Ex-Notre Dame star McCormick returns home to recover

Former Notre Dame standout Deana McCormick was released from Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Ill., and returned to her parents' home in Jackson this past weekend.

McCormick, a freshman on the Quincy University women's basketball team, suffered a brain hemorrhage early last week and was held in intensive care for several days.

Marianne McCormick said on Wednesday her daughter is still experiencing constant headaches and doesn't know when she'll return to classes. McCormick had started every game for Quincy before being hospitalized but probably will not play again this season.

Cards and well wishes have been coming from all over, from her former high school, to current teammates, to fans and people she doesn't even know.

"The support, prayers and wishes have all been overwhelming actually," Marianne McCormick said. "We really appreciate all of it."

McCormick, Notre Dame's career-leading rebounder and scorer, had been making her presence felt at Quincy (14-4) after helping the Bulldogs to the Class 2 state championship last year. In her 16 games played, McCormick led the Lady Hawks in rebounding on four occasions. She recently hit seven of eight shots from the field for a season-high 15 points in a win over Kentucky Wesleyan.

Dukes says he's bound for Joliett Junior College

Central all-state linebacker Jeremiah Dukes said he has given an oral commitment to play football at Joliett Junior College in Illinois.

Dukes plans to join his half-brother Chris Smith, a 2002 graduate of Central, who helped Joliett to the junior college national championship this past season.

The signing period begins Wednesday, Feb. 5.

Oran voted No. 1 in state coaches' baseball poll

Oran debuted as the No. 1 ranked team in Class 1 in the Missouri High School Baseball Coaches Association preseason poll this week.

The Eagles, led by a talented group of juniors, reached the Class 1 final four in the 2002 season. Oran placed third at state and finished with a 20-5 record.

Chaffee was ranked eighth in Class 1; Sikeston fourth in Class 3; and West County second in Class 2.

As long as they're free, let's help ourselves

Van Buren and Ellington's girls set a Missouri state record with a combined 100 free throws in their game last week.

Van Buren had 53 attempts -- a state record itself -- while Ellington had 47. The total made for easy calculation as they combined to sink 61 percent. Van Buren made 34 attempts and Ellington was successful on 27.

Jackson girls to play in Fischer tournament

Jackson's girls have received the fourth seed in the Fischer Pro-Line Tournament which begins Tuesday at Maryville University in St. Louis.

St. Joseph Academy received the top seed, followed by Jefferson City, Duchesne, Jackson, Cor Jesu, Webster Groves, Visitation and Parkway West.

Jackson will open against Cor Jesu at 6 p.m. Tuesday. The semifinals are set for Friday, Feb. 7, and the championship for 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8.

For advance tickets, call Jackson athletic director Kevin Bohnert at 243-9521.

Mississippi Valley gears up for conference tournament

The Mississippi Valley Conference basketball tournament opens Monday with round-robin play. Host Meadow Heights is the top seed in both the varsity and junior-varsity fields.

Meadow Heights will face (4) Oak Ridge and (5) Chaffee in the varsity's Pool A. Pool B will consist of (2) Leopold, (3) Zalma and (6) Marquand.

The JV championship will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8. The varsity championship will follow at 5:30.

Cost is $3 for adults and $2 for students.

jbreer@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 124