Evanston’s Rashawn Bost (24) gets ready to shoot past Notre Dame. | Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times

The following are the six teams that are arguably the very best unranked teams in the Chicago area,

The preseason rankings are fun. What better way to get high school basketball fans amped up and talking about the sport before a single game is even played?

But anyone who puts together a preseason ranking this year will quickly come to the realization that it’s unlike any other year for prognostications of teams led by teen-aged athletes. There was only so much basketball played last season and even less watched due to the small window of opportunity to play and the absence of tournaments and shootouts.

For years I have put together a massive preseason ranking of the top 85 teams, a number that just grew from the original top 50 in order to provide additional exposure and to highlight more teams and players. There was something humorous about a team or fan base feeling disrespected over being the 74th ranked team in November.

While the task of ranking 85 teams is daunting in a normal year, it was nearly impossible this season with so little basketball even played over the past year. Thus, I took a pass.

But we have Michael O’Brien’s Sun-Times preseason Super 25 to get us started and dissect. The following are the six teams that are arguably the very best unranked teams in the Chicago area, a few of which would be in my own preseason top 25 rankings.

Benet

This is the best team not ranked in the preseason Super 25. If things materialize just the right way, it will be a team that is a big threat by the time March rolls around.

Coach Gene Heidkamp didn’t take shortcuts in building this program when he took over in 2008. That’s paying off now as the respected Benet basketball program simply turns the page and wins, usually pretty big, every year. The standard remains just as high this year. And a Benet team that is under the radar is a dangerous one.

There is only one true returning starter, senior point guard Brennan White, but coach Gene Heidkamp has a junior class that will prop this team up and a host of perimeter shooters that should be able to put points on the board.

While White averaged seven points and three assists a game last year, 6-4 junior Niko Abusara is expected to make a big jump and is an unknown player to get excited about. He has length, athleticism and a will to get to the basket.

Both 6-3 junior wing Brady Kunka and 6-6 sophomore big man Parker Sulaver bring some physicality and gained valuable experience a year ago as young players at the varsity level.

The wild card will be 6-9 Kyle Thomas, a transfer from St. Joseph who was once regarded as one of the top prospects in the class. There is a lot to learn for Thomas, both within the Benet system and how to play with the expectations this program will fully expect. But if he can develop into a presence defensively, on the glass and can score using his size, athleticism and running ability for a big man, he could prove to be a huge asset.

Burlington Central

There is something to be said about chemistry and cohesiveness, especially with an experienced group. With four returning starters who were all double-figure scorers a year ago, coach Brett Porto has a lot of it. This is why the Rockets are the favorite in the Fox Valley Conference after going 16-1 last season.

But this group wants more than a 20-plus win season and a conference championship. The program has never won a sectional title in school history. But this team is built for a potential long run in March, thanks to returning senior starters Gavin Sarvis, Carson Seyller, Zac Schmidt and Nick Carpenter. And keep an eye on 6-7 junior Andrew Scharnowski, who brings size and versatility.

The question now is whether this team can compete with anyone and play at the highest level? For one early measuring stick, the Rockets get a big mid-December test against Rolling Meadows.

Evanston

Coach Mike Ellis has just one returning starter back from a year ago. But the Wildkits aren’t going away. It’s a team that could very well have been ranked in the preseason top 25, even with senior Rashawn Bost as the lone starter back from a year ago.

More importantly when it comes to the success factor, Evanston has become an elite program that’s enjoyed a magnificent run of late. This isn’t nearly as talented of a team as recent years, but it’s nearly impossible to keep up with the pace and win totals of the teams of the past five years. Nonetheless, Evanston will enjoy it’s new role of darkhorse in the Central Suburban League South with Glenbrook South and New Trier as the favorites.

This team’s potential starts with the lone returning starter. Bost’s role as an experienced guard will expand, along with last year’s sixth-man, Prince Adams, becoming an even bigger factor. The 6-6 Adams showed flashes last season and should take a significant step forward as a junior.

A big addition is senior David Gieser, a 6-3 shooter who has transferred in from Fenwick. Gieser brings a ton of experience and much-needed space-the-floor shooting that was lost with the departure of all-stater Blake Peters.

A couple of other players to keep an eye on are Javen Barnett, a junior guard and transfer from Hoffman Estates, and promising freshman guard Yaris Irby.

