Sam Brief – Page 5 –

Lakes' Katie Mercure chats during a Northern Lake County Conference match against Antioch in Lake Villa on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023.

Pressure doesn’t bother Lakes setter Katie Mercure. She embraces it. ‘Confidence just exudes from her.’

September 8, 2023 at 2:04 p.m.

By the time she turned 13, Lakes' Katie Mercure had sampled just about every position volleyball has to offer. But she hadn't tried playing setter — until her youth coaches...

Grayslake Central's Sean Mullen returns an interception during a Northern Lake County Conference game at Round Lake on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022.

Former gymnast Sean Mullen meets high bar for Grayslake Central in two sports. He picked up football quickly.

August 22, 2023 at 1:17 p.m.

Grayslake Central's Sean Mullen remembers being nervous as he got ready for his first varsity football game. After all, Mullen didn't have much experience in the sport at the time....

Libertyville's Caleb Baczek, top, wrestles against Grayslake Central's Matty Jens during a match in the 182-pound weight class at the Lake County Invitational in Libertyville on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023.

Libertyville’s Caleb Baczek isn’t satisfied after successful sophomore year. To improve, he isn’t on his own.

August 18, 2023 at 2:21 p.m.

Libertyville linebacker Caleb Baczek stood in an expansive green field and ran the beep test. Known by other names, including the shuttle run test, the drill is used to gauge...

Carmel's Sarah Jenkins works on her serve during a practice in Mundelein on Monday, Aug. 14, 2023.

A performer on the stage, Carmel’s Sarah Jenkins takes on a different role on the court. ‘I’m super excited.’

August 15, 2023 at 12:43 p.m.

Sarah Jenkins has a new role as a senior leader for Carmel this season. Roles are nothing new for Jenkins, though. As far back as a decade ago, she played...

Carmel quarterback Johnny Weber looks to throw a pass during a nonconference game against Lake Forest in Mundelein on Friday, Sept. 2, 2022.

Johnny Weber is done racing dirt bikes. Carmel’s QB still takes risks. ‘You learn how to adapt on the fly.’

August 10, 2023 at 11:14 a.m.

Carmel's Johnny Weber wasn't always a quarterback. For years before he committed to play football at Southeast Missouri State, Weber had other priorities. "I would have said, 'No way I'm...

Lake Zurich's Leah Gilbertson shoots a free throw during a North Suburban Conference game at Waukegan on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022.

Lake Zurich’s Anna Gilbertson maps her future, but she already knew the way. It’s a sibling thing.

August 7, 2023 at 11:47 a.m.

When Lake Zurich's Anna Gilbertson and her siblings were younger, their father, Gerry, offered them a deal. He said he'd give them 5 cents for each time they dribbled a...

Morgan Hart pitches for Vernon Hills during the 2023 season.

Juggling softball and volleyball, Morgan Hart excels in both for Vernon Hills

August 2, 2023 at 8:46 a.m.

Morgan Hart recalls she didn't feel very confident when she jogged onto Vernon Hills' softball field for tryouts during her freshman year. "I didn't think I'd make varsity," Hart said....

Stevenson's Michaela Duffy will continue her softball career at Saint Mary's of Minnesota.

‘A blessing’ for Stevenson’s coach, Michaela Duffy heads to St. Mary’s to play for coach with national titles

July 20, 2023 at 12:39 p.m.

One Friday during the season, Stevenson coach India Steward strolled into a routine practice and noticed senior Michaela Duffy and her teammates looked different. The players were wearing long basketball...

Lake Zurich's Jonathan Fleaka throws the ball to first base during a game against Grayslake Central in Evanston on Thursday, May 19, 2022.

UIC commit Jonathan Fleaka learns he ‘can’t be perfect.’ But what can’t Lake Zurich’s captain do?

July 11, 2023 at 12:22 p.m.

Lake Zurich was one out away from a season-defining win in early April when a funky ground ball barreled toward shortstop Jonathan Fleaka. The Bears led eventual Class 4A Mundelein...

Stevenson's Colin Schmitke puts down a bunt during a game at Buffalo Grove on Saturday, April 8, 2023.

Stevenson’s Colin Schmitke makes another move, this time to Northwest Indiana for a summer league

June 20, 2023 at 12:16 p.m.

Lifelong infielder Colin Schmitke was all ready to move to the outfield during his junior season at Stevenson. Well, almost ready. He had the wrong glove. "I told him, 'Colin,...

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