New sharpshooter
For years, the Holiday Classic record books have had two names at the top – Joey Range and Jim Shikenjanski. Now, Aaron Simpson of North Chicago owns the mark for most points in a tournament (135, surpassing Range’s 134 in 1997) and most points per game during the tournament (33.75 surpassing Shikenjanski’s 32.75 from 1985). Simpson made 32 field goals, 16 three-pointers and was 23-28 in free throws in leading North Chicago to a fifth place finish.
Still streaking
Bloomington Central Catholic’s girls team has tasted victory of every State Farm Holiday Classic game it’s played since a 10-point loss to Rochester in the championship game in December 2007. With a semifinal win over Champaign St. Thomas More, the Saints have won 15 straight tournament games. Galesburg owns the all-time girls mark, with 16 straight wins. If the Saints win the championship Friday night, they’ll tie Galesburg – but also eclipse the Streaks mark of consecutive titles. Galesburg won three in a row from 1997-1999. The Saints are gunning for their fourth straight tournament title.
New place
Springfield’s girls have always played the final day at the Shirk Center. But in two previous trips to the Holiday Classic, the Senators played in the championship game – and won in 2009 and 2010. Their 10-0 all-time mark was snapped in the semifinals (by Park Ridge Maine South), and now the Senators are in the third place game against Morton.
Historic run
With Springfield’s boys team reaching the championship game of the large school boys final, the Senators continue a historic run. With only one win on the season entering the Holiday Classic this week, Springfield has amassed three wins in a row and have become the first No. 15 seed in tournament history to ever reach the title game. Springfield faces off against Normal Community.
Milestone moments
- Congratulations to Park Ridge Maine South senior Michelle Maher, who eclipsed the 1,000 career point mark during the Hawks semifinal win over Springfield.
- Earlier in the tournament, El Paso Gridley’s Brian Ehresman surpassed the 1,000 point mark.
- With Normal U-High’s win over Belvidere North, Laura Sellers now has 100 career coaching victories.
