Sauk Valley graduate and former Rock Falls boys basketball assistant coach Tony Tompkins, the athletic director at Johnson County Community College, was a recipient of the NACDA Athletic Director of the Year award.

Dixon native Isaiah Roby, a forward for the Westchester Knicks, received the 2025-26 NBA G League Community Assist Award for his impact and outstanding service in the Westchester County community throughout the season. 'My commitment to giving back comes from my own upbringing.'

Eastland’s impressive run back to the Class 1A state semifinals came to an end after a 61-43 loss to Lawrenceville in Thursday's third-place game. The Cougars still took home back-to-back state trophies for the first time as a program.

Eastland was unable to settle in against Chicago Marshall's speed and athleticism in a 66-38 loss in Thursday's Class 1A state semifinal matchup. The Cougars will play Lawrenceville for third place later tonight.

Once again, Eastland’s tenacious defense got the job done. The Cougars made one final defensive stand to beat Tremont 47-45 in Monday’s Class 1A Supersectional at Western Illinois University to advance to state for the second straight year.

The Three Rivers Athletic Conference released its all-conference boys and girls basketball teams, with multiple area athletes recognized through voting by the head coaches.

Eastland and Tremont clash in Macomb in the Class 1 boys basketball Supersectional. Eastland defeated Tremont 47-45 and will play in Thursday's state semifinals.

The Eastland Cougars faced the Pecatonica Indians in Friday’s Class 1A Orion Sectional final at Orion High School on March 6, 2026. Eastland won the game 48-41.

Eastland's defense held tough and made key plays in a 48-41 win over Pecatonica to win the Class 1A Orion Sectional title and get back to the Elite Eight. 'We’re playing some of our best, grittiest basketball at the right time.'