Lake Forest

It’s not very often the preseason Super 25 doesn’t have a single team from the North Suburban Conference. Whether it’s been Stevenson, Waukegan, Warren, Zion-Benton or even an upstart like Mundelein a year ago, it’s been a strong and proud basketball league over the past few decades.

The favorite this year: Lake Forest. It’s a team that would be in my preseason top 25 and one that can make a run at 20-plus wins and be a major player in March — this year in Class 3A.

The Scouts went 12-4 a year ago in the shortened season and welcome back junior Asa Thomas, currently the City/Suburban Hoops Report’s top-ranked prospect in the Class of 2023. He sports several high-major offers already and is among the state’s best perimeter shooters. The 6-6 Thomas averaged 11 points a game as a sophomore but has become bigger, stronger and has two years of varsity basketball under his belt.

Senior Cade Nowik is a two-year starter and Leo Scheidler is an athletic 6-2 senior who will begin his third year at the varsity level. Senior point guard Sam Gibson has some nice size for the position at 6-3, while 6-1 Alex Forowycz is yet another perimeter player for coach Phil LaScala.

Lyons

There aren’t enough people talking about LT basketball as this 2021-22 season tips off. This is a dangerous team with several weapons it can turn to with none bigger than Tavari Johnson.

The sleek senior point guard who signed with Akron is the rare combination of distributor and bucket-getter. He can do both efficiently and is poised for a huge season. Johnson is a game-changer with the ball in his hands and makes the Lions a threat to break into the top 25 at some point this season.

Will Carroll, a 6-4 senior, is another key returning player for coach Tom Sloan, while there are also some good, young pieces in the program. The junior class is talented, primed and ready to make a splash, including 6-6 Nik Polonowski, who has the look of a future Division I prospect, 6-0 guard Jackson Niego and 6-5 Graham Smith.

Riverside-Brookfield

The Bulldogs can sometimes get lost a little playing in the non-descript Metro Suburban Conference. But R-B won last year, going 11-2, just as it’s done since the 2008-09 season. It’s been a decade-plus of this program regularly churning out 20-win seasons.

It should be more of the same this season with the return of so many veterans who produced a year ago and had another offseason to develop together. When you combine skill, shooting and experience, it’s a potentially dangerous offensive team.

There is an abundance of shooting and scoring in the form of 6-2 guard Joevonn McCottry (13 ppg), 6-3 shooter JP Hanley (16 ppg), 6-3 Joe Gilhooly (8 ppg), Cory Baker (10 ppg) and point guard Brady Vaia. Plus, Will Gonzalez is an exciting 6-4 sophomore with varsity experience who should take a big step forward. Arius Alijosius, a transfer from Stagg, adds depth and added shooting.

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Joe Henricksen and Michael O’Brien continue to preview the 2021-22 high school basketball season.

Joe Henricksen and Michael O’Brien continue to preview the 2021-22 high school basketball season.

We dive into the following topics:

* Two surprise teams not in the rankings that could do big things.

* Two seniors set to blossom this year

* Two breakout underclassmen (juniors or sophomores) that people will get very familiar with this season.

* Two storylines we are looking forward to following this season.

Please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, it helps new listeners find the podcast.

The podcast is on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, so please subscribe.

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Simeon’s Jaylen Drane takes the ball down the court past Young’s DJ Steward (21). | Kirsten Stickney/For the Sun-Times

It’s been 620 days since the last time high school basketball seemed completely normal. The sport returns today.

It’s been 620 days since the last time high school basketball seemed completely normal.

I was in La Grange watching a sectional semifinal game between Young and Simeon at Lyons in March of 2020. Since then — just like everything else in the world — nothing has really been normal in high school basketball.

There was a makeshift season a year ago that came and went in about a month. There were no fans in the stands, no holiday tournaments or shootouts, and for the second year in a row no state champions.

But today high school basketball is back. Yes, masks are still being worn but the season is set to tip off with Thanksgiving tournaments today and end in March with four state champions. You know — like normal.

Here are 15 reasons to be excited about the 2021-2022 high school basketball season.

The state finals in Champaign and a whole new look

How about one more thank you to Peoria? From 1996 through 2019 Peoria did its job as host of the IHSA state basketball tournament.

But a change was needed. Badly.

The IHSA has moved its highest profile event back to where it belongs in Champaign. It’s been a two-year delay due to the pandemic, but the state tournament is back to its roots. Champaign was home to the state tournament for 77 years before the move to Peoria in 1996.

