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Bryce Hopkins didn’t totally get a breather Friday against No. 5 DePaul Prep, but the No. 16 Friars didn’t require any special heroics to earn a 66-56 victory in Oak Park. 

Fenwick senior Bryce Hopkins has been posting monster numbers for three seasons. The Kentucky recruit isn’t one of those college prospects everyone says will be more effective at the next level. He dominates games right now.

Hopkins didn’t totally get a breather Friday against No. 5 DePaul Prep, but the No. 16 Friars didn’t require any special heroics to earn a 66-56 victory in Oak Park.

Gabe Madej scored 19 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead Fenwick (10-2, 9-1 Catholic League Blue). The 6-5 junior made four three-pointers in the first quarter to help the Friars open a 14-point halftime lead.

‘‘My teammates got me the ball where I need it, and the shots just went in,’’ Madej said.

Loyola recruit TY Johnson scored 12 consecutive points for the Rams (7-2, 6-2) in the third quarter to cut Fenwick’s lead to 44-41, but Hopkins responded immediately. He got to the basket for a foul and two free throws. Then he found junior David Gieser for an assist before closing the third quarter with a jumper. DePaul Prep didn’t threaten seriously again.

‘‘We came out good,’’ said Hopkins, who scored 16 points. ‘‘Last year they defended me the same way. They were cutting off driving lanes and helping on screens and just pressuring me a lot. So I knew I was going to trust in my teammates to make shots, and they did a great job of that, especially Gabe.’’

Gieser finished with 10 points and five rebounds, and junior Denium Juette added 16 points and six rebounds for Fenwick.

Johnson finished with 26 points and five rebounds for the Rams, but he shot 8-for-28. Rasheed Bello added 14 points and 6-10 senior Brian Mathews six points and nine rebounds for DePaul Prep.

‘‘Johnson can really shoot it, but sometimes our gym can be hard to shoot in for opposing teams,’’ Friars coach Staunton Peck said. ‘‘And we did a good job of switching and making them take difficult shots.’’

Fenwick’s gym has a very small footprint. That isn’t usually ideal, but it has been perfect for livestreams during COVID-19. Something about the small gym translates well to watching high school basketball on the internet.

So it feels as though the Friars’ season has been a little more high-profile than those of most teams. They experienced a couple of heartbreaking losses, including one on a three-quarter-court game-winner in overtime by Notre Dame senior Louis Lesmond.

Peck, however, said the team rebounded quickly from the tough loss.

‘‘With the way we played in that game, I think we got closer,’’ Peck said. ‘‘It’s the best game we’ve played since I’ve been here. We just got a little bit unlucky.’’

Hopkins would have been one of the major draws this season under normal circumstances. Fenwick was scheduled to play in several high-profile events. But, like most kids, he’s just happy to have any season at all.

‘‘It’s been great,’’ Hopkins said. ‘‘A couple of months ago, we didn’t think we would have any season. I’m grateful to put my jersey on and play with my teammates this last year.’’

Fenwick and DePaul Prep are two of the eight teams participating in the Chipotle Classic next weekend. Simeon, Young, St. Patrick, Notre Dame, Mundelein and the Central Suburban League winner (likely Evanston or Glenbrook South) are the others. The bracket will be revealed Sunday.

Watch the final minute of DePaul Prep at Fenwick:

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Longtime Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook officially announces his retirement from the NHL

The post Brent Seabrook Retires from the NHL first appeared on CHI CITY SPORTS l Chicago Sports Blog – News – Forum – Fans – Rumors.Read More

The longtime Chicago playwright joins a new mini-renaissance of aural drama.

In Willy Russell’s 1980 play Educating Rita, the title character (a working-class hairdresser taking Open University literature courses in London) responds to the question “Suggest how you might resolve the staging difficulties inherent in a production of Ibsen’s Peer Gynt” with “Do it on the radio.” Debates and speculation continue to unspool about whether or not online theater is really theater and whether it can (or should) continue after the pandemic ends.…Read More

Joe Henricksen and Michael O’Brien answer questions from the listener mailbag and give their Two Takes.

On the latest episode of No Shot Clock Joe Henricksen and Michael O’Brien answer questions from the listener mailbag and give their Two Takes, a regular weekly feature of commentary and opinion on high school basketball.

