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The best stories being published on the SNO Sites network

Best of SNO

The best stories being published on the SNO Sites network

Best of SNO

The best stories being published on the SNO Sites network

Best of SNO

Llaverias' son, John, and their family dog, Remi, watch a duck.

Feathers & family: the duck hunting traditions of Archie Williams

By Malika Kronik and Caroline McFerron March 21, 2025

Duck hunting is a long-standing tradition that combines skill, strategy, and an appreciation for wildlife. Hunters work to outsmart their feathered targets, and with seasons changing, duck hunting also...

“We did the unthinkable,” sophomore Riggy Khyungra said, reflecting on the team’s victory. “We made history.”

39 Years in the Making: La Salle Boys Basketball Brings Home the Championship

By Ashe Hardigg, La Salle Catholic Preparatory High School March 21, 2025

In a true Cinderella story, the No. 9 ranked La Salle varsity boys basketball team took down four higher ranked teams en route to their first state championship win in nearly 40 years on Saturday, March...

Senior Hayden Riordan looks at her reflection in her pool. Growing up, she would get in it year-round, whether the water was cold or not.

In the wake

By Krista Fleming and Lily Andersson March 21, 2025

This story contains an alternate format that can only be viewed on the original site. View this story on The Hawk Eye. It was originally published on March 6, 2025.

Sophomore wrestler Carter Brown holds the leg of Willard wrestler Porter Talbot in the State semifinal match. This was a rematch of the Winnetonka final that Brown won to claim first place over Talbot in January.

Moving up the ranks

By Theo Koury, Lafayette High School March 19, 2025

As the final seconds ticked away, sophomore wrestler Carter Brown wore a smile on his face because he knew that he was going to be a State champion. “I knew I was going to win because there were a...

The LouCity and Racing Foundation's initiatives provide financially accessible soccer for children all across Louisville.

Soccer for all: The LouCity & Racing Foundation

By Stella Kolers, Sophie Sexton, Scarlett Frisbie, and Aaron Ziegler March 19, 2025

Since 2022, The LouCity & Racing Foundation has paved the way for young soccer players to achieve their dreams despite financial obstacles. Through programs like the West Louisville Soccer Club (WLSC),...

GAMEBALL: A (wo)man for all seasons

GAMEBALL: A (wo)man for all seasons

By Yena Oh, Sunny Hills High School March 19, 2025

Fast. That’s the assessment that then-eighth-grader Madelyn Sooter recalled her eighth-grade Parks Junior High School PE teacher had surmised about her after seeing her place first in all three of...

Before the second half of the girls basketball State finals, Activities Director Ryan Garder talks to students at the front of the student section.

Griffins recognized for sportsmanship as policy debate continues

By Colton Knott, Gretna East High School March 18, 2025

The closure of winter sports marked a controversial season regarding student section expectations, but despite that, the Griffins were awarded the Currency Class B Sportsmanship Award, an award given to...

By successfully balancing academics and fencing, ninth grader Ella Nguyen stands out not only for her skill but for her persistence and openness to advice from her coach, peers and even her brother.

Ella Nguyen finds fencing success through hard work, determination

By Edward Park, University of Chicago Laboratory High School March 18, 2025

Ninth grader Ella Nguyen remembers the days she wanted to quit fencing. Exhausted and overwhelmed, she sat in her fencing club as she watched her teammates practice. Years of rigorous training and high...

The MCHS shot clock is becoming a great addition for next years season.

Shot clocks to be used in basketball games starting next school year

By Ffion Curtain, McHenry High School March 18, 2025

In 2026-2027, the IHSA plans on bringing the shot clocks that are used in the NBA and NCAA to high school basketball games. Shot clocks are a timing device that shows a countdown of the time of a team’s...

WJ swim conquer states, win co-titles

WJ swim conquer states, win co-titles

By William Murphy, Walter Johnson High School March 13, 2025

For the first time in 15 years and the first time in county history, the WJ swim team won both the boys’ and the girls’ 4A/3A state title in a dominant showing on Saturday, Feb. 22. The teams defeated...

On Feb. 5, President Donald Trump signed an executive order called "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports," which has caused a chilling effect in high school and college sports, even in schools without trans athletes.

