Patrick Z. McGavin – Page 49

After committing twice to Minnesota, Naperville Central’s Sam Jackson switches pick to Purdue: ‘It was an emotional decision … the best decision.’

June 16, 2020 at 2:10 p.m.

The possibilities were endless for Naperville Central quarterback Sam Jackson. National powers Notre Dame and Oregon jammed up his complex recruiting calendar with offers this spring, joining a deep list...

East Aurora's Jacques Kelly, right, rises up to shoot over Oswego East's Rithik Ganesan during a Class 4A Oswego East Regional semifinal on Wednesday, March 4, 2020.

Boys basketball notes: Jacques Kelly knows that ‘when I dunk, everyone’s into it,’ but he wants to bring more to his game for East Aurora

June 15, 2020 at 2:23 p.m.

The best is yet to come for East Aurora in boys basketball, according to Jacques Kelly. In a unique twist, basketball wasn't always the best bet for Kelly. A sprinter...

Waubonsie Valley's Grayson Griffin (4) attempts to take down Naperville Central's Keon Green (1) during a game in Aurora on Friday, Oct. 11, 2019.

Grayson Griffin decides to transfer from Waubonsie Valley to St. Francis for senior year of football: ‘I cannot wait for the season to begin.’

June 12, 2020 at 9:03 p.m.

Grayson Griffin realizes the timing isn't ideal, but he believes it's the right moment for him to make a change. And that change is big. Griffin confirmed his decision Friday...

Neuqua Valley's John Poulakidas and Connor Davis (35) defend against Waubonsie Valley's Marcus Skeete (right) during a game on Friday, Feb. 7, 2020.

Neuqua Valley’s John Poulakidas and Connor Davis sifting through offers with boys basketball summer camp on hold: ‘It has been hard.’

June 11, 2020 at 12:35 p.m.

Normally, Neuqua Valley's gym is a solitary and comfortable place for John Poulakidas. It's where he has developed his game, especially the elite shooting ability that has made him a...

West Aurora's Marquise Walker (15) moves around DeKalb's Trenton Kyler for a basket during a nonconference game in Aurora on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019.

He graduated from West Aurora, his third high school. He’s on his second college. But Marquise Walker feels he’s on the right track.

June 8, 2020 at 1:00 p.m.

Marquise Walker didn't stop dreaming of a new start. Walker, who graduated from West Aurora in 2019, believes he has taken that next step. "My game plan was always to...

Oswego's Kobe Adams, left, drives against Waubonsie Valley's Isaiah Smith during a game on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2020.

Boys basketball notes: Oswego combo guard Kobe Adams knows all about adapting, looks to boost his shooting at the next level

June 3, 2020 at 1:59 p.m.

Oswego's Kobe Adams has grown accustomed to the art of adapting. Adams played basketball at West Aurora for two seasons before his family moved to Oswego the summer before the...

Aurora Christian's Karsen Olsen, defended by Indian Creek's Cooper Larsen (25), fires a pass in the Class 1A DeKalb Supersectional game at Northern Illinois on Tuesday, March 10, 2020.

Taaj Davis on Aurora Christian’s coaches visiting with the Class 1A boys basketball state finalist trophy: ‘It brought some light to the darkness.’

May 28, 2020 at 2:04 p.m.

After all of the highs and lows, through all of the ups and downs, Aurora Christian's Taaj Davis finally received some semblance of closure. It was a sunny afternoon on...

Two years at shortstop. The final season on varsity. Metea Valley’s Dylan Wrona hoped to make his pitch: ‘I was ready for the time of my life.’

May 22, 2020 at 4:19 p.m.

After starting at shortstop for two years on the varsity, Dylan Wrona was ready to become more of a pitcher for his senior season at Metea Valley. In fact, first-year...

Geneva's Katie Montgomery (30) brings the ball up court against West Aurora's Jalyssa Carrasco (1) during a game on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020.

Missouri State soccer recruit Katie Montgomery earns 7 varsity letters for Geneva: ‘She has the ability to make everyone around her better.’

May 18, 2020 at 3:23 p.m.

As a little girl, Geneva senior Katie Montgomery found her place on the soccer field by the process of elimination. Goalkeeper then became her home. "When I was younger, it...

Naperville Central senior Bo Turner makes connections as slot receiver and Army recruit

May 14, 2020 at 2:09 p.m.

Naperville Central receiver Bo Turner felt an immediate connection with Army. Approaching his junior year during the summer of 2018, Turner was attending a football camp at Northwestern when he...

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