WIU Holiday tourney website

[radiowaves]

holidaybasketball.com (http://holidaybasketball.com)one of the best promotion sites. Thank you Chris Smith and others responsible. We at WBBA will be there for all Pittsfield, Brown County and Western games, and I know other stations will join in the fun.

[Titanfan89]

I imagine that WCAZ will be there for the Illini West and maybe West Hancock games.

[German/Irish_67_9]

Great field this year with Meta being added to the slate.

[German/Irish_67_9]

2009 State Farm Holiday Classic (Bloomington, IL)
Class 3A-4A (Large School) Field

Champaign Centennial
Culver (IN) Military Academy
Grayslake Central
Lake Forest
Mahomet-Seymour
Normal Community
Normal University
North Chicago
Peoria Notre Dame
Quincy Notre Dame Rock Island
Rock Island Alleman
Rockton-Hononegah
South Holland Thornwood
Springfield
Sterling

An exceptional field of schools in this years tourney.. Raiders are still playing in the large school bracket due to existing contracts to play in the bracket but WOW!!! Thats going to be tough. They already fell to PND, U-high has 3 outstanding bigs, M-S was picked to win the Corn-Belt this year and has one of the toughest defenders i saw this summer in Nathan Willard, Thornwood is always a tough opponent, and Lake Forest is housing a pretty good 6'7 Sr i hear. Great to see QND playing and maintaining their mainly 3A schedule to prepare for the 2A postseason. Can only help the Raiders in the long run.

***Also saw the Camp Point Central/SE girls will be playing the small school bracket. Good luck to them as well.

[radiowaves]

Sunday night at around 8PM will be the announcement of the top four seeds at Macomb. go to their web site to check it out.

[Titanfan89]

Waves, who do you have in your top four?

[radiowaves]

Macomb, Lewistown, Pittsfield and IW, in no order and I know I am missing Canton and Metamora because I know nothing on either. Farmington was alway in the mis and watch out for little old Western, they are better than many know.

[Vikingfan1]

Macomb, Lewistown, Pittsfield and IW, in no order and I know I am missing Canton and Metamora because I know nothing on either. Farmington was alway in the mis and watch out for little old Western, they are better than many know.

Sorry but I don't buy Lewistown or IW over West Hancock as a seed. Considering WH has now beaten SE twice, IW has only played one game, and Lewistown lost to SE on its home floor. I would go 1 Canton, 2 Pittsfild, 3 Macomb, 4 West Hancock.

[Titanfan89]

Canton I believe has 1 loss to East Peoria, Metamore has lost to Canton and has a few losses. You would put IW in the top 4 even though they have only given you one game to judge them? I would go 1. Pittsfield, 2. Canton, 3. West Hancock, 4. Macomb. I think only the top two are locks, 3 and 4 could be a number of teams.

[Vikingfan1]

Canton I believe has 1 loss to East Peoria, Metamore has lost to Canton and has a few losses. You would put IW in the top 4 even though they have only given you one game to judge them? I would go 1. Pittsfield, 2. Canton, 3. West Hancock, 4. Macomb. I think only the top two are locks, 3 and 4 could be a number of teams.

Metamora is 2-4 with wins over Macomb and Ilini Central. Losses to Canton, Peoria Woodruff, Galesburg, and Washington. Plains is 4-3 with losses to Jacksonville, Centrailia, and Collinsville.

[Titanfan89]

Another 1 loss team is Brown County.

[broadcaster]

I would agree that Illini West needs to play more than one game before being rewarded a top 4 seed in one of the better holiday tournaments in the state (at least for smaller schools)

They didn't even make it to a regional championship game last year, so you can't even make an arguement about their success prior to this season.

[Vikingfan1]

I would agree that Illini West needs to play more than one game before being rewarded a top 4 seed in one of the better holiday tournaments in the state (at least for smaller schools)

They didn't even make it to a regional championship game last year, so you can't even make an arguement about their success prior to this season.

Even though they will have only a few games under their belt by tourney time, they will still be a dangerous team and one of my sleeper teams that could run the table given good matchups throughout. Having Carson back for a full year should help them a lot.

[Titanfan89]

Even though they will have only a few games under their belt by tourney time, they will still be a dangerous team and one of my sleeper teams that could run the table given good matchups throughout. Having Carson back for a full year should help them a lot.

My potential sleepers if not given a top four seed: Metamora, Illini West, Monmouth/Roseville, Western, Pleasant Plains

[CHUCK26]

I think we'll see:

1.) Canton
2.) Pittsfield
3.) Lewistown
4.) West Hancock

Look for Macomb to be on the opposite side of the bracket of Canton....I know...it's done by "Random" draw, but just sayin......Should be a good tourney. Western would be my sleeper, a lot like last season.

[Vikingfan1]

I think we'll see:

1.) Canton
2.) Pittsfield
3.) Lewistown
4.) West Hancock

Look for Macomb to be on the opposite side of the bracket of Canton....I know...it's done by "Random" draw, but just sayin......Should be a good tourney. Western would be my sleeper, a lot like last season.

Not bad but I still dont see how you can seed Lewistown over West Hancock. I am kindly asking what is your reasoning for this?

