06/15/26 Hour 1: St. Joseph-Ogden Wins IHSA 2A State Championship | Coach Josh Haley Joins The Drive, Knicks Capture NBA Title & Latest Illini Headlines
The Drive on ESPN 93.5 delivers a high-energy sports roundup from a historic weekend in Illinois athletics, spotlighting St. Joseph-Ogden’s dominant Class 2A baseball state championship win—featuring a 30-2 scoring edge in their final three playoff games and a perfect 11-0 record from ace pitcher Asher Permer. Coach Josh Haley joins the show to reflect on the team’s journey, emphasizing the power of community support in a small town and the deep coaching staff cohesion built over two decades. The episode also celebrates the New York Knicks’ first NBA title in 53 years, dissecting their miraculous comebacks and the controversial postgame exit of star player Wimby, sparking debate over sportsmanship and athlete grace. Meanwhile, the Carolina Hurricanes clinched the Stanley Cup in six, and Illini sports news includes a season-ending injury to Boise State’s Ty Rogers, Illinois softball’s new pitching coach hire, and a historic back-to-back Byron Nelson Award for Fighting Illini golfers. The show blends local pride, national triumphs, and playful banter with intern Pierce the Fierce, all wrapped in a vibrant, unfiltered sports radio style.
St. Joseph-Ogden’s baseball team won the Class 2A state title with a 30-2 run in their final three playoff games, outscoring opponents 366-83 all season.
Coach Josh Haley credits the Spartans’ success to a 21-year coaching staff bond and unwavering community support from a small town of just 29 players.
The New York Knicks won their first NBA championship in 53 years, overcoming 99.5% win probability deficits in multiple games.
Wimby’s postgame exit sparked national debate, but hosts argue athletes deserve grace after devastating losses, citing precedent from Brady and Manning.
Illinois golfers Ryan and Jackson Buchanan became the first consecutive Byron Nelson Award winners since the award’s inception in 2002.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Opening Banter: 'If You Build It, He Will Come' & Father's Day Vibes
The hosts kick off with a playful debate over the correct quote from Field of Dreams, setting a nostalgic tone for Father's Day. They tease each other about wedding plans and intern antics, establishing the show’s lighthearted, conversational energy.
Celebrity Basketball Game Highlights & Intern Shenanigans
Evan Stone recounts his charity basketball game experience, including a flagrant foul on Cam Rowan, a triple-double stat line, and playful jabs from Pierce the Fierce. The segment blends sports humor with community pride.
Illini Sports Headlines: Injury, Coaching Hires & Historic Golf Wins
The hosts break down major Illini news: Ty Rogers’ season-ending injury at Boise State, Illinois softball hiring Jeremy Manley as pitching coach, and the historic back-to-back Byron Nelson Award wins by Ryan and Jackson Buchanan.
St. Joseph-Ogden’s State Championship Run: Dominance & Defense
The show shifts to the heart of the episode: SJO’s Class 2A baseball title. The hosts highlight the Spartans’ 366-83 season scoring margin and their 1-0 run in the state finals, setting the stage for Coach Haley’s interview.
Coach Josh Haley on the Phone: The Heart of a Small-Town Dynasty
“Our community travels. It's going to show up, and it was more than they expected. I think the U of I facility directors are still talking about how many fans were there.”
“Our community travels. It's going to show up, and it was more than they expected. I think the U of I facility directors are still talking about how many fans were there.”
“And the last time they won a championship, the Rubik's Cube didn't exist. I'm not joking. That's for real.”
“But it's just seeing how he played and then how he reacted afterwards is kind of what makes it hard to give grace to that.”
Hosts
Guest
St. Joseph-Ogden
other
Evan Stone
person
Curtis Allen
person
Josh Haley
person
New York Knicks
other
Pierce the Fierce
person
Wimby
person
Jalen Brunson
person
Carolina Hurricanes
other
Bryson
person
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