Now high school players can dream of playing in a state-of-the-art arena filled with history and on a Big Ten floor.

In addition, in a completely new look the state finals in all four classes will be played in one three-day weekend this March.

New basketball blood

College basketball fans get a little tired of the Blue Bloods and all their winning and the attention they receive. Plenty of fans enjoy rooting against them. The same can be said with some Illinois basketball fans when it comes to the perennial powers in this state.

But take a look at some of the new blood near the top of the preseason rankings. The likes of top-ranked Glenbard West, Glenbrook South, St. Ignatius, St. Rita, Kenwood and Yorkville Christian have a combined one sectional championship between them.

That’s fresh, new and exciting.

Return of fans and student sections

Last season was flat-out weird being in gyms with either no fans or very few and students absent. You heard things during a game, including the ball bounce and coaches in the huddle from across the gym, you just weren’t used to hearing.

No, the pandemic isn’t completely behind us and there will continue to be some precautions, but there will at least be some life in gyms across the Chicago area this winter. And, hopefully, the buzz will be back for those select big games.

The holiday tournaments will be back in December

Holiday tournaments in December throughout the state are special to Illinois. And they’ll be back.

Last year would have been the 90th Pontiac Holiday Tournament. But for the first time since 1946 it wasn’t played due to the pandemic and the season not starting until well after Christmas.

All the tradition-rich holiday tournaments are unique in their own way. But Pontiac is one of the true highlights of any high school basketball season, and it will be as stacked as ever with the ideal holiday tournament feel and atmosphere.

And the Public League playoffs return

One of the real letdowns of last season — yes, even the shortened one we experienced — was the loss of the Chicago Public League playoffs. This is a historical piece of the sport that still means so much to the city and its fans. It will return in February.

Big shootouts are back

Take a look at the When Sides Collide Shootout lineup at Benet in a couple of months. It will feature five of the top six teams ranked in the Sun-Times preseason Super 25, six of the top nine and seven ranked teams.

You can also count three of the top seniors in the Class of 2022 who will be showcased: Yorkville Christian’s Jaden Schutt, Glenbard West’s Braden Huff and Young’s AJ Casey.

The top two teams in the preseason rankings — No. 1 Glenbard West and No. 2 Whitney Young — will meet in what could materialize as a potential game of the year. The No. 5 and No. 6 teams in the preseason, Simeon and Glenbrook South, respectively, will square off, while No. 4 St. Ignatius faces Benet and top 10 New Trier takes on ranked Yorkville Christian.

It’s not very often I circle the calendar for any out-of-state team traveling to Chicago. But once in a blue moon there is a reason to be excited.

Greg Oden, Mike Conley and the great Lawrence North team from Indianapolis playing Jon Scheyer and Glenbrook North at Northwestern back in 2006 was one of those times. Watching my favorite out-of-state team ever, Lone Peak from Utah, take apart Proviso East and seeing Jayson Tatum play for Chaminade, both in the Chicago Elite Classic, were others.

But this season includes another as Simeon will face Sierra Canyon from California in early February. Yes, the Sierra Canyon team with Lebron James’ son, Bronny. Plus, UCLA-bound Amari Bailey, the No. 2 ranked senior the country who is originally from Chicago, also returns as part of the Sierra Canyon team that is ranked No. 1 in the country.

Jaden Schutt’s shooting

In the quarter century of the City/Suburban Hoops Report, there hasn’t been a better shooter I’ve evaluated in this state than Yorkville Christian’s Jaden Schutt.

We’re talking form, release, footwork, elevation and the ability to get his shot off that makes it so pure. And it’s why he’s headed to Duke.

The skill set of Braden Huff

You simply don’t get to see a player at 6-10 with the skill set of Braden Huff very often. It’s difficult to even find a player comp for Huff from this state.

The Glenbard West star can handle point guard duties when necessary. He can find teammates and make them better with his passing. He can score around the basket and from the three-point line. He’s the quintessential skilled big that college coaches covet in today’s game, including Gonzaga which is where Huff is headed.

Rise of the Catholic League

You know who makes up 20 percent of the Sun-Times Super 25 preseason rankings? The Chicago Catholic League.

