Paul Johnson – Page 18

North Central College running back Donovan McNeal

Donovan McNeal plays ‘like everyone knows who I am,’ but North Central College falls short of D-III national title

January 5, 2026 at 6:45 a.m.

North Central's Donovan McNeal rushed for 133 yards and two touchdowns in the Division III national championship game, but Wisconsin-River Falls won 24-14.

St. Edward's Savannah Lynch (2) dribbles up court against Chicago Christian in the first quarter of a Chicagoland Christian Conference game in Elgin on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon-News)

Savannah Lynch levels up as St. Edward’s leader. ‘Grown her game.’ Plus, Aurora-Elgin girls basketball notes.

January 2, 2026 at 10:15 p.m.

Top scorer Savannah Lynch also takes over the leadership role as junior guard this season for St. Edward.

Waubonsie Valley's Arie Garcia-Evans (1) shoots the ball against Alton during a Class 4A Illinois Wesleyan Supersectional game at the Shirk Center in Bloomington on Monday, March 3, 2025. (Sean King / The Beacon-News)

Arie Garcia-Evans adds 3-point shot to become big three-level scoring threat for Waubonsie Valley. ‘Need that.’

March 12, 2026 at 10:15 a.m.

Senior guard Arie Garcia-Evans develops into a lethal 3-point shooter this season for Waubonsie Valley.

In ‘big one for him,’ Jack Rummell helps North Central College return to biggest game in NCAA Division III

December 20, 2025 at 9:07 p.m.

Jack Rummell catches six passes for a career-high 179 yards and two touchdowns as North Central College advances to the NCAA Division III national championship game.

Geneva's Gabe Jensen (2) pushes the ball up the court against Batavia during the second quarter of a DuKane Conference game in Geneva on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon-News)

Gabe Jensen gets ready to pass torch as Geneva’s point guard. But first, some 3-pointers. ‘Super proud of him.’

December 20, 2025 at 12:22 a.m.

Gabe Jensen's 3-pointers set the tone as Geneva fends off archrival Batavia for a 54-53 win in double overtime.

Kaneland's Grace Brunscheen (13) sets up to take a free throw against Burlington Central in the fourth quarter of a nonconference game in Burlington on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon News)

Kaneland’s Grace Brunscheen keeps it simple in producing breakout season as a sophomore. ‘Just play my game.’

December 19, 2025 at 3:27 p.m.

Grace Brunscheen scores 10 points in fourth quarter for Kaneland, clinching a 54-51 win over Burlington Central.

Larkin's Mia Carter (0) drives the lane against East Aurora during the third quarter of a Upstate Eight West game in Elgin on Thursday, Dec. 5, 2024. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon-News)

Chicago State commit Mia Carter enjoys being coached by father, and grandfather, at Larkin. ‘Really important.’

December 17, 2025 at 8:36 p.m.

Chicago State recruit Mia Carter is being coached at Larkin by her father and grandfather for the first time.

South Elgin's Taleah Banner (3) posts up against Elgin’s Trinity Riggins (5) during an Upstate Eight Conference game in South Elgin on Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2025. (Sean King / The Beacon-News)

Normally a forward, Taleah Banner takes over running the point for South Elgin. ‘I’m ready for all of this.’

December 16, 2025 at 10:39 p.m.

Taleah Banner scores first 10 points of the game, sparking South Elgin to a 46-14 victory over Elgin.

North Central College defensive lineman John Sullivan

Lakes graduate John Sullivan becomes ‘best defensive player in the country’ for No. 1 North Central College

December 17, 2025 at 10:33 a.m.

A Division III All-American, defensive lineman John Sullivan has 20 tackles for loss and seven sacks for No. 1 North Central College.

Aurora Central Catholic's Ashley Watter (40) goes to the basket against East Aurora's Nallely Buenrostro (10) and Ziah McDowell during a nonconference game in Aurora on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025. (Sean King / The Beacon-News)

Starting for first time, Cornell commit Ashley Watter rises up for Aurora Central Catholic. ‘Finally my time.’

December 15, 2025 at 9:45 p.m.

Ashley Watter scores first five points of game, setting tone for Aurora Central Catholic in 69-32 win over East Aurora.

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