Category: News
German MPs Shoot-Down Idea Of Paying WWII Reparations To Poland With Weapons
German MPs Shoot-Down Idea Of Paying WWII Reparations To Poland With Weapons
German politicians stress cooperation in the wake of the suggestion that Germany finance Polish armaments as reparations for World War II.
Wolfgang Ischinger, chairman of the Munich Security Conference, had proposed that Germany provide Poland with military equipment, emphasizing that “Poland is a frontline state.”
Poland has been vocal in its demand for what it says amounts to €1.3 trillion in World War II reparations Germany must pay for the crimes, deaths, and massive property destruction caused by the 1939-1945 occupation.
Despite some discussions, Germany has long maintained that Poland renounced all claims to reparations in 1953.
“From the Polish perspective, the issue of reparations remains unresolved,” he said in an interview for Die Welt, cited by wPolityce.
“What if Germany, recognizing Poland’s role as a frontline state, gave Warsaw a submarine, a frigate or a few tanks?” Ischinger asked.
German politicians and experts have since expressed their concerns with the idea.
Thomas Erndl, spokesman for the defense policy of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group in the Bundestag, told Die Welt that there was no need for this because a strong Bundeswehr protects not only Germany but also its allies.
“The brigade stationed in Lithuania is a visible sign of our solidarity as allies… If we all focus our efforts on rapidly expanding our military capabilities, and thus on guaranteeing our European security, historical sensitivity will play a subordinate role,” Erndl argued.
Adis Ahmetović, spokesman for foreign policy of the SPD parliamentary group, emphasized that gaining Poland’s trust can only come from a stronger foundation.
“Some of our partners, such as France and Poland, sometimes show reticence. Trust is not built through symbolic gestures like military donations, but through reliable and close cooperation. Therefore, it is essential to consistently deepen and further develop proven formats, such as the Weimar Triangle,” she said.
“We should not allow ourselves to be distracted, let alone exploited, in the process of building a common European defense, which all of Europe is waiting for,” added Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann from the Free Democratic Party, chairwoman of the European Parliament’s Defence Committee.
Agnieszka Brugger, spokeswoman for security policy of the Green Party parliamentary group in the Bundestag, seemed confused by the idea, stating, “Conflating such a strange idea with the very delicate and difficult issue of ‘reparations’ is not very helpful.”
“It seems a bit strange, and perhaps even paternalistic, to want to give weapons systems to a country that has been determinedly and successfully building one of NATO’s strongest conventional armed forces for years,” Professor Carlo Masala from the Bundeswehr University in Munich told Die Welt.
CDU foreign policy expert Roderich Kiesewetter noted: “We cannot buy ourselves out of our responsibility to defend Europe by simply giving up a few tanks.”
Tyler Durden
Thu, 02/12/2026 – 02:00
Burlington Central’s Audrey LaFleur believes in going the distance. No rest? ‘Don’t like being on the bench.’
Burlington Central’s Audrey LaFleur is one of those players who would rather play all 32 minutes.
Trying to get the junior guard off the court during a blowout victory to conserve some energy for down the road admittedly isn’t always the easiest conversation to have with her.
“I want to be out there all the time,” LaFleur said. “I think I can get the ball to my teammates well.
“I don’t like being on the bench.”
LaFleur didn’t take much of a break Wednesday night, scoring a team-high 18 points for the Rockets in a 63-52 Fox Valley Conference victory over host Jacobs in Algonguin.
Kendall Zierk scored 13 points off the bench for Burlington Central (21-9, 15-3) and Julia Scheuer added 12. Olivia Schuster led all scorers with 21 points for Jacobs (13-15, 8-9), while Sarina Acheatel had 11 off the bench.
Burlington Central’s Audrey LaFleur (5) defends against Jacobs’ Jordyn Dillard (15) during a Fox Valley Conference game in Algonquin on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. (Ryan Rayburn / The Beacon-News)
Burlington Central coach Michael Carani knows how difficult it is to keep LaFleur off the court, which is one of the many things he raves about when describing her.
“I love that,” Carani said. “That’s a tough trait that not everyone has.”
Carani has watched LaFleur’s game develop through the years, with regularly filling the stat sheet and scoring at all three levels standing out. There’s more to it though, according to her coach.
“Outside of her development, she sees the floor much better,” Carani said. “She does a really good job of getting her teammates involved. She knows when she needs to take over and she knows when she needs to get others involved.
Burlington Central’s Julia Scheuer (3) takes a shot against Jacobs’ Olivia Schuster (25) during a Fox Valley Conference game in Algonquin on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. (Ryan Rayburn / The Beacon-News)
“I’ve seen that progression over the last couple years where she realizes she doesn’t have to do everything.”
When she does get going, however, things happen quickly. The Rockets had a sluggish start Wednesday coming off Monday’s tough loss to Huntley.
After Jordyn Charles made a 3-pointter to get the Rockets on the board, LaFleur went to work. She sank two free throws, then promptly stole the inbounds pass and laid it right back in.
She scored again on the next possession, showing how quickly she can turn around a game.
Burlington Central’s Scarlett LaFleur (55) tries to get past Jacobs’ Bri Ramsey (22) during a Fox Valley Conference game in Algonquin on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. (Ryan Rayburn / The Beacon-News)
“Just keeping up the pace of the game and being able to distribute the ball, she brings that energy,” Carani said of LaFleur. “They feed off of that. You can really see the different style of play when she’s on the court and when she isn’t.”
That aggressive nature leads to her being on the floor more than most.
Not afraid of contact, LaFleur thrives off it.
“I try to drive,” LaFleur said. “I try to get the foul. Then they’re up in my face and I don’t let it affect me. I still try to drive and get the foul.”
Jacobs coach Jonny Reibel was happy with how his team hung in there, however.
The Golden Eagles, who have their most wins since 2021, have played the top teams in the conference competitively.
“We definitely took a step forward this year,” Reibel said. “It’s been good for them to experience. It’s given us some positive energy.”
Burlington Central’s Audrey LaFleur (5) drives past Jacobs’ Zara Lewis (10) during a Fox Valley Conference game in Algonquin on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. (Ryan Rayburn / The Beacon-News)
Adding to Audrey LaFleur’s positive experience this season has been welcoming her sister Scarlett, a freshman forward, to the starting lineup.
“It’s been fun,” Audrey said. “I like feeding it to her and her getting some shots. I like driving with her to practice. She’s doing really well. She’s had some great games.
“It’s a boost of confidence for her, especially being a freshman.”
The Rockets have made the jump this season from sixth to second in the Fox Valley Conference standings. That has LaFleur confident going into the postseason.
“I think we have a chance to win regionals and go further,” she said.
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/12/audrey-lafleur-burlington-central-jacobs-basketball/
Fox y Wembanyama guían a Spurs a 6ta victoria seguida, 126-113 ante Warriors
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — De’Aaron Fox anotó 27 puntos y Victor Wembanyama sumó 26 para llevar a los Spurs de San Antonio hacia el receso del Juego de Estrellas con una racha de seis victorias, tras vencer el miércoles 126-113 a los Warriors de Golden State.
Wembanyama, un día después de su actuación de 40 puntos contra los Lakers de Los Ángeles, firmó otra sólida presentación para que los Spurs llegaran al receso con marca de 38-16. Tras perderse los playoffs las seis temporadas anteriores, los Spurs tienen el segundo mejor récord de la Conferencia Oeste.
Keldon Johnson anotó 21 por San Antonio.
Draymond Green registró 17 puntos, 12 rebotes y ocho asistencias para liderar a los Warriors. Moses Moody y De’Anthony Melton también anotaron 17 por Golden State.
Golden State cayó a 29-26 de cara al receso del Juego de Estrellas, después de perder tres de cinco partidos sin su estrella Stephen Curry, quien está fuera por una lesión de rodilla. Los Warriors confían en que Curry regrese después del receso, mientras buscan