The Taylorville Tornadoes gave it their all but fell short, 38-23 on Friday night at Southeast High School against former Apollo Conference Rival, the Lincoln Railsplitters.  The Railers led at the end of the first 11-8 after Karson Komnick scored 9 points, including two threes and a shooting foul where he made the extra point.  Drake Howard answered with two 3's of his own. 

Taylorville played lockdown defense in the second quarter and were barely outscored 7-6 as Taylorville got four points from Blake Ladage.  Lincoln saw 5 points from Drew Hayes.  Taylorville headed to the locker room trailing 18-14.  

In the third quarter, Taylorville came out and immediately scored, cutting the deficit to just two points, but it would be Lincoln getting the last laugh going on an 11-4 run, including a quick 8-0 run that involved three turnovers as Taylorville struggled to handle the full-court press from the Railers. Lincoln headed into the fourth quarter leading 29-18.  

When the fourth quarter started, Taylorville continued to attack each basket very methodically, but the Tornadoes struggled to score points and were outscored 8-5 as the Railers went on to win 38-23.  The Tornadoes finished their season 15-18.  Drake Howard was named the Nicole Patrick Country Financial Agent Player of the game.  He finished with 11.  Blake Ladage finished with 10 in the spot start. 

For Lincoln, Karson Komnick would finish with 18 and Drew Hayes would finish with 7. Lincoln will move on to the Sectional Semi Finals where they will take on former Apollo Conference rival Mt. Zion who beat Mohomet. 

Coach Ryan Brown praised the effort of the Taylorville Tornadoes during the end of his year press conference. 

Congratulations to the Taylorville Tornadoes, and good luck to the future for Shey Champley, Clark Durbin, Owen Younker, Drake Howard, Luke Wheeler, Baron Odam, and Kade Beckmier!

The Taylorville Tornadoes shocked the Rochester Rockets with a 40-37 win as Malique Pearse hit a half-court shot at the buzzer after stealing the ball to give the Tornadoes a win in the Regional Semi-Finals. Leroy Kleimola and Blake Heimsness were on the call. 

The Taylorville Tornadoes trailed most of the game but would claw their way back in every time they were down, even coming back from being down by 8 points at one point.  Taylorville led 4-0 but Rochester came storming back to take a 10-4 lead at the end of the first.  This would be a story throughout most of the game as Taylorville would lead in the first four minutes of a quarter, and Rochester would pour it on in the second portion of the quarter. 

At halftime, Taylorville trailed by 4, 21-17. During halftime Coach Ryan Brown kept his team in the locker room for the entire ten minutes.  Coach Brown said his team needed a much-deserved breather.  During the third, Taylorville came pushing back hard again coming out of the half on a little run but it would be Rochester getting the upper hand nursing a 33-27 lead at the end of the third.  

Taylorville would outscore Rochester 13-4 in the fourth quarter including the three from Malique Pearse who stole the ball away from Khordell Gregory and took one dribble before putting up the half-court shot that bounced off the backboard and went right in as the Taylorville players stormed the court. 

Clark Durbin finished the game with 4 points, Drake Howard finished with 11, Blake Ladage finished with 8, and Baron Odam finished with 8 but at least 10 blocks as he was phenomenal on defense for Taylorville.  Malique finished with 9 including the all-important three, and the only three Taylorville hit all night.  He was named the Nicole Patrick Country Financial Agent Player of the game. 

Rochester's Eli Cox finished with 12 points and Khordell Gregory finished with 11. 

                         1      2      3     4      F

Rochester      10     11   12    4     37    

Taylorville        4     13  10    13    40

Coach Brown says it was the defense that carried the team this evening. 

Taylorville (15-17) faces Lincoln (22-10) in Springfield on Friday at 7 PM. Lincoln defeated Southeast (Springfield) 64-20. Earlier this season The Railsplitters beat Taylorville 40-30 in Lincoln. Catch all the action on WTIM, Your Information Station The Big 870 AM and 96.1 FM in Taylorville.

As heard on Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR...

Okaw Valley - 54 vs. Central A&M - 52

Score at half: Okaw Valley - 26 - Central A&M - 23

Scoring totals:

Talon Rhoades: 12 points

Ace Spinner: 8 points

Emett Stenger: 10 points

Rhett McLain: 11 points

Victor Ravelo: 5 points

Paul Brown: 2 points

Dawson Templeton: 2 points

Central A&M weathered the storm in the first half amid poor free throw shooting, defensive rebounding struggles, and turnovers to keep the game close. The Raiders held a lead in the first quarter for a short stint but ultimately could not find a lead in the game again until the late stages of the fourth quarter. Defensively, Central A&M played their hearts out but struggled to match the size and physicality possessed by the Okaw Valley lineup especially as the game wore on. Fouls began to add up as well leading to bonus basketball for both squads in the third quarter and unfortunately for the Raiders alone in the fourth quarter with foul troubles. 

