Pontiac gets a home date in the sectionals tonight. The Indians who have enjoyed a late-season surge winning nine of their last 10, will host Marian Catholic of Chicago Heights tonight in the Class 3A Sectional semifinals. Marc Strauss will be at courtside with the tipoff at 7 on Classic Hits 98.9.

Ridgeview is in the Super-Sectional for the third time in four seasons. The 7th-ranked Mustangs take on No. 4 Annawan in a Class 1A Super-Sectional at Redbird Arena.

One of Illinois basketball’s prized recruits is leaving the program. Mark Smith, who was Mr. Basketball for the State of Illinois as a senior at Edwardsville High School has been granted his release from the program. Smith says it’s not a good fir for him in coach Brad Underwood’s system.

After leading Illinois State to a victory in the regular season finale, the Missouri Valley Conference has named Simone Goods as its Newcomer of the Week for women’s basketball for the third time. Goods recorded 25 points, six rebounds and two blocks in the Redbirds’ 53-41 win at Bradley on Saturday.

The St. Louis Cardinals have signed shortstop and former Illinois State infielder Paul DeJong to a six-year, $26 million contract extension.

The Peoria Chiefs have announced that Baseball Hall of Fame manager Tony LaRussa will be a VIP guest at Dozer Park, on May 5 as the Chiefs host South Bend. LaRussa will sign autographs during the game.    

The Chicago Cubs say pitcher Jon Lester is practicing bouncing his throw to first base as he tries to overcome problems he’s had throwing to first. He first tried it in a game on Sunday and committed a throwing error.

The Chicago Bulls were crushed by Boston. Down as many as 37 points, the Bulls lost to the Celtics 105-89.