By: Cavan Walsh
When ranking the top junior big men in the state, many are quick to overlook some of central
The skilled big man has been on the mend for the last four games with an elbow injury, but should be back on the floor soon enough, working towards Eisenhowers 3A state title hopes. VanNordeck was playing in the Decatur SOY Capital Turkey Tourney championship game against Peoria Central when he came down with a rebound and got tangled with his opponent and landed on his elbow. VanNordeck thought nothing of the injury other than just swelling at the time.
“Championship of the Turkey Tournament I went up for a rebound I got tripped and just fell on my elbow. I thought nothing of it after the game I iced it because I noticed a little swelling. Then, as the week went on the swelling grew from my elbow to my hand. Come to find out the bursitis sac in my elbow busted and an infection had spread down to my hand,” stated VanNordeck.
Eisenhower currently stands 7-0 and coming off a big win against Big 12 conference foe Champaign Central. Eisenhower is preparing for two big games this week; on Friday they will travel to
A decision is looming tomorrow, as VanNordeck has a visit with his doctor on what the next step will be. “If I have got enough of the infection out of my arm I should be cleared to play. If not then surgery is the most likely possibility and that would put me out for a while. I am really hoping that I can get cleared and play Saturday, but if not I would just like to be healthy for the rest of the season.”
As VanNordeck continues to be optimistic about what his injury holds for him and for his team, tomorrow will be the crucial point in which way his injury will go. Stick to Illinoishsbasketball.com for all the latest updates on