Rhett McLain scored a late game layup to take the lead 52-50 before Central A&M allowed Brayden Montgomery to fly down the floor and quickly answer back with a two of his own. The Raiders were holding out for the last shot of regulation but turned the basketball over with just around 5 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Off a timeout and inbound play from Okaw Valley, Brayden Montgomery would score again with an off-kilter shot from just outside the paint as time expired that got the roll and fell, knocking the Raiders out of playoff basketball. 

Central A&M Season Record: Regular + Postseason: 11 - 20

Seitz Funeral Homes Player of the Game: #2 Rhett McLain 

We remain excited to see the leap this team takes next year! Go Raiders!

The Taylorville Tornadoes, who this season have been so good at free throw shooting, struggled from the line Friday evening going 4/14 from the line as the Rochester Rockets defeated Taylorville to win the Regional Championship 42-41. 

Taylorville was looking for their first regional championship since 2013.  The Tornadoes jumped out to a 13-9 lead with Kyleigh Heimsness throwing in two 3-pointers, and Hope Kietzman putting in a big 3.  Rochester's Alaina Stock scored 8 out of the 9 points for Rochester, keeping the Rockets in the game. 

Both teams struggled with offense in the first part of the second quarter but came alive in the second part.  Rochester would outscore Taylorville 11-8 but Taylorville would take a 1-point lead into the locker room 21-20 as Mazie Fleming dropped six points. 

Taylorville, who was without leading scorer Addison Tarr as she dealt with a knee injury, fought valiantly in the third quarter but it would be Rochester having a 13-8 third quarter and taking the lead into the fourth quarter jumping to a 33-29 lead. Lia Champley would also go down in the third quarter with a concussion. Fleming continued to be a force on the court as she contributed 7 points bringing her total to 15.

In the fourth quarter, Taylorville would take a 41-40 lead thanks to a wild Grace Rogers layup, but the lead would be short-lived, as a Bailiegh Wernz foul sent Rockets' Taylor Offer to the line.  Offer hit both of her free throws with 2.1 seconds left.  Taylorville raced down the court and called a timeout with 1.3 seconds left.  Heimsness passed it into Fleming who turned and shot, but the shot came up short and Rochester beat Taylorville 42-41. 

Mazie Fleming was named the Nicole Patrick Country Financial Player of the game.  She finished the night with 15 points as did Grace Rogers. Rogers struggled from the Free Throw line shooting 3/10 from the line. 

Taylorville Head Coach Hayden Eldred spoke highly of the girls Friday evening saying they gave their all. 

Congratulations to our seniors and we wish them the best moving forward.  Lia Champley, Addison Tarr, Kyleigh Heimsness, Liz Martin, and Mazie Fleming. Rochester will play on Tuesday against either Mohomet Seymour or Danville in the IHSA Playoffs.  Taylorville finishes their season 19-11.

The Taylorville Tornadoes could not pull a win on the road against Jacksonville who celebrated their Senior night on Wednesday evening.  The Crimsons beat the Tornadoes 66-35.  Taylorville trailed at half by a score of 24-17, but the Crimsons poured it on in the third and fourth as Taylorville was outscored 40-18.  

Malique Pearse was named the Nicole Patrick Country Financial WTIM player of the game. The Tornadoes have a small break before they face Rochester in Springfield for their Regional Semifinal. That game will be heard on WTIM, Your Information Station. 

The Taylorville boys celebrated the seven seniors on their basketball squad but couldn't pull off the victory as 15-11 Shelbyville defeated 14-15 Taylorville 60-47.  The Tornadoes did not have an answer for Jack Jokisch who scored an impressive 24 points and kept the Taylorville defense busy all night.  Myles Hammond also contributed 19 points in the victory. 

Taylorville saw 17 points for Drake Howard and six each from Clark Durbin, Blake Ladage, and Baron Odam in the loss.  Coach Ryan Brown praised the seven seniors for their hard work all season and all that they've been through over the last four years. 

Taylorville broadcaster Leroy Kleimola had a chance to talk to the seven seniors.  Congratulations to Shey Champley, Clark Durbin, Owen Younker, Drake Howard, Luke Wheeler, Baron Odam, and Kade Beckmier. The boys talked a little about the last four years. 