[Titanfan89]

Not bad but I still dont see how you can seed Lewistown over West Hancock. I am kindly asking what is your reasoning for this?

I think I would agree. I am a little biased towards West Hancock but you have to look at common opponents in my opinion and that one loss to Southeastern on your own home floor would put them behind West Hancock, since both are one loss teams and West Hancock has beaten SE twice. Now I understand that Lewistown might not have been at full strength when they played Southeastern but you don't know if they will be full strength in the tournament either. Based on the resumes in front of the committee, which we all probably know is interjected with seeing the teams play and opinions, I would think WH would be placed ahead of Lewistown.

And yes, Macomb will be playing late every night and should get a decent draw.

[wolverine55]

As the host team, it probably should be that way in all honesty.

[CHUCK26]

Really, I think WH should be above Lewistown in the ratings. However, I think the committee will rank Lewistown above WH because of their potential if Hatfill plays. Maybe not the right way to do it, but that's how I think it will go.

[Vikingfan1]

Really, I think WH should be above Lewistown in the ratings. However, I think the committee will rank Lewistown above WH because of their potential if Hatfill plays. Maybe not the right way to do it, but that's how I think it will go.

I could see that to honestly. I wonder if the committee knows in WH's lone loss to Central that coach Pinkston was not at the game and Wh's best player did not play in the overtimes. However, WH would probably still have one loss because I doubt they beat QND in the cross over game.

[CHUCK26]

I am really impressed with the good start by WH. Honestly, I didn't know that they had a whole lot coming back from last year. They must be much shorter, but have good guard play?? Really, I shouldn't be surprised, Pinkston could get the New Jersey Nets to win ;)

[Vikingfan1]

I am really impressed with the good start by WH. Honestly, I didn't know that they had a whole lot coming back from last year. They must be much shorter, but have good guard play?? Really, I shouldn't be surprised, Pinkston could get the New Jersey Nets to win ;)

They are much shorter, and need to work on rebounding but they move the ball well, good shooters, have guys that can penetrate and get to the basket and they do have another Pinkston on the floor for the next two years. I think Seth could become a leader on this team as this season progresses much like his older brother was.

[bballjunkie1]

Does it really matter if you are a top 4 seed in this tourny? The field has 10 teams that you could argue over and over about that could be a top 4 seed. Ask Pfield if it is a big deal to be the 1 seed. It is all about getting the right draws. I dont think Western will be able to make a fun, as they are probably not deep enough to beat more than one really good team up there. I would love to see them make a run, but I dont see it.

[wolverine55]

There's too much emphasis placed on the seeds IMHO. No one really has a deep enough body of work right now to separate the top four teams.

[Vikingfan1]

Does it really matter if you are a top 4 seed in this tourny? The field has 10 teams that you could argue over and over about that could be a top 4 seed. Ask Pfield if it is a big deal to be the 1 seed. It is all about getting the right draws. I dont think Western will be able to make a fun, as they are probably not deep enough to beat more than one really good team up there. I would love to see them make a run, but I dont see it.

This year it probably doesn't matter so much, because I think 8 or 9 teams have a legit shot to win this tournament.

[guest07]

I think the advantage of being seeded is that you get an easier first round draw. Beyond that, it doesn't matter much.

My top 4: Pittsfield, Canton, West Hancock, Pleasant Plains

[Vikingfan1]

Top 4 seeds are: 1. Canton 2. Pittsfield 3. Lewistown 4. Metamora

[Vikingfan1]

Here are the rest of the matchups:

9am- West Hancock vs Illini Central

10:30am- #4 Metamora vs Farmington

1pm- Pleasant Plains vs Midwest Central

2:30pm- #1 Canton vs Abingdon

4pm-#2 Pittsfield vs BPCA

6:30pm- Macomb vs Western

8pm- #3 Lewistown vs Brown County

9:30pm- Illini West vs Monmouth-Roseville

[Titanfan89]

Wow, the number 3 and 4 seeds are a little questionable if you ask me. I have to call bs on Lewistown getting a seed over WH but again, we thought they rank off of potential not the body of work done. Same thing with Metamora, other teams had better resumes but didn't play stronger teams. If you don't get a top four seed, your thrown into the fire right away in this tournament.

Last game of the first round is really intriguing.

[bballjunkie1]

Just for fun

9am- West Hancock vs Illini Central I will take IC in a low scoring game.

10:30am- #4 Metamora vs Farmington Metamora

1pm- Pleasant Plains vs Midwest Central Pleasant Plains

2:30pm- #1 Canton vs Abingdon Canton in a big win

4pm-#2 Pittsfield vs BPCA Pfield will get in the winners brackett with a very easy win here

6:30pm- Macomb vs Western I would love to take Western, but Macomb is tough in this tourny. Macomb in a barnburner.

8pm- #3 Lewistown vs Brown County Lewistown, but I think BC might be getting over looked a bit here.

9:30pm- Illini West vs Monmouth-Roseville IW

[Titanfan89]

Just for fun

9am- West Hancock vs Illini Central I will take IC in a low scoring game.

