I know it is between us and Carrier Mills but Keil (Peebles) will out coach me.” The veteran coach who came out of retirement to teach and coach at the Golconda school, always gives you the same song and dance that Joe Hosman gives and Bob Dallas used to by saying they would be lucky to win five ball games and ends up winning 15-20.
I was able to talk to Coach Simmons at halftime of the T’ville/Webber game. He says, “If Pete (Gordon) comes out in that 3-2, we will have a tough time passing around 11 (Reed Raubach) and 21 (Anthoney Darge). If we get the ball inside past them, I like our chances.”
Both Jack Bullock and I had Thompsonville finishing second in the GEC, and Pope County in the middle of the pack.
Girls
Harrisburg at West Frankfort
Herrin at Benton
The holiday season also brings out holiday shoppers and once again this year, the Illinois Secretary of State’s office announced it will conduct statewide parking “stings.” Secretary of State Police will target drivers who illegally park in spaces reserved for persons with disabilities. Penalties for parking in an accessible parking space without a disability placard or license plates include fines of up to $350. Drivers caught misusing a placard face driver’s license suspensions and fines of $600. Penalties increase for subsequent offenses.
Neil Hargis, of Christopher, was first in line to file petitions Monday morning at the newly-renovated Franklin County Election Office, located in the Campbell Building on the Public Square in Benton.
