Bloomington Central Catholic Saints: A Silver Finish That Shines Like Gold   The Bloomington Central Catholic Saints concluded their remarkable season on the grandest stage of Illinois high school athletics, securing a well-earned second place in the IHSA 2A Girls State Volleyball Tournament.  While the final outcome—a narrow two-set loss to Columbia (25-19, 20-25, 17-25) in the championship—may have momentarily stung, the legacy of this team is defined by the extraordinary journey that led them to the state final floor in Normal . The Saints' dominant campaign showcased the best of heartland volleyball. They were a cohesive unit, demonstrating skill and tenacity at every turn of the state series.  In the championship match, they exploded out of the gate, taking the first set 25-19, dictating the pace and setting a tone of fierce competitiveness . Though their opponents rallied, the Saints’ statistical performance speaks volumes about their effort.  Offensively,...

  Fin ding the Majesty in the Wild: A Closer Look at the "Landbound Majesty" Collection At Best Look Magazine , we often discuss how to bring a sense of natural beauty and grounding presence into your everyday life. For me, few things accomplish this better than a quiet moment observing the world’s magnificent creatures. That passion is what gave rise to my photography series, "Animals - Mammals - Landbound Majesty," now available through my Fine Art America space. This collection, one of the most extensive I’ve curated, is a deeply personal endeavor to capture the essence of these animals—not just their appearance, but the palpable spirit and quiet dignity they carry. You’ll find moments of serene grace, like a white-tailed deer stepping through morning mist, alongside images that speak to sheer power, such as a stoic bison gazing across the plains. Each photograph is a testament to the fact that true artistry often lies in simply being present for nature’s perfec...

A Season of Triumphs: Heyworth's Playoff Run Concludes The Heyworth Hornets capped off an outstanding football season today, concluding their impressive playoff run against a formidable Stockton Blackhawks squad in the IHSA Class 1A Second Round. While the final scoreboard,  Stockton 26, Heyworth 3 , did not fall the Hornets' way, it cannot overshadow the  tremendous accomplishments  of this team and its community. The Hornets fought hard, earning a valuable field goal and demonstrating the  resilience and tenacity  that defined their path to the second round. Playing against the number one seed is a testament to the level of  success  Heyworth achieved this year—a season marked by tenacity, skill, and the unified spirit of the entire town. To the players, coaches, and the  loyal Heyworth faithful : hold your heads high. You competed fiercely and represented your school with  honor and pride . This deep run into the playoffs establishes a str...

  Why Professional Sports Photography Is More Than Peak Action Photo by Alan Look Photography While peak action—like a slam dunk or a diving catch—grabs attention, it’s only one layer of what defines elite sports photography. A professional doesn’t just freeze motion; they translate the rhythm, emotion, and narrative of the game into a single frame. That’s what separates a snapshot from a story. What Makes a Photo “Professional”? A professional sports photograph is defined by more than sharpness or timing. It’s a crafted moment that blends: •  Technical mastery : Fast shutter speeds, precise focus tracking, and optimal exposure under challenging lighting. •  Composition : Clean backgrounds, dynamic angles, and intentional framing that guide the viewer’s eye. •  Emotion and context : Facial expressions, body language, and environmental cues that reveal the stakes—whether it’s triumph, tension, or fatigue. •  Anticipation : Knowing the sport well enough to pred...

Falcons Fly High: GCMS Clinches Division Crown with Statement Win Over Ridgeview   Photos by Alan Look Photography COLFAX, IL — Under the Friday night lights at Ridgeview High School, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. Senior night. A packed crowd. And the Heart of Illinois Medium Division title hanging in the balance. The GCMS Falcons delivered a performance that matched the moment, overpowering the Ridgeview Mustangs 55-27 in a game that showcased speed, grit, and championship-caliber execution. With the win, GCMS locked in a 7-2 regular season record and a perfect 4-0 mark in division play, securing the title outright. From the opening kickoff, GCMS dictated tempo. Their offense churned out sustained drives, while the defense kept Ridgeview’s playmakers in check. Ridgeview, celebrating its seniors in front of a spirited home crowd, showed flashes of resilience but couldn’t match the Falcons’ relentless pace. The Mustangs entered the night with hopes of a title-clin...

Photo: Sentinel /Clark Brooks URBANA - St. Joseph-Ogden's Brennan Oleynichak and three teammates stop Pontiac running back Jayden Reed from advancing during the first quarter of their Illini Prairie Conference game. The Spartans scored 14 points in each quarter on their way to a much needed victory to solidify a spot in the 2025 IHSA football postseason. SJO won the home game at Dick Duval Field 56-21. Illini Prairie Conference scores Unity 55, Mt Vernon 37 St Joseph-Ogden 56, Pontiac 21 Central Catholic 41, Prairie Central 0 Illinois Valley Central 30, Rantoul 27 Monticello 14, Paxton-Buckley-Loda 6 Big Twelve Conference scores Normal West 57, Urbana 15 Bloomington 37, Centennial 6 Champaign Central 55, Peoria Manual 16 Peoria Notre Dame 54, Danville 13 Peoria 36, Normal Community 14 Mahomet-Seymour 63, Richwoods 14 Scores from around the state AddisonTrail 35, Willowbrook 0 Alden-Hebron 26, Ashton-Franklin Center 8 Arthur 49, Villa Grov...