10:30am- #4 Metamora vs Farmington Metamora

1pm- Pleasant Plains vs Midwest Central Pleasant Plains

2:30pm- #1 Canton vs Abingdon Canton in a big win

4pm-#2 Pittsfield vs BPCA Pfield will get in the winners brackett with a very easy win here

6:30pm- Macomb vs Western I would love to take Western, but Macomb is tough in this tourny. Macomb in a barnburner.

8pm- #3 Lewistown vs Brown County Lewistown, but I think BC might be getting over looked a bit here.

9:30pm- Illini West vs Monmouth-Roseville IW


I wouldn't be surprised if BPCA gave Pittsfield a run for their money in their opening round game. I would also like to see if Brown County is as good as their record suggests against Lewistown.

Look at all the potential second round matchups. IW vs. Lewistown, Macomb vs. Pittsfield, Canton vs. Pleasant Plains, Metamora vs. WH/IC. Once you get into the second round, and even if you lose your second round game, you still get to play some quality comptetion in the 5th place and championship brackets. Incredible.

[bballjunkie1]

I wouldn't be surprised if BPCA gave Pittsfield a run for their money in their opening round game. I would also like to see if Brown County is as good as their record suggests against Lewistown.

Look at all the potential second round matchups. IW vs. Lewistown, Macomb vs. Pittsfield, Canton vs. Pleasant Plains, Metamora vs. WH/IC. Once you get into the second round, and even if you lose your second round game, you still get to play some quality comptetion in the 5th place and championship brackets. Incredible.

BC is not a strong 6-1, but I do know they have a nice jr class. I dont think they can beat Lewistown, but I would like to see if they can at least battle with them.
I would be shocked if BPCA gave Pfield a run for their money, CP had little trouble with them and Pfield handled CP. I know matchups from one team to the next make a differnce.
I think IC is down some this year, so I would think WH should be ok as long as they are healthy. I made that pick before I did some research on IC. But a 9am game can do weird things.

[Titanfan89]

BC is not a strong 6-1, but I do know they have a nice jr class. I dont think they can beat Lewistown, but I would like to see if they can at least battle with them.
I would be shocked if BPCA gave Pfield a run for their money, CP had little trouble with them and Pfield handled CP. I know matchups from one team to the next make a differnce.
I think IC is down some this year, so I would think WH should be ok as long as they are healthy. I made that pick before I did some research on IC. But a 9am game can do weird things.

Do you think Western has any chance to compete with Macomb? They may give them some fits if they are hitting shots, but Macomb has some good guards but it seems like and up and down post game. Those two new transfers from Texas don't seem to be doing much so far this season.

As far as WH, IC, it could go either way depending upon what teams show up that early.

[CHUCK26]

BPCA won't be within 15 points of Pittsfield at the end. BC has not played a strong schedule, but they have a ton of athletes. They could play with Lewistown for a while, especially without Hatfill. However, Lewistown's size would give BC trouble. I think WH wins by 8-10 against IC. Reno will have them more than prepared. And unitl tonight, I would have said that Western will play with Macomb for awhile, but after CPC handed it to Western, I'm not so sure.

[bballjunkie1]

BPCA won't be within 15 points of Pittsfield at the end. BC has not played a strong schedule, but they have a ton of athletes. They could play with Lewistown for a while, especially without Hatfill. However, Lewistown's size would give BC trouble. I think WH wins by 8-10 against IC. Reno will have them more than prepared. And unitl tonight, I would have said that Western will play with Macomb for awhile, but after CPC handed it to Western, I'm not so sure.

Western looked like a team lost last night. It helps that Plattner knows all of the kids strengths and weakness. Dont count Western out just yet, they just had a bad game and CP made them play that way. I have said it since preseason, on khqa, CP is the real deal this year. They also did that without Rhea the 6'6 kid. I think Western will give macomb fits and if Robbins is able to get hot, I could see Western pulling it off. On the other hand, if they play the way they did last night it will be a blow out.

I agree that BC has enough athletes to compete with Lewistown. If hatfil does not play, any word on him?, the could beat BC. BC has played 1 solid team in North Greene and 1 somewhat of solid team in West Central. Beating NG by 3 and I believe losing to WC by 10 or so. WC is not nearly as good as last year.

[CHUCK26]

Western looked like a team lost last night. It helps that Plattner knows all of the kids strengths and weakness. Dont count Western out just yet, they just had a bad game and CP made them play that way. I have said it since preseason, on khqa, CP is the real deal this year. They also did that without Rhea the 6'6 kid. I think Western will give macomb fits and if Robbins is able to get hot, I could see Western pulling it off. On the other hand, if they play the way they did last night it will be a blow out.

I agree that BC has enough athletes to compete with Lewistown. If hatfil does not play, any word on him?, the could beat BC. BC has played 1 solid team in North Greene and 1 somewhat of solid team in West Central. Beating NG by 3 and I believe losing to WC by 10 or so. WC is not nearly as good as last year.

I thinnk you and I were the only one's that even mentioned CP early on. They are young and well coached and can compete with almost any team in the area.

[Titanfan89]

I thinnk you and I were the only one's that even mentioned CP early on. They are young and well coached and can compete with almost any team in the area.

