Many milestones were met for the (2008-09) Cerro Gordo Broncos. The team finished (20-8), their second consecutive 20-win season under head coach Scott Bacon. Drew Minton broke many records in his playing days at the school, which culminated last year as Cerro Gordo's all-time leading scorer (2,024) points. He also set the assists record (656).

The Broncos lose Minton, a first-team All-State selection by both the Associated Press and IBCA. Minton set six career records, among several single-game and single-season records. He was also a three-time first-team All-Conference pick in the Little Okaw Valley. Tyler Phelps is also lost to graduation, a second-team all-conference pick last season and earned All-Area accolades from the Champaign News-Gazette, Decatur Herald & Review, and Piat County Journal.

"We had a good year last year, back to back 20 win seasons and league titles are hard to come by. We have raised expectations of our program back to the once high standards. Our coaching staff and players welcome that challenge and will continue to work to keep the tradition here to stay," coach Bacon said.

Despite losing an All-Stater in Minton, the Broncos will have plenty of talent returning to the 2009-10 squad. Nathan Lawler (6'0" Sr. Forward) averaged 10 points/game and 10 rebounds/game as a junior. "(Lawler) is our first option on offense this year." Lawler was the Broncos defensive player of the year last season, and was an honorable mention All-Conference selection, and was a first-team All-Area by the Piat County Journal. He also received Honorable Mention All-Area from the Champaign News-Gazette and Decatur Herald & Review.

Nick Farison (5'8" Sr. Guard) looks to help the Broncos offense by his defense. Brad Forbes (6'1" Jr. Forward/Guard) will see an increased role this year. "(Forbes) is looking to take more of a scoring role this season." Jordan Ramay (6'0" Jr. Point Guard) will run the offense. "(Ramay) is taking the reigns back after a solid sophomore campaign." Tim Weaver (6'1" So. Guard) may be young, but got solid experience as a freshman. "(Weaver) is the best shooter on the team and one of the best in our area, will be our second option on offense."

Newcomers at Cerro Gordo that will provide some depth include, Collin Woolen (5'9" Jr. Guard), and Dalton Dupont (5'8" Jr. Guard). "Two short, but quick/athletic guards that will help with the depth off the bench." Max Cekandar (6'0" Jr. Center) will also see significant playing time. "Played a backup role last year, possible fifth starter, if not will be one of the first off the bench."

Competitive is how Bacon sums up the 2009-10 Broncos season. "The goal is always to get to 20 wins, and make the regional final. We would like to keep our conference run in tact, although it will be difficult. If we do not win our tournaments we are in, we are always highly competitive and bring some type of hardware, we would like to continue that as well."

The Broncos have claimed the last two Little Okaw Valley Conference championships. Last year's team finished (10-2), while the 2007-08 team went (10-1). "The conference will be strong (this) season, in my opinion the top teams are; Arcola, (Broadlands) Heritage, and Arthur."

Scott Bacon enters his fourth season as head coach at Cerro Gordo. His record at the school is (57-27). The team started (1-7) in Bacon's first season, and have gone (56-20) since. Bacon also coached a partial (2001-02) season at LaHarpe (2-7) and one season at Hamilton (2002-03), where he led the Cardinals to a (13-18) record.

The last postseason hardware earned by Cerro Gordo came during the (1973-74) season under coach Jack Blickensderfer (current Macon Meridian coach), when the Broncos qualified for the Elite Eight. He also led them to an Elite Eight appearance in the (1972-73) season. Maurice Klotz holds the all-time career coaching wins mark at the school (122), from (1944-45 to 1950-51). Second on the list is John Lawson (117) from (1978-79 to 1984-85).

Cerro Gordo basketball has a wonderful website tracking school records, scores, stats, history, and a plethora of information at http://www.cerrogordo.k12.il.us/