Dixon, Rock Falls, Eastland boys basketball players earn IBCA All-State

The Illinois Basketball Coaches Association All-State boys teams were released, with a number of players from the Sauk Valley area recognized.

In Class 3A, Dixon senior Darius Harrington was a third-team selection. Harrington, Dixon’s all-time leading scorer who averaged 27.3 points and 8.9 rebounds per game this past season, was a unanimous All-Big Northern Conference first-team pick.

In Class 2A, Rock Falls senior Kuitim Heald was an IBCA All-State second-team pick. He joined Harrington on the All-BNC first team after averaging 20.8 points per game and finishing as the Rockets' third-leading career scorer.

Also on the All-BNC team were Rock Falls' Ryken Howard, Dixon’s Cullen Shaner and Oregon’s Kade Girton, who were second-team picks. Dixon’s Eli Davidson, Oregon’s Benito Olalde and Rock Falls' Austin Castaneda were All-BNC honorable mentions.

In Class 1A, Eastland senior Adam Awender was a first-team selection by the IBCA. Joining him was junior teammate Parker Krogman, who was a second-team selection and Peyton Spears, an honorable mention. The trio helped the Cougars (34-5) finish second at state.