Rick Armstrong

Rick Armstrong has spent most of his 43-year career in journalism covering high school and college sports throughout Chicago's west and southwest suburbs with stops in DeKalb, Joliet, Elgin and Aurora. The Northern Illinois graduate enjoys discovering and telling the stories of athletes from all levels in the communities he covers.

Aurora University’s Josh Tinney (10) shoots a free throw against Benedictine during a Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference game in Aurora on Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. (Jeremy Toney / The Beacon-News)

Getting extended minutes, Waubonsie Valley alum Josh Tinney answers for Aurora University. ‘Whatever is asked.’

February 19, 2026 at 12:46 a.m.

Josh Tinney comes up with seven points, three rebounds and two assists for AU in tense 87-78 win over Benedictine.

West Aurora's Drew Lundberg (12) plays the ball in the post against Glenbard East's Michael Nee (4) during an Upstate Eight Conference crossover game in Aurora on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. (Sean King / The Beacon-News)

Don’t call him Gramps. Drew Lundberg delivers for West Aurora, the Upstate Eight West champs. ‘The hot hand.’

February 18, 2026 at 12:48 a.m.

West Aurora's Drew Lundberg scores all of team-high 14 points in first half before Glenbard East rallies for 74-55 win.

Burlington Central's Declan Wilson (13) grabs a rebound against Geneva during the third quarter of a nonconference game in Burlington on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon-News)

Starting out at 6-foot-6, Burlington Central’s Declan Wilson keeps growing. And gets better. ‘Learning a lot.’

February 15, 2026 at 9:56 p.m.

Declan Wilson, a freshman forward, tallies 13 points and seven rebounds for Burlington Central in 78-69 loss to Geneva.

Marmion's Joseph Kramer (24) puts up a 3-pointer over the arms of Kaneland's Marshawn Cocroft (3) during a nonconference game in Aurora on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. (Jon Langham/for the Beacon-News)

Rick Armstrong’s high school boys basketball rankings and player of the week for the Aurora-Elgin area

February 15, 2026 at 6:53 p.m.

Geneva and Burlington make biggest moves up rankings still topped by unbeaten Kaneland.

Oswego’s Cole Jansons (23) puts up a shot in the lane against Oswego East's Mason Lockett (23) during a Southwest Prairie West game in Oswego on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. (Sean King / The Beacon-News)

Cole Jansons, who’s 6-foot-11 and growing, sparks resurgence for Oswego. And another OT win. ‘Gonna be fun.’

February 14, 2026 at 1:14 a.m.

Cole Jansons scores four of his 13 points early in OT as Oswego pulls off 65-58 win over rival Oswego East.

Aurora University’s Mekhi Doby (11) heads toward half court to inbound the ball against Rockford during a Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference game in Aurora on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. (Jeremy Toney / The Beacon-News)

With eyes on the NCAA Tournament, Mekhi Doby helps Aurora University to 17th straight win. ‘Really special.’

February 11, 2026 at 9:41 p.m.

Mekhi Doby picks up 10 points, six rebounds and three assists as Aurora University cruises past Rockford 84-70.

Marmion's Joseph Kramer (24) drives past Ottawa Marquette's Luke McCullough (23) during a nonconference game in Aurora on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026. (Jon Langham / The Beacon-News)

Marmion’s Joseph Kramer, who ‘kind of flies under the radar,’ keeps hitting from 3-point range. AAU is next.

February 11, 2026 at 11:42 a.m.

Joseph Kramer hits four straight 3-pointers in first half and finishes with 14 points in 72-44 win over Ottawa Marquette.

Hinckley-Big Rock's Marshall Ledbetter (33) drives inside for a shot against Aurora Central Catholic during a nonconference game in Aurora on Monday, Feb. 9, 2026. (Mark Black / The Beacon-News)

Marshall Ledbetter follows brother’s footsteps but in a different way for Hinckley-Big Rock. ‘Take advantage.’

February 10, 2026 at 11:45 a.m.

Who will be able to pick up the slack? That was Hinckley-Big Rock's biggest question heading into this season with the graduation of the program’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder...

Illinois Math and Science Academy's Neil Sitapara (00) drives to the basket against Indian Creek's Jason Brewer (2) during the Little Ten Conference Tournament final in Somonauk on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. (Sean King / The Beacon-News)

Neil Sitapara puts into perspective IMSA’s loss in Little Ten Conference Tournament. ‘Never made it this far.’

February 8, 2026 at 10:17 p.m.

Neil Sitapara scores team-high seven points for Illinois Math and Science Academy in 40-29 loss to Indian Creek.

Batavia's Dane Farrar (15) and Evan Blankenship (3) collide for a rebound against Geneva in the third quarter of a DuKane Conference game in Batavia on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon-News)

Rick Armstrong’s high school boys basketball rankings and player of the week for the Aurora-Elgin area

February 8, 2026 at 9:39 p.m.

Oswego East, Waubonsie Valley and Marmion move up. Yorkville Christian enters the rankings.

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