The Hardest-Working Paper in America | 
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
High School Sports

SouthtownStar’s three things to know

By  Logan Malloy
   
SHARE SouthtownStar’s three things to know

1. Lincoln-Way North strikes back. The Phoenix take the SouthtownStar’s top ranking after dealing Lincoln-Way East its first loss of the season Saturday in the Warren Invitational championship. Lewis recruit Jake Walenga continues to be a thorn in East’s side, posting 12 kills and earning all-tournament honors to propel North 20-25, 25-23, 25-21. Coach Matt Lawrence also mentioned standout play from setter Austin Faller and libero Scott Dusek. The season series is tied 1-1. The pair could meet three more times before it’s all said and done.

2. Lockport is fired up.The Porters are headed in the right direction under first-year head coach Nick Mraz. Lockport showed enthusiasm and hustle — which wasn’t always present last year — when it rallied on the road to beat a tough-serving Oak Forest. Matt Sadler and Jon Wheaton are two capable middle hitters to go along with outsides Adam Krzos and Mike Karl.

3. Serve it hot. A slew of dangerous jump-servers litter the Southland, but six of the best include Andrew’s Sanil Thomas, Lincoln-Way Central’s Adam Sargis, Marist’s Jake Moran, Richards’ Ed Karalius, Oak Forest’s Jeff Sprayberry and Lincoln-Way North’s Brad McFarland. Sargis recorded seven aces against Richards, Thomas owns 25 aces on the season and McFarland has 72 service points. McFarland and Karalius are both headed to Dominican next season.

Next Up In High School Sports
High school football notebook: Malik Elzy quickly catches on, Aidan Gray picks Northwestern, Illini start hot
City/Suburban Hoops Report Three-Pointer: Observations from the first live period weekend
High school football notebook: Brooks Bahr picks Michigan, Frank Covey heads to Northwestern, Ken Leonard prepares to retire
Nick Martinelli’s recruitment soars after emotional parting with Elon
A very early look at next season’s top high school basketball teams
Five players set to break out during the first live recruiting period
The Latest
A TikTok content creator, sits outside the U.S. Capitol, Tuesday, April 23, 2024, in Washington as Senators prepare to consider legislation that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers.
Technology
What a TikTok ban in the US could mean for you
It would be at least a year before a ban goes into effect — but with likely court challenges, this could stretch even longer, perhaps years.
By Associated Press
 
IMG_3129 (1).jpg
Bears
Caleb Williams a fan of the Bears' proposed dome
The USC quarterback, whom the Bears are expected to pick first in the NFL draft here on Thursday night, was clear that he’s prepared to play in cold temperatures in the NFL.
By Patrick Finley
 
USC quarterback Caleb Williams.
Bears
A chance to wipe out 75 years of Bears quarterback futility with one simple announcement
If presumed No. 1 pick Caleb Williams is as good as advertised, Chicago won’t know what to do with itself.
By Rick Morrissey
 
President Joe Biden speaks before signing a $95 billion Ukraine aid package that also includes support for Israel, Taiwan, and other allies, in the State Dining Room of the White House, Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Washington.
Nation/World
Biden signs a $95 billion war aid measure that forces TikTok to be sold or banned in the U.S.
The Democratic president Wednesday reached the end of a long, painful battle with Republicans to secure urgently needed replenishment of aid for Ukraine.
By Aamer Madhani | AP and Seung Min Kim | AP
 
IMG_6833.jpg
Crime
Orland Park man charged in connection with fatal Oak Forest shooting
Omar Zegar, 37, was arrested after the shooting Sunday and was charged with a felony count of aggravated unlawful use of weapon with a revoked firearm owners ID card, Oak Forest police said.
By Mohammad Samra