Darren Kinnard
Section618.com

WAYNE CITY — Wayne City head boys basketball coach Jake Talbert had an idea this past summer. He wanted to get a red blazer to wear on the sideline of a big game, a la long-time Illinois coach Lou Henson and the famous orange jacket he would wear leading the Illini. After a fruitless shopping trip with his daughter to Evansville, Talbert finally tracked down what he was looking for on eBay.

Saturday night felt like the perfect time and place for Talbert, who is from Wayne City, to debut his wardrobe addition–as the Indians squared off with Midland Trail Conference rival Webber in the championship game of the 67th Conrad Allen Holiday Tournament.

Taj McKinney scored 31 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Jonny Durham and Risten Kell added 15 apiece to lead Wayne City to a 67-51 win over the Trojans, giving the Indians their first Conrad Allen title since moving to the school’s new gym in 2016. The Indians led by 10 at the half and never allowed Webber close within single digits in the fourth quarter.

Seth Hamerski led Webber with 20. Hunter Danberry added 14 and Elijah Marlowe 11.

As for the bright red blazer, Talbert isn’t sure if it will become a staple in his wardrobe for big games. He said he might retire it, unbeaten with a tournament championship.