Sam Brief

Sam Brief is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.

Warren reliever Mason Palmer’s teammates call him ‘Squid.’ His arm slot is unusual. His results? Exceptional.

May 22, 2026 at 7:22 a.m.

Warren's Mason Palmer, who changed his arm slot to avoid scraping the ceiling in his basement, has a 0.48 ERA with 50 strikeouts in 29 innings.

Naperville North catcher Reese Pedersen always says ‘the right thing’ to pitchers. She makes them smile too.

May 12, 2026 at 6:36 a.m.

When Naperville North junior catcher Reese Pedersen makes a mound visit, a laugh is inevitable. That's by design.

After watching siblings play for Libertyville, Lukas Slesers has their attention. He’s ‘eye-opening.’

May 7, 2026 at 12:09 p.m.

Lukas Slesers, whose older sister and older brother also played volleyball for Libertyville, has become one of the best players on one of the state's best teams.

Wauconda's Isabelle Gerle and Meagan Gerle

Isabelle and Meagan Gerle excel at opposite ends of the field. But both twins ‘set the tone’ for Wauconda.

April 7, 2026 at 8:30 a.m.

Twin sisters Isabelle and Meagan Gerle were all-conference picks for Wauconda last season, but their contributions go beyond their play.

St. Ambrose commit Maddy Kleemann’s father is ‘always in my corner.’ Libertyville teammates can count on her.

March 25, 2026 at 6:52 a.m.

Maddy Kleemann worked with Libertyville coaches to launch a buddy system that pairs upperclassmen with younger players.

Creighton recruit Reilly Novak’s ‘amazing’ debut was only the beginning for Lake Zurich. How far can they go?

March 18, 2026 at 7:33 a.m.

Reilly Novak, who scored three goals in her first game as a freshman, takes the reins for Lake Zurich, which has lost three straight sectional finals.

Libertyville’s Mary Minogue aims high. ‘There’s no limit to how great you can be.’ She seems to overcome any.

February 4, 2026 at 8:59 a.m.

After a year away from wrestling, Libertyville's Mary Minogue placed sixth at the 2025 state meet. This season, she wants to win a state title.

Former soccer player Daniel Odhiambo becomes a basketball star at Vernon Hills. ‘I didn’t think I’d be here.’

December 11, 2025 at 9:23 a.m.

The 6-foot-5 Daniel Odhiambo, a force around the basket at both ends of the court, is one of the best forwards in Lake County.

Round Lake’s Kaleigh Skowronski learns the game from her dad. ‘He inspired me.’ So do Luka Dončić highlights.

November 19, 2025 at 6:51 a.m.

Long known for her serious approach to basketball, Kaleigh Skowronski has been named a captain for Round Lake.

Vernon Hills doubles partners Paulina Masherava and Kamila Tymarskis

Vernon Hills’ Paulina Masherava and Kamila Tymarskis expected to win. ‘Zero doubt.’ The hoopla surprises them.

October 30, 2025 at 12:30 p.m.

Paulina Masherava and Kamila Tymarskis are one of the most dominant doubles teams in state history.

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