Torn from the turf

By Aubrey Butler, McHenry High School March 13, 2025

An McHenry High School (MCHS) student walks onto the field, ready to try out for the girls soccer team. Although she has played soccer for years, this student has never played on the girls team before....

Hagerty: A hotbed of stars

Hagerty: A hotbed of stars

By Kaitlyn Taylor, Hagerty High School March 13, 2025

The Detroit Tigers all-star outfielder, Baltimore Orioles starting first baseman, and Boston Red Sox starting second baseman from last season were getting in some batting practice before the upcoming Major...

Student-athletes speak out against federal investigation into MSHSL

Student-athletes speak out against federal investigation into MSHSL

By Elizabeth Tuttle, St. Paul Academy and Summit School March 12, 2025

President Donald Trump’s Feb. 5, “Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports,” executive order bans male-to-female transgender athletes from participating on sports teams that align with their gender. Following...

Coppell High School sophomore Dimitrios Panagiotopoulos and his brother senior Ionnais Panagiotopoulos are training to become USA Boxing certified boxers. They have been boxing for four years and built a bond through boxing and training together. Photo by Elizabeth De Santiago.

Beyond the ring: Panagiotopoulos brothers woven by boxing

By Yug Talukdar, Coppell High School March 12, 2025

Bags swing and gloves hammer away under the yellow downlighting in George’s MMA and Boxing Gym in Irving. The sound of quick breathing and fighters heaving from sparring fill the air. Every Monday,...

Sophomore Maria Navarro prepares to return a serve at the USTA National Championship match. (Photo Courtesy of Maria Navarro)

Maria Navarro: Queen of the Court

By Chase Zur, The Benjamin School March 12, 2025

The afternoon sun fills in to the door of the DLC as Maria Navarro walks in with her friends, laughter trailing behind them in the warm breeze. Her golden hair shines in the light as she flashes her signature...

Does skipping high school sports improve athletes’ chance of playing D1?

Does skipping high school sports improve athletes’ chance of playing D1?

By Sami Moesch, West Chicago Community High School March 11, 2025

Molly Merkel, a junior navigating the recruitment process, made the difficult decision to quit high school soccer to focus entirely on club. With her team attending out-of-state showcases, she believed...

Rosenblatt celebrates after the Eagles' Super Bowl LIX victory.

A dream come true

By Julia Skoufalos, Cherry Hill High School East March 11, 2025

Coming all the way from Cherry Hill to New Orleans, Zack Rosenblatt (‘09), an East alumni, covered the 2025 Super Bowl game for The Atlantic and a side story on Jalen Hurts for the New York Times. As...

Coaches and swimmers for the girls' swim and dive team celebrate winning their fifth state championship after jumping into the water at the Veteran's Memorial Aquatic Center.

Girls’ Swim and Dive Takes Five-Peat Title, Breaks Major State Record

By Clay Biskner, Cherry Creek High School March 11, 2025

Creek’s girls’ swim and dive team has won yet another state title, bringing the team to a five-peat, and 31 titles across their history. And as if the excitement wasn’t enough, in the last race of...

It’s a Family Affair: Trent Dowdell continues his football career at Emory and Henry

It’s a Family Affair: Trent Dowdell continues his football career at Emory and Henry

By Avery Hommel, Tennessee High School March 11, 2025

On Jan. 27, senior running back Trent Dowdell made the call to verbally commit to Emory and Henry’s football program. This comes after football’s lifelong force in not only his life, but also in...

What Are You Losing?

What Are You Losing?

By Ella Mohr, Dupont Manual High School March 6, 2025

“One more hill,” I thought to myself. “Then you’re done.” My teammates began to pass me one by one, and as I inched closer to the top, a wave of dizziness hit me. Hill repeats were usually...

SOLID STROKES: Natalia Portilla takes deep breaths as she prepares to preform another stroke. Exerting her upper body strength with the goal of pushes the boat forward.

Senior transitions from court to water

By Michael Vienneau, James Bowie High School March 6, 2025

Pushing to exhaustion and slicing through the water, senior Natalia Portilla began rowing in March of 2024, now less than a year later, her sacrifice and commitment to the sport has now led her to pursue...