Drake Howard was named the Nicole Patrick Country Financial Agent, Player of the game for his 17 points. Taylorville will take on Jacksonville on the road tomorrow night at 7 PM to close out their regular season before facing Rochester in the playoffs.  Pregame on WTIM at 6:45.                           

Photo courtesy: Taylorville Sports Boosters

As heard on Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR...

Windsor Stewardson-Strasburg - 51 vs. Central A&M - 48

1Q: WSS - 17 - CAM - 12

2Q: WSS - 32 - CAM - 20

3Q: WSS - 42 - CAM - 39

4Q: WSS - 51 - CAM - 48

Central A&M benefitted from some big-time threes from Woods with 6 in the first quarter and the paint presence from Hardimon and Snearly for the other 6. Kendra Hayes of the Hatchets alongside Katelyn VonBehrens led the way with 9 and 6 respectively in the opening frame. Central A&M's second-quarter woes and defensive rebounding troubles made the deficit going into halftime 12 points.

The second half, much like the one had to open Regionals against Cerro-Gordo/Bement was excellent for Central A&M. High/Low basketball was on display and senior Gwyn Hardimon scored 10 of the 19 points scored for the Raiders all inside the painted area. Snearly was also efficient down below tacking on 4 more. The overall defensive effort picked up intensely holding the Hatchets to 10 points.

The fourth quarter was relatively even with each team having scored 9 points a piece. Fouls began to add up for Central A&M moving them into the bonus with time on the clock while Windsor Stewardson/Strasburg managed to stay mostly scot-free. And while a questionable sequence of events and calls transpired at and under 30 seconds remaining in the contest, Central A&M gave their visiting fans something to really cheer for clawing back in the second half.

Scoring totals:

Hardimon: 16 points

Paradee: 8 points

Roe: 2 points

Moore: 3 points

Woods: 12 points

Snearly: 7 points

Keys to the game:

- Defensive Rebounding issues in the first half as well as some turnovers (both cleaned up greatly in the second half)

- Second quarter that led to an incomplete ball game

- Second-half intensity was fantastic

- Paint presence was nearly immaculate in the final two quarters

Congratulations to the Central A&M Girls Basketball team on a hard-fought season. A team of seniors and others that struggled in the first half of the year but really turned things up a notch as the season went on. While tonight is the end of the basketball careers for 6 seniors, there is much to be proud of for them considering their display of resiliency.

The six seniors, four of which were starters for the bulk of the season, include:

#10 - Gwyn Hardimon

#12 - Holly Paradee

#22 - Kinadee Dial

#23 - Sophie Roe

#24 - Jocie Moore

#34 - Lyndi Woods

I would like to wish all six of the seniors the best of luck in their next ventures, whatever those may be. Thank you for putting on your best so I might try and do the same.

Coach Mitch Cloe of the Raiders Girls Basketball team stopped post-game to chat with us about the game at hand, the season that just came to a close, and the future of Raiders Girls Basketball.

To hear said post-game interview, tap below:

Seitz Funeral Homes Player of the Game: #10 Gwyn Hardimon (16 points)

Mazie Fleming had a double/double, Lia Champley and Grace Rogers finished with 12 points, and the Taylorville Tornadoes opened the playoffs with a bang beating Southeast Spartans 51-19.  Taylorville got the scoring done early with a 15-3 lead.  Southeast only had one field goal the entire first quarter.  From there Taylorville used a staunch defense that stifled Southeast and kept them from getting anything going. 

The Tornadoes led at halftime 25-8 and pulled away in the third leading to running clock in the fourth quarter.  Lia Champley received two quick fouls but kept her head in the game stepping up with eight points in the second half as Taylorville would outscore the Spartans 26-11.  

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Taylorville     15    10     17      9       51

Southeast      3       5       9      2        19

Lia Champley and Mazie Fleming were named the Nicole Patrick Country Financial Players of the game for their dominant offense and defensive efforts.  

The big story of the evening was 10-22 Rochester upsetting 22-9 Glenwood (Chatham) by a score of 42-33.  Taylorville, who beat Rochester on November 23rd 47-30 will take them on on Friday in Taylorville at 6 PM. Catch all the action on 96.5 The Chill.com. Rochester has won 3 out of their last 10.  Taylorville has won 7 out of their last 10. 

Drake Howard became the 11th player in Taylorville boys history to reach 1,000 points scoring his big points in the fourth quarter. Still, the Taylorville Tornadoes couldn't get their offense going falling to the Robinson Maroons in Lake Land College by a score of 53-47.  

