Possibly more eagerly awaited than Punxsutawney Phil’s appearance in Pennsylvania on Wednesday was that of Katherine Dykstra in Winnetka.
The 6-foot-4-inch senior, who had been sidelined by stress fractures since mid-December, returned to practice with her No. 3 New Trier girls basketball teammates.
Asked how Dykstra looked, Trevians coach Teri Rodgers said, “She looks tall.”
Dykstra, who rejoins 6-4 Amy Jaeschke to form the most imposing front line in the state, averaged 7.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per game last season.
Quite a kick
New Trier has lost the services of Kayanne Gummersall for the rest of the season–but for a good reason.
The two-time Tribune All-State soccer player has been selected to the under-17 U.S. national team.
Alan Sutton.
Triple threat
Triple-doubles are extremely rare in high school basketball, yet Plainfield Central’s Patrick Hanley pulled one off in Tuesday night’s 86-85 victory over Bolingbrook.
To make it even sweeter, Hanley banked in the winning shot with 3.5 seconds left while falling down in the lane. The 6-3 senior guard had 16 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists.
“I practice that shot all the time,” Hanley said with a laugh.
Bob Sakamoto.
Back to the future
Prospect wrestlers turned back the clock last weekend, winning the Mid-Suburban League meet for their first conference title since 1969.
Nine Knights were place-winners, topped by four champions: freshmen Jonny Brennan (103 pounds, season record 28-4) and Peter Zintak (145, 23-9) and seniors Ben Zintak (152, 31-3) and Justin Milos (171, 29-1).
Dave Surico.
Back for more
A year after West Aurora’s girls bowlers won six tournaments and surged to the state tournament only to finish 17th, a younger, less-heralded squad is poised for another strong finish. The Blackhawks are seeded No. 1 at the sectional they will host Saturday in North Aurora. Juniors Kala Clark (200 average), Christina Young (199) and Ashley Martinez (189) return from last year’s state tournament team.
Nathan Baird.
