Shawn Akers

MARION — With the teams having split the regular season series, Marion softball coach Joy Neal knew the key to beating Centralia in the regional championship game Saturday was to score early and often.

CARBONDALE – It wasn’t the result Carbondale’s Kai Manzano expected Saturday, and the freshman phenom couldn’t hide his disappointment after losing in the Class 1A boys’ sectional tennis tournament final

CARBONDALE — Double-digit strikeouts in a game isn't unfamiliar territory for Pope County High School senior pitcher Tucker Nalley. He's done it twice now against the same team.

VERGENNES — Waltonville/Sesser-Valier softball coach John Kiselewski constantly preaches aggressive baserunning to his team. Run the bases well, he says, and there's a good chance to score a lot of runs.

DU QUOIN — Pinckneyville Community High School's Kolton Smith doesn't mind throwing over 100 pitches in a single game. He's done it before, and with favorable results.

MARION — With his South team stifled offensively for the better part of three quarters, Johnston City's Jace Weaver knew he and his teammates had to turn things up a notch or go home defeated.

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS — While soccer remains the most popular youth sport in America according to a recent article by signaturelocker.com , it's difficult to refute the popularity of swimming with kids in the Southern Illinois area.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a conversation between sports contributor Shawn Akers of The Southern Illinoisan and Mt. Vernon coach Dan Mings about the Rams’ upcoming season. Mt. Vernon is

EDITOR'S NOTE: The following is a conversation between sports contributor Shawn Akers of The Southern Illinoisan and Harrisburg High School football coach Matt Griffith about the Bulldogs' upcoming season.

of 2 EDITOR'S NOTE: The following is a conversation between sports contributor Shawn Akers of The Southern Illinoisan and Murphysboro High