Michael Osipoff

Michael Osipoff has covered high school, college and professional sports for more than two decades, primarily in Northwest Indiana. He previously worked for the Northern Virginia Daily and Newsday. He has won multiple awards in Indiana and Virginia. He was born in Brooklyn, raised in North Babylon, N.Y., and graduated from Cornell University.

MJ Mendoza is the youngest of 8 kids. In his family, he may be ‘spoiled.’ For River Forest, he earns it all.

January 12, 2026 at 11:45 a.m.

Junior guard MJ Mendoza has put in the work to become River Forest's top scorer and be named a team captain.

Novea Brandon is Chesterton’s only junior. Leading a young team that wins games, she ‘has a big influence.’

January 9, 2026 at 7:34 a.m.

Novea Brandon is a captain for a team predominated by sophomores and freshmen. “It’s a lot of responsibility,” Chesterton coach Candy Wilson said.

Cole Gilvydis follows in older brother’s footsteps to be impact player for Andrean. ‘It’s all come together.’

January 8, 2026 at 7:45 a.m.

Sophomore guard Cole Gilvydis averages a team-high 19.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists.

Junior forward Emilioh Cameron, left, and sophomore guard Mikey Rivera, who is Cameron's nephew, have helped Portage go 10-0 this season. (Michael Osipoff / Post-Tribune)

Emilioh Cameron and nephew Mikey Rivera are ‘more like brother-brother.’ Either way, they help Portage win.

January 6, 2026 at 7:56 a.m.

Brother Rice transfers Emilioh Cameron and Mikey Rivera are key players for undefeated Portage.

Always smiling, Kymora Baker ‘has that light’ to lead the way for Morton. Wins become much easier to find.

January 5, 2026 at 7:50 a.m.

Kymora Baker has plenty of reasons to smile after helping Morton win 11 of its first 12 games.

Introducing the 2025 Post-Tribune Football All-Area Team

December 19, 2025 at 12:06 p.m.

Indiana recruit Trevor Gibbs is one of three Crown Point players on the first team.

Record-setting Merrillville quarterback Michael Hill Jr. is the 2025 Post-Tribune Football Player of the Year

December 19, 2025 at 7:17 a.m.

Michael Hill Jr. broke two of Merrillville's single-season records en route to the Class 5A state championship game.

Merrillville’s Charles Hardiman goes from freshman phenom to sophomore sensation. ‘He just wants to win.’

December 18, 2025 at 7:39 a.m.

Charles Hardiman, a 6-foot-4 guard, is averaging 29.3 points but is more interested in leading Merrillville to a state title.

Kankakee Valley’s Olivia Adams learns ‘how precious’ basketball is to her. Is a special season in the cards?

December 16, 2025 at 7:37 a.m.

Mentioning this is Olivia Adams' first healthy season, it almost seems necessary to knock on wood.

After transferring between Hillcrest and St. Laurence, Gabe Mobley anchors Bishop Noll. ‘We need him.’

December 12, 2025 at 10:51 a.m.

Gabe Mobley, a 6-foot-4 guard, has become a leader in his first full season at Bishop Noll.

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