By Ben Cox
Photos submitted
This is the fifth consecutive season in which Illinois College has reached the Midwest Conference Tournament, which is the current longest streak in the league and the longest since 2019. Add in a major racing announcement from a local superstar, the local sports season is buzzing heading into March Madness.
Routt breaks through in Class 1A
For the fourth straight season, Routt Catholic High School found itself playing for a regional championship. This time, the Rockets made sure the ending was different.
After back-to-back regional title losses to Springfield-Calvary and then Brown County a year ago, Routt finally broke through, defeating New Berlin 62-47 to capture the Class 1A regional crown. The victory not only avenged recent postseason disappointments but reaffirmed the program’s staying power in March.
Routt now advances to the sectional semifinals at Nokomis, where the Rockets meet Bunker Hill on Tuesday, March 3. The bottom half of the Nokomis Sectional will have a distinctly Western Illinois Valley Conference feel. Calhoun and Brown County are set to square off Wednesday, March 4, guaranteeing strong WIVC representation deep into sectional play.
Jacksonville ends 26-year regional drought
In Class 3A, history was made Friday night.
The Jacksonville High School boys basketball team captured its first regional championship since the 1999-2000 season with a commanding 45-26 victory over Bethalto-Civic Memorial. The title ends a 26-year drought for the Crimsons and marks a major milestone for a program that has steadily been rebuilt.
Jacksonville improved to 23-8 with the win and has now strung together 10 consecutive victories at exactly the right time of year. Defense defined the regional final, as the Crimsons limited Civic Memorial to just 26 points, setting the tone early and never allowing sustained offensive rhythm.
Jacksonville advances to the Waterloo Sectional, where the team meets East St. Louis in the semifinal round on Wednesday, March 4 at Waterloo. The sectional field promises a significant jump in competition, but the Crimsons’ recent form suggests they will not be easy to slow down.
They won’t be alone representing the Central State 8 Conference in sectional play, though. Normal University High, Springfield High and Decatur-MacArthur all advanced in Class 3A, while Quincy-Notre Dame and Rochester are moving on in Class 2A. The conference’s strong postseason showing underscores the competitive depth of the league this winter.
Girls Super Sectional showdown set
On the girls side, an all-area clash is set for the Super Sectional stage.
West Central and Brown County meet Monday, March 2 at Pleasant Plains with a state tournament berth on the line. The matchup carries familiarity: Brown County defeated West Central 65-43 on Jan. 5 in WIVC conference play.
Brown County has been nothing short of dominant in the postseason. None of its playoff opponents have come within 10 points, a testament to the Hornets’ depth, scoring balance and defensive intensity. They have consistently dictated tempo and forced opponents into uncomfortable half-court sets.
West Central, meanwhile, has shown resilience in reaching the Super Sectional and will look to adjust from the January meeting. Slowing Brown County’s transition game and controlling the glass will likely be central to its approach.
With a trip to state at stake and two familiar programs facing off, Monday’s game promises a charged atmosphere in Pleasant Plains.
Nienhiser taking on full IRA schedule
In local racing news, one of the Midwest’s most decorated sprint car drivers is embracing a new challenge.
Chapin’s Paul Nienhiser announced that for the first time in his career, his team will contest the full 2026 Bumper To Bumper Auto Parts/Auto Value Parts Stores IRA Outlaw Sprint Series tour.
Nienhiser is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished drivers in Midwest Open Wheel Association history, owning 32 series wins and three points championships. While he has scored victories with the IRA in the past, he has never attempted a full-season points run with the series.
“I’m absolutely stoked to get on the road to chase a championship with the IRA,” Nienhiser said in a statement. “I’m blessed with a great group of people and partners that have made this a reality. I’ve always loved the IRA and their fans and hope to bring some proud moments to our fans back home.”
The move represents a significant shift, as a full IRA campaign requires consistent travel and adaptability across a variety of tracks and conditions. For Nienhiser, the opportunity to pursue another championship in a new arena adds another chapter to an already accomplished career.
Illinois College season ends in semifinals
The season came to a close Friday night for the Illinois College men’s basketball team.
The Blueboys fell 94-73 to Grinnell in the Midwest Conference Tournament semifinals at Darby Gymnasium, ending their postseason run. Illinois College finished the year with a 12-14 overall record.
Despite the semifinal loss, the Blueboys have now reached the Midwest Conference Tournament in five consecutive seasons—the current longest active streak in the league and the program’s longest stretch since 2019. Sustained postseason appearances have become a hallmark of the program’s recent stability.