The Tornadoes jumped out to a 13-6 lead at the end of the first as Blake Ladage came in and quickly scored six points en route to a 13-point night. Every time it felt that Taylorville would pull away though, the Maroons kept hanging around. The Taylorville offense went cold for the first half of the second quarter other than a couple of Drake Howard free throws and 3 points from Baron Odam as Taylorville went into halftime with a slim 18-16 lead.  

The offense would come alive in the third quarter but Robinson started hitting the 3-ball as Robinson took the lead in the third and the two traded leads throughout the rest of the quarter.  As the buzzer sounded at the end of the third, Taylorville trailed by two 34-32.  Owen Younker had six points in the third quarter for the Tornadoes. 

In the fourth quarter, it was once again the Maroon's three-point shots that propelled Robinson to sustain the lead despite a heavy attack from Taylorville's offense they just couldn't get the job done.  Four free throws from leading scorer Blake Green sealed the deal and gave Robinson the victory. 
 

Drake Howard, who scored his 1,000th point in that fourth quarter says that it was a very emotional evening and he is happy to be part of rarified air. 

Drake says that he has had some fantastic memories on the court over the last four years and praised former Taylorville boys star Bryce Friedrich for being a huge mentor to him.

For those coming up, Howard says the best advice he can give is to know the role you have on the court.

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Tvl           13     5    14    15     47
Robinson  6    10   18   19     53

Final point totals:

Taylorville
Blake Ladage 13

Drake Howard 9

Owen Younker 9

Baron Odam 7

Clark Durbin 6

Malique Pearse 3

Robinson

Blake Green 14

Cruz Dunlap 12

Andrew Sparks 12

Ian Gilmore 11

Jaxon Hires 4

Blake Ladage was named the Nicole Patrick Country Financial Player of the game.  Congratulations to both Blake and Drake for their great accomplishments Saturday evening. Taylorville falls to 14-15. They will face Shelbyville on Tuesday evening. Pregame on WTIM at 6:45. 

Photo courtesy of the Taylorville Tornado Sports Boosters. 

In a game heard on WTIM and online at taylorvilledailynews.com, the Mahomet-Seymour Bulldogs got out to an early lead and never looked back, defeating the Taylorville Tornadoes by a final score of 75-36.

The Tornadoes were led by Brock Brown, Drake Howard, and Owen Younker who all scored 6 points. Clark Durbin and Baron Odam both chipped in with 5.

The Bulldogs were led by Jackson Bohm who put up 14 points, while Landyn Hannah added 12 and Miles Woosely chipped in with 10.

With the loss, Taylorville falls to 14-14 while the Bulldogs improve to 13-11.  Owen Younker was named the Nicole Patrick Country Financial Agent Player of the game. 

Tune into WTIM on Saturday evening when the Tornadoes travel to Lakeland College to take on Robinson. Tip off is at 5:00 PM. 
 

As heard on Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR...

Central A&M - 72 vs. Clinton - 48

On an emotional Senior Night, many seniors from the Pep Band, Raiderettes, and Boys Basketball Team were honored for their dedication to their varying programs. Our own Mike Virden and his family were also shown all the love possible from the communities of Mowequa and Assumption when their late son, Keegan Virden, was honored as a member of the Class of 2025. Keegan loved basketball, was an avid fisher, member of the FFA, and much more, and is deeply missed.

Paul Brown stuck with the program through some really rough years of play and was rewarded in a big way tonight for his efforts. He scored 6 points total but it was his presence in the paint that made the biggest difference. Paul Brown is headed to play baseball at Illinois Central College following his final semester of high school, and to Paul, best of luck in your future endeavours.

1Q: Central A&M - 9 - Clinton - 7

2Q: Central A&M - 31 - Clinton - 14

3Q: Central A&M - 50 - Clinton - 26

4Q: Central A&M - 72 - Clinton - 48

Rhoades scored the first seven points of the ballgame to take a 7 - 0 lead and set the tempo, pace, and style of play plus defensive intensity for this young squad from the opening tip.

Rhoades: 14 points

Spinner: 26 points

McLain: 16 points

Stenger: 7 points

Brown: 6 points

Higgins: 3 points

Seitz Funeral Homes Player of the Game: #2 Ace Spinner

- Spinner drilled back to back to back threes in the third quarter, a sequence of events that felt like opening of a flood gate. He impressed with some moves and finishes at the basket as well but it was the three point shooting tonight that really showed. It felt like a coming out party for the sophomore, one of which you knew he possessed and an incredible night for him led all scorers.

