Big changes are moving fast regarding sports fields at Crete-Monee High School.

Groundbreaking took place December 2 and, when all is said and done, there will be a plethora of improvements for athletes and the community.

After the demolition of the football field, it will be replaced by a multi-sport synthetic turf football and soccer field. It will be surrounded by a National Federation of High School-approved running track and include facilities for field events. 

Synthetic baseball and softball fields also will be erected, with press boxes and new scoreboards. 

Tennis courts will be renovated to feature four tennis courts and 14 pickleball courts. 

The stadium will house 2,000 patrons on the home side and 1,000 on the visitor’s side. There also will be a natural grass practice field, plus asphalt parking lots. 

According to school officials, the project should be completed by the fall, and funds from the project will be secured from Tax Increment Financing funds.

The project is estimated to cost between $1 million and $2 million. 

Know your assignments

The Illinois High School Association posted its postseason basketball assignments. 

In boys basketball, three area teams will converge at the 23-team Class 2A Peotone Sectional. 

Beecher, Manteno and the hosts will battle it out in Sub-Sectional B.

In Class 3A, Crete-Monee is in the 20-team Brother Rice Sectional.

Seeding will take place February 13, and regionals begin February 24.

In girls basketball, powerhouse Manteno is in Sub-Sectional B in the 23-team Class 2A Herscher Sectional. 

Also in that sub-sectional are Beecher and Peotone.

In Class 3A, Crete-Monee is in the 16-team Marian Catholic Sectional.

Seeding takes place February 6, with regional action opening February 15.

Sports bits

•Crete-Monee’s boys basketball team pulled off a 48-41 stunner over Simeon at the Bob Hambric Classic January 12 at Thornton Fractional North. Jaylen Blakes had 14 points for the Warriors.

•Manteno boys basketball coach Zack Myers picked up his 100th career victory, with a 61-49 triumph over Clifton Central on January 17. 

•Beecher boys basketball coach Tyler Shireman watched his team come back from a 12-point deficit January 14 to beat Momence, 65-59, for his 197th career win. That passes Kevin Brown for most all-time wins at Beecher.

•Crete-Monee’s Chance Evans earned an eSports scholarship to St. Xavier University.