Bob Narang

As the 2025-2026 boys basketball season tips off this week, here are previews of teams from around the Suburban Life coverage area.

How Tanner Glock is making an impact for St. Francis at multiple positions, junior center Michael Lombardo an unsung hero for Montini and Nazareth-Fenwick showdown set in Bob Narang's Suburban Life football notebook.

The Benet volleyball team's season ended Saturday with a loss to Marist in the Class 4A state championship match for the second year in a row.

Led by a 15-kill, 13-dig effort from senior Bridget Ferriter, Lockport bested Fremd in three sets in Saturday's IHSA Class 4A third-place game.

Nazareth's magical postseason run, after going 3-31 last year, ended with a runner-up finish in Class 3A as the Roadrunners came up short against Normal U-High 25-20, 25-20 in Saturday's Class 3A final.

Cinderella Nazareth, 3-31 last year, is back at the state volleyball tournament for the first time since 2022, and play in a Class 3A semifinal Friday. Meanwhile in Class 4A Benet is back for the fourth straight year, looking to top three straight runner-up appearances.

St. Francis junior running back Tivias Caldwell takes his game to another level in the playoffs, Montini set for trip down memory lane with matchup with Coal City and more in Bob Narang's Suburban Life football notebook.

Caden Chiarelli, a senior wide receiver and safety, is an integral player for Downers Grove North. But Chiarelli said he’s happy to follow in the long line of family members to make a name in football. That plus notes on Lyons and St. Francis in Bob Narang's football notes.

Simon Kodosky, York brace for playoff rematch with Lyons, Nazareth not getting caught up in talk of four-peat ahead of playoff opener and Lemont set for huge challenge of Kankakee in Bob Narang's Suburban Life football notebook.

Glenbard East senior Sam Walton got a late start to football, but the two-way starter has grown into a disruptive force on the defensive line as the Rams prepare for a Week 9 showdown with Riverside-Brookfield for the Upstate Eight East title. That and more in Bob Narang's notes.

The Willowbrook flag football team bounced back from a tough semifinal loss to beat Perspectives 30-0 in the state third-place game Saturday.

Aribella Spandiary threw for three touchdowns and ran for a fourth as Maine South led Young from start to finish in Saturday's IHSA state championship game.

After playing free safety and slot receiver last season, Riverside-Brookfield senior Warren Mason is primarily a defensive player this season. He's one of the players that's helped lead the 7-0 Bulldogs to their best start since 2001. That, plus notes on Lemont and more.

Marli Smrz threw three touchdown passes, highlighted by a 48-yard TD to Janell Adams, as unbeaten Willowbrook shut out Naperville Central 28-0, while Sarahi Carlos threw a scoring pass in overtime to Gracie Del Toro as West Aurora beat Oswego East 8-6 in the sectional semifinals.

Hinsdale Central junior defensive ends John Breton and Tommy Riordan are both making waves this season. The Red Devils have benefited from the rapid improvements by Breton and Riordan to contend in the West Suburban Silver. That, plus notes on St. Francis and more from Bob Narang