The Central A&M Raiders Boys Basketball Team improve to 10 - 16 on the season.

Next Up: vs. Cowden- Herrick/Beecher City @ 1:00 p.m.

A big thank you to Mike Virden for joining me on the calls this season, it means a lot to me to be a part of your son's Senior season.

The Taylorville Lady Tornadoes handled everything that the 21-9 O'Fallon Panthers threw at them, but couldn't pull out a win, as the Tornadoes fell to O'Fallon 38-37.  The Lady Tornadoes set this game and the Sacred Heart Griffin game up as tests to get them ready for the playoffs, and the Lady Tornadoes looked up to the part on Friday evening at the Dolph.  Taylorville who will host the first two rounds of the playoffs, jumped out to a quick lead thanks to Grace Rogers who scored 9 in the first quarter as Taylorville led 11-8. 

In the second quarter, the two teams played very even as Rogers would add four more, and Addison Tarr and Kyleigh Heimsness would get involved.  For O'Fallon, Kayla Kalmer, and Haeli Tart would 9 of their 11 points that quarter, but Taylorville would head into the half with a 24-19 lead.  

Starting in the third quarter, the Lady Tornadoes again survived a cold streak as they were outscored 9-7, but once again Taylorville defense stood strong, limiting the scoring from O' Fallon while contributing a 3 from Lia Champley and a field goal from Rogers. Taylorville would hold a 31-28 lead at the end of the third quarter. 

In the fourth quarter, the Panthers finally got some scoring going but Taylorville once again hung tight with them. Kayla Kalmer for O' Fallon hit another three, but the Lady Tornadoes had an opportunity down by 1 with 2.5 seconds left.  Kyleigh Heimsness got the inbounds, but great defense from the Panthers forced Kyleigh to shoot from way off and the shot caromed off to the left. 

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Taylorville   11            13              7               6               37
O'Fallon       8              11             9               10             38

Taylorville's defense was spectacular.  Josie Christopher who averages 15.9 ppg, only scored 8. Haeli Tart who averages 14.5 scored 14.  Taylorville's Grace Rogers led all scorers with 17 points and was named the Nicole Patrick Country Financial Player of the game.  

While moral victories aren't a thing, this certainly feels like one. Taylorville falls to 18-10, O'Fallon improves to 22-9.  Taylorville next heads to the Regionals as they take on Southeast (Springfield).  O'Fallon will take on Belleville West.  

Scorers:
Tvl;
Grace Rogers: 17

Addison Tarr: 7

Kyleigh Heimsness: 6
Lia Champley: 5
Mazie Fleming: 2

O'Fallon;

Haeli Tart: 14

Kayla Kalmer: 10
Josie Christopher: 8

Quinn Zerjal: 4
Symone Bynum: 2

Congratulations to the Taylorville Lady Tornadoes on a successful season! Good luck from all of us in the playoffs!!!

The Lady Tornadoes felt a little flat on offense on Thursday night but their defense was spectacular as a 3-2 zone stimied the Sacred Heart Griffin Cyclone's, as the Taylorville Tornadoes picked up a 41-31 win.  Taylorville got into foul trouble early sending the cyclones to the line early in the first but free throws were an issue as the Tornadoes and Cyclones ended the first quarter tied at 9 a piece. SHG didn't commit their first foul until the beginning of the second quarter but settled down as the game progressed.

Kyleigh Heimsness hit a 3 pointer after about 3 minutes into the second quarter but the scoring was limited as Taylorville would go on a 8-2 run in the second and that was the extent of the scoring in the second.  A sequence as time expired at the half saw Taylorville go 0-5 on shots. 

In the third quarter, Sacred Heart Griffin actually outscored Taylorville 9-8 but the scoring still was far and few in between as the defenses settled in and the Tornadoes didn't shoot the ball very well.  It was 25-20 going into the fourth quarter as defense reigned supreme in this one.  Taylorville would come alive in the fourth quarter though, pulling away and even extending their lead to 15 at one point. 

The final score as the buzzer sounded was Taylorville 41-31.  Lia Champley was named the Nicole Patrick Country Financial Player of the Game for her hard work on defense including four assists and six points and several rebounds. 

The Tornadoes improve to 18-9 while SHG falls to 15-16.  Taylorville will wrap up the rest of their regular season as they take on the 21-9 O'Fallon Panthers tomorrow evening.  The game will start with pregame at 7:15 on 96.5 The Chill.  