Rafael Hall spends six days a week in the elite soccer development league MLS Next. The 5-foot-9 defensive midfielder would like to play at SMU in college.

Kicking it as a family

By Sydney Ortiz, Kingwood Park High School March 4, 2025

Sophomore Rafael Hall only has to look a few yards away to see his 2-year-old brother sitting on the sidelines cheering his name. It doesn’t matter if it is a soccer game or practice, Gael Hall is always...

Junior Kate Oguntoyinbo stands during a break at districts. Oguntoyinbo finished in fourth place in the 18-6A district, allowing her to move on to regionals.

Unlikely contender

By Eva Muscal, Bellaire High School March 4, 2025

It was something she had wanted to do for three years. But she never dreamed of becoming a state qualifier. The moment she stepped on the mat, she knew she had a unique talent. Junior Kate Oguntoyinbo...

Esports president Hansu Kim has been playing video games since he was 2 years old. Now, as a senior in high school, he’s hunting a national title in two games.

Game on

By Gavin Lambert, Hebron High School March 4, 2025

What started as playing “Minecraft” on his dad’s phone as a 2-year-old turned into a passion that has given him one goal in mind: winning a national championship. Video games have always been...

As student-athletes, junior Mika Haggarty, sophomore Vivienne French, and senior Joss Tramel overcome an additional challenge. Each of them has to manage a medical condition by using medical devices, and specialized equipment, or adjusting their positions on the field to optimize their performance.  Photo courtesy of Joss Tramel (left) and  Viviene French (right)

How three athletes navigate sports with health challenges

By Josie Wettan, Burlingame High School – CA March 4, 2025

For any athlete, the position they play on the field, court, or pool is an important aspect of their performance. But for sophomore Vivienne French, playing right wing on the junior varsity soccer team...

High school athletics face new challenges

High school athletics face new challenges

By MaKenzi VerVaecke, Manitou Springs High School March 3, 2025

In recent years Manitou Springs High School has been facing a decline in athletics due to lower student body participation, athletes choosing club sports over high school sports and more coaches resigning...

Girls wrestling head coach Maria Mulero helps a student with math before school on Feb. 19. After the season ended, she said she has had more free time to spend in her class.

From math to the mats

By April Choe, Hebron High School March 3, 2025

When she first stepped into her classroom, she didn’t expect to just be a math teacher — she intended to be involved in something she’s been fascinated in for a while: wrestling. When girls wrestling...

Mareena Cosgrove works with her horse Cali during a training session.

Student equestrians: the price of passion

By Ellen Winter and Ainsley Sullivan February 27, 2025

Horseback riding has long flourished as a sport, with its roots dating back to 682 BCE when a four-horse chariot race was held during the 25th Olympiad in Greece. Today, the sport is incredibly diverse,...

Sophomore Cannon DeMoura fights for more yardage after a catch vs. Hanahan in August. DeMoura, a multi-sport athlete, has battled concussion injuries in the past. “It’s pretty sad. I mean, like, I had to start 
the season off with a concussion and I couldn’t even play the first game,” DeMoura said.

The mind takes a hit on and off the field

By Emma Stanton, Wando High School February 27, 2025

It was hot. It was humid. As the heat of August beamed down, the football players in their pads and cleats continued on with their drills. Left. Right. Left. For sophomore Cannon DeMoura, the day...

Aaron Keller, in the new home alternate uniform, makes a shot at the goal on senior night against Lindbergh.

Look Good, Play Good

By Declan Phipps, Lafayette High School February 27, 2025

Worn since 2007, the Lafayette Hockey Team’s vibrant black, white, and gold uniforms have been instantly recognizable with their large gold letter “L” and Lafayette Lancer on the chest. The iconic...

“This means a new beginning for Coppell Cheer”

“This means a new beginning for Coppell Cheer”

By Marli Field, Coppell High School February 27, 2025

The ear-piercing screams of an excited crowd, bright stage lights shining down with flashes of red and blue, a sea of fierce competition, all fitted in their own forms of armor-shimmering sequins and bows-showing...

