Best Look Magazine

   Best Look Magazine proudly presents the 2025 McLean County Area High School Boys Basketball All Star Photo Series, showcasing the region's most talented and dedicated young athletes. Capturing the intensity, skill, and passion of these standout players, this exclusive series celebrates the future stars of the court who have left an indelible mark on the season. Enjoy the breathtaking action shots and join us in honoring the grit and glory of McLean County’s finest in this unforgettable collection. Check out all the Best Look in Sports Action photos at www.alanlook.com! See the Alan Look Photography facebook page for current specials. Braydon Laesch -  Andrew Fleming

  Best Look Magazine proudly presents the 2025 McLean County Area High School Boys Basketball All Star Photo Series, showcasing the region's most talented and dedicated young athletes. Capturing the intensity, skill, and passion of these standout players, this exclusive series celebrates the future stars of the court who have left an indelible mark on the season. Enjoy the breathtaking action shots and join us in honoring the grit and glory of McLean County’s finest in this unforgettable collection. Brock Holtz - Bloomington High School Purple Raiders!

  NORMAL, Ill. — Ryan Cermak powered the Illinois State Redbirds to a 9-5 victory over the University of Illinois-Chicago Flames on Sunday, smashing two home runs in a standout performance at Duffy Bass Field. Cermak’s second homer of the game came in a pivotal moment, electrifying the crowd as he leaped onto home plate to complete his trot around the bases. The Redbirds’ offense erupted for nine runs, overwhelming the Flames in a contest that showcased Illinois State’s dominance in the matchup. The win improved Illinois State’s record as they capitalized on a balanced attack against UIC’s pitching. The Flames, despite a late rally, couldn’t close the gap, finishing the game with five runs. The Redbirds’ victory underscored their strong play in the Missouri Valley Conference, while UIC struggled to keep pace. Both teams are set to continue their seasons with upcoming conference games later this week.

PEORIA, Ill. (March 21, 2015) —  Stevenson captured its first IHSA Class 4A boys basketball state championship Saturday night, defeating Normal Community at the Carver Center inside the Peoria Civic Center. The Patriots, hailing from Lincolnshire, controlled the game from the outset, using a balanced offensive attack and stifling defense to keep the Ironmen from finding a consistent rhythm. Stevenson established an early lead and maintained its momentum, capitalizing on key scoring runs and defensive stops. Normal Community, making its bid for a state title, struggled to break through Stevenson’s defensive pressure. Despite flashes of offensive success, the Ironmen were unable to mount a sustained comeback as Stevenson maintained control throughout the contest. With the win, Stevenson secures its place in program history, capping off a dominant season with the school’s first-ever Class 4A state championship. The victory marks a significant achievement for the Patriots, who reached ...

   BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (AP) March 19, 2010 — The Flying Dutch of Hope College punched their ticket to the NCAA Division III Women’s Basketball Championship final Friday night, defeating the University of Rochester Yellowjackets 86-75 in a hard-fought semifinal at the Shirk Center at Illinois Wesleyan. The game featured intense competition, including a moment when Hope’s Philana Greene and Rochester’s Jodie Luther wrestled for a loose ball. Ultimately, the Flying Dutch pulled away with strong offensive play and clutch shooting to secure the victory. Hope College will now advance to the championship game, looking to claim the national title.

  BLOOMINGTON, Ill. (March 18, 2011) — Brittany Hasselbring maneuvered around the top of the key during an NCAA women's basketball game between the Washington University Bears and the Illinois Wesleyan Titans at Shirk Center on Friday. The matchup featured intense competition as both teams fought for a spot in the next round. Hasselbring played a key role in the Titans’ offensive efforts, looking to create opportunities against Washington University's defense. Illinois Wesleyan hosted the game at Shirk Center, drawing a strong home crowd in support of the Titans.

  On March 17, 2018, the quaint town of Normal, Illinois, came alive with the spirited revelry of its annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a cherished tradition that painted the streets with hues of emerald and echoes of jubilation. As the calendar aligned with the feast day of Ireland’s patron saint, the community gathered under a crisp spring sky to celebrate heritage, unity, and the promise of renewal that the season whispers. The parade, a vibrant procession through the heart of Normal, wove its way along familiar avenues, drawing families, friends, and visitors into a shared tapestry of festivity. Floats adorned with shamrocks and streamers rolled gracefully by, while local bands filled the air with lively tunes that stirred the soul and quickened the pulse. Marchers, clad in green regalia, waved to the onlookers, their smiles as bright as the sun that occasionally peeked through the clouds, casting a golden glow on the scene. This was more than a mere spectacle; it was a testamen...