Chicago Tribune Sports

A state title is the new standard for Chesterton senior Hayden DeMarco, who is 26-0 this season.

Highland senior Aaliyah Keil, who is also a star hurdler, handles multiple position switches in her career with aplomb.

Xavier Williams and Lake Central continue to win, entering the new year unbeaten and on top.

Bowman’s Kahlen Robinson was determined to do more this season. She wasn’t satisfied after winning just 14 games over two years.

Gracyn Gilliard leads Munster back into the top 10, while Marquette moves up and Morton enters.

When Griffith’s Savon Miles needs to kick-start his motor before a game, he looks back at the losses he endured earlier in his career.

Senior point guard Jemeil Rich Jr., who grew up in Texas, is flourishing in his only season for East Chicago Central.

Portage’s Alante’ Wright can point to ways she has improved her skills but emphasizes one thing not associated with physical ability.

Preston Saia, who joined Merrillville after two years at Don Bosco, hit a program-record eight 3-pointers in a game on Dec. 12.

Matt Hofer is among nine Valparaiso players on the team, and Will Clark is among 10 Crown Point players.

Highland’s Aramis McNutt finished fifth at 285 pounds at the state meet last season, which left him hungry for more.

Kankakee Valley is the ninth school that Lyric Carpenter has attended, but the senior guard-turned-forward has fit right in.

Hanover Central and Lowell enter the rankings, and Crown Point’s Ava Ziolkowski is the player of the week after setting a record.

Lake Central senior guards Dorien Beatty and Cam Thompson paid their dues, and they’re cashing in this season.

Zach Greene helps Lake Central soar to the top as West Side and Valparaiso make big moves too.

Outside hitter Ava Holtz didn’t let any height disadvantages keep her down, leading LaPorte to its first regional title since 2016.

Tenley Davis, who has become a two-sport dynamo for Chesterton this year, is averaging 18.1 points and 8.1 rebounds.

Every wrestler wants to win a state title, and Crown Point’s Gavin Jendreas has two of them. But he says his collection is incomplete.

West Side’s Harlem Rhodes, whose father, Marcus, starred at Lew Wallace, begins to make a name for himself in his senior season.

It seems no one harbored doubts that Morton’s Kylah Patterson would make an immediate impact. Except the freshman forward herself.

Hammond Central makes a big jump behind Indiah Hutchinson, while Marquette and Kankakee Valley join the list.

Hanover Central’s Max Wiancek, who was uncertain about his role early last season, leaves no doubt about his importance to the team.

As Crown Point senior forward Ava Ziolkowski continues to post ridiculous numbers, coach Chris Seibert can’t quite say he’s surprised.

Emma Charles was involved in pivotal games before, but notes written by Crown Point coach David Bock helped her find another gear.

Kiara Desiderio is among three Hanover Central players on the team, joining six Crown Point players and five Chesterton players.