Paul Johnson – Page 18

Jake Thies’ interception is one more moment to remember for a ‘great player’ as Fenwick wins 6A state title

December 3, 2025 at 11:14 a.m.

After scoring twice, Jake Thies makes an interception that all but seals Fenwick's 38-28 win over East St. Louis in the Class 6A state championship game.

Aurora Central Catholic’s Sofia Orozco (21) goes up strong through contact against Sycamore during a nonconference game in Aurora on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025. (Jeremy Toney / The Beacon-News)

Taking over after team injuries, Aurora Central Catholic’s Sofia Orozco responds to message. ‘Need that nudge.’

December 2, 2025 at 12:10 a.m.

Sofia Orozco scores 16 points but Aurora Central Catholic suffers first loss of season in a 68-50 setback to Sycamore.

East Aurora's Casston Cross (3) drives to the basket as St. Charles East's Cooper Jensen defends during a Ron Johnson Thanksgiving Tournament game in St. Charles on Monday, Nov. 24, 2025. (Jon Langham / The Beacon-News)

Coming in from Iowa, Casston Cross learns a lot about East Aurora’s style. And he loves it. ‘We just clicked.’

November 24, 2025 at 11:38 p.m.

Casston Cross scores game-high 18 points for East Aurora in a 65-58 tournament win over St. Charles East.

St. Charles North's Haley Burgdorf (23) goes up for a kill against the host Redhawks during a Class 4A Naperville Central Regional championship match on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. (Sean King / The Beacon-News)

St. Charles North’s Haley Burgdorf is the 2025 Beacon-News/Courier-News Girls Volleyball Player of the Year

November 24, 2025 at 7:07 p.m.

St. Charles North's Haley Burgdorf, who will leave early for Penn State, finishes high school career with 1,658 kills.

St. Charles North's Sidney Wright (22) taps the ball over the net for a kill point against Batavia during a DuKane Conference match in St. Charles on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2025. (Mark Black / The Beacon-News)

Introducing the 2025 Beacon-News/Courier-News Girls Volleyball All-Area Team

November 24, 2025 at 4:38 p.m.

Four standout players from dominant St. Charles North highlight the first and second teams.

Batavia’s Henry Hahn (28) breaks the tackle attempt of St. Rita’s Andrew Elwood (4) during a Class 7A state semifinal game in Chicago on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. (Troy Stolt / The Beacon-News)

Getting chance to run ball a bit more, Batavia’s Henry Hahn scores big TD. And then? ‘Ready to win the game.’

November 23, 2025 at 1:12 a.m.

Henry Hahn runs for 78 yards and a TD on nine carries for Batavia in a 54-34 semifinal loss to St. Rita.

St. Rita’s Jack Schapendonk (43) runs toward the ball on defense against Batavia during a Class 7A state semifinal game in Chicago on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025. (Troy Stolt / Daily Southtown)

Jack Schapendonk makes sure St. Rita’s defense comes up with crucial sacks and big stops. ‘Saw what was there.’

November 24, 2025 at 4:26 p.m.

Jack Schapendonk contributes two sacks and pair of stops on fourth down, leading St. Rita to a 54-34 semifinal win.

Hampshire's Jiselle Lopez, left, defends against Geneva's Keira McCann (30) during the fourth quarter of the Doreen Zierer Turkey Tournament in Hampshire on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon-News)

Leveling up on defense, Jiselle Lopez helps Hampshire stop Geneva in fourth quarter. The gist? ‘Grown so much.’

November 21, 2025 at 11:15 p.m.

Jiselle Lopez scores nine points and turns up defense as Hampshire takes a rugged 38-36 tourney win over Geneva.

Burlington Central’s Julia Scheuer (3) starts the fast break after a turnover against East Aurora during the Mark Einwich Tournament at Burlington Central on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025. (Jeremy Toney / The Beacon-News)

Julia Scheuer brings high energy and then some for Burlington Central. Can you hear it? ‘Loudest on the court.’

November 20, 2025 at 12:22 a.m.

Julia Scheuer scores game-high 18 points to lead Burlington Central to 60-14 win over East Aurora.

Batavia's Luke Gardner (24) watches a play on a tablet against Glenbard North in the first half of a Class 7A state quarterfinal game in Batavia on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon-News)

Discussion with defensive coordinator gets Batavia’s Luke Gardner starring role at safety. ‘Just want to play.’

November 19, 2025 at 10:21 p.m.

As the strong safety, Luke Gardner leads Batavia with 86 tackles, picking up his production in the playoffs.

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