Kason Pembroke came in relief and shut down the Hillsboro Hilltoppers as the Taylorville Tornadoes picked up a 13-1 win in five innings on a cold blustery Thursday afternoon.  Blake Ladage struck out Hillsboro's Clayton Rufus to start the game, but then gave up a base hit and lost his command walking three straight batters before Pembroke came in and shut the door dominating with 2 2/3 scoreless innings. Pembroke also had a RBI double. Carter Cappelin pitched well slamming the door in the fifth with a strikeout, flyout to second, and a final strikeout to end the game. 

The Tornadoes saw plenty of offense as Hillsboro pitchers were fairly shakey that included four runs in the first thanks to a base hit from Isaac Repscher and Kade Beckmier and seven runs in the fourth that included two stolen bases from Clark Durbin and a Hudson Demichael double.  

Pembroke was named the Nicole Patrick Country Financial Player of the game and Taylorville improved to 4-0 on the season. Taylorville heads to Jersey on Saturday at 11 AM. 

Laynie Wyatt pitched a masterful game striking out 11 and Lili Readenour went 3-4 with two RBI's and a run scored as the Litchfield Purple Panthers defeated the Taylorville Tornadoes Softball team 3-2.  Taylorville Pitcher Peyton DeMichael had a rough start to the game giving up three hits in a row that scored two runs, but settled in the second and dominated with a variance of speed and breaking balls from the circle. 

Litchfield's Readenour got a two-run RBI double in the first, but DeMichael would only allow three hits the rest of the game.  Taylorville would get their opportunity in the fourth inning when Sophie Rogers got a triple and Lily Harden would follow with one of her own to cut the deficit to one.  Mckynlee Siempelkamp would hit a deep fly ball to center to sacrifice the run home and tie up the game at 2. 

The tie would be short-lived though as Readenour would strike for a triple and a dropped third strike would allow a run to score to make it 3-2.  Siempelkamp would AGAIN save the day as she caught a Georgia Glover flyball and nailed a throw to home catching Chloe Green as she tried to score. 

Taylorville would try to answer in the seventh with an Ella Riese walk and a Peyton DeMichael base hit, but Liv Havera would strike out to end the game. 

Mckynlee Siempelkamp was named the Nicole Patrick Country Financial Player of the game.  Taylorville falls to 0-2 on the season.  Litchfield improves to 4-0. 

As heard on Cruisin' 98.3 WSVZ...

Shelbyville - 8 vs. Dietrich Movin' Maroons - 3

Gameday Custom T's and Apparel Player of the Game: #11 Myles Hammond

The Taylorville High School girls basketball team celebrated its season Sunday afternoon with its annual banquet, recognizing the achievements of its players and handing out several awards.

One of the top honors of the afternoon went to senior Addison Tarr, who was named the Nicole Patrick Country Financial Player of the Year. Tarr played a key role for the Tornadoes throughout the season, helping lead the team with her strong performances on the court.

Tarr says she is grateful for the award. This is the second time she has won it. 

In addition to Tarr’s recognition, several other players received awards for their contributions throughout the season. Many of the other seniors were honored, including Kyleigh Heimsness, Mazie Fleming, Lia Champley, and Liz Martin. Coach Hayden Eldred and the team staff praised the athletes' hard work and dedication, highlighting their efforts both in games and in practice.

The banquet was a chance to reflect on the season, celebrate individual and team accomplishments, and look ahead to the program's future.

As heard on Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR...

Argenta-Oreana Bombers - 3 vs. CAM Raiders - 1

Freshman Rhett McLain got the nod today on the mound and showed great command of his fastball and deployed the occasional off-speed pitch to boot. McLain impressed by getting up early in counts and swinging them in his favor. Location was also a strong suit today only allowing two walks to go with his 5 (maybe 6) strikeouts in the ballgame. McLain added to his day with a bloop single into right field.