Members of Xavier Hotshots team pose at the Ben Avery Clay Target Center where they practice once a week. Members are divided between stations to practice each of the events.

Through precision and perfection Hotshots thrive

By Maggie Mostoller, Xavier College Preparatory February 27, 2025

Target shooting has been a well-known activity dating back to the 13th century. The sport evolved over centuries and in the 1800s skeet and trap shooting were introduced. Hotshots- Clay Target shooting...

Sitting courtside and observing the game, basketball coach Rich Rogers tries to help his team win in any way he can. Rogers has coached all levels of basketball at Parkway West for over 57 years and still has maintained a constant level of dedication and focus throughout his career. “If you're going to play basketball, you have to be willing to work as hard as possible and be ready for things to go wrong,” Rogers said.

A legacy of leadership and excellence in sports

By Owen Ulmer, Parkway West High School February 27, 2025

57 years ago, Parkway West opened, but there has been one constant figure in it other than the building: basketball coach Rich Rogers. Coaching for so long takes commitment and passion for the game, making...

Junior Drayden Witt makes an out-of-bounds call during the Hardee's Classic youth tournament. Witt is one of the eight referees Coach Tony Buhr has worked with to get their refereeing certifications.

American Sports’ Endangered Species

By Elise Dykstra, Mason City High School February 27, 2025

This is a story about a dad who saw a problem in the world, and saw a solution in the high schoolers he coached. This is a story about a nationwide dilemma, and yet another team working to reverse it. And...

Aden Millwee plays guard, standing 6'1, 160 lbs.

Athlete spotlight: Aden Millwee overcomes challenges to soar

By Tabitha Peters, Fresno Christian High School February 27, 2025

Shoes squeaking, nets swooshing, teammates cheering – the basketball court is where passion meets precision. Every athlete strives for success, but very few stand out. Aden Millwee, ‘25, exemplifies...

Justin Liu rapidly serves and blocks the ball in an intense table tennis match.

Justin Liu serves up success with table tennis

By Isabella Chiu, Lynbrook High School – CA February 25, 2025

Hands shaking from high pressure, sophomore Justin Liu raises the white ball to serve to the best player in the 15 and Under Boys’ Singles event at the 2024 United States Open Table Tennis Championship....

Throwing the ball, sophomore shortstop and third baseman Hudson Cuevas completes a play to first base at the scrimmage against Round Rock on Feb. 4. Installation of new turf on the fields has relocatedthe team to practicing on the grass fields and at a batting cage center off of Lakeline called D-Bat. “Our players have attacked this challenge,” Head Coach Ben Huffman said. “We’re just having to shift locations from a day to day basis. [But], the boys come out and wherever and whatever we’re doing they just try to get better every day.” Photo by Alyssa Fox

New Faces Around The Bases

By Alyssa Fox, Cedar Park High School February 25, 2025

As the dark skies dim the afternoon, the combination of green ‘Cedar Park Baseball’ shirts and white baseball pants flood the parking lot. Boys pile into cars, drive past their deconstructed home field...

Paige Blom, sophomore, races at a girls swim meet on Thursday, Jan. 30. Blom broke the MHS girls 100-yard butterfly record on Saturday, Jan. 11 with a time of 56.79 seconds, 0.26     seconds faster than the previous record.

Sophomore Breaks Girls Swim Record

By Kate Jesperson, Marquette High School February 25, 2025

Coming out of the pool, Paige Blom, sophomore, saw her mom screaming from the stands and coaches and teammates jumping up and down cheering. She had just broken the Marquette High School girls 100-yard...

Ong resets and chalks up for her next move. She was participating in one of her first lead competitions at InSPIRE Cypress Rock Climbing.

‘It’s more than just the sport’

By Cindy Tint, Bellaire High School February 20, 2025

It started as an interest sparked in a summer camp. Then, a coach encouraged her to join a class. Now, sophomore Isabella Ong rock climbs on the competitive team for Momentum Indoor Climbing. Ong...

All For the Team

All For the Team

By Abby Kass, West Delaware High School February 20, 2025

Legacy—A term that is becoming closely associated with West Delaware High School wrestling. With a combined 40 years of coaching experience, Jeff and Jake Voss have created a program to be proud of. The...

