2022-23 Basketball Program Milestone Awards
On Saturday, February 11, before a packed house anticipating the rubber match between Twin-City rivals Normal University High and Bloomington Central Catholic, the IBCA presented a 1500 School Victory plaque to current Pioneer Coach Andrew McDowell and the last 5 U-High Head Coaches and long-time Assistant Coaches dating back to 1980. At that time, Coach Bob Morris took over the program from the late IBCA Hall of Famer Bob Metcalf who coached from 1961 – 1980, and was represented by daughter Sara Metcalf Kinney – who also is an IBCA Hall of Fame Coach, Class of 2013. Over 60 years of basketball excellence!
Since the 1910-11 season, the Pioneers have captured 32 district or regional titles, 14 sectional crowns, and made 9 trips to the state tournament resulting in two 3rd place trophies, three 2nd place finishes, and the 1995 Class A State Championship. University High School currently has 1672 all-time victories. Without any doubt, Normal University High School can be included as not only one of the premier boys’ basketball programs in Central Illinois but in the state.
IBCA Hall of Fame Coaches include: Bob Metcalf – Class of 1980; Burt O’Connor – Class of 1980; Cal Hubbard – Class of 2003.
Hall of Fame Players are: Jim Crews – Class of 1985 and on the girls’ side, Yen Quach – Class of 2016.
Friend of Basketball Glen Leary was selected in 1992.
At this time, the IBCA congratulates all Pioneer players, coaches and fans – past and present – on this great achievement!
Photo:
Front Row from Left to Right: Head Coaches Andrew McDowell (2016-present); Cal Hubbard (1989-2007); Chuck Gault (1986-89); Bob Morris (1980-1886); and Bob Fitzgerald (2007-2016).
Back Row from left to right: Assistant Coaches Lester Hampton (1989-present); Selby Hubbard (1989-2007); Sarah Metcalf Kinney (daughter of Head Coach Bob Metcalf 1961-1980), Dave “Spoon” Mizer (1989-present); Jeff Graham (2008-2020); IBCA Board of Director Steve Allen
On Friday, February 10, at half-time of a South Seven Conference match-up with Marion High School, IBCA Board of Director Steve Allen and former Teutopolis Coach and Hall of Famer Ken Crawford, presented a 2000 School Victory plaque to Mt. Vernon Superintendent Melanie Andrews. The Rams are just the fifth Illinois High School Boys basketball program to have surpassed the 2000 victory plateau, on Friday, January 20 vs. Carbondale High School.
Since the 1905-1906 season, the Rams have captured an unmatched 59 district or regional titles, 17 sectional crowns, and made 11 trips to the state tournament resulting in one 4th place finish, one 3rd place trophy, and four state championships: 1920, 1948, 1949, and 1954. This accomplishment establishes Mt. Vernon as one of the elite and historical teams in Illinois basketball history.
Players who have been selected into the IBCA Hall of Fame include: Coleman Carrodine, Max Hooper, and Walt Moore in 1973; Kirk Walt, Jr. in 1974; Al Avant in 1976; Terry Gamber in 1982; Edward King in 1984; John Riley in 1986; Nate Hawthorne in 1992; Kurt Williams in 2006; and Danny Hester in 2019.
John Rackaway of the Mt. Vernon Register was inducted in the Media Category in 1973 and Roger Irvin was selected as a Friend of Basketball in 2007.
Notable Coaches who have graced the sidelines for the Rams include: Howard Ross – 194 victories (1922-1936); Stan Changnon – 230 victories and 2 state titles, (1944-1952); Harold Hutchins – 108 wins and 1 state title, (1953-1957); Lee Emery – 179 victories (1986-1995); and all-time wins leader Doug Creel - 348 (1996-2006 & 2014-2020)
At this time, the IBCA congratulates Coach Tim Holloway and all Mt. Vernon Ram players, coaches and fans – past and present – on this great achievement!
On Friday, February 7, at Springfield High School’s Duey Gymnasium, before a Central State Conference match-up with the Crimsons from Jacksonville High School, the IBCA presented Hall of Fame and former Senator Coach Clark Barnes with a 1500 School Victory Plaque. Brian Barnes – Coach’s son, former standout player and current assistant coach at SHS, Julian Gorens, and Coach Barnes are pictured with the Senator’s student body.
