Normal Community Sweeps Bloomington in Friday Night Varsity Doubleheader

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 Normal Community Sweeps Bloomington in Friday Night Varsity Doubleheader

Normal Community High School made full use of home court on Friday night, January 20, 2026, as the Ironmen claimed a varsity sweep over Bloomington High School in a girls and boys basketball doubleheader that showed control, patience, and late-game execution.

Bianca Ellis looks for the hoop

The evening opened with a girls varsity contest that tested Normal Community’s resolve. The Ironmen struggled to find rhythm early and allowed the Bloomington Purple Raiders to build momentum, taking a brief lead early in the second half. Bloomington’s energy forced Normal to adjust, and by the end of the third quarter, those adjustments began to show on the scoreboard.

Lady Ironmen win the possession battle

Normal closed the third ahead 34–29, setting the tone for what followed. The fourth quarter belonged entirely to the Ironmen. Defensive pressure tightened, passing lanes disappeared, and Bloomington was limited to just four points over the final eight minutes. The Ironmen steadily extended the margin to secure a 48–33 victory, turning a tentative start into a convincing finish.

Andrew Naour heads for the bucket
The boys varsity game followed a different script, one largely controlled by Normal Community from the opening tip. Playing with confidence on their home floor, the Ironmen established an early tempo that Bloomington struggled to match. The perimeter shooting of Andrew Naour anchored the offense, with his outside success forcing the Purple Raiders to stretch their defense. That spacing opened opportunities inside, allowing Normal to score consistently at multiple levels.
Jerome Birditt inside for a layup

Bloomington’s brightest moments came on the defensive end. Quick hands produced takeaways, and timely blocks briefly disrupted Normal’s flow. Still, the Ironmen responded quickly, using ball movement and court awareness to maintain control.

Normal Community jumped out to a 22–10 lead after the first quarter and carried a narrow 33–30 advantage into halftime. The second half saw the Ironmen steadily widen the gap, pulling away late to earn an 80–61 win at the final buzzer.

By night’s end, Normal Community basketball had delivered a complete performance—defensive determination from the girls, offensive balance from the boys, and a reminder that Friday nights at home remain a difficult place for visiting teams.


Game Action Photos can be viewed and/or purchased at: Alan Look Photography
Location: 3900 E Raab Rd, Normal, IL 61761, USA

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