The league ended with a bang last season, albeit a shortened one, when DePaul Prep won the only tournament that mattered last season. Coach Tom Kleinschmidt’s Rams beat Young, Fenwick and Bryce Hopkins and then Evanston to win the Chipotle Clash of Champions while generating one of the few big headlines of the season.

With the overall talent level throughout the league continuing to rise, the next step for this league is consistent, high-level March success.

The Central Suburban League South race

One of the real highlights of last year’s abbreviated season was the conference race in the Central Suburban League South. New Trier, Glenbrook South and Evanston went at it for four weeks in entertaining fashion. They will do it again this season, just with some roles reversed but with the same heightened expectations in the regular season and in March.

The Nick Martinelli-Cooper Noard combo

What can this highly-productive tandem from Glenbrook South do for an encore as seniors?

As juniors these two Division I recruits — Martinelli signed with Elon and Noard is headed to Cornell — combined to put up 40 points a game. Maybe last year was just the beginning as these two hope to go out with a bang.

A new star — and future Illini — to watch

Welcome, Ty Rodgers.

The Michigan native moved to Illinois this fall and instantly rejuvenated Thornton’s fortunes this season. He also brings a whole lot of excitement to high school basketball in this state with how he plays and where he’s headed next.

Rodgers offers up big-time effort and competitiveness as an athletic 6-6 warrior who plays above the rim. Plus, Fighting Illini fans will have a chance to check out their prized recruit in the Class of 2022.

The arrival of Nojus Indrusaitis

Not only do we have new blood when it comes to several of the top teams, but how about a bonafide young star and high-major college prospect playing at Lemont?

There is plenty of time to see Nojus Indrusaitis because he’s only a sophomore, but he’s a player worth getting excited about this season. Last year as a freshman the 6-4 wing averaged an impressive 19 points a game. He’s already among the top prospects in the state in the Class of 2024 and boasts an Illinois offer.

There is just something fun and entertaining about star players showcasing their high-level talent in new places. The last four years we watched Max Christie stay true to his hometown school and raise the perception of Rolling Meadows basketball. Now it’s Nojus and Lemont’s turn.

Exciting freshman class

Getting an early look at an impressive young group of freshmen who are must-see for the diehard high school basketball fan is yet another reason to look forward to this season. The crown jewels so far at this early juncture are the foursome of Kenwood’s Bryce Heard, Young’s Antonio Munoz, St. Rita’s Melvin Bell and Joliet West’s Jeremiah Fears will surely all open eyes at some point this season.

St. Rita’s sophomore stars

How often have the top two prospects in any class played together in high school? Never.

There have been some dominating duos. The Farragut dynamic tandem of Kevin Garnett and Ronnie Fields come to mind as arguably the greatest, but they were one year apart. The same with Bruce Douglas and Michael Payne of Quincy in the early 1980s and LaPhonso Ellis and Cuonzo Martin in the late 1980s.

But the state’s top two prospects in the sophomore class is what you will find at St. Rita as 6-9 James Brown and 6-8 Morez Johnson, the Illinois commit, form quite the 1-2 punch.

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Why should you contribute to giving season fundraisers? Because for years, the nonprofit industry has been leading the tides and calling forward changes that truly improve the life of every Chicagoian. And let’s not forget that charity and community engagement have always been a core piece of the Chicago culture. From sports teams leading volunteering to fundraisers led by chefs and businesses, Chicago winter is never intolerable thanks to the warmth of love.

This year, be a part of this love. We’re proud of you!

Month-Long Fundraisers

As we all know, November is the month of giving. While we show our appreciation for our families and friends, don’t forget to also support the organizations that have always been there helping our communities. Remember, our nonprofits need our help more than ever after battling through the pandemic. These giving season fundraisers are running throughout the month of November, and most of them come with drinks, food, or other sorts of fun!

5 Fundraisers From Cal’s Angels

Cal’s Angels is looking to the local community to give back and raise awareness for pediatric cancer this holiday season. Below is a complete list of ways you can get involved and make a difference for this important cause during the season of giving:

Coleman Foundation: Through November 30, The Coleman Foundation will match $250 up to $12,500 total for each donation of $250 or more.

Santa Hustle: Cal’s Angels is the beneficiary of the 2021 Santa Hustle at Soldier Field on Saturday, Dec. 4. Show your support by running or volunteering for the event with your running crew or family.

