Category: News
Johnson y Wembanyama llevan a Spurs a triunfo ante Lakers, 107-91, pese a 38 puntos de Doncic
SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Keldon Johnson anotó 27 puntos, Victor Wembanyama añadió 16 unidades y 14 rebotes, y los Spurs de San Antonio se sobrepusieron a los 38 puntos, 10 tableros y 10 asistencias de Luka Doncic para vencer el miércoles 107-91 a los Lakers de Los Ángeles.
San Antonio se colocó en el segundo lugar de la Conferencia Oeste a pesar de atinar apenas cuatro de 25 tiros de tres puntos.
LeBron James no jugó debido a problemas de artritis y ciática, lo que incidió en que terminara la racha de tres victorias consecutivas de Los Ángeles.
Tirones en la pantorrilla también dejaron fuera a Austin Reaves y Rui Hachimura de los Lakers.
Jake LaRavia, con 16 puntos, y Jaxson Hayes, con diez, fueron los únicos otros jugadores de los Lakers en anotar en cifras de doble dígito contra los Spurs.
Wembanyama estaba en duda para el encuentro después de regresar el martes tras una ausencia de dos duelos debido a una hiperextensión en la rodilla izquierda. Anotó 30 puntos en 20 minutos en una derrota por 106-105 en Memphis y siguió con su 15º doble-doble de la temporada.
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Deportes AP: https://apnews.com/hub/deportes
Arabia Saudí alega que Emiratos ayudó a sacar del país a un líder separatista yemení buscado
Por JON GAMBRELL
DUBÁI, Emiratos Árabes Unidos (AP) — Arabia Saudí alegó el jueves que los Emiratos Árabes Unidos sacaron de forma clandestina a un líder separatista en Yemen, buscado por traición, fuera del país y lo llevaron en avión a Abu Dabi.
Los Emiratos Árabes Unidos no respondieron de inmediato a la afirmación, que aumenta aún más las tensiones entre las naciones vecinas en la península Arábiga, mientras se desmorona su asociación en la guerra de varios años en Yemen.
Un comunicado militar saudí afirmó que Aidarous al-Zubaidi, el líder del Consejo de Transición del Sur, huyó de Yemen en barco hacia Somalia. Luego, funcionarios de los Emiratos Árabes Unidos llevaron a al-Zubaidi en avión a Abu Dabi, la capital de Emiratos, según el comunicado. Los Emiratos han sido el principal apoyo del consejo, conocido como el STC, lo que provocó un enfrentamiento entre Arabia Saudí y Emiratos en los últimos días después de que los combatientes del STC avanzaran en dos gobernaciones y parecieran estar preparándose para separarse de Yemen.
El comunicado saudí del general de división Turki al-Malki incluyó la mención de un general de división de los Emiratos Árabes Unidos como involucrado en la supuesta fuga de Al Zubaidi, junto con la identificación de su nombre de guerra, algo muy inusual en las relaciones normalmente cordiales del golfo Pérsico. También sugirió que un avión Ilyushin Il-76 utilizado en la operación se había empleado en “zonas de conflicto” como Etiopía, Libia y Somalia, rutas por las que se ha acusado al ejército emiratí de canalizar armas en el pasado.
Los Emiratos Árabes Unidos han negado el tráfico de armas en esas áreas. El Ministerio emiratí de Exteriores no respondió de inmediato a una solicitud de comentarios de Associated Press. El STC tampoco reconoció de inmediato la acusación, diciendo el miércoles que al-Zubaidi había permanecido en Adén, donde las fuerzas aliadas contra los rebeldes hutíes respaldados por Irán se han congregado durante años desde que los rebeldes tomaron la capital de Yemen, Saná.
El sur de Yemen llevaba bajo el control del Consejo de Liderazgo Presidencial, un grupo que incluye a al-Zubaidi y otros, desde 2022. El miércoles, el consejo de liderazgo expulsó a al-Zubaidi y lo acusó de traición después de que aparentemente se negara a volar a Arabia Saudí para conversaciones. Esto marcó el último rechazo contra el STC por parte de Arabia Saudí, que también lanzó recientemente ataques aéreos contra el grupo y un envío de armas que el reino dijo provenía de los Emiratos.
La guerra en Yemen, en el borde sur de la península Arábiga y bordeando el mar Rojo y el golfo de Adén, ha matado a más de 150.000 personas, incluidos combatientes y civiles. Ha creado uno de los peores desastres humanitarios del mundo. Los hutíes también han lanzado ataques contra el transporte marítimo debido a la guerra Israel-Hamás en la Franja de Gaza, interrumpiendo una ruta vital para el comercio global.