The podcast concludes with a look at the week ahead.

Topics include:

-How good is Glenbard West and why they aren’t in the Chipotle Classic

-More shot clock debate

-Should the overtime format be changed?

-Is Bryce Hopkins the best Catholic League player since Corey Maggette?

-Why can’t schools just hold their own state tournament?

-Is this the most offensive firepower ever in the Mid-Suburban League East?

-Thoughts on the East Suburban Catholic

-Debating the area’s best rivalry and best student sections

-First impressions of Kenwood sophomore JJ Taylor

-Are Simeon and Young the state’s two best teams? And by how much?

-Curie, once again, is surprisingly good despite a lack of experience. What is the ceiling for the Condors?

All that and more.

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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The huge bear lumbered to the edge of the pool, crashed into the water and paddled by, its creamy yellow-white fur brushing the viewing glass.

But 2-year-old Jack Schmidt looked about as interested as if a gnat had landed on his stroller. Perhaps that’s because Jack, trapped in his own pandemic-inflicted enclosure for much the last year, didn’t quite know what to make of the polar bear Friday. It was his first trip to Lincoln Park Zoo.

“He was really excited when were looking at the zebras and the giraffes, but somehow the polar bears aren’t doing it for him,” said his mother, Jessica Schmidt, visiting from the Jefferson Park neighborhood, with her 5-month-old son Pierce strapped to her chest. “He’s pretty chill, and he also gets kind of shy.”

Polar bears aside, the animals could have been forgiven for perhaps being a little shy too. The zoo reopened Friday after a two-month closure. With blue skies and only shrinking patches of snow scabbing the walkways leading to the zoo, it was a perfect day to get outside.

A dozen or so people were lined up at the west entrance — nannies pushing strollers, dads with toddlers up on their shoulders — before the zoo opened at 10 a.m. Though the zoo remains free, visitors were required to make reservations and capacity is capped at 25%.

Visitors appeared to be following the social distancing rules, although the site of the zoo’s two polar bears — Siku and Talini — churning up the water brought a tight cluster of wide-eyed children and adults up to the glass.

But not Charlie Maraccini, 3, who was there with his younger sister, Annie, and his parents Jenny and Nick Maraccini, who live in the Uptown neighborhood. As Charlie played with some dried hydrangea blooms, his father periodically yelled, “Charlie, you’re missing the polar bear!”

Charlie’s mama was just glad to be rid of the snow and the bitter cold.

“It feels nice to be outside without snowpants on,” she said.

If you were thinking about heading to the zoo this weekend, you’ll need to make other plans. All of the weekend reservations were taken as of 2 p.m. Friday.

To make a zoo reservation for another date, visit lpzoo.org/welcome or call (312) 742-2000.

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Please send scores and corrections to [email protected].

