SEMIPRO BASKETBALL

The Kankakee County Soldiers begin their chase for their third-straight championship when they begin the Independent Basketball Association's winter league at 7 p.m. tonight on the road against the Rockford Riverdawgs.

It is the Riverdawgs' second game of the season; they defeated the Gary Splash, the Soldiers' longtime rival, 107-103 to open league on Sunday. Two players scored more than 30 points in that win: Robert Malone, with 38, and L.C. Robinson, with 30.

The Soldiers have flourished in the Independent Basketball Association, which started last year. They won the winter league, then followed with a title in the spring season.

Rockford will head down to the Hidden Cove Sportsplex for a return with the Soldiers at 7 p.m. Saturday.