It wasn't the prettiest basketball game ever played by the Lady Tornadoes but the girls did enough to pick up an Apollo Conference win defeating the Mt. Zion Braves 54-49.  With the win, the Taylorville Tornadoes secure a tie for the Apollo Conference with the Mahomet-Seymour Bulldogs.  The Effingham Flaming Hearts can join them if they can pick up a win against Mt. Zion on February 13th. 

As far as the game went, Mt Zion jumped out to a quick lead, but Taylorville would take over and lead the rest of the first taking a quick 18-11 lead when the buzzer sounded.  Grace Rogers put in six points with Addison Tarr hitting five including a big 3-pointer. 

During the second quarter, the Tornadoes continued to add to their lead as they would lead 32-20 including six points from Kyleigh Heimsness. The Lady Tornadoes would head to the locker room on a six-point run. 

After halftime, the Mt. Zion Braves would make their adjustments and Taylorville shooting would go cold, as the Braves outscored Taylorville 20-12 including 7 points from Ava Anderson.  The Tornadoes would still hold the lead at the end of the third quarter, 44-40, thanks to a buzzer-beating layup at the end of the quarter.

In the fourth, Mt. Zion would cut the deficit to just two points, but couldn't make any clutch shots, before the game turned into a free throw shooting contest.  Taylorville would hang on to win 54-49. 

The Tornadoes go non-conference from here on out with two big games on Thursday and Friday against Sacred Heart Griffin and O'Fallon before facing Southeast in the first round of the playoffs, on Monday. 

Taylorville improves to 17-9 while Mt. Zion falls to 11-19.  Before the game, the Tornadoes and Braves got together to honor Jack D. Brinkoetter and Charlie Spurlock.  The two ten-year-olds were involved in a sledding accident that claimed Brinkoetter's life.  The teams wore shirts that recognized both boys during warmups.

Point totals:

Addison Tarr 16

Kyleigh Heimsness 16

Grace Rogers 9

Lia Champley 8

Mazie Fleming 5

Mt. Zion

Jocelyn Turner 14

Ava Anderson 11

Gabby Wisher 9

Maddie Austin 9

Ellie Jenkins 6

As heard on WTIM, Your Information Station...

Taylorville - 61 vs. Mattoon - 51

1st: TVL 10 - MAT - 10

2nd: TVL - 20 - MAT - 24

3rd: TVL - 29 - MAT - 38

4th: TVL - 50 - MAT - 50

OT: TVL - 61 - MAT - 51

Nicole Patrick, Country Financial Agent WTIM Player of the Game: #44 Brock Brown

Brown led the way in scoring with 20 total points but it was his buzzer beating trey ball that sent the game to extras. Brown, a Freshman for this squad, put the onus on himself and cashed in from deep before Taylorville outscored Mattoon 11 to 1 in overtime.

Durbin: 10 points including a clutch and 1 with under a minute to go in the 4th to help get to OT

Howard: 11 points

Odam: 9 points

Pearse: 3 points

Brown: 20

Owen Younker was instrumental in this ball game off the bench particularly in the fourth quarter defensively.

Next up: 02/14 @ Mahomet-Seymour

As heard on Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR...

Mt. Pulaski - 48 vs. Central A&M - 32

Seitz Funeral Homes Player of the Game: #32 Lyndi Woods

Six Central A&M Seniors were recognized for their contributions on the hardwood over the last couple and current season at hand. Gwyn Hardimon, Holly Paradee, Kinadee Dial, Lyndi Woods, Sophie Roe, and Jocie Moore will be exiting the program following the season and taking their next steps in life. 

Central A&M could only muster up 9 points in the first half but played a much, much better second to provide some fun for the home crowd. Seniors had posters and additionals for fans and family to view before the game following Senior Nights rescheduling from its supposed date of 02/06/2024 against Clinton.

Next Up: @ Cowden-Herrick Beecher City at 7:00 p.m. on 02/10/2025

The Taylorville boys and girls both picked up wins on Saturday night against the Pana Panthers in basketball games that saw both trophies stay in Taylorville.  The girls won 75-24 and the boys won 55-42.  

Taylorville girls got the action going first as an all out blitz attack sent the Lady Tornadoes to a quick 9-0 lead.  At the end of the first Taylorville would lead 27-4.  The Pana Panthers didn't have an answer as Taylorville continued their onslaught taking a 45-12 lead into halftime.  In the third and fourth quarter the Lady Tornadoes dominated 30-12 en route to their 75-24 victory. 

Addison Tarr scored 21 points while Kyleigh Heimsness dropped 19 and picked up the Nicole Patrick Country Financial Player of the Game. 