Comfort Kits: Cal’s Angels Comfort Kits are bags filled with items to make a family’s hospital stay more comfortable. Donate today to help fill the comfort kits with items like neck pillows, Press ‘n Seal, slipper socks and more.

12 Days of Christmas: The 12 Days of Christmas Program was created to help families who have a child fighting cancer with special circumstances so they do not have to worry about the stress of holiday shopping and planning. Cal’s Angels provides a family gift, a gift card for their holiday dinner, and a family game.

Toy Drive: The most magical time of the year can sometimes feel like added pressure for families dealing with pediatric cancer. Help us to bring back the joy of gift-giving with a toy or gift card donation as part of our annual Toy Drive.

All Jet’s Pizza locations

This is the second year where Jet’s Pizza runs a free one-topping pizza deal to encourage diners to bring in new or near-new winter items. Hats, gloves, sweaters, jackets… Jet’s Pizza is running their 2nd annual winter drive across all locations in Chicago to help homeless youth and families in need get through the quickly-approaching winter.

Farm Bar in Lakeview and Farmhouse in Evanston, will launch a new iteration of their Charity Giveback program to support local nonprofits in Chicago and Evanston. In the spirit of community and camaraderie, the nonprofits selected support a diverse range of missions relevant to local communities such as women’s empowerment, children’s health and refugee education, among others.

Farm Bar’s Participating Charities:

Women’s Global Education Project
The Anti-Cruelty Society
Ann & Robert H Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Foundation
Embarc Chicago

Farmhouse’s Participating Charities:

Madonna Mission
Coming Up Rosies
Rainbows for Children
Fill a Heart for Kids

Image Credit: Inspiration Corporation
For the sixth year running, Chef Bill Kim and Cornerstone Restaurant Group will host Chefsgiving the weekend before Thanksgiving — expanding their reach to Chicagoans across the city to become the biggest event yet. In partnership with Inspiration Kitchens, Kim and more than 45 Chicago chefs will prepare meals and come together to distribute ready-to-eat meals to local shelters free of cost.
“During these times, we all need uplifting and memorable experiences as we gather together again for the holidays. This is our chance as chefs and neighbors to help our fellow Chicagoans in need all throughout our great city, and we’re going to take it,” said Kim.
Kim and the participating chefs encourage fans to help support the Chefsgiving and Inspiration Kitchens by donating here.

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#GivingTuesday Campaigns to Join

Of course, let’s not forget about how quickly #givingtuesday is coming up when we talk about giving season fundraisers in Chicago! While most organizations will be raising funds on this year Giving Tuesday, we’ve also hand-picked a few organizations from each category to serve as quick references.

Expo 72, E Randolph St #72, Chicago, IL 60601

Where do you go to explore the latest, most innovative design in Chicago? The Design Museum, of course! Covering everything from graphic design to fabric design, the Museum presents exhibitions and programs focusing on design’s impact in an effort to empower audiences.

17 N Wabash Ave #520, Chicago, IL 60602

The theater is such a vital piece in Chicago’s life and culture. Furthermore, the stage is also the place where new ideas spark and new messages are spoken. The League of Chicago Theaters has proudly served the Chicago theatre community for over 40 years through programs and services that directly impact its members while enriching our life across the town with a wide variety of productions. As live theater returns, the League needs your support more than ever so they can continue to bring amazing plays to your life.

4100 W Ann Lurie Pl, Chicago, IL 60632

We’ve just talked about helping out at pantries. The Greater Chicago Food Depository is one of Chicago’s biggest food banks. The organization provides food and hope for Chicago and Cook County. This Giving Tuesday, they’re asking you to join forces with them to end hunger in Chicago.

1279 N Milwaukee Ave 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60622

Chicago NHS is the hero in many people’s hearts. They have helped so many from rents to mortgages, providing support to so many individuals. NHS helps with everything from owning your first house to maintenance and upkeep. They also have programs designed to provide financial reliefs for those in need.

Featured Image Credit: Design Museum of Chicago

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Tis the season of joy and creativity. Speaking of the holidays, how can you miss out on the best holiday pop ups in Chicago? Whether it’s Thanksgiving or you want to start Christmas early, one of these pop-ups will bring you a unique experience. Food, themed nights, art markets, and more… We guarantee you’ll find something to do from the list below!

838 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60642

Chicago’s largest outdoor patio at Recess is now partially enclosed and filled with space heaters all throughout the deck, which is ideal for the forthcoming holiday pop-up taking over the patio.

