Tidbits from Day 2 Action at the 2021 State Farm Holiday Classic
Record Breaker
Bloomington Central Catholic’s Cole Certa set a boys’ tournament record with 10 3-pointers in the Saints’ 72-32 victory over Annawan. The record has stood since 1999, when Rock Alleman’s Tyler Ryan hit nine from behind the arc.
Speaking of 1999
Long-time Classic Committee member Mike Sondgeroth earned his first varsity head coaching victory since 1999 when he stepped in for head coach Jeff Sinn and led the Titans to a 41-34 victory over Kankakee Bishop Mac. Sondgeroth formerly coached Normal University High and was the guiding force in starting a shootout on the girl’s side of The Classic which evolved into the Girls Tournament today.
Volunteer of the Year
The State Farm Holiday Classic is a 100% volunteer run and managed event. Annually, the Seldon Marquart Volunteer of the Year Award is granted to a key volunteer. Mike Walker, a long-time volunteer was recognized at Normal West while announcing the Normal Community vs North Lawndale matchup. Congrats and thank you Mike!
A Cool Thousand
St. Joseph-Ogden’s Ty Pence eclipsed the 1,000-career point mark with a 26-point performance in a 43-40 win over Quincy Notre Dame.
Another Assist
Champaign Centennial’s bus was a no-show yesterday, so Athletic Director Kaleb Carter commandeered a smaller vehicle and drove the team to Bloomington for their 12:30p game against Normal West.
New Boys Champions
Aurora Christian (SSB) and Rock Island (LSB) both fell in quarterfinal games, ensuring there will not be a repeat champion in either bracket. On the girl’s side, both Normal University High (SSG) and Morton (LSG) are alive in the semifinals with hopes of another title.
Top Scoring Performances (min. 20) – Day 1
Small School Boys
Cole Certa – Bloomington Central Catholic (39)
Ty Pence – St. Joseph-Ogden (26)
Carl Finch – Winnebago (21)
Jake Hamilton – Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin (20)
Large School Boys
Zach Cleveland – Normal Community (27)
Nazir Za Kai Young – North Chicago (25)
Ethan Kizer – Metamora (21)
Isaiah Davis – Bradley-Bourbonnais (20)
Small School Girls
Mikayla Huffine – Rockford Lutheran (33)
Taylor Nowaskie – Stanford Olympia (31)
Ella Lune – Brimfield (20)
Large School Girls
Kammie Ludwig – Geneseo (31)
Isabella Finnegan – Chicago Mother McAuley (25)
Marissa Hilt – Bloomington (24)
Kaylen Reed – Rochester (21)
Grace Kizer – Pekin (20)