In between Taylorville and Pana girls and boys basketball game, the Taylorville Tornadoes honored their top ten boys and girls point scorers with a special tribute to Jase Bergschneider and Allison Curtin as the top ten scorers with a video tribute to the leading scorers. 

Congratulations to our top ten scorers for both boys and girls!

The Taylorville and Pana boys played a much closer game than the girls with both teams trading punches in the first quarter but it would be Taylorville jumping out to an early 14-9 lead at the end of the first.  Brock Brown contributed 6 of those 14 points with Clark Durbin throwing down a slam dunk getting Purple Reign fired up. 

At halftime, the Tornadoes clung to a 22-18 lead as the Pana Panthers got eight points from Madyx Angel and Tyler Rench.  For Taylorville Drake Howard led scorers with 4 but Taylorville had a quiet 2nd quarter.  

Coming out in the third, a fired up Taylorville team broke the game open as Howard scored 8 and Brock Brown contributed 6 and Taylorville outscored Pana 19-8 to take a 41-26 lead.  Pana wouldn't get close again as Taylorville won 55-42.  

Drake Howard was named the Nicole Patrick Country Financial Agent Player of the game as he had 19 points.  Brock Brown finished with 20. 

Both teams play on Tuesday with Taylorville girls playing an important conference game at Mt. Zion and the boys playing home against Mattoon. 

Congrats to Kyleigh Heimsness and Drake Howard as the Nicole Patrick Country Financial Players of the game. Taylorville keeps both the Coal Miners Trophy and the Carol Schramm and Joyce Wilcox Memorial Trophy.

Leading Scorers:

Taylorville girls:

Addison Tarr 21

Kyleigh Heimsness 19

Pana Girls:

Brooke Cox 6

Joey Laker 6

Ryleigh Casner 5

Taylorville Boys:

Brock Brown 20

Drake Howard 19

Pana Boys:

Cash Lynch: 12

Sam Sims: 8

Addison Tarr finished with 20 points including an impressive 11 in the fourth quarter, as the Lady Taylorville Tornadoes survived an onslaught of 3-pointers to beat Apollo Conference rival Mahomet Seymour 57-50. 

The Bulldogs hit 13 3-pointers including 8 in the first half and 7 from Reese Gallier, but some adjustments from Taylorville in the third and fourth quarter helped give Taylorville the win.  The Tornadoes jumped out to a 20-12 lead at the end of the first quarter, but the Bulldogs kept it close with a huge second quarter including four 3s.  In fact, the Bulldogs had 20 points in the first half with 18 points coming from the 3-ball. Regardless Taylorville led 28-26 at the end of the first half.  

Going into the third quarter the adjustments were there for the Lady Tornadoes, but Mohomet still got three 3's one each from Kylie Waldinger, Hannah Creel, and Courtney Fonte. Addison Tarr had 8 points in the third including two 3's herself. Mahomet would take their first lead though and lead 41-40 going into the fourth quarter. 

The Tornadoes would come out swinging in the fourth quarter thanks to Addison Tarr's 11 points and a 4/5 from the free throw line.  Kyleigh Heimsness for Taylorville would also hit 3 free throws and Taylorville would pull away picking up a big conference win 57-50.  Taylorville improves to 15-9 and will face Pana Saturday night at 6 PM. 

Addison Tarr is our Nicole Patrick Country Financial Agent Player of the game. 

The Tornadoes have one conference game left against Mt. Zion.  If they win, there will be a three way tie for first place in the Apollo Conference between Effingham, Taylorville, and Mahomet.  

Point totals for Taylorville:

Addison Tarr: 20

Lia Champley: 11

Kyleigh Heimsness: 11

Mazie Fleming: 7

Grace Rogers: 7

                    1Q     2Q       3Q       4Q         F 

Taylorville: 20      8          12       17         57
Mahomet: 12      14        15        9           50

The Taylorville Lady Tornadoes Will face Springfield Southeast on February 17th in the playoffs in Taylorville, February 17th.  If the Tornadoes win they have the potential to face Rochester, Springfield Lanpheir, or Glenwood.  The Lady Tornadoes lost to Glenwood 36-32 in Springfield earlier this season. 

Taylorville takes on Mahomet at the Dolph on Friday night at 7 before a matchup against Pana on Saturday. 

All action can be heard on 96.5thechill.com. 

As heard on Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR...

Central A&M - 32 vs. Clinton - 64

Seitz Funeral Homes Player of the Game: #10 Gwyn Hardimon

Seniors Mazie Fleming hit her first three ever and Liz Martin had five points including a three, as the Taylorville Tornadoes dominated on Senior Night against the Mattoon Green Wave 66-30.  Fleming, who never has hit a three before got her shot in the third quarter jumping high up in the air in celebration as she hit it. Liz Martin also scored her three in the third quarter as well as nearly everyone got involved in the scoring. 

