Paul Johnson – Page 13

Aurora Central Catholic’s Annalyse McCarthy (11) goes to the basket against Glenbard South during the Class 3A De La Salle Sectional championship game in Chicago on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026. (Nate Swanson / The Beacon-News)

Admittedly scared, Annalyse McCarthy follows accurate advice for Aurora Central Catholic. ‘Just don’t miss.’

February 27, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.

A fiery Annalyse McCarthy finishes with six points for Aurora Central Catholic in 43-36 loss to Glenbard South in sectional final.

Aurora Christian's Luke Baumann (15) spins around Erie-Prophetstown's Max Milem (5) during a Class 2A Aurora Christian Regional semifinal game on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon-News)

Aurora Christian’s Luke Baumann, only as a freshman, makes point at guard in playoff debut. ‘Nothing to lose.’

February 25, 2026 at 11:14 p.m.

Luke Baumann scores 12 points to go with game-high 13 rebounds for Aurora Christian in 52-47 regional semifinal win.

St. Charles North's Bronwyn How (15) drives past Glenbard West's Sophia Evans (24) in the fourth quarter of a Class 4A Bartlett Sectional semifinal game on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon-News)

While praising senior teammates, Bronwyn How promises to push forward for St. Charles North. ‘Meant a lot.’

February 24, 2026 at 10:10 p.m.

St. Charles North's Bronwyn How puts up 18 points, 11 rebounds and three blocked shots in 67-60 sectional semifinal loss.

South Elgin's Ilija Babic (25) secures a rebound from Elgin's Ryan Varghese (2) during the fourth quarter of a Class 4A South Elgin Regional quarterfinal game on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon-News)

Backing off the perimeter, Ilija Babic comes up big as inside force for South Elgin. ‘Ready for what’s next.’

February 23, 2026 at 9:24 p.m.

Ilija Babic puts up 16 points and 13 rebounds to help South Elgin top Elgin 46-32 in a Class 4A regional quarterfinal.

Aurora Central Catholic’s Ashley Watter (40) puts up a shot against Chicago Kennedy during the Class 3A Aurora Central Catholic Regional championship game on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026. (Jeremy Toney / The Beacon-News)

This time, Cornell commit Ashley Watter helps Aurora Central Catholic end regional drought. ‘It means so much.’

February 20, 2026 at 11:19 p.m.

Ashley Watter scores 25 points and shoots 10 of 13 as Aurora Central Catholic takes regional title with 78-19 win.

Waubonsie Valley's Danyella Mporokoso (10) drives toward the basket against Plainfield North during the Class 4A Waubonsie Valley Regional final in Aurora on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (Steve Johnston / The Beacon-News)

Danyella Mporokoso breaks Ashley Luke’s scoring record as Waubonsie Valley wins regional. ‘Something special.’

February 20, 2026 at 2:14 p.m.

Illinois State commit Danyella Mporokoso breaks Ashley Luke's career scoring record as Waubonsie Valley rolls to regional title.

Fire players celebrate after their 3-1 victory over Orlando City in an Eastern Conference wild-card playoff game at SeatGeek Stadium on Oct. 22, 2025, in Bridgeview. (Chris Sweda/baiduhai)

Chicago Fire look to build on last season’s success under Gregg Berhalter: ‘Progress really motivates us’

February 20, 2026 at 6:00 a.m.

Coming off their first MLS playoff win in 16 years, the Chicago Fire are motivated to improved in coach Gregg Berhalter's second season running the program.

Marmion's Colin McEniry (22) reacts to a foul against Bartlett in the fourth quarter of a nonconference game in Bartlett on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2026. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon-News)

Ivy League football prospect Colin McEniry makes difference for Marmion in basketball. ‘I love to work hard.’

February 18, 2026 at 10:22 p.m.

Colin McEniry picks up eight points and six rebounds as Marmion closes regular season with 53-45 win at Bartlett.

St. Charles East’s Addie Schilb (13) scores on a drive to the basket against West Chicago during a Class 4A St. Charles East Regional semifinal game on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026. (Jeremy Toney / The Beacon-News)

Three games after her sister, Addie Schilb scores 1,000 career point for St. Charles East. ‘A huge milestone.’

February 17, 2026 at 10:03 p.m.

Addie Schilb scores game-high 24 points as St. Charles East rolls to 55-28 regional semifinal win over West Chicago.

Geneva’s Linnea Popp (13) plays the ball in the post against Kaneland’s Grace Brunscheen during a Class 3A Dixon Regional semifinal game on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026. (Sean King / The Beacon-News)

Lining up her shot, Linnea Popp converts from lane with 1.8 seconds left for Geneva. Finally? ‘Had to step up.’

February 17, 2026 at 11:41 a.m.

Geneva's Linnea Popp scores 11 points and makes winning shot with 1.8 seconds left in 38-36 victory over Kaneland.

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