Central A&M got great relief from Marshall Minott following McLain's performance. Minott sat down the Bombers 1-2-3 in the top of the 7th after putting an end to 6th inning as well. Minott came up big in his at bad during his lead off plate appearance in the bottom of the 7th. Minott fought for a full count before tatooing a line drive homerun over the left field wall for the Raiders lone run.

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

As heard on Genuine Country 94.3 WMKR...

Okaw Valley - 16 vs. Central A&M - 0

Seitz Funeral Homes Player of the Game: #4 Zachary Snow

The Taylorville Tornadoes boys' basketball team held their banquet on Sunday afternoon, and Drake Howard was recognized as the Nicole Patrick Country Financial Player of the Year. Howard reached the 1,000-point plateau this season and is the ninth-leading scorer for Taylorville all time. He says this award means a lot to him.

Howard credited his mentors in the game, including former Taylorville basketball players Bryce Friedrich and Luke Markwell. 

Howard has dealt with several injuries throughout his time, including a torn labrum his junior year. He thanked all of those who have helped him along the way.

Congratulations to Drake Howard and to all the Nicole Patrick Country Financial Players of the Game, who received their certificates at the ceremony. Also, congratulations to Coach Ryan Brown and the Taylorville boys' basketball team on a great season. 

The Taylorville Junior High School volleyball team put on an impressive performance in the 2025 IESA 7th Grade 4A State Volleyball Tournament, ultimately securing a second-place finish after a hard-fought championship match against Frankfort Hickory Creek.

The Tornadoes kicked off the tournament with a dominant first-round victory over Lemont Old Quarry, winning in straight sets, 25-9 and 25-7. Their momentum carried into the semifinals, where they edged out Morton Junior High School in a thrilling three-set battle, 25-21, 19-25, and 25-15, to punch their ticket to the championship match.

In the state title game, Taylorville faced off against the undefeated Frankfort Hickory Creek team. Despite a valiant effort, the Tornadoes fell short, losing in two closely contested sets, 25-18 and 25-14.

Taylorville’s second-place finish capped off an impressive season with a final record of 28-1. Frankfort Hickory Creek claimed the state title with a perfect 21-0 record, while Minooka secured third place with a victory over Morton in the consolation match.

Congratulations to Coach Kim Peabody, Coach Matt Peabody, and to the 7th grade girls volleyball team!!! 

The 7th grade Taylorville Tornadoes defeated Quincy on Monday 25-18, 25-15 to move on to the elite 8 in the state tournament where they will take on Lemont Old Quarry.  Taylorville is undefeated at 26-0.  Lemont Old Quarry is 19-1.  The game is on Friday night at 8:15 PM. 

If Taylorville wins, they will take on the winner of Morton vs Arlington Heights Thomas on Saturday at 12:15 PM. If they win that game, they will then play at 3:15 PM.  If they lose, they will play at 2 PM.  All games will be held at Normal Kingsley Junior High School. 

First Round

Minooka (24-0) takes on Mascoutah (17-2) 4:30 PM

Frankfort HIckory Creek (18-0) vs Homer Glen Homer (9-4) 5:45 PM

Morton JHS (27-1) vs Arlington Heights Thomas (18-2-1) 7 PM

Taylorville JHS (26-0) vs Lemont Old Quarry (19-1) 8:15 PM.  

Second Round

Winner Match 1 vs Match 2 at 11 AM

Winner Match 3 vs Match 4 at 12:15 PM

Third Place

Loser Match 5 vs Loser Match 6 2 PM

Championship

Winner Match 5 vs Match 6 3:15 PM. 

The Apollo Conference has released their All Conference Teams. Congratulations to Lyncoln Koester, Jackson Bohm, JC Anderson, Tyler Oakley, Sam Driscoll, Lincoln Hayes, Luke Bonstetter, Drake Howard, Landyn Hannah, and Brock Brown.

The Apollo Conference has released their All Apollo Conference first and second teams.  Congratulations to Effingham, Mahomet-Seymour, and Taylorville on their three-way tie for first!