Estados Unidos, que anteriormente elogió los esfuerzos saudí-emiratíes para poner fin a la crisis sobre los separatistas, ha lanzado ataques aéreos contra los rebeldes hutíes durante los mandatos de los presidentes Joe Biden y Donald Trump. El ministro saudí de Exteriores se reunió el miércoles en Washington con el secretario de Estado de Estados Unidos, Marco Rubio.
La última acusación tensará aún más los lazos entre Arabia Saudí y los Emiratos Árabes Unidos, miembros de la OPEP y vecinos que cada vez más han competido por cuestiones económicas y políticas regionales, particularmente en el área del mar Rojo. La disputa en Yemen se ha convertido en su confrontación más seria en décadas.
El comunicado saudí formaba parte de lo que parecía ser un impulso mediático organizado sobre el incidente por parte de las emisoras y periódicos saudíes, que ofrecieron detalles que podrían resultar embarazosos para los emiratíes. El canal de noticias satelital saudí Al Arabiya transmitió lo que describió como llamadas telefónicas interceptadas que destacaban la supuesta fuga de Al-Zubaidi.
El periódico en inglés de Arabia Saudí, Arab News, ofreció una imagen en primera plana de Al-Zubaidi bajo el titular “BUSCADO” al estilo de un cartel del Viejo Oeste en Estados Unidos. Un mordaz editorial en primera plana del periódico respaldado por el estado dijo que la negativa del líder separatista a viajar al reino estaba “consolidando su imagen como un traidor a su país”.
“Al-Zubaidi eligió el pequeño interés propio, alineándose con poderes extranjeros a expensas de su patria e intentando imponer la secesión del sur por la fuerza”, decía el editorial. “Su único objetivo: apoderarse del poder para sí mismo”.
Fresh off scoring 1,000th point, Payton Wallin perseveres for Yorkville Christian. ‘Still had a double-double.’
Yorkville Christian’s Payton Wallin, playing her second game since scoring her 1,000th career point, knew that Wednesday night was going to be a struggle.
Under the weather all day, Wallin had to gut it out at Plano.
“Unfortunately, I was a little sick,” Wallin said afterward. “At the end of the game, I wasn’t feeling my best. They had a good defense on me. I trusted my teammates. We’re a young team.
“But I know my team this year has put in more work than any other team I’ve been on.”
Wallin’s teammates gave her a boost, but she was still her active self, even if her shot wasn’t falling. The senior guard helped lead the Mustangs to a 38-30 nonconference victory.
Wallin only shot 4 of 15 for Yorkville Christian (8-7), but she still managed a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds. She added four assists, four steals and a blocked shot.
Yorkville Christian’s Payton Wallin (15) pulls back on a dribble to create space against Plano during a nonconference game in Plano on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. (Jeremy Toney / The Beacon-News)
Freshman forward Kiana Ogulei led all scorers with 13 points for the Mustangs. Jadyn Long paced Plano (6-8) with 11 points, while Jailyn Brown picked up eight points.
Wallin’s intestinal fortitude Wednesday, meanwhile, came as no surprise to Yorkville Christian coach John McAdams.
“It’s tough to watch her out there struggling,” McAdams said. “She still had a double-double and she was sick. They keyed on her. We knew coming in that they would play hard defense on her.
“We practiced this week for a box-and-one because she’s such a dominant player.”
Yorkville Christian’s Payton Wallin (15) finishes off a layup against Plano during a nonconference game in Plano on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. (Jeremy Toney / The Beacon-News)
Plano coach Tristan Spivey confirmed that, indeed, was the plan.
“I thought we frustrated her and made some other girls on that team beat us,” Spivey said. “That was an emphasis. Cami Nunez, I can stick her on anyone.
“We had to leave some other girls open and they hit their shots, so kudos to those girls.”
The game was tied at 23-23 going into the fourth quarter when Ogulei came alive.
Yorkville Christian’s Payton Wallin (15) goes up for a layup against Plano during a nonconference game in Plano on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. (Jeremy Toney / The Beacon-News)
Ogulei hit a 3-pointer to open the fourth before Wallin converted a layup and a pair of free throws to build a 30-26 lead. Ogulei then hit two more 3-pointers and a pair of free throws to ice the win.
Even though Yorkville Christian went 0-4 at the Montini Tournament over the holidays, McAdams pointed out that Ogulei flipped the switch.
“She’s a different player from when we started that tournament to now,” McAdams said. “She’s taking steps. She’s very coachable. She works very hard. She does whatever we tell her to do.
“She’s just a great kid.”
Despite her struggles Wednesday, Wallin has had a big week. The Hope recruit recorded her 1,000th career point Saturday against Kaneland.