I believe that Hatfill will be playing in the Macomb tournament. What happened to Western? Was this game played at CP or at Western? CP is going to be a load in 1A come post season time.

[Vikingfan1]

Looking at the brackets for a couple days now. like many have said their will be some fantastic second round games (winners or losers bracket) and the semifinals and finals could be incredible. I know it may not happen but I would love to see a rematch between West Hancock and Pleasant Plains in the semifinals of the top bracket. However, Im not sure either will even win the first round game. Metamore and Canton are heavy favorites to play in the semifinals I would say. Pittsfield vs Macomb in a possible second round game is somethin nobody should miss. Not sure what Monmouth has but the Monmouth/IW game could be a great game and if Lewistown meets IW in the second round, that could see a couple of overtimes!

[bballjunkie1]

I believe that Hatfill will be playing in the Macomb tournament. What happened to Western? Was this game played at CP or at Western? CP is going to be a load in 1A come post season time.

The game was at CP. Basically what happened was, CP didnt let Ruble get the ball in the post and when he did he was double teamed. And they harassed Robbins all night with multiple defenders that are a bit longer than he is. Robbins did get in foul trouble the first half and when he went to the bench with his second foul CP went on a 10 pt run and the rout was on. IF they were to play again in post season I would bet money it will be a much better game. I dont think Western really was ready for CP or really knew how much better they are from last year.

CP will be tough, but their regional is no cupcake with Payson, Unity, Western, Liberty, BC and i think Gville this year. Not an easy win in there.

[German/Irish_67_9]

I'm going with Canton. From what i've seen Macomb cant run the floor aggressively enough to penetrate Canton's Defense.

[tiredoldman]

Well your proably wrong , cause when we play canton in their tournament, we were tied at about the three minutes to go and couldn't make freethrows down the stretch, shooting three for seventeen from the charity stripe and a few of those were the front end of one and ones, not going to win many games shooting three for seventeen. We lost by nine, if we shoot fifty percent from the line, I think we win that game.

[Vikingfan1]

Here is my predictions for the Macomb Holiday Tournament:

1st Round-

WH over IC
Metamora over Farmington
Pleasant Plains over Midwest Central
Canton over Abingdon

Pittsfield over BPCA
Macomb over Western
Lewistown over Brown County
Illini West over Monmouth Roseville

2nd Round Losers bracket-

Illini Central over Farmington
Midwest Central over Abingdon
Western over BPCA
Brown County over Mon/Roseville

2nd Round Winners bracket-

Metamora over West Hancock
Canton over Pleasant Plains
Macomb over Pittsfield
Illini West over Lewistown

Semifinals Losers Bracket-

Illini Central over Midwest Central
Western over Brown County

5th Place Semifinals-

West Hancock over Pleasant Plains
Lewistown over Pittsfield

Semifinals Winners Bracket-

Canton over Metamora
Macomb over Illini West

7th Place- Illini Central over Western
5th Place- West Hancock over Lewistown
3rd Place- Metamora over Illini West
1st Place- Canton over Macomb

Again, just a fun little prediction I filled out. I would like to see others!

[tiredoldman]

my predictions are

IC over WH
Metamora over farmington
Pleasant Plains over midwest central
canton over abingdon

Pittsfield overBPCA
macomb over western
brown county over lewistown
monmouth over IW

second round losers bracket

WH over farmington
midwest central over abingdon
western over BPCA
lewistown over IW

second round winners bracket

metamora over IC
pleasant plains over canton
macomb over pittsfield
monmouth over brown county

semifinals losers bracket

midwest central over WH
lewistown over western

semifinals winners bracket

pleasant plains over metamora
macomb over monmouth

winners bracket
macomb over pleasant plains

3 rd place
metamora over monmouth

losers consolation title
lewistown over midwest central

[oldviking]

my predictions are

IC over WH
Metamora over farmington
Pleasant Plains over midwest central
canton over abingdon

Pittsfield overBPCA
macomb over western
brown county over lewistown
monmouth over IW

second round losers bracket

WH over farmington
midwest central over abingdon
western over BPCA
lewistown over IW

second round winners bracket

metamora over IC
pleasant plains over canton
macomb over pittsfield
monmouth over brown county

semifinals losers bracket

midwest central over WH
lewistown over western

semifinals winners bracket

pleasant plains over metamora
macomb over monmouth

winners bracket
macomb over pleasant plains

3 rd place
metamora over monmouth

losers consolation title
lewistown over midwest central I disagree with this post. I see WH going 2-2 in this tourney or 3-1. JMO

[tiredoldman]

I didn't mean to upset you, but I watched WH play west prairie and we have played IC and I think IC is more physical and have a couple good shooters, not as good a shooters as WH, but will be in your face on the perimeterand WH will need a good inside game to beat them and todate their schedule had prepared them better for this game. I hope I'm wrong and WH wins, but I don't think so. I know your going to say WH beat SE and they beat lewistown and lewistown beat IC, I can't explain that, its just one of those things that happens. Either way I'll be there rooting for WH. Good luck in the tournament and prove me wrong.