During the 2021-22 season, Springfield High School reached the 1500 school victory milestone. Since the 1910-11 season, the Senators have captured an 38 district or regional titles, 22 sectional crowns, and made 16 trips to the state tournament resulting in one 4th place finish, one 3rd place trophy, three 2nd place finishes, and three state championships in 1917, 1935, and 1959. Springfield High School can be included as not only one of the premier boys’ basketball programs in Central Illinois but in the state.
SHS coaches who have been inducted into the IBCA Hall of Fame include: Mark Peterman – Class of 1973; Ray Page – Class of 1973; Clark Barnes – Class of 2006; and Girls Coach Dave Urish – Class of 2008.
Hall of Fame Players include: Dave Robisch – Class of 1973; Herb Scheffler – Class of1977; Tom Cole – Class of 1978; Stan London – Class of 1983; Bob Trumpy – Class of 1983; Randy Rice – Class of 2014. Girls’ players selected are: Lynn Callahan – Class of 2004; Shatonia Levy – Class of 2012; and Georgia & Genny Muller – Class of 2020.
Two very important Friends of Basketball were inducted in 2012: Libby Fox & Darlene Rockford.
At this time, the IBCA congratulates Coach Joby Crum, and all Senator players, coaches and fans – past and present – on this great achievement!
At Darrell Anders Gymnasium, preceding a January 14 non-conference tilt between DuQuoin and Trico High Schools, three former Indian coaches were on hand to accept a 1500 School Victory plaque from the IBCA. Hall of Fame Coaches Mike Crews – Class of 2004; Wendell Wheeler – Class of 2022; and Roger Craft - Class of 2013 were on hand to receive the plaque on behalf of all former and current Indian coaches, players, teams, and fans.
Since the 1910-11 season, the Indians have captured an impressive 31 regional titles, 6 sectional crowns, and made 3 trips to the state tournament resulting in a 3rd place finish in 1916. DuQuoin High School currently stands at 1545 total victories and counting. Other Indian Coaches who were selected to the IBCA Hall of Fame include: Lowell “Pops” Dale - Class of 1974 and William Theobald - Class of 1980. Former players inducted into the Hall of Fame are: Galen Davis, Class of 1984, Monte Kuhnert, Class of 1994, and Alan Crews, Class of 1996.
A special thank you to Athletic Director Derek Beard and current Indian Coach Jason James for a great evening of Southern Illinois High School basketball!
On Friday, January 20, before a packed house for an important National Trail Conference showdown with the Windsor/Stewardson-Strasburg Hatchets, St. Anthony High School accepted a 1500 School Victory plaque from the IBCA. Former Bulldog Coaches Mike Wilson, Ron Niebrugge, Chris Kusnerick, Les Stevens, and current Coach Cody Rincker accepted the plaque on behalf of all St. Anthony coaches, fans, and players – many of whom were introduced before the presentation.
Since the 1931-32 season, the Bulldogs have captured an unmatched 25 regional titles, 6 sectional crowns, and made 5 trips to the state tournament resulting in a 4th place finish in 1978, and the Class 1A State Championship in 2017. Without any doubt, Effingham St. Anthony High School can be included as not only one of the premier boys’ basketball programs in Southern Illinois, but in the state.
Former Bulldog players who have been selected to the IBCA Hall of Fame include: Mike Wente – Class of 2004 and Kyle Wente – Class of 2012.
Friends of Basketball Hall of Famers in the Hall of Fame are: Bill Farney – Class of 2004 and Joe Griesbaum – Class of 2007.
A special thank you to Principal Greg Fearday and Athletic Director Kevin Palmer for a great evening of Southern Illinois High School basketball!
On Friday, December 9, before a South Central Conference game with rival Hillsboro High School, varsity boys Coach Adam Metzger accepted a 1500 School Victory plaque from the IBCA.
Since the 1911-12 season, the Panthers have captured an unmatched 24 regional titles, 6 sectional crowns, and made 5 trips to the state tournament resulting in a 2nd place finish in 2001 and the 1988 Class A State Championship. Winning the magic 1500 last season, the Panthers currently are at 1507 victories and counting.