Her parents and coaches decided to not tell her how close she was to the milestone.
“It couldn’t have been more perfect,” Wallin said. “My family decided early. They saw that I was going to get it and they decided not to get into my head. All my family was there, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins. It was an amazing experience. My brother was there.”
Yorkville Christian’s Payton Wallin (15) calls out a play on offense against Plano during a nonconference game in Plano on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. (Jeremy Toney / The Beacon-News)
Wallin did it in fitting fashion, making one of her patented 3-pointers. McAdams called a timeout after she hit the shot and she started to realize what had just happened.
“I ended up making it on a deep three,” Wallin said. “It was crazy because I didn’t know that was going to be my 1,000th point. I thought everybody was cheering for my three.
“I looked in the stands and there were posters everywhere for me. It was incredible.”
Considering everything that Wallin has meant to the program, McAdams was happy to let her have her moment.
“She’s one of the hardest working girls I’ve ever coached,” McAdams said. “She has such a high basketball IQ. I was very proud of her for getting to 1,000 points.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
Gilgeous-Alexander brilla con 46 puntos y Thunder frena rara mala racha al vencer a Jazz en alargue
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander anotó 46 puntos y el Thunder de Oklahoma City se impuso el miércoles 129-125 al Jazz de Utah en tiempo extra, para quebrar una racha de dos derrotas consecutivas.
Gilgeous-Alexander hizo un tiro con calma desde cerca de la línea de castigo al final del tiempo reglamentario para forzar el tiempo extra. En la prórroga, anotó nueve puntos.
El Jugador Más Valioso de la campaña anterior aumentó su racha de partidos con al menos 20 puntos a 109, la segunda más larga en la historia de la NBA.
Chet Holmgren totalizó 23 puntos y 12 rebotes, Jalen Williams anotó 17 unidades y Ajay Mitchell agregó 16 a la causa del campeón defensor de la NBA.
El Thunder había perdido seis de sus últimos 12 compromisos después de comenzar la temporada 24-1. La mancha más significativa en fechas recientes llegó el martes con una derrota de 124-97 ante el alicaído Charlotte.
Fue la segunda derrota consecutiva del Thunder, que no ha perdido tres duelos consecutivos de temporada regular desde abril de 2024.
Lauri Markkanen totalizó 29 puntos y 13 rebotes por Utah. Keyonte George agregó 25 puntos y 11 asistencias, mientras que Jusuf Nurkic contribuyó con 15 puntos y 15 rebotes por el Jazz, que perdió su quinto consecutivo.
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Deportes AP: https://apnews.com/hub/deportes
From sporadic to dramatic, Brian Sampson carves out bigger role for Crete-Monee. ‘Just had to keep working.’
Junior guard Brian Sampson was only getting sporadic playing time coming off the bench early in the season for Crete-Monee.
Sampson was fine with that, though. He knew he had to improve his game to convince the coaching staff he deserved a bigger role.
“I had to work on little stuff at practice and work to earn my playing time, being an underclassman on my first year on varsity,” Sampson said. “I knew I just had to keep working.”
Sampson recently cracked the starting lineup. He showed why Wednesday night, knocking down three 3-pointers and scoring 11 points to go with seven rebounds as the visiting Warriors earned a 55-40 victory over Joliet Central.
Joe Jones finished with 18 points and eight rebounds to lead Crete-Monee (9-6), which snapped a three-game losing streak. Zyheir Gardner added 15 points and 12 rebounds, while Quentin Caldwell chipped in with five points and 10 rebounds.
Sampson hit a pair of early 3-pointers to help the Warriors race to a 14-4 lead against Joliet Central (2-14), which received a team-high 13 points from Bernal Fox.
Crete-Monee’s Brian Sampson (12) converts a basket on a fast break against Joliet Central during a nonconference game in Joliet on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. (Steve Johnston / Daily Southtown)
“He gives us a lot of outside shooting,” Gardner said of Sampson. “He’s able to knock them down. He has long arms so he’s able to get his hands on balls and play good defense.
“But really, the main thing is he’s a really good shooter. The defense has to stay on him and that makes it easier for everybody else.”
Sampson confirmed he was making his “second or third” start Wednesday night. He’s loved getting the chance to be in the lineup consistently.
“It’s exciting being able to get out there and show what I can do on the court,” he said. “It feels good.
Crete-Monee’s Uriel Chapman (5) goes to the basket against Joliet Central’s Revell Gilbert (35) during a nonconference game in Joliet on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. (Steve Johnston / Daily Southtown)
“But whether I’m starting or coming off the bench, I go out there and play my hardest whenever I can — whenever I get the opportunity.”
Sampson is starting to get comfortable and that’s showing in games. But it took him a bit to get there. The early part of the season was definitely a challenge.
“It was a confidence thing,” Sampson said. “It was really mental. It was getting used to the speed of the game and the physical advantage other guys have against me, being a smaller guy.”
Sampson is a lanky 6-foot-4 guard. He has the speed and athletic ability to get to the basket but knows he needs to gain some strength to deal with the physical nature of play near the rim.
Crete-Monee’s Brian Sampson (12) drives to the basket against Joliet Central during a nonconference game in Joliet on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. (Steve Johnston / Daily Southtown)
“I’m working out a lot,” he said. “I try to stay in the gym and the weight room as much as I can and I’m trying to build some muscle.”
Sampson is also on Crete-Monee’s track and field team and competes in the high jump.
“That really helps with my athleticism and with my stamina, too,” he said.
After the fast start Wednesday, the Warriors let Joliet Central fight back into a 14-14 tie after one quarter. It was still close at halftime, with Crete-Monee leading 27-21, but the Warriors were able to quickly push the edge into double digits during the second half.
“We played together,” Gardner said. “We played with toughness and energy. We were able to do the things that we lacked in those losses during our losing streak.”
Crete-Monee’s Brian Sampson (12) tries to get a pass off against Joliet Central’s Khobie Fowler (23) during a nonconference game in Joliet on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. (Steve Johnston / Daily Southtown)
The Warriors have a newfound weapon in Sampson who feels ready to help the team soar in the second half of the season.
And that outside shooting? It has become second nature to Sampson.
“I’ve always had a knack for it,” he said. “But I’ve definitely had to keep working on it. It’s all about being in the gym, getting in those reps and continuing to improve.
“I’ve just got to keep getting better to help my team win.”
Banchero atina triple en la prórroga y Magic vence a Nets por 104-103
NUEVA YORK (AP) — Paolo Banchero encestó un triple al sonar la bocina en tiempo extra para darle el miércoles al Magic de Orlando un triunfo de 104-103 sobre los Nets de Brooklyn.
Dos noches después de caer ante el modesto Washington, el Magic superó a los Nets por octava vez consecutiva, mejorando su récord a 21-17.
El italiano Banchero anotó 30 puntos para liderar a Orlando. Wendell Carter Jr. sumó 20, el brasileño Tristan da Silva añadió 14 y Noah Penda finalizó con 13.
En el tiempo extra, Egor Demin encestó un triple con 1:07 minutos por jugar para darle a Brooklyn una delantera de 100-99. Carter devolvió la ventaja a Orlando con una clavada a 16 segundos del final.
Demin respondió con otro triple a 3,6 segundos de la conclusión para poner el marcador 103-101, y Banchero terminó el encuentro con un tiro de 26 pies que entró tras rebotar en el tablero.
Después de que Brooklyn se acercó a 91-90 en el tiempo regular con un tiro de Noah Clowney, Da Silva anotó con una clavada para Orlando a 17 segundos del final. Demin encestó un triple con seis segundos restantes para empatar, y Banchero falló un tiro de 30 pies al sonar la bocina.
Michael Porter Jr. lideró a Brooklyn con 34 puntos y Demin agregó 18. Los Nets venían de una victoria en casa sobre Denver el domingo. Tienen un récord de 11-13.
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Deportes AP: https://apnews.com/hub/deportes
Basketball and local scores for the Southland, Aurora, Elgin, Naperville and Lake County
High school and local college results and highlights from the Southland, Aurora, Elgin, Naperville and Lake County coverage areas.
Email Daily Southtown results to southtownsports@gmail.com, Beacon-News, Courier-News and Naperville Sun results to tribwestsports@gmail.com and News-Sun results to newssunsports@gmail.com.
WEDNESDAY’S RESULTS
HIGH SCHOOLS
BOYS BASKETBALL
Cary-Grove 67, Burlington Central 38
Burlington Central (6-7, 3-2 Fox Valley): Patrick Magan 14 points.
Crete-Monee 55, Joliet Central 40
Crystal Lake South 71, Hampshire 48
Hampshire (3-13, 0-6 Fox Valley): Sean Roth 10 points.
Eisenhower 74, Horizon Science 31
Eisenhower (3-10): Boogie Moore 18 points. Logan Costa 18 points.
Grayslake Central 61, Antioch 39
Grayslake Central (10-5, 4-0 Northern Lake County): Carson Woods 19 points.
Antioch (3-12, 0-4): Chance Parsons 14 points.
Grayslake North 67, Round Lake 55
Grayslake North (7-8, 1-3 Northern Lake County): Uros Mitrovic 25 points. Jared Van Donselaar 20 points.
Huntley 46, Dundee-Crown 42
Kaneland 74, Winnebago 54
Lakes 66, North Chicago 51
Lakes (7-7, 2-2 Northern Lake County): Ben Newcomb 28 points. Carter Martin 20 points.
McHenry 66, Jacobs 56
Minooka 52, East Aurora 46
Wauconda 79, Grant 49
Wauconda (9-5, 4-0 Northern Lake County): Alex Ortega 24 points, 7 steals. Leo Brinias 19 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds.
Grant (6-6, 2-1): Demarrion Smith 18 points.
Woodland 69, Somonauk 52
Somonauk (5-11): Landin Stillwell 17 points.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Amboy 49, Somonauk 44
Batavia 28, Wheaton North 27
Batavia (5-13, 2-3 DuKane): Ali Thomas 11 points.
Benet 51, Marian Catholic 35
Benet (14-1, 4-0 ESCC): Macy Menendez 12 points. Emma Briggs 11 points.
Marian (7-11, 0-4): Ty Jackson 12 points.
Hillcrest 65, Southland Prep 39
Lake Zurich 60, Zion-Benton 10
Libertyville 77, Waukegan 29
Libertyville (13-3, 6-0 North Suburban): Lily Fisher 17 points. Addie Casey 16 points.
Marist 51, St. Viator 37
Mundelein 56, Warren 35
Mundelein (13-6, 5-1 North Suburban): Casey Vyverman 16 points, 11 rebounds.
Nazareth 46, Carmel 23
Oak Forest 43, Manteno 40
Oak Forest (12-6): Kynzie Oliver 15 points. Maddie Martinez 15 points.
St. Charles North 43, Wheaton Warrenville South 30
St. Charles North (12-3, 4-1 DuKane): Sydney Johnson 21 points.
Stevenson 39, Lake Forest 32
Yorkville Christian 38, Plano 30
TUESDAY’S RESULTS
HIGH SCHOOLS
BOYS BASKETBALL
Andrew 82, Bradley-Bourbonnais 68
Andrew (7-10, 1-5 SWSC): Ryan Dinnon 28 points, 10 rebounds. Malik Mahmoud 20 points.
Aurora Central Catholic 83, Marengo 81 (2 OT)
ACC (8-8): Braden Dillon 18 points. Nick Czerak 17 points.
Batavia 75, Wheaton North 42
Bloom 53, Crete-Monee 38
Bloom (9-6, 2-1 Southland): Troy Garner 20 points, 10 rebounds, 5 blocks. Keiwon Gulley 15 points, 7 steals.
Cary-Grove 62, Carmel 35
De La Salle 59, Marmion 57
De La Salle (6-11): Remi Edwards 9 points, 10 rebounds; GW basket with 19.1 seconds remaining.
Marmion (9-5): Ali Tharwani 19 points, 6 rebounds.
Fenger 66, Yorkville Christian 53
Gardner-South Wilmington 48, Illinois Lutheran 33
Genoa-Kingston 73, Hinckley-Big Rock 72
Hinckley-Big Rock (9-5): Luke Badal 26 points.
Glenbard North 53, Geneva 48
Glenbard South 63, Bartlett 40
Glenbrook North 59, Deerfield 51
Harvest-Westminster 51, Hiawatha 41
Highland Park 72, Maine West 43
Highland Park (4-11, 1-3 Central Suburban North): Gray Kanter 27 points.
Homewood-Flossmoor 51, Sandburg 47
Indian Creek 47, Wilmington 45
Indian Creek (11-3): Parker Murry 17 points.
Kankakee 53, Thornwood 44
Thornwood (12-5, 1-3 Southland): Lester Watson 12 points.
King 61, Richards 45
Lake Park 58, St. Charles East 41
Lake Zurich 47, Zion-Benton 29
Larkin 64, Streamwood 44
Lincoln-Way West 57, Lincoln-Way East 50
Lincoln-Way West (8-8, 2-3 SWSC): Drake Been 25 points.
Lockport 67, Stagg 49
Metea Valley 60, Naperville Central 52
Metea (7-7, 1-3 DuPage Valley): Collin Booker 19 points. Tre Watkins 15 points.
Momence 60, Beecher 50
Beecher (3-11, 3-3 River Valley): Wences Baumgartner 14 points, 7 rebounds.
Naperville North 46, Waubonsie Valley 41
Naperville North (14-3, 4-0 DuPage Valley): Max Steele 13 points. Carson Loughlin 12 points.
Waubonsie (8-6, 2-2): Kris Mporokoso 20 points. Kyler Payne 19 points.
Neuqua Valley 67, DeKalb 37
Niles North 64, Vernon Hills 47
Vernon Hills (11-5, 3-1 Central Suburban North): Jeremy Zamost 12 points.
Oswego 58, Plainfield South 44
Oswego (9-7, 3-3 Southwest Prairie West): Ethan Vahl 25 points, 7 rebounds.
Oswego East 64, Joliet Central 45
Providence 57, Nazareth 53
Providence (5-12): Eli Phillips 16 points.
Rich Township 73, Thornridge 56
Rich Township (9-6, 3-0 Southland): T.J. Eaton 25 points, 3 steals.
St. Laurence 68, Hancock 30
St. Laurence (15-2): Logan Brown 12 points.
St. Rita 85, Parker 61
St. Rita (7-10): Angelo Adams 22 points.
South Elgin 59, East Aurora 49
Southland Prep 82, Universal 42
Stevenson 55, Lake Forest 47
Stevenson (11-3, 3-1 North Suburban): Donny Williams 28 points, 5 rebounds. Rocco Pagliocca 18 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists.
Lake Forest (5-11, 0-4): Dominic Mordini 24 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals.
T.F. South 63, Highland (Ind.) 49
Warren 66, Mundelein 30
Warren (12-1, 3-0 North Suburban): Jaxson Davis 20 points. Joel Paasch 12 points.
Waukegan 68, Libertyville 55
Waukegan (12-4, 2-1 North Suburban): Trey Roberts 19 points. Rico Love 18 points.
Libertyville (8-5, 3-1): Bryce Wegrzyn 25 points, 12 rebounds.
West Aurora 83, Elgin 33
West Aurora (8-8, 4-1 Upstate Eight West): Travis Brown 30 points.
Wheaton Warrenville South 49, St. Charles North 31
Yorkville 64, Plainfield East 60
Yorkville (7-7, 4-2 Southwest Prairie West): Joey Jakstys 19 points. Braydon Porter 16 points.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Andrew 71, Bradley-Bourbonnais 45
Andrew (9-6, 4-3 SWSC): Ana Cisek 18 points. Nawal Kaleel 13 points.
Antioch 53, Lakes 39
Antioch (7-11, 4-2 North Suburban): Heidi Rathmann 28 points.
Cary-Grove 42, Burlington Central 35
De La Salle 53, Argo 51
Argo (13-5): Zanarhia Lawrence 17 points, 8 rebounds.
Evergreen Park 56, Ag. Science 23
Evergreen (12-4): Tatum Harris 16 points.
Glenbard West 59, Metea Valley 26
Glenbrook North 59, Deerfield 42
Grayslake Central 49, Grant 39
Grayslake Central (8-7, 5-0 Northern Lake County): Peyton Hoffmann 25 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks. Addison Thomas 17 points.
Grayslake North 71, West Chicago 26
Hampshire 41, Crystal Lake South 30
Hampshire (9-9, 4-2 Fox Valley): Mikala Amegasse 18 points.
Highland Park 57, Maine West 48
Homewood-Flossmoor 58, Sandburg 29
Huntley 53, Dundee-Crown 23
Jacobs 52, McHenry 26
Kaneland 53, Plano 22
Lincoln-Way West 47, Lincoln-Way East 33
Lockport 57, Stagg 43
Lockport (15-5, 6-1 SWSC): Katie Peetz 18 points, 5 rebounds. Evelyn Ingram 14 points, 7 rebounds.
Mendota 69, Indian Creek 46
Indian Creek (4-8): Bethany Odle 13 points.
Morton 51, Richards 33
Mother McAuley 50, Lincoln-Way Central 34
McAuley (13-3): Taji Alexa 18 points. Quinn Arundel 11 points.
Oak Lawn 53, Tinley Park 24
Oak Lawn (12-5, 2-1 SSC Red): Liv Perry 15 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals. Bianca Fleitas 14 points, 6 steals, 5 rebounds, 5 assists.
Oswego 45, Plainfield South 44
Oswego East 77, Joliet Central 66
Oswego East (8-6, 5-1 Southwest Prairie West): Desiree Merritt 26 points. Aubrey Lamberti 20 points.
Parkview Christian 56, Chicago Christian 43
Providence 69, T.F. North 58
Reavis 59, Thornwood 44
Reavis (9-4): Delyana Arocho 23 points.
Rockford Lutheran 64, Aurora Central Catholic 51
Shepard 51, Proviso East 42
Shepard (6-7): Jessica Manley 20 points.
South Elgin 66, East Aurora 27
Streamwood 52, Larkin 45
Vernon Hills 41, Niles North 36
Vernon Hills (14-4, 5-0 Central Suburban North): Keira Thomas 20 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals.
Wauconda 49, Round Lake 19
Wauconda (14-0, 5-0 Northern Lake County): Sophie Giles 11 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals.
West Aurora 67, Elgin 20
Yorkville 56, Plainfield East 21
Yorkville (9-6, 4-2 Southwest Prairie West): Macie Jones 18 points.
Compiled by Josh Krockey.
Closing in on 2,000 career points, Da’Jha Johnson isn’t keeping score for Hillcrest. ‘Just care about winning.’
As she gets closer to another huge milestone, senior guard Da’Jha Johnson isn’t paying much attention to that aspect for Hillcrest.
Johnson, who has been playing on the varsity since her freshman year, confirmed that she’s more interested in team wins rather than reaching 2,000 career points.
“I really don’t care about numbers,” she said. “It would be good to get 2K, but I just care about winning games and doing well as a player and a teammate.”
Both of those goals are being accomplished this season by Johnson. The Hawks continued their surge Wednesday night with a 65-39 nonconference win over Southland Prep in Richton Park.
Johnson came up with 12 points, nine rebounds and five steals for Hillcrest (15-5), putting her at 1,945 career points. The program record is 2,453 by Shavonna Hunter, who played at Illinois.
“This is the best team I’ve been on in my high school years,” Johnson said. “Everybody on the team knows their roles. Everybody can score. Everybody can play defense.”
Hillcrest’s Da’Jha Johnson (2) pushes the ball up the court as Southland College Prep’s Morgan Sanders (24) defends during a nonconference game in Richton Park on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
That was put to the test with 6:50 left in the second quarter when Johnson was whistled for her third foul, limiting her time on the court.
Angel Taylor picked up much of the slack with 19 points, 15 rebounds and two blocked shots for the Hawks. Jenaria Thompson added 16 points.
Freshman guard Paris Byrd paced Southland Prep (6-9) with 19 points. Junior forward Morghan Patterson had 10 points and 15 rebounds, while freshman guard JaZarria Moore-Smith added 10 points. Those are the only three players who scored for the Eagles.
Johnson’s career, meanwhile, hasn’t been easy. She has been the target of opposing defenses for a long time.
Hillcrest’s Da’Jha Johnson (2) pulls down a rebound against Southland Prep during a nonconference game in Richton Park on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
“She’s been getting double-teamed since her freshman year,” Hillcrest coach Ed Schodrof said. “But this year, the team is a little more well-rounded so it’s difficult to double-team her because now she has some complementary guards to assist her.
“She’s used to a lot of attention and getting beat up a little bit. It’s just made her stronger.”
The 5-foot-7 Johnson also has gotten stronger and tougher over the years by playing quarterback in flag football for Hillcrest the past two seasons.
It toughened her up mentally, too. After football, she heads into basketball with a similar mindset.
Hillcrest’s Da’Jha Johnson (2) brings the ball up court against Southland Prep during a nonconference game in Richton Park on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
“I don’t want to say I’m the GOAT out there, but I go in thinking I’m the best person on the court,” she said. “It took me a very long time to think that way.”
Many of the Hawks played flag football and Schodorf believes that has helped.
“No doubt,” he said. “They had a lot of success and that helps mentally as well. That helped a lot.”
Taylor, who played wide receiver as the Hawks reached the sectional finals this fall, has had two views of Johnson’s skills.
“She’s our leader and our best player on the team,” Taylor said of Johnson in basketball. “She gives us confidence to be better.”
And as a quarterback?
“She’s a shifty one and a smart one,” Taylor said.
Hillcrest’s Da’Jha Johnson (2) puts up a 3-pointer against Southland Prep during a nonconference game in Richton Park on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. (Vincent D. Johnson / Daily Southtown)
The leadership quality is something her coach values.
“I think she feels more comfortable as a person and leader,” Schodorf said of Johnson. “She’s having fun. She feels comfortable in herself being a leader of the team.”
Johnson has made recruiting visits to Millikin and Southwestern Michigan. She has been in contact with other schools as well.
She started playing basketball at age 3. Her grandfather, Ronald Jones, would let her play in a gym that he ran for the Hazel Crest Park District, and she has never lost her love for the sport.
“I love basketball because of the competition,” Johnson said. “I really love to go out there and compete.”
Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
Waste Of The Day: Grants For Winter Heating Bills Are Missing
Waste Of The Day: Grants For Winter Heating Bills Are Missing
Authored by Jeremy Portnoy via RealClearInvestigations,
Topline: The nonprofit New Opportunities, Inc. used $2.8 million in taxpayer funds meant for low-income families’ heating bills on its own operating expenses, according to the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management.
In a Dec. 22 letter obtained by CT Insider, CT Mirror and more, OPM Secretary Joshua Wojcik claims New Opportunities admitted to “impermissibly” using grant funds “to provide fiscal support for other organizational operations.”
Key facts: New Opportunities was founded in 1964 and now helps administer Connecticut’s federally funded Energy Assistance Program, which helps families earning 60% or less of the state median income pay their heating bills over the winter.
The federal Administration for Children and Families, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, gives grant funding to Connecticut, which in turn sends it to nonprofits like New Opportunities. The nonprofits then pay energy companies to deliver oil, natural gas or another heat source to low-income families.
According to Wojcik’s letter, New Opportunities recently sent three checks worth $2.8 million to the energy company Eversource to pay for natural gas. The checks bounced when Eversource tried to cash them because New Opportunities had already used the grant money for unrelated expenses, and there were not enough funds left in its account. That is a violation of state and federal contracting rules, according to CT Mirror.
New Opportunities later paid Eversource $1.2 million of the balance, but $1.6 million was still missing as of Dec. 22.
Connecticut’s Department of Social Services barred New Opportunities from the Energy Assistance Program in the towns of Waterbury, Meriden and Torrington, CT Mirror reported. Wojcick also plans to appoint a representative to oversee all of New Opportunities’ spending and fire any board member who fails to “ensure that State or Federal funding was used for their intended purposes,” according to his letter.
Background: New Opportunities is almost entirely taxpayer-funded. It received $38.8 million in government grants in fiscal year 2024 from Connecticut, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and more, but only $995,000 from private grants and $1,700 from fundraising events, according to its most recent 990 tax form.
The nonprofit operated at a deficit of $1.6 million that year, according to an independent audit reviewed by the CT Mirror, which found there is “substantial doubt” about the nonprofit’s ability to remain solvent.
President and CEO William Rybczyk still collected a $267,000 salary, part of over $12 million spent on payroll and benefits, the 990 form shows. Former President James Gatling, who retired in 2021, still earned over $100,000 in fiscal year 2024.
Office expenses cost $480,000, and employee travel cost $427,000. The nonprofit runs food production and early childhood education programs in addition to its energy assistance program.
In fiscal year 2025, the nonprofit accepted $26.4 million from the State of Connecticut, according to records obtained by Open the Books.
Summary: The federal government has already approved $3.7 billion for Energy Assistance Programs around the country in 2026. As always, it’s vital that the government tracks every penny to ensure it reaches the families it’s intended for.
The #WasteOfTheDay is brought to you by the forensic auditors at OpenTheBooks.com
Tyler Durden
Wed, 01/07/2026 – 23:20
https://www.zerohedge.com/political/waste-day-grants-winter-heating-bills-are-missing
Hawks vencen 117-110 a Pelicans mientras surge rumor de Trae Young a Wizards
ATLANTA (AP) — Zaccharie Risacher anotó 25 puntos, Jalen Johnson agregó 19 y siete jugadores de Atlanta terminaron con doble dígito de unidades el miércoles por la noche en una victoria de 117-100 sobre los Pelicans de Nueva Orleans mientras los Hawks intercambiaron al cuatro veces All-Star Trae Young a Washington.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker anotó 17 tantos, Kristaps Porzingis, Luke Kennard y Dyson Daniels agregaron 13 cada uno, y Mouhamed Gueye terminó con diez mientras los Hawks rompieron una racha de dos derrotas consecutivas tras perder ante los Raptors de Toronto el sábado y el lunes.
Los Hawks acordaron intercambiar a Young, quien fue listado como fuera para el juego contra Nueva Orleans debido a una contusión en el cuádriceps, a los Wizards por un paquete que incluye al veterano CJ McCollum, dijo una persona con conocimiento del movimiento a The Associated Press. Corey Kispert también se dirige de Washington a Atlanta, dijo la persona, quien habló con AP bajo condición de anonimato porque el intercambio no había recibido la aprobación requerida de la liga.
Young, quien estaba en la banca con ropa de calle, es décimo en puntos, duodécimo en puntos por juego, primero en asistencias y primero en asistencias por juego desde que ingresó a la NBA como la quinta selección en el draft de 2018.
Zion Williamson superó un primer cuarto sin puntos y lideró a los Pelicans con 22 unidades con un diez de 15 en tiros, ocho rebotes y seis asistencias. Jordan Poole agregó 21 puntos, Bryce McGowens tuvo 20 y Micah Peavy y Jeremiah Fears anotaron 11 cada uno mientras los Pelicans perdieron su noveno juego consecutivo.
La última victoria de Nueva Orleans fue el 22 de diciembre, al imponerse 119-113 sobre los Mavericks de Dallas que culminó una racha de cinco victorias consecutivas.
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Deportes en español AP: https://apnews.com/hub/deportes
