Eastland's Adam Awender was named MVP of the boys game after scoring 33 points at the Jim Shaw All-Star Classic on Sunday. Morrison's Camryn Veltrop scored 20 points in the girls game.

Former Forreston standout athlete Robert DeVries was recently named the Cardinals' next boys basketball coach. DeVries is a 2015 graduate who helped the basketball and football teams earn state trophies.

Five area basketball coaches were named IBCA Coaches of the Year, including Rock Falls' Zach Sandrock and Eastland's Tyler Zumdahl. Sterling's Taylor Jackson, Dixon's Luke Ravlin and Amboy's Mike McCracken were recognized on the girls' side.

Dixon's Darius Harrington, Rock Falls' Kuitim Heald, and Eastland's Adam Awender and Parker Krogman all were named to the Illinois Media All-State boys basketball team in their respective classes this week.

Dixon's Darius Harrington, Rock Falls' Kuitim Heald and Eastland's Adam Awender, Parker Krogman and Peyton Spears were named to the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association all-state team in their respective classes.

Eastland still had the best state finish in program history despite falling to Chicago Hope Academy and coach Ronnie Fields in Saturday's Class 1A state championship. 'It’s been an amazing journey with these guys.'

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The Eastland basketball team's season came to an end Saturday as they lost to Chicago Hope Academy in the Class 1A state championship game at the University of Illinois in Champaign.

Eastland faces Chicago Hope Academy at 1 p.m. today at State Farm Center in Champaign for the Class 1A state championship. Here is a preview of the big matchup.

Using its efficient offense and smothering defense, Eastland beat Peoria Christian 55-35 to advance to the state championship for the first time. The Cougars will face Chicago Hope Academy at 1 p.m. on Saturday in Champaign.