Taylorville jumped out to a 22-5 lead at the end of the first with Addison Tarr scoring seven, but it was Lia Champley who really got going scoring 7 of her 13 in the first quarter. A 16-6 second quarter and Taylorville never looked back on their way to a rout. Ava Larson for Mattoon answered with 12 but Mattoon dealt with injuries and struggled to get going. 

Taylorville improves to 14-9 and have won 7 out of their last 10.  They have a big conference matchup against Mahomet-Seymour at the Dolph on Friday night before a boys/girls doubleheader on Saturday vs Pana. Mattoon falls to 6-21. 

Fleming and Martin were named co-players of the game brought to you by Nicole Patrick, Your Country Financial Agent.  Congrats girls!

Congratulations to the Taylorville Senior girls, who also sang the National Anthem to start the game.  Regional Radio News salutes you on a great four years and wishes you the best moving forward. 

From left to right, Addison Tarr, Kyleigh Heimsness, Mazie Fleming, Liz Martin, Lia Champley

As heard on WTIM, Your Information Station...

Mt. Zion - 67 vs. Taylorville - 27

Country Financial Agent Nicole Patrick WTIM Player of the Game: #2 Clark Durbin - 13 points

Next up: 02/08/2025 vs. Pana @ 7:30 p.m.

The Taylorville Lady Tornadoes suffered a fourth quarter collapse on Friday but picked up a big, but tiring win on Saturday.  The Lady Tornadoes were tied with Lincoln 39-39 heading into the fourth quarter but couldn't get the job done as they were outscored 18-6 including two three pointers from Mesa McCloud as the Lincoln Railers defeated Taylorville 57-45.  

The game was back and fourth throughout the first three quarters as both teams took 5 point leads but couldn't pull away leading to a big fourth quarter.  Lady Tornadoes saw some big point totals from Addison Tarr who dropped 20.  Kyleigh Heimsness poured in 8 including two 3 pointers, and Mazie Fleming who also had 8 points. 

The Tornadoes went back to their winning ways on Saturday playing against Normal U High and much like the boys, played tired in the first quarter leading at the end of the first over the Pioneers 8-4 although it was 4-2 with about 54 seconds left in the quarter. The Lady Tornadoes would explode in the second quarter for 22 points and take a 30-9 lead at the end of the second.  

The Second half was much more balanced, but the Tornadoes played many of their bench players and came away with a 51-29 win.  Addison Tarr had another great game dropping in 23 points.  She finished the weekend with two Nicole Patrick Country Financial Player of the Game Awards. 

The Tornadoes are at home on Tuesday night for Senior Night as they take on the Mattoon Green Wave.  Taylorville will honor Lia Champley, Addison Tarr, Kyleigh Heimsness, Elizabeth Martin, and Mazie Fleming.  Hear all of the action on 96.5thechill.com.  Pregame starts at 7:15. 

The Taylorville Tornadoes suffered a tough loss to the Lincoln Railers 40-30 on Saturday night. Coming off a loss the night before to Charleston, the Taylorville Tornadoes needed to bring the energy early, playing on the road in Lincoln.  The Railsplitters were also coming in playing the night before and both teams looked absolutely exhausted in that first quarter. 

The Tornadoes scored the first two points and when the buzzer sounded at the end of the first the score was 8-2 in favor of Lincoln.  The second quarter was also sloppy as the Tornadoes got some points from Brock Brown and Malique Pearse and that was it.  The Tornadoes would head into the locker room at halftime trailing 17-6.  

The energy would ramp up in the second half with Taylorville being outscored 13-10 as the Tornadoes saw some huge defensive efforts from Owen Younker who came off the bench and immediately made a name for himself on the court.  Drake Howard would hit a couple of three's in the fourth and the Tornadoes would battle getting within 9 but the Railers would hold on picking up a 40-30 win.  

The Tornadoes fall to 12-12 with a big test against Mt. Zion on the road on Tuesday evening.  Coach Ryan Brown says he was proud of the defensive effort the team put out during the game and says the offense just struggled to get going until it was too late.  He says he's looking forward to the Mt. Zion game. 

Owen Younker was named the Nicole Patrick Country FInancial Player of the game finishing with 9 points and several rebounds, blocks, and steals. Taylorville will play Mt. Zion on Tuesday evening pregame will be on WTIM at 6:45.