Friday, March 5, 2021

CATHOLIC – BLUE

DePaul at Fenwick, 7:15

Leo at Brother Rice, 7:00

Mount Carmel at St. Laurence, PPD/CNL

St. Rita at Loyola, 7:00

CATHOLIC – WHITE

De La Salle at Providence, 7:00

St. Ignatius at Providence-St. Mel, 7:00

St. Joseph at Marmion, 7:15

CENTRAL SUBURBAN – NORTH

Deerfield at Highland Park, 7:30

Maine East at Vernon HIlls, 7:30

Niles North at Maine West, 7:30

CENTRAL SUBURBAN – SOUTH

Evanston at New Trier, 7:30

Glenbrook North at Maine South, 8:00

Niles West at Glenbrook South, 7:30

DU PAGE VALLEY

Naperville North at Naperville Central, 7:00

Neuqua Valley at Metea Valley, 7:00

Waubonsie Valley at DeKalb, 7:00

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLIC

Benet at St. Patrick, 7:00

Joliet Catholic at Carmel, 7:00

Marian Central at Marian Catholic, 7:00

Marist at Nazareth, 7:00

Notre Dame at St. Viator, 7:00

FOX VALLEY

Burlington Central at Crystal Lake Central, 7:00

Hampshire at Crystal Lake South, 7:00

Huntley at Cary-Grove, 7:00

Jacobs at McHenry, 7:00

Prairie Ridge at Dundee-Crown, 7:00

ILLINOIS CENTRAL EIGHT

Herscher at Peotone, 7:00

Lisle at Herscher, 7:00

Peotone at Manteno, 7:00

Streator at Coal City, 7:00

Wilmington at Reed-Custer, 6:45

INTERSTATE EIGHT

Kaneland at Sycamore, 6:00

LaSalle-Peru at Ottawa, 7:00

Morris at Plano, 6:00

Rochelle at Sandwich, 6:00

KISHWAUKEE RIVER

Johnsburg at Harvard, 7:00

Marengo at Richmond-Burton, 7:30

Woodstock at Woodstock North, 7:30

LITTLE TEN

Earlville at Leland, 7:30

Hiawatha at DePue, 7:00

Hinckley-Big Rock at Serena, 6:45

Indian Creek at Newark, 7:00

LaMoille-Ohio at Somonauk, 7:00

METRO SUBURBAN

Chicago Christian at Wheaton Academy, 7:30

Elmwood Park at Ridgewood, 7:00

IC Catholic at Timothy Christian, 7:30

McNamara at St. Edward, 7:30

Riverside-Brookfield at St. Francis, 7:30

Westmont at Aurora Central, 7:30

MID-SUBURBAN – EAST

Buffalo Grove at Hersey, 7:30

Prospect at Rolling Meadows, 7:30

Wheeling at Elk Grove, 7:30

MID-SUBURBAN – WEST

Barrington at Conant, 7:30

Fremd at Schaumburg, 7:30

Palatine at Hoffman Estates, 7:30

NORTHEASTERN ATHLETIC

Our Lady Sacred Heart at Schaumburg Christian, 5:

PUBLIC LEAGUE RED WEST-NORTH

Clark at Marshall, 5:00

Lincoln Park at Lane, 7:00

Orr at Young, 7:00

Schurz at Farragut, 5:00

Westinghouse at North Lawndale, 5:00

PUBLIC LEAGUE WHITE-NORTH

Foreman at Von Steuben, 5:00

Lake View at Prosser, 5:00

Northside at Mather, 6:30

Sullivan at Senn, 5:00

Taft at Uplift, 5:00

PUBLIC LEAGUE WHITE-WEST

Clemente at Austin, 5:00

Jones at Payton, 7:00

Perspectives-MSA at Crane, 5:00

PUBLIC LEAGUE BLUE-NORTH

Alcott at Chicago Academy, 5:00

Amundsen at North Grand, 5:00

DuSable at Rickover, 5:00

Steinmetz at Marine, 5:00

PUBLIC LEAGUE BLUE-WEST

Manley at Juarez, 5:00

Little Village at Ogden, 6:00

SOUTH SUBURBAN – BLUE

Oak Forest at Thornton Fr. North, 6:00

Tinley Park at Lemont, 7:30

SOUTH SUBURBAN – RED

Evergreen Park at Oak Lawn, 6:00

Reavis at Shepard, 6:00

Richards at Eisenhower, 6:00

SOUTH SUBURBAN – CROSSOVER

Argo at Bremen, 5:00

SOUTHWEST PRAIRIE – CROSSOVER

Joliet Central at Oswego, PPD

Joliet West at Plainfield North, 7:00

Plainfield Central at West Aurora, 7:00

Plainfield East at Oswego East, 7:00

Plainfield South at Yorkville, 7:00

Romeoville at Minooka, 7:00

SOUTHWEST SUBURBAN – BLUE

Bolingbrook at Lockport, 6:30

Sandburg at Homewood-Flossmoor, 6:30

SOUTHWEST SUBURBAN – RED

Andrew at Bradley-Bourbonnais, 6:45

Lincoln-Way West at Stagg, 6:30

TRI-COUNTY

Henry-Senachwince at Lowpoint-Washburn, 5:30

Marquette at Woodland, PPD/CNL

Putnam County at Midland, 7:00

Roanoke-Benson at Seneca, PPD/CNL

WEST SUBURBAN – GOLD

Hinsdale South at Downers Grove South, 7:00

Leyden at Addison Trail, 7:00

Morton at Willowbrook, 7:00

WEST SUBURBAN – SILVER

Downers Grove North at Proviso West, 6:30

Lyons at York, 7:00

Oak Park-River Forest at Hinsdale Central, 7:30

WEST SUBURBAN – CROSSOVER

Proviso East at Glenbard West, 7:00

NON CONFERENCE

Christian Life at Westminster Christian, 7:00

Clifton Central at Iroquois West, 7:30

Horizon-McKinley at Horizon-Southwest, 5:00

Kankakee at Lincoln-Way Central, 6:30

Lake Forest Academy at Northridge, 6:15

Latin at Francis Parker, 6:00

Lexington at Dwight, 7:00

Lindblom at Christ the King, 7:30

Thornwood at Bowen, 5:00

Westlake Christian at North Shore, 6:00

BIG NORTHERN TOURNAMENT

North Boone at Rock Falls, 6:00

Oregon at Dixon, 6:00

Mendota at Winnebago, 6:00

NORTH SUBURBAN TOURNAMENT

Waukegan at Mundelein, 7:30

Lake Zurich at Lake Forest, 7:30

Warren at Stevenson, at Woodlawn MS, 7:30

Zion-Benton at Libertyville, 7:45

RIVER VALLEY TOURNAMENT

Beecher at St. Anne

Donovan at Illinois Lutheran, 7:00

Grace Christian at Tri-Point, 5:30

Grant Park at Gardner-So. Wilmington, 5:30

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Whether you’re looking for pancakes the size of your head or straight-up authentic diner fare, Naperville delivers. Check out these 7 top-notch breakfast restaurants in Naperville! 

1224 Ogden Ave Ste G, Naperville, IL 60563

Nestled away in an unsuspecting strip mall, this cozy diner serves up some serious morning eats. Menu highlights include The Naper Frittata, The Irish Bennie, and Meathead Breakfast Pizza. Yep, pizza for breakfast is 100% acceptable here. 

1715 Freedom Dr, Naperville, IL 60563

How about a hip brekky joint? Experience elevated traditional breakfast fare at this restaurant and coffee bar. Go all in on the fluffiest Pancakes, healthy Quinoa Bowl, or savory Omelette. Plus, their naturally lit, urban barn atmosphere makes for the perfect IG backdrop. 

844 S Rt 59, Naperville, IL 60540

Back in 2005, owners Jimmy Banakis and Steve Fotos opened Juicy-O to celebrate their love of breakfast and lunch. Their menu is a collection of recipes handed down from family restaurants, as well as interesting creations by Chef Frank Georgocopoulos. Stop by for Vegan Oatmeal Pancakes, Delectable Crepes, or one of their many other incredible items. 

5019 Ace Ln Ste 131, Naperville, IL 60564

Based on their name alone, you know this place has some bombass pancakes. Stop in for cozy seating and giant portions. Not a big pancake fan? Try their Cobbler Crepes, Red Velvet French Toast, or Mexican Skillet. You won’t regret it.

1904 Brookdale Rd Ste 104, Naperville, IL 60563

If you’re watching your waistline or just want something a little lighter, try this fresh cafe. Their menu items are made from scratch daily. Popular items include the Egg Wrap, Fresh Squeezed Juices, and Bob’s Breakfast Sandwich. 

1504 N Naper Blvd, Naperville, IL 60563

The folks at Honey-Jam Café believe life should be fun and delicious. Their extensive menu offers options for everyone – whether you’re a health nut, adventure seeker or just want the tried-and-true traditional breakfast. Favorites include Taffy Apple French Toast, Farmer’s Skillet Breakfast, and Biscuiladas. 

2728 Hassert Blvd, Naperville, IL 60564

Since 2014, this friendly location has been serving up eggs-cellent breakfast. Grab your besties or significant other and enjoy a hearty AM meal. Try the Fiesta Skillet, Stuffed French Toast, or anything really. Last one there is a rotten egg 😉 

Breakfast Restaurants Naperville Featured Image: Lucky Penny Diner Facebook

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Once mocked as a place where quarterbacks go to die, the Chicago Bears are prepping for a pursuit of a future hall of fame quarterback in the form of Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks. The Chicago Bears would look so good with a new franchise quarterback. The NFL world has certainly seen the rumors […]

Chicago Bears Rumors: Russell Wilson pursuit marked as priority – Da Windy City – Da Windy City – A Chicago Sports Site – Bears, Bulls, Cubs, White Sox, Blackhawks, Fighting Illini & More

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