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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

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