Blake Baumgartner

First things, first win: Division I prospect Chris Conway carries Naperville Central past Neuqua Valley

December 15, 2018 at 6:45 a.m.

You could immediately sense the big sigh of relief Chris Conway was ready to let out for Naperville Central. The 6-foot-9 junior center’s confidence continued to grow Friday night against...

Naperville Central's Payton Thorne (1) rolls out to pass during a game against Lincoln-Way East on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018.

Changeup: Naperville Central’s Payton Thorne switches from Western Michigan to Michigan State

December 15, 2018 at 5:44 a.m.

For many reasons, Western Michigan fit Naperville Central’s Payton Thorne perfectly as he contemplated his playing career in college. His relationship with Broncos coach Tim Lester went back years. He...

Boys basketball notes: Supersectional loss fuels red-hot start for junior center Colin Crothers and Benet

December 14, 2018 at 12:38 a.m.

Junior center Colin Crothers vividly remembers the evening of March 14. A 53-46 loss to Larkin that left Benet one win shy of a third trip to the Class 4A...

North’s star: Loyola recruit Tom Welch scores 25 points as Naperville North slips past Naperville Central

December 12, 2018 at 12:02 a.m.

Whether it’s making plays on his own or facilitating things for his teammates, Tom Welch leaves an indelible imprint every time he walks onto the basketball court for Naperville North....

Boys basketball notes: Cam Dougherty-led Naperville Central looking forward to Naperville North

December 11, 2018 at 11:12 p.m.

From the start, Cam Dougherty knew this season was going to be different. Installed as one of two junior captains, which is a rarity at Naperville Central, Dougherty immediately felt...

On target: Marcus Skeete scores 16 points in the second half as Waubonsie Valley rolls past Naperville North

December 11, 2018 at 10:07 p.m.

Waubonsie Valley has found an extra gear is there when needed. Junior forward Marcus Skeete was there to provide that finishing kick Friday night at Naperville North. Skeete scored a...

Boys basketball notes: Naperville North senior leader Tom Welch says ‘winning is why you play’

December 12, 2018 at 8:15 a.m.

Senior guard/forward Tom Welch has seen his fair share of winning at Naperville North. Over his first two boys basketball seasons, Welch has played for teams that won a combined...

Naperville Central's Payton Thorne (1) rolls out to pass against Lincoln-Way East during a game on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018.

Naperville Central’s Payton Thorne is the 2018 Naperville Sun Football Player of the Year

December 12, 2018 at 5:04 a.m.

The meticulous nature of Naperville Central senior Payton Thorne is pretty self-evident. “In this game, confidence comes from preparation,” he said. “When we can show up on Friday night knowing...

Benet's Jack Cooney returns an interception during the first quarter against St. Laurence in a game on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018.

Introducing the 2018 Naperville Sun Football All-Area Team

December 12, 2018 at 5:03 a.m.

First Team Offense Matt Appel School: Neuqua Valley. Year: Junior. Position: Offensive line. Accolades: All-conference selection. Key stats: Helped Wildcats rush for an average of 161.2 yards a game. Will...

Cannon ball: Senior point guard Eric Cannon wants to complete turnaround for Waubonsie Valley

December 12, 2018 at 4:45 a.m.

An early riser every morning, Waubonsie Valley’s Eric Cannon rarely misses an opportunity to practice his shot. With his career entering its fourth and final year, time is of the...

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