Launching December 8, Recess will transform into an elaborate holiday pop-up in the West Loop, featuring your favorite holiday movies, with six Christmas and Holiday films playing throughout the shipping containers with decor to match. Special hot cocktails and menu items will coincide with the pop-up, guaranteed to help keep you in the holiday spirit. More information is coming soon and can be found by visiting www.chicagoinrecess.com.

1134 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60607

This holiday season, The Press Room is bringing diners the ultimate speakeasy experience and re-launching their weekly live music performances. Join the Press Room with live music from some of Chicago’s best — Jon Allegretto, Toronzo Cannon, and Nick Moss, while enjoying food from their menu, cocktail, and wine list selected specifically for the live music events.

Each live show will be 90 minutes. The Press Room will open their doors at 6:15pm with the live performance starting at 7:00 p.m.

Showtimes:

December 5: Jon Allegretto at 7:00pm

December 12: Toronzo Cannon at 7:00pm

December 19: Nick Moss at 7:00pm

Image Credit: Papergirl PR

4128 N Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 60618

tribute to the 1964 beloved classic Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer television special and the Island of Misfit Toys, The Rambler Kitchen + Tap in North Center will host a “Misfit Christmas” pop-up beginning the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 26 through Sunday, January 2.

A themed food menu will feature sweets like warm baked Snickerdoodle Pretzels topped with cinnamon sugar and served with icing, Reindeer Food with rice cereal, chocolate, peanut butter, powdered sugar, and red and green M&M’s, and Sam the Snowman shaped powdered sugar donuts and more. Savory dishes will include a Toy Taker Turkey Sandwich with roasted turkey breast, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and a side of cranberry sauce, and an Open Faced Chicken Pot Pie on two buttermilk biscuits. Complete menus available upon request.

Image Credit: Papergirl PR

3441 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657

Back by popular demand for its third year, The Graystone Tavern in Wrigleyville will open “8 Crazy Nights,” Chicago’s first and only Hanukkah-themed pop–up bar, through Sunday, January 2.

Throughout the pop-up, a special food menu, ranging in price from $5 to $16, will feature traditional and spins on Jewish favorites like Matzo Ball Soup and three flavors of Latkes including classic with sour cream and applesauce, cilantro jalapeno with chipotle sour cream and herb cheddar with chive sour cream.

Festive cocktails with traditional Hanukkah flavors will be available for $12 each like the Festival of Lights Martini, Gelt Martini, Mazel Tov, The Chosen MF and a Mensch Mule.

Lobby Entrance On, 636 South Michigan Avenue, E Balbo Dr, Chicago, IL 60605

It might be cold outside, but inside The Blackstone it’s warm and cozy. Stop by this wintery season and enjoy a classic holiday display featuring dazzling toy trains. Hear hissing steam, squeaking metal and whistles blowing in the lobby of the storied architectural icon rooted in Chicago’s legendary past.

Witness a joyful scene featuring five toy trains placed around the decorated Christmas tree, within the window display and other locations throughout the hotel. Inspired by Timothy Blackstone, president of Union Stock Yards and the Chicago & Alton Railroad, who built the mansion now known as The Blackstone, the model trains are a must-see for locals and visitors alike. Don’t leave without watching Chicago’s classic L Train swiftly move around a model replica of the hotel and snap a photo or two.

Image Credit: Vintage Holidays

Historic Downtown Long Grove invites holiday shoppers to rediscover the magic of the holiday season.

The annual Long Grove Vintage Holidays campaign is a tribute to the classic small town holiday market experience – quaint shops, old-world charms, and family memories. On November 19th, Long Grove officially transitions into holiday mode when its famous single lane covered bridge and village merchants flip on the holiday lights.

50 W Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602

We’ve been waiting forever since the unveiling of their 25th anniversary designs! The smell of roasted nuts, fresh pretzels, bratwurst and hot spiced wine, the sound of festive music, and the glimmer of sparkling Christmas ornaments, all in a cozy atmosphere – a visit to the market takes all your senses on a journey! The best part? It’s admission-free.

The Christkindlmarket will run from now until December 24th this year. The market is open Monday thru Thursdays from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm, and Fridays & Saturdays from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.