[Vikingfan1]

I didn't mean to upset you, but I watched WH play west prairie and we have played IC and I think IC is more physical and have a couple good shooters, not as good a shooters as WH, but will be in your face on the perimeterand WH will need a good inside game to beat them and todate their schedule had prepared them better for this game. I hope I'm wrong and WH wins, but I don't think so. I know your going to say WH beat SE and they beat lewistown and lewistown beat IC, I can't explain that, its just one of those things that happens. Either way I'll be there rooting for WH. Good luck in the tournament and prove me wrong.

It seems like IC is very similar to West Hancock in a lot of ways. However, does IC have that go to guy like WH does with Schicler? I think that may be the difference in the game and also whichever team is ready to play at 9am will win this game. This game may be the most competitive game of the first day, other then perhaps PP/MWC and IW/Mon-R.

[tiredoldman]

They did have a go to guy when we played them, I don't remember his number, but he was a terrific shooter and had a football players body and about six foot or six one and could play inside or out. Don't know if he just had a really good game against us or if he always plays well. They do have a descent press, not great, but good. Just enough to cause a few turnovers.

[Vikingfan1]

I didn't mean to upset you, but I watched WH play west prairie and we have played IC and I think IC is more physical and have a couple good shooters, not as good a shooters as WH, but will be in your face on the perimeterand WH will need a good inside game to beat them and todate their schedule had prepared them better for this game. I hope I'm wrong and WH wins, but I don't think so. I know your going to say WH beat SE and they beat lewistown and lewistown beat IC, I can't explain that, its just one of those things that happens. Either way I'll be there rooting for WH. Good luck in the tournament and prove me wrong.

I'm really not sure how much strength of schedule will play into this game. I mean, Lewistown just beat beat IC and IC had played a way tougher schedule then Lewistown had.

[tiredoldman]

ok, lets see what happens

[Vikingfan1]

ok, lets see what happens

I am just saying, in some cases schedule matters some of course. However if know you have a team thats good, your going to compete and even beat good teams that have a lot better schedules then you. Lets face it, for the most part a Reno Pinkston team has played the same schedule over and over and whether that is a weak schedule or not I'll leave it up to you but how many times have you seen his team beat other teams with better schedules and better players? I think WH and IC will be a great game and if IC beats WH, it won't be because they had a tougher schedule. It will be because they played a better game then WH and did whatever they needed to do to win the game.

[oldviking]

I am really impressed with the good start by WH. Honestly, I didn't know that they had a whole lot coming back from last year. They must be much shorter, but have good guard play?? Really, I shouldn't be surprised, Pinkston could get the New Jersey Nets to win ;) I think Pinkston always works with what he has and usually gets the best out of his players.
seems like every year he wins at least one game that is a big upset.

[radiowaves]

Pittsfield will come into Macomb with determination and preparation. They will play hard and if they can hit some early shots in each game, just might surprise many. When they get a 2 seed, some just seem to say, yes but they have not ever played well in Macomb. I think if you look at the history of the tourney, Pittsfield has a rich history. If they face Macomb in the second round, the two teams who have played more games than any ever in its' history, will face off. Two very talented young coaches will prepare their teams, yes, two of the best coaches in our part of the state. And, if Macomb can figure out QND later in post season and Pittsfield can get hot, they could even face off again in Petersburg in February. I have been at the Macomb tourney, off and on, since 1970 and even saw games before they played at the big floor, as we called it< at WIU. I remember the days of Western High and the Mark Dohner apprearances. i got to see the flying Bergan team with 5 starters under 6 foot tall, run away with it. I saw Jeff Nielson grab 24 boards, i broadcast Jacksonville games when they could not get many wins, QND appearances, Adrian McMahon, scurring around the arena with many others, making sure things were running smoothly. Late night championships cost many sleep for the rest of the week. The point is, if you come out of this tourney with a trophy, in any level, you have played some good basketball. Even though Western HIgh from Barry area, lost their final two games, they used this tourney as a springboard to reach the sectional finals. Nobody wants to draw Macomb in this tourney at any time. But the Bombers also know they had better be ready to play or could get knocked off at any time. So could Pittsfield in the first or second round, few times does Reno go into a first round game not knowing his team will win for sure, or an IW team with tons of athletes to see if they can get over the hump. Lewsitown is a proven winner that seems to find their legs in January, but watch out if Hatfil gives them a spark. No reason to miss a single game fans. This is a basketball smorgasboard and on a break, go to the OX and enjoy great food.

[Titanfan89]

I was fortunate to play in this fine tournament in 1996 and 1997, watching the high risers of Stephen Decatur and future Illinois State star Tirese Bryson capture the title in 2006 and the Farmers of Farmington capture the title in 1997 in advance of their state championship appearance and 3rd place finish (only loss was to Nauvoo in the semis that year). Then in 1998 Warsaw took the title with a somewhat tainted team as MVP of the tournament Jason Edwin was ruled ineligible to play for the postseason that year as the IHSA ruled that he was no longer an emancipated student. Oh the memories.

[Lost Soul]

Not going to predict a score but the Macomb-Western game might be the most physical one in the paint. Lot depends on who gets in foul trouble early. The."Biggs" for both teams tend to worry too much about being physical and not take care of business. IMO If one or the other starts scoring and plays tough could change the game. Very interesting match up in the first round.

