Pence, Ingram lead SJO boys’ basketball off to superb start

After having the season delayed more than two months and then missing
the first week of the condensed season while dealing with positive
COVID-19 cases within the program, the St. Joseph-Ogden boys’
basketball team is making up for lost time.

In a big way.

The Spartans have won their first two games, winning 66-52 at home
against nonconference foe Oakwood on Wednesday night and opening the
season with a 73-54 win at Rantoul last Friday night in Illini Prairie
Conference action. SJO (2-0, 1-0 Illini Prairie) continue league play
with a 7 p.m. tip at rival Unity on Friday.

Sophomore standout Ty Pence is leading the way so far for the
Spartans, following up his solid freshman season in an even bigger
way. The 6-foot-6 guard dropped in 40 points and grabbed 19 rebounds
during Wednesday night’s win at Oakwood. This jaw-dropping performance
came after he supplied a game-high 24 points to go along with 20
rebounds in the win against Rantoul.

Junior guard Evan Ingram also contributed significantly in the win
against Oakwood, delivering 18 points and five assists. Junior forward
Andrew Beyers also chipped in with eight points.

Aside from Pence’s 24 points at Rantoul, Ingram and junior guard
Cameron Costa each supplied 15 points against the Eagles.

Friday night’s game at Unity marks the first Illini Prairie game this
week after Tuesday night’s game at Bloomington Central Catholic was
postponed because of inclement weather. The Spartans will stay on the
road on Saturday, too, with a 2:30 p.m. tip at nonconference foe
Robinson before returning home for a scheduled 7 p.m. tip next Tuesday
against Pontiac.

You can watch basketball games here.