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.

Kaneland's Evan Frieders (11) puts a move on a defender on his way to the basket against Marmion during a nonconference game in Aurora on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. (Jon Langham / The Beacon-News)

Even while filling up stat sheet, Evan Frieders maintains focus for Kaneland. ‘If we’re winning, I’m happy.’

December 17, 2025 at 11:38 p.m.

Evan Frieders tallies nine points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals in Kaneland's 66-50 win over Marmion.

West Aurora’s Travis Brown (1) directs his teammates before an offensive possession against Streamwood during an Upstate Eight West game in Aurora on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025. (Jeremy Toney / The Beacon-News)

Bouncing back from an injury, Travis Brown helps West Aurora erase 0-6 record. And now? ‘Keep our streak up.’

December 17, 2025 at 11:23 a.m.

Travis Brown provides spark and scores 11 points as West Aurora uses 1-2-2 press to beat Streamwood 82-20.

Illinois Math & Science Academy's Lota Onwuameze (34) waits for a pass against St. Edward in the second quarter of a nonconference game in Elgin on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon-News)

Lota Onwuameze wants to do more than just score points or grab rebounds for IMSA. ‘Bring our team together.’

December 16, 2025 at 12:40 a.m.

Lota Onwuameze leads the way for IMSA with game-high 17 points and 11 rebounds in a 51-32 win over St. Edward.

Oswego’s Graham Schwab (12) establishes post position against Waubonsie Valley's Ishmaiah Elliott (23) during a nonconference game in Oswego on Saturday, Dec. 13, 2025. (Sean King / The Beacon News)

After leading Oswego to state in football, Graham Schwab gets back into basketball groove. ‘Sky’s the limit.’

December 14, 2025 at 11:32 p.m.

Graham Schwab comes on strong in the fourth quarter as Oswego rallies for a 56-54 win over Waubonsie Valley.

Yorkville Christian's Jayden Riley (3) drives around Wheaton Academy's Jackson Snider (25) during a nonconference game in West Chicago on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024. (Mark Black / The Beacon-News)

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

December 14, 2025 at 10:36 p.m.

Geneva takes over top spot from Oswego East. Aurora Christian moves up and Burlington Central joins rankings.

Oswego's Mariano Velasco (10) tackles Lane Tech's Britton Perkins (2) during a Class 8A second-round playoff game at Lane Stadium in Chicago on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. (Talia Sprague / The Beacon-News)

‘Turn a game around’: Oswego’s Mariano Velasco is the 2025 Beacon-News/Courier-News Football Player of the Year

December 12, 2025 at 3:58 p.m.

Mariano Velasco, 2025 Beacon-News/Courier-News Football Player of the Year, makes the big plays for Oswego.

Aurora Christian's Asa Johnson (5) looks to pass against St. Edward in the third quarter of a Chicagoland Christian Conference game in Elgin on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon-News)

Introducing the 2025 Beacon-News/Courier-News Football All-Area Team

December 12, 2025 at 2:57 p.m.

Seven players from Class 8A state runner-up Oswego highlight the first and second teams.

Burlington Central's Ryan Carpenter (4) takes a shot against Crystal Lake Central's Aidan Watson (25) during a Fox Valley Conference game in Burlington on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. (Mark Black / The Beacon-News)

Ryan Carpenter starts to put down the hammer as Burlington Central’s point guard. ‘To see him be aggressive.’

December 11, 2025 at 12:32 a.m.

Ryan Carpenter scores 16 points with three assists, three steals and two rebounds as Burlington Central wins 78-51.

Oswego East's Dshaun Bolden (24) goes to the basket on Romeoville's Seth Covington (4) and Keilan Winfield (14) during a Southwest Prairie Conference crossover game in Oswego on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (Sean King / The Beacon-News)

DShaun Bolden, a sophomore call-up late last season, emerges as a junior for Oswego East. ‘Earn more minutes.’

December 9, 2025 at 11:19 p.m.

Dshaun Bolden scores game-high 25 points to go with 10 rebounds for Oswego East in 75-62 win over Romeoville.

Senior guard Aidan Lee is making the most of his opportunity to play on varsity for Waubonsie Valley, which graduated six of its top seven players from last season’s 31-win team. (Photo provided by Aidan Lee)

Aidan Lee steps up as a shooter for Waubonsie Valley. ‘Believe in yourself.’ Plus, area boys basketball notes.

December 8, 2025 at 1:12 p.m.

Aidan Lee makes six straight shots in span of 7:30 to spark Waubonsie Valley to 48-46 win over Metea Valley.

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