An all-conference linebacker, Wauconda’s Jackson Rudolph gets ready to ‘keep the running tradition going’ August 9, 2024 at 11:30 a.m. Rudolph, who also plays baseball, will take on a headlining role as a fullback in Wauconda's run-heavy offense.
Libertyville grad Dylan Holmes learns he can’t put ‘athlete’ before ‘student.’ His baseball career depends on it. August 2, 2024 at 11:27 a.m. Holmes will try to get back on track at Oakton after missing last season at Triton to focus on academics.
Lake Zurich’s Jacob Wilk is a latecomer to football. But ‘massive improvement’ makes him a Division I recruit. July 30, 2024 at 10:35 a.m. Wilk, a Western Michigan commit, is a 6-foot-6, 290-pound left tackle who combines size and athleticism.
Carmel QB Trae Taylor’s first start is coming. NIL deals and offers from 23 college programs already arrived. July 26, 2024 at 11:18 a.m. Taylor has offers from Illinois, Michigan and Ohio State, among others, and interest from Notre Dame.
Illinois catcher Camden Janik, a Wauconda grad drafted by Pirates, is ‘embracing the unknown’ as he turns pro July 24, 2024 at 10:47 a.m. Janik, who hit .356 with 49 RBIs during his junior season, led Illinois to the NCAA Tournament.
Think Waukegan’s Simereon Carter has been good already? He wants to be the ‘best player out there.’ July 12, 2024 at 11:23 a.m. Carter, who averaged 14.3 points last season, goes into his junior year with a new mindset.
Opportunity knocks for Mundelein’s Brandon Bautista, who still understands importance of ‘knowing your role’ July 9, 2024 at 10:32 a.m. Bautista got more minutes down the stretch last season and didn't waste them.
Naperville Central graduate Sam Hojnar led Maryland in homers and RBIs. Country music may lead him elsewhere. June 21, 2024 at 3:01 p.m. Hojnar, an aspiring country music artist, has played shows in Iowa City, Iowa, and College Park, Maryland.
Introducing the 2024 News-Sun Baseball All-Area Team June 21, 2024 at 11:35 a.m. Libertyville's Quinn Schambow and Mundelein's Joey Kafka are among the players on the first team.
Illinois recruit Luke Weber, the 2024 News-Sun Baseball Player of the Year, in ‘complete control’ for Highland Park June 21, 2024 at 11:48 a.m. Weber, who was unbeaten until the playoffs, went 8-1 with a 0.79 ERA, a 0.80 WHIP and 86 strikeouts in 62 innings.