[Titanfan89]

Not going to predict a score but the Macomb-Western game might be the most physical one in the paint. Lot depends on who gets in foul trouble early. The."Biggs" for both teams tend to worry too much about being physical and not take care of business. IMO If one or the other starts scoring and plays tough could change the game. Very interesting match up in the first round.

This game won't be decided in the the paint. Western is going to have to find a way to stop Macomb's guards or it is over for them.

[Lost Soul]

True and I do not disagree they have to stop macomb's guards. But after watching both teams play this year they might be the most physical teams when they need to be. I say if one side gets into foul trouble early could change the game on the boards.

[bballjunkie1]

True and I do not disagree they have to stop macomb's guards. But after watching both teams play this year they might be the most physical teams when they need to be. I say if one side gets into foul trouble early could change the game on the boards.

I dont think Western is all that physical outside of Cole Ruble. He is a ton down low, but at times Western guards struggle to get him the ball. I am assuming, with out watching Macomb play this year, that they have more depth than Western. Macomb guards might aslo want to make sure they keep Robbins in check too, which a Coach Watson team always does. The way Western is playing right now I give them a very slight chance at winning this game.

As for radiowaves, Western lost one game last year and then took 3rd. After struggling in the Winchester tourny to get 4th, they rattled off 10 out of 11 games with the only lose to Pfield. On there way to losing the Sectional Championship to Ltown.

[wolverine55]

Perhaps I'm wrong, but I'd be very surprised if Macomb struggles with Western.

[Titanfan89]

Perhaps I'm wrong, but I'd be very surprised if Macomb struggles with Western.

Who do you like in a potential Pittsfield vs. Macomb matchup?

[wolverine55]

I've seen Macomb, but it was against QND who absolutely blitzed them. When in doubt, I'll always take Macomb when essentially playing at home in the Holiday Tournament, but that's not a real educated opinion as I haven't seen the Saukees play yet.

[bballjunkie1]

I will be shocked if Western stays within 15 of them.
I have watched Pfield play 2 times, they are hard nosed and have a stud in Hamilton, that said I agree with Wolverine, and I will take Macomb, in a very low scoring game. If Pfield can keep within 2 or 3 they could pull it out.

[guest07]

I'd be concerned about Pittsfield not being tested. Assuming they get to round 2, they'll meet a team that it light years better than anybody that they've played to this point. Like others, it's hard for me to pick against Macomb in this tournament, but there are some good teams in that top bracket that will be hard for anyone to handle.

[oldviking]

Anyone know the score of the IC vs Auburn game 12/22/09? And what is IC 's rcord now?

[RadioGuy]

Anyone know the score of the IC vs Auburn game 12/22/09? And what is IC 's rcord now?
Auburn wins 64-48. IC is now 3-6.

[RadioGuy]

holidaybasketball.com (&quot;http://holidaybasketball.com&quot;)one of the best promotion sites. Thank you Chris Smith and others responsible. We at WBBA will be there for all Pittsfield, Brown County and Western games, and I know other stations will join in the fun.
Thanks. It's a labor of love. We'll have a spot for you and looking forward to three great days of hoops!

[Lost Soul]

Here are the rest of the matchups:
Just for the fun of it.

9am- West Hancock vs Illini Central West Hancock

10:30am- #4 Metamora vs Farmington Metamora

1pm- Pleasant Plains vs Midwest Central Plains, by reputation I know zero about them.

2:30pm- #1 Canton vs Abingdon Canton

4pm-#2 Pittsfield vs BPCA Pittsfield

6:30pm- Macomb vs Western Macomb

8pm- #3 Lewistown vs Brown County Upset ......BC

9:30pm- Illini West vs Monmouth-Roseville Ill West

Hey I am no expert but love to have fun on this forum... West hancock, metamora, Plains, Canton, Pittsfield, Macomb, BC in an upset, Ill West

[oldviking]

Ill West

Hey I am no expert but love to have fun on this forum... West hancock, metamora, Plains, Canton, Pittsfield, Macomb, BC in an upset, Ill West I like your picks and agree with all

[RadioGuy]

Here's each team's records heading into the tournament

Abingdon 2 7 .222
BPCA 4 5 .444
Brown Co. 6 1 .857
Canton 6 2 .750
Farmington 3 7 .300
Illini Central 3 6 .333
Illini West 3 2 .600
Lewistown 7 1 .875
Macomb 5 3 .625
Metamora 4 5 .444
MW Central 4 3 .571
Mon/Rose 6 3 .667
Pittsfield 10 0 1.000
Plains 7 3 .700
W.Hancock 7 1 .875
Western 5 5 .500
82 54 .603

[Vikingfan1]

Here's each team's records heading into the tournament

Abingdon 2 7 .222
BPCA 4 5 .444
Brown Co. 6 1 .857
Canton 6 2 .750
Farmington 3 7 .300
Illini Central 3 6 .333
Illini West 3 2 .600
Lewistown 7 1 .875
Macomb 5 3 .625
Metamora 4 5 .444
MW Central 4 3 .571
Mon/Rose 6 3 .667
Pittsfield 10 0 1.000
Plains 7 3 .700
W.Hancock 7 1 .875
Western 5 5 .500
82 54 .603

Not a bad combined record. After the 1st round if you are in the winners bracket you are in for a dogfight every single game.