The 1988 Class A State Champs were inducted into the IBCA Hall of Fame in1999.
Vergil Fletcher of Collinsville High School Fame, coached at Pana from 1942-43 thru 1944-1945 and was inducted into as a Hall of Fame Coach in 1973.
At this time, the IBCA congratulates Coach Adam Metzger and all Panther players, coaches and fans – past and present – on this great achievement!
At the Robert Frank Sports Complex, before a Monday, December 5 non-conference match-up between host Bloomington and Prairie Central High Schools, BHS Principal Tim Moore and Head Varsity Boys Coach Spencer Johnson accept a 1500 victory plaque from the IBCA.
Since the 1908-09 season, the Purple Raiders have captured an unprecedented 33 regional titles, 4 sectional crowns, and made 8 trips to the state tournament resulting in two 3rd place trophies, one 2nd place finish, and two state championships – in 1910 and again in 1916. The Purple Raiders currently sit with 1580 all-time victories.
Players from Bloomington High School inducted into the IBCA Hall of Fame include: Bob Spahn – Class of 1979 – who later served as varsity basketball coach at BHS; Pete Elliott - Class of 1983; Bob Bender – Class of 1985; Eric Bridges - Class of 2007; Joe Galvin – Class of 2017; and Lady Raider Latoya Doage – Class of 2021.
IBCA Hall of Fame Coach Loren Wallace was inducted in 1989.
At this time, the IBCA congratulates Coach Spencer Johnson and all Purple Raider players, coaches and fans – past and present – on this great achievement!
On Friday, December 2, before a Southwestern Conference tilt with Edwardsville, a great contingent of former Redbirds accepted a 1500 School Victory plaque from the IBCA. Accepting the plaque was Principal Mike Behm, current Redbird Coach Dylan Dudley, and former coaches Mike Brey and Eric Smith.
Since the 1904-05 season, the Redbirds have captured 23 regional titles, 4 sectional crowns and made 3 trips to the state tournament. Along with many holiday tournaments and Southwestern Conference titles, the Redbirds can be considered an elite program in Southern Illinois. Alton now stands at 1505 wins.
Former Redbird coaches who are in the IBCA Hall of Fame include: Sherill Hanks – Cass of 1973; Ralph Sterret – Class of 1991; Mel Sheets – Class of 1992; and Lee Bennett – Class of 2014.
Players who were inducted into the Hall of Fame are: Cathy Snipes – Class of 2009; George Terry – Class of 2012; Larry Smith – Class of 2016; Charlie “Dink” Black – Class of 2020; and Troy Washpun – Class of 2022.
Congratulations to Coach Dylan Dudley and all Redbird players, coaches and fans – past and present – on this great achievement!
On December 1, Galesburg High School hosted a huge crowd at John Theil Gymnasium for a key conference match-up with Western Big Six rival Geneseo. A great turnout of former and present Silver Streak girls players were on hand to help accept a 1000 School Victory plaque from the IBCA. Galesburg is just the 5th girls program in Illinois to have surpassed the 1000 victory milestone, having done so the previous week on Nov. 26 vs. Peoria Manual.
Since the 1974-75 season, the Streaks have captured 32 regional titles and have made 9 state tournament appearances which has produced one 4th place, two 3rd places, three 2nd places, and back-to-back Class A StateChampionships in 1992 & 1993. Along with numerous conference championships as well as holiday tournament titles, Galesburg High School can be included as one of the premier girls basketball programs in the state.
Only two coaches have graced the hardcourt for the Silver Streaks: Teri Hoehn (1973-1978) and Evan Massey, who is responsible for 971 of those victories. Coach Massey currently ranks 4th in all-time Illinois High School – girls & boys. He was inducted into the IBCA Hall of Fame in 2000. Silver Streak players who have been selected to the IBCA Hall of Fame include: Tiffany Sibley – Class of 2012; Molly Watson-Fordyce – Class of 2016; Sarah Larson – Class of 2018; and Megan Pacheco – Class of 2019.
At this time, the IBCA congratulates Coach Evan Massey and all Silver Streak players, coaches and fans – past and present – on this great achievement!