Brad Stoll receives the Special Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Former LHS coach Brad Stoll joins Atlanta Braves coaching staff

By Ruby Flanner, Lawrence High School February 18, 2025

Former Lawrence High School baseball coach Brad Stoll has excelled with his new team coaching minor league baseball. Stoll’s career began at the University of Kansas coaching program, which led to...

Juniors Akeem Cooper (Left) and Quantavius Bradley (Right) perform a cheer during the basketball game against Maynard Jackson on Jan. 28, where the girls won 59-50 and the boys lost 64-42. Cooper has been on the team for the past two seasons, and this is Bradley's first season.

Juniors Bradley, Cooper defy stereotypes

By Cate Barton, Midtown High School February 18, 2025

For juniors Akeem Cooper and Quantavius Bradley, joining the cheer team wasn’t just about breaking stereotypes; it was about finding a space where they could be themselves. Cooper joined the cheer...

Ankeny High School senior Tyson Rauser holds three of his catches on Little River in Iowa. Photo permission by Tyson Rauser

A real catch

By Julius Wiegand, Ankeny High School February 18, 2025

On a midwinter Saturday, you will find most students inside doing homework, watching a show, or entertaining themselves with a comfortable, preferably warm activity. But select others, like Ankeny High...

Five Schools Combine for Swimming

Five Schools Combine for Swimming

By Addison Burger, West Delaware High School February 18, 2025

One team. One fight. Dubuque Hempstead swimming coach Richard Loeffelholz uses this as his motto to motivate his swimmers coming from five different schools. On a team with student-athletes from five schools,...

Nonnewaug school nurse Sandy Snabaitis poses next to one of the six AEDs at Nonnewaug.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest a Silent Threat for Young Athletes

By Aubrie Salisbury ’27, Nonnewaug High School February 13, 2025

WOODBURY -- All throughout the country, there are high school athletes striving to create names for themselves, stepping into the spotlight. Athletes everywhere are recognized and praised for the lengths...

Victorious Victoria

Victorious Victoria

By Mariam Hamouma, Walnut Hills High School February 13, 2025

Gliding effortlessly on a  sheet of ice, Victoria Niu, ‘26, demonstrates both precision and power. Niu competes in ice skating, even though Walnut Hills High School does not have an organized team....

The Xavier varsity soccer team played its match against Sunnyslope High School and won by a score of 8-0 on Thursday, Jan 30, 2025. Team captain Ally Brown scored three goals.

Game Changer: Barb Chura wins National Girls’ Soccer Coach of the Year

By Lucia Sugich, Xavier College Preparatory February 13, 2025

Great teams are built on talent, but legendary teams are built on leadership. In early January, it was announced that Xavier’s varsity soccer coach, Barb Chura, was named National Federation of State...

Coppell junior track and field athlete Noah Schuller hurdles before sunrise on Jan. 28 at Buddy Echols Field. Coppell High School’s thriving sports culture is driven by the dedication of student athletes and their pursuit of victory. Photo by Kayla Nguyen.

Price of perfection

By Neha Nathwani, Coppell High School February 12, 2025

It is a crisp Friday night at Buddy Echols Field. The stands are a sea of Coppell High School students, parents and teachers participating in the white-out game, in support of Coppell football. Music...

The Hidden Impact

The Hidden Impact

By Zoey Perrine, Paige Duff, James Sandberg, and Greta Van Steenberg February 12, 2025

Lying unconscious on the polished wood floor, Jordan Ellerington’s life had just changed forever. On Dec. 5, 2023, the first game of the Monarch girls basketball team’s season, Ellerington took a hit...

Varsity girls' water polo players Zoey ('28) and Rylee ('26) at the Wildcat pool deck. The sisters discovered the sport from their mother, Emily Flesher, who was a three-time national champion at the University of Redlands.

Szary Sister Synergy

By Siena Codekas, Brea Olinda High School February 12, 2025

There were moments during girl's varsity water polo's first round CIF playoff game against Cajon High School Feb. 4 when sisters Rylee (‘26) and Zoey Szary (‘28) would shoot quick looks in the direction...

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