[oldviking]

This should be a fun tournament with upsets and and hopefully no real bad blowouts.

[Titanfan89]

West Hancock falls this morning to Illini Central 54-51. Close game in 1st quarter with WH leading 7-6 after 1. IC went on a run in the second as WH shot the ball poorly, and shot poorly for most of the game. IC took a 9 point lead to the break I believe. WH came out of halftime on a 9-0 run to tie the game back up but couldn't get over the hump and fell back into a 10 point deficit until the end of the game where they went on another run to cut the lead to 2. Then had a chance to tie or take the lead late but got called for an offensive foul and then had to start fouling at the end. WH had a heave at the buzzer to tie it that hit the front of the rim and bounced off.

In the second game Metamora beat Farmington 63-42. West Hancock will face Farmington in the losers bracket at 9 a.m. tomorrow. Illini Central and Metamora will play in the winners bracket tomorrow evening.

[oldviking]

Hopefully, WH will play better in the game with Farmington and shoot the ball better. They will need to in order to counter Farmington's height advantage.

[Titanfan89]

Looks like we have our first big upset of the tournament as Brown County defeats Lewistown 62 to 59 in overtime.

[bballjunkie1]

Looks like we have our first big upset of the tournament as Brown County defeats Lewistown 62 to 59 in overtime.

I guess Mt sterling is for real right now. Did Hatfil play? Either way a great win for an up and coming BC team.

[Vikingfan1]

I guess Mt sterling is for real right now. Did Hatfil play? Either way a great win for an up and coming BC team.

The consolation bracket is almost as loaded as the winners bracket. West Hancock, Pleasaint Plains, and Lewistown highlight the field with s****py teams like Western, Abingdon, and Mon-Roseville and to round out the final teams of BPCA and Farmington.

[Titanfan89]

A potential West Hancock vs. Pleasant Plains matchup in the consolation bracket should be a good game.

[Titanfan89]

West Hancock advances in the consolation bracket this morning as they defeat Farmington 57-29. They will play the Pleasant Plains/Abingdon winner bright and early again tomorrow at 9 a.m. at Macomb High School.

[Vikingfan1]

Pleasant Plains 40
Abingdon 29

WH and Pleasant Plains will meet for the second time in a row (3rd time if you include WNC beating Plains in the 5th place game in the 2007-2008 season).

[bballjunkie1]

Pleasant Plains 40
Abingdon 29

WH and Pleasant Plains will meet for the second time in a row (3rd time if you include WNC beating Plains in the 5th place game in the 2007-2008 season).

Any other scores today?

[TDogg11]

Any other scores today?

Macomb over Pittsfield and IW over Brown County. Both games were very tight games decided by 2 pts.

[Titanfan89]

Scores from 10/29:

Consolation Bracket
West Hancock 57
Farmington 29

Final - Farmington Eliminated

Pleasant Plains 40
Abingdon 29

Final - Abingdon Eliminated

Western 46
BPCA 34

Final - BPCA Eliminated

Lewistown 61
Monmouth Roseville 34

Final - Monmouth Roseville Eliminated


Winners Bracket
Metamora 52
Illini Central 34

Final

Canton 62
Midwest Central 47

Final

Macomb 44
Pittsfield 43

Final

Illini West 41
Brown County 39

Final

[Titanfan89]

Matchups for final day of tournament (12/30)

Consolation Bracket
West Hancock vs. Pleasant Plains (9:00 a.m.)
Western vs. Lewistown (10:30 a.m.)

Winners play each other at 5:00 p.m. for Consolation Championship, losers are eliminated

5th Place Bracket
Illini Central vs. Midwest Central (9:00 a.m.)
Pittsfield vs. Brown County (10:30 a.m.)

Winners play each other at 6:30 p.m. for 5th place, losers are eliminated

Championship Bracket
Metamora vs. Canton (1:00 p.m.)
Macomb vs. Illini West (2:30 p.m.)

Losers will play each other at 8:00 p.m. for 3rd place, winners will play each other for the Championship at 9:30 p.m.

[Titanfan89]

West Hancock defeats Pleasant Plains this morning 41-34 to advance to the conolation championship game at 5:00 p.m. tonight at Western Hall. West Hancock avenges last years first round loss to Plains and advances to the consolation championship for the second straight year in Macomb. Pleasant Plains is eliminated.

[Titanfan89]

Western pulls off a big upset of Lewistown 47-43 in overtime to advance to the consolation championship game.

Western will face West Hancock for the 3rd time this season at 5:00 p.m. in Western Hall for the consolation championship.

Midwest Central defeated Illini Central 74 to 61 in one 5th place semi-final.
Pittsfield defeated Brown County 57 to 37 in the other 5th place semi-final.

Midwest Central will play Pittsfield for 5th place at 6:30 p.m. in Western Hall tonight.

[Lost Soul]

Thanks for the updates and info, your better than ESPN!!!!!!!!

[Titanfan89]

In the first championship bracket semi-final, Canton defeats Metamora 50-37.

Canton moves into the 9:30 p.m. Championship game tonight, Metamora will play for 3rd place at 8:00 p.m. tonight, both at Western Hall.

[Titanfan89]

In the second championship semi-final matchup, Illini West leads Macomb 12-6 after the 1st quarter.

[Titanfan89]

Macomb leads IW at the half 23-19.

[Titanfan89]

Macomb leads IW 29-17 after 3 quarters.

[Titanfan89]

Macomb pulls out a 38-33 semi-final win over Illini West.

Macomb advances to defend their tournament title tonight against Canton at 9:30 p.m. in Western Hall.

Illini West will play for third place against Metamora tonight at 8:00 p.m. in Western Hall.

[Titanfan89]

In the consolation championship game, West Hancock leads Western 37-24. West Hancock is shooting well and Seth Pinkston has 4 treys at the half.

[Titanfan89]

West Hancock leads 45-26 over Western after 3 quarters.

[Titanfan89]

West Hancock defeats Western 51-36 for the consolation championship.

Nice to see the Titans finish the tournament strong after the opening round loss. West Hancock wins the consolation championship for the 2nd straight year. Hopefully next year they can break their opening round jinx.

[Titanfan89]

In the 5th place game, Pittsfield trails Midwest Central 15-11 after the 1st quarter.

[Titanfan89]

At the half, Pittsfield leads Midwest Central 24-23.

[Titanfan89]

Midwest Central leads Pittsfield after 3 quarters 33-32.

[Titanfan89]

Pittsfield defeats Midwest Central 47-38 to claim 5th place. Midwest Central finishes in 6th.

[TDogg11]

Congrats to WH on winning the conso championship and IW with a good showing in the tournament defeating Metemora 43-30 to take 3rd place.

Dogg :D

[TheDog]

With BC having a pretty strong showing against decent competition. I would have to say the program is on the upswing. Keep in mind they beat the only 1A team they played. Small school in a stacked field.

[Titanfan89]

2009 All-Tournament Team
KYLE HECK - METAMORA
DANNY HARMAN - ILLINI CENTRAL
RYAN RUNGE - WEST HANCOCK
ALEX ROBERTS - MACOMB
JORDAN FOUTS - CANTON
LOGAN HARRIS - PLEASANT PLAINS
JACOB SCHMUDLACH - ILLINI WEST
TYLER THORMAN - MACOMB
BRADLEY HAMILTON - PITTSFIELD
JUSTIN ROLLET - CANTON
IAN GASKILL - MIDWEST CENTRAL
MATT PUTRICH - CANTON

2009 All-Tournament MVP
JORDAN FOUTS - CANTON

[tiredoldman]

In the west hancock vs. pleasant plains game kyle jenkins took a elbow to the eye and fractured the the orbital socket around the eye,so he is done for the season, bad luck for WH.

[Vikingfan1]

In the west hancock vs. pleasant plains game kyle jenkins took a elbow to the eye and fractured the the orbital socket around the eye,so he is done for the season, bad luck for WH.

Is he for sure done for the season though? I heard he kept playing even after the accident. Whether he plays or not I hope he recovers from this injury! If he is out for the year, that shortens WH's bench yet again to pretty much just 6 guys and they lose a good rebounder in the process. Everyone else will have to pick up their game.

[oldviking]

Did he (Kyle Jenkins) play in the Western game? If he didn't , they managed to win without him. Maybe everyone on the team did step up their game. Anyway , I agree with all that Vikingfan 1 says.

[guest07]

In the west hancock vs. pleasant plains game kyle jenkins took a elbow to the eye and fractured the the orbital socket around the eye,so he is done for the season, bad luck for WH.

Done for the season? Source?

If it's really that bad, then it's more bad luck for Kyle than it is WH. Basketball is just basketball, but I hate to see a good kid like him have to deal with that.

[Vikingfan1]

Did he (Kyle Jenkins) play in the Western game? If he didn't , they managed to win without him. Maybe everyone on the team did step up their game. Anyway , I agree with all that Viking 1 says.

No he did not play in the Western game.

[tiredoldman]

my wife talked to Kyle's mom this afternoon and she said the doctor said he could play in about two weeks, Dawn asked the doctor if they should get him a mask and the doctor said it was a freak incident and the chances are slim it would happen again, but I think I would get him a mask any way, just for the added protection. So I guess that is good news for kyle and great news for west hancock.

[guest07]

my wife talked to Kyle's mom this afternoon and she said the doctor said he could play in about two weeks, Dawn asked the doctor if they should get him a mask and the doctor said it was a freak incident and the chances are slim it would happen again, but I think I would get him a mask any way, just for the added protection. So I guess that is good news for kyle and great news for west hancock.

Thanks for the report, tiredoldman. That is encouraging news. And I definitely agree with you....... I think I'd be inclined to go with a mask.

Was impressed with Macomb's effort at the tournament, by the way. The transfer post player seems to be coming along.

[radiowaves]

Good tourney for competition, no huge standout player, upsets, ups and downs, good job by group running it. Thanks for the chance to call some games.

[Titanfan89]

I would have to disagree with that statement. I think we learned that Lewistown may not be as good this year as they have been in the past.