Matt Le Cren

Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.

Penn recruit Matt Vatev and Stanford recruit Luke Vatev to go separate ways. First, Hinsdale Central history.

March 3, 2026 at 9:47 a.m.

Luke Vatev wins two individual state titles, Matt Vatev wins one, and the brothers team up to win two relays as Hinsdale Central wins the team championship again.

Even on bench, Waubonsie Valley’s Elliana Morris is ‘ready no matter what.’ She proves that in supersectional.

March 3, 2026 at 10:11 a.m.

Waubonsie Valley's Elliana Morris comes off the bench to hit three consecutive 3-pointers against Nazareth during a Class 4A supersectional.

Brayden Capen, right, won the championship and Marmion teammate Dan Ginaitis took second in the 200-yard IM of the boys swimming state meet in Westmont on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026. (Brian O’Mahoney / The Beacon-News)

Tennessee commit Brayden Capen wins state swim title for Marmion. Followed by West Virginia-bound Dan Ginaitis.

March 1, 2026 at 10:18 p.m.

Brayden Capen took first place and Dan Ginaitis finished second for Marmion in the 200-yard individual medley at state.

Harvard commit Yury Plaksin is the fastest swimmer in Illinois as he races to Vernon Hills’ first state titles

February 28, 2026 at 6:53 p.m.

Vernon Hills junior Yury Plaksin wins the 50-yard and 100-yard freestyle races at the state meet in Westmont.

Illinois target Cole Kelly and Neuqua Valley had lost once. In rematch, he makes sure it doesn’t happen again.

February 28, 2026 at 12:17 a.m.

Cole Kelly scores 36 points as Neuqua Valley avenges its only loss by routing Oswego East in a Class 4A regional final.

Syncere Williams, who has ties to Gordie Kerkman’s West Aurora teams, strengthens Waubonsie’s ties to winning

February 28, 2026 at 3:50 p.m.

West Aurora transfer Syncere Williams' defense helps Waubonsie Valley oust Benet again in defense of its 2024 and 2025 sectional titles.

Naperville North’s Carson Loughlin champions his teammates. Right to the end. ‘Everyone brought something.’

February 26, 2026 at 9:44 a.m.

Naperville North's loss in a playoff opener marks the end of the line for a large senior class that includes Carson Loughlin, Max Steele, Miles Okyne and Will Harvey.

Waubonsie Valley's Danyella Mporokoso (10) and Arie Garcia-Evans (1) celebrate after a win over Naperville Central in a Class 4A East Aurora Sectional semifinal game on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (Sean King / Naperville Sun)

Waubonsie Valley’s Danyella Mporokoso nears 3,000 points. But not without partner in wins Arie Garcia-Evans.

February 28, 2026 at 3:50 p.m.

Danyella Mporokoso and Arie Garcia-Evans carry Waubonsie Valley past Naperville Central in the Class 4A sectional semifinals.

Manny Miller’s lobs to Tre Watkins make it ‘fun playing with him.’ Can he lift Metea Valley even higher?

February 24, 2026 at 7:41 a.m.

Manny Miller is working well with star Tre Watkins in his first season as a starter and hopes to help Metea Valley make a run in the postseason.

Geneva’s Reese Lackey reacts in the finals of the floor exercise during the girls gymnastics state meet in Palatine on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. (Brian O’Mahoney / The Beacon-News)

Reese Lackey floors the competition to win second state title by a Geneva gymnast. ‘Something good to end on.’

February 23, 2026 at 7:52 p.m.

Geneva's Reese Lackey scores career-high 9.6 to capture the title on floor exercise in the state finals at Palatine.

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