Game 86: Williamsfield vs. Brimfield (Boy's Basketball)

Game 86
Williamsfield vs. Brimfield (Boy's Basketball)
ICAC Tournament (@ Williamsfield)
(1/10/11)
Before the final game of the night, I recorded an interview with Bombers coach Bob Anderson to run on my daily sports show, Sportsline on 1590 WAIK.  We discussed the ICAC Tournament, his Bombers team, and a pending all-sports co-op that could be in Williamsfield's future.

A couple of fans came up before the broadcast and asked about the broadcast.  I informed them of the website, and how fans could access the online broadcast.  Just like many others in the past, the question was asked:  "How do you make a profit?"  The answer:  I don't!  It's just a hobby, and I love broadcasting games. 

It was a slow starting game for the teams, as Brimfield led just 6-1 at the end of one quarter.  The offensive spark was lit in the 2nd quarter, as the Indians outscored the Bombers 23-8 to take a 29-9 halftime lead.

During the halftime break, I had the pleasure of meeting Patty Spietz, the mother of Brimfield's Jake Spietz and former All-Stater Paige Spietz, who is now at Missouri.  Patty introduced herself and thanked me for all of the coverage during Paige's career at Brimfield.  Going back to the previous conversation about making a profit on broadcasting games, this is my profit.  Having parents come up and thank me for coverage is the payment.  It's conversations like this one that make it all worthwhile.  Patty said that Paige is doing well at Missouri and has added 16 pounds to her frame, something that was needed in the Big 12.  She is averaging about 4 minutes/game as a freshman but is enjoying Mizzou.  After talking with Miriam Rutzen (Harvard) last week, and hearing Paige Spietz is doing well at Missouri, it's great to see the small-town student-athletes in western Illinois are having success at such a high level.

Speaking of Spietz, Jake had 12 points at halftime, including a breakaway one-hand slam dunk.  This was his first slam dunk in a game.  He finished with a game-high 20 points, leading Brimfield to a runaway victory, 65-26.  Teammate Danny Dwyer scored 14 points.

Williamsfield was led by James Doubet's 11 points, as he knocked down three three-pointers.  With the win, Brimfield improves to 16-0 on the season, and should once again be ranked highly in the new AP and IHSSN Coaches Polls that will be released on Tuesday.

It's always amazing that Williamsfield, year in and year out, can fill a basketball roster and compete.  The Bombers dropped to 8-9 with tonight's loss, but have a roster of 12 players, and the school's entire enrollment is just 62.  That's right, 62 students (boys and girls) in grades 9-12.

PicturesI talk up how much I like the Williamsfield gym, but I need to place a picture on here.  In fact, I need to begin taking pictures, because it really adds to the blog.  I usually remember after it's too late.  But...on Wednesday, when I'm back in Billtown, I'll take pictures, and hopefully will remember to snap photos at the various gyms the rest of the season!

Game 86 Miles:  70