The Taylorville Tornadoes picked up their first win of the season Tuesday night, knocking off Pleasant Plains 47–30 — and making program history in the process. With the victory, Taylorville won their 1500th game in school history and becomes the 33rd winningest boys basketball program all-time among more than 800 high schools in Illinois.
Taylorville set the tone early with strong defense against a Pleasant Plains squad known for its three-point shooting. Blake Ladage sparked the Tornadoes on both ends, scoring four of Taylorville’s eight first-quarter points and piling up blocks and rebounds throughout the night. Taylorville led 8–4 after one.
Pleasant Plains pushed back in the second quarter behind Grady Grisham, but six points from Patrick Curtin helped the Tornadoes take a 17–12 lead into halftime.
The turning point came in the third quarter — an area that has challenged Taylorville at times this season — but not on Tuesday. The Tornadoes outscored Pleasant Plains 16–5, holding the Cardinals without a made three until the final minute of the quarter. Taylorville took a 33–17 lead into the fourth and never looked back.
Pleasant Plains outscored Taylorville 13–12 in the final frame, but the Tornadoes cruised to the 47–30 win.
Head Coach Ryan Brown praised the team’s defensive effort, saying Taylorville’s size and speed allowed them to control the tempo, force turnovers, and dominate the paint.
Taylorville's Blake Ladage was named the WTIM Nicole Patrick Country Financial Player of the Game was Blake Ladage for his fantastic all around efforts on rebounds, points, and defensive prowess.
Taylorville improves to 1–3 on the year. Pleasant Plains drops to 2–3.
The Tornadoes return to action Friday night in Apollo Conference play against Charleston.
Final scoring:
For Taylorville — Blake Ladage led with 17, Maddex Havera 8, Patrick Curtin 8, Brock Brown 7, Malique Pearse 5, and Maddyx Owens 2.
For Pleasant Plains — Grady Grisham 8, Owen Johnson 7, Nolan Scott 5, Xander Smith 5, and Lukas Swartz 5.
Taylorville finished 5 of 6 from the line; Pleasant Plains went 0 for 3.
Pleasant Plains hit four threes; Taylorville did not hit a three-pointer.
Next up Taylorville Faces Charleston Trojans on Friday night.