222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654

The Mart brings art back to us once again! Looking for that perfect holiday piece that will speak your amazing personality? Come check out the One of a Kind Holiday Show! This year, the show will bring together 400 talented artists, artisans, and makers from across North America to offer the best in everything from fine art to handmade goods, gourmet cafes, bar areas, and live entertainment and activities for all to enjoy. Tickets are for $10 a day or $15 for a 2-day pass at oneofakindshowchicago.com.

Featured Image Credit: Paper Girl PR

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The Chicago Blackhawks are on a bit of a roll. The Edmonton Oilers slowed them down a bit on Saturday night to end their four-game winning streak. That was an example of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl showing their true powers though as they knew they could bounce back the next night against the Vancouver […] Chicago Blackhawks: Marc-Andre Fleury saves the day in win – Da Windy City – Da Windy City – A Chicago Sports Site – Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini & MoreRead More

The Chicago Bears vs Baltimore Ravens game on Sunday was a disgusting disgrace from a Chicago point of view. They were dominated even though the final score read 16-13. The Ravens were without Lamar Jackson who is their quarterback and best player. Tyler Huntley made his first career start in his place and did a […] Chicago Bears: Matt Nagy should be gone by lunch time – Da Windy City – Da Windy City – A Chicago Sports Site – Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini & MoreRead More

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Rob Cookson (left) brings to the Blackhawks previous assistant coaching experience with the Senators, as seen in this 2018 photo, and Flames. | Mark Humphrey/AP Photos

“I’ve been around a long time now, I guess,” said Cookson, 60. “I’m getting a little older. That’s helpful.”

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Rob Cookson greatly values experience.

He also has a lot of it.

The newest Blackhawks assistant coach, speaking to the media Sunday for the first time since his hiring this past week, even used the word — “experience” — seven times in seven minutes.

The 60-year-old Canadian has joined a staff suddenly laden with it, too, with the Hawks having replaced 36-year-old Jeremy Colliton with 54-year-old Derek King as head coach and having only kept aboard Colliton’s oldest preexisting assistant, 60-year-old Marc Crawford.

“Experience is so critical in this league,” Cookson said. “It sometimes get undervalued, to a degree. But it’s really important in this league to have experienced people around you.”

Cookson, who most recently had been coaching in Switzerland, is still in the early stages of acclimating to his new role, duties and team.

He called his hiring process over the last week “very hectic, to put it politely.” He has been “cramming” to learn all the requisite Hawks knowledge, and he estimates it’ll take him at least another week to get up to speed with the players, systems and everything in between.

But Cookson already looks and sounds the part — beneath his perfectly combed blond hair, he talks fast and to the point.

And he has occupied similar shoes to these many times before. He started as a Team Canada video manager in 1991 and, over the past 30 years, has served separate assistant stints for both the Flames and Senators, among numerous other jobs.

“I’ve been around a long time now, I guess,” he said. “I’m getting a little older. That’s helpful. I can go back and I can give [King] information from coaches I’ve worked [with] in the past, not only Marc [Crawford] but Darryl Sutter and as far back as even Roger Nielsen.”

(Cookson worked under Nielsen for two seasons with the Flyers, from 1998 to 2000, and under Sutter for three with the Flames, from 2002 to 2006.)

With the Hawks, he’ll primarily focus on coaching the forwards — doing so alongside Chris Kunitz, whose job is more development-oriented — while Crawford focuses on the defensemen.

Cookson will also work alongside video coach Matt Meacham with the power-play units, handle opponent pre-scouting and assist King with “player accountability issues in terms of our systems.”

So far, though, Cookson admitted he’s only fully familiar with two of the forwards: Two who happen to be quite experienced in their own rights, Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews. Having been in Europe since 2019, many of the Hawks’ younger up-and-comers never intersected with his NHL tenures until now.

“I’m going to…observe them and get to know them, and that helps,” he said. “Once you get to know people, it’s easier to coach them. That’s the way I approach everything.”

Age hasn’t mellowed his personality — instead, it has only made him “a little more intense,” he said. But his grandfatherly aura has appeared to initially mesh well with King’s relaxed, one-of-the-guys approach and Crawford’s loud, assertive style.

“I like to think that I’m there for the players — as all coaches are — and that’s important,” he said. “I’m intense, but I want to make sure that the players have the right degree of information and the right degree of feedback that’ll allow them to grow.

“Sometimes I’m pretty easy to work with. But sometimes I’m hard to please in terms of what I have as far as expectations from the players.”

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