Suburban Sprawl lauds a record performance in track and field
Prospect grad Erin Reese launched an American record and the second-longest weight throw in the history of the sport at 25.73 meters on Saturday at the US Track and Field championships in Albuquerque. Don’t quote me on this, but the weight throw is basically an indoor version of the hammer throw.
Couldn’t find any footage of Saturday’s throw, but here she in action earlier this month:
Top of the Ivy
The two best men’s basketball teams in the Ivy League met Saturday, with host Princeton pulling off a 73-62 win over Yale. Princeton’s Caden Pierce (Glenbard West) scored 11 points, while John Poulakidas (Neuqua Valley) had 16 for Yale.
Thrilling finishes
This crazy ending sequence to the UCLA-Oregon State women’s game begins with a 3-pointer by Maine West grad Angela Dugalic for the Bruins
Saturday’s Davidson at St. Bonaventure game had strong local ties. First, Glenbard West’s Bobby Durkin scored to make it close
Then St. Viator’s Connor Kochera hit this shot that appeared to tie the game, but was eventually ruled a 2-pointer and the host Bonnies beat Davidson
Star on the rise
In case you missed it Friday, Willowbrook native Matas Buzelis hit a game-winner in the Rising Stars semifinal game. The former Hinsdale Central student is playing for G-League Ignite and projected as a top-10 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
State gymnastics
State gymnastics featured a brilliant performance by Hersey’s Sabrina Nemcek, who won the all-around, vault and uneven bars, along with leading the Huskies to the team title.
Vernon Hills’ Annika Chudy and Downers Grove South’s Genevieve Herion also won individual titles.
Palatine’s Jolee Waddington in action at the state meet
Here’s an example of how Nemcek became a state champ …
Salute to champions
There was plenty to celebrate with area wrestlers at the individual state finals in Champaign. For starters, it was a huge day for St. Charles East as Ben Davino became the rare four-time state champ
Teammate Jayden Colon won this third state title and the Fighting Saints had four other wrestlers place in the top four: Dom Munaretto (2nd), Gavin Connolly (3rd), Brody Murray (3rd), Anthony Gutierrez (4th).
Grayslake Central’s Matty Jens is his school’s first two-time champion
Collin Carrigan is the second state champ from Glenbard West
Prospect’s Jaxon Penovich won at 190 pounds
Maine South’s Teddy Flores won a close one at 120
This is a cool story. Warren freshman Caleb Noble pulled off a 6-5 decision to capture the state title at 106. In 1992, his father Derrick reached the championship match for Carmel, but lost in overtime.
There may be more state titles in store for Warren, since sophomore Aaron Stewart also won at 157.
Marmion had a pair of state champs
Montini and IC Catholic had two state champs each in Class 2A
Eric Bush is Johnsburg’s first state champion wrestler
Wauconda’s Gavin Rockey is a two-time second-place finisher
Grant Madl became the first Elk Grove wrestler to reach the podium in 40 years
March to mat
All of X seems to agree the introductions at state wrestling are amazing to watch. Here are a couple examples:
Regional champs
Here’s Schaumburg closing out its first regional title in girls basketball since 2013 …
Hinsdale South won its first regional title in 22 years
St. Viator won a close one against Wauconda in the regional final
Here are the final moments of Lake Zurich’s regional final win over Carmel
Hoop milestones
Fenton’s Alejandro Diaz was named Upstate Eight player of the year
Crystal Lake South boys went 18-0 in the Fox Valley Conference
History-makers
West Chicago boys swimming won its first sectional title
Dominating the classroom
A couple of local players made it to senior night at University of Chicago — Fremd’s Bryce Hopkins and Geneva’s Josh Preston
On the women’s side, Downers Grove North grad Ellie Gross (11) finished her career at U of C, while sister Kate (21) is a sophomore
New hire
Waubonsie Valley has a new head football coach. Fun fact: Adam Pucylowski punted for North Central in his college days.
Football commit
John Huibregtse will make the natural move from Wheaton Academy to Wheaton College
Spring sports
Fremd’s Connor Giusti homered for Valparaiso in the season opener
Flying through storms
For anyone looking forward to the 2024 football season, there’s this interesting e-document. East St. Louis released its schedule, which includes an opener against Loyola (meeting halfway at Illinois State), Newton, Ga., Philadelphia power Imhotep Charter, with a regular-season finale against IMG Academy. The Flyers will be well-tested if they can survive to the playoffs.
Ryan Field in ruins
Demolition has begun on Northwestern’s Ryan Field. While it’s always sad to see an old building go, it’s unlikely anyone would argue it was a comfortable fan experience to watch a game there, even after the massive ‘96 renovations.
Historic hot take
Speaking of Northwestern, West Lot Pirates dug up this editorial telling Al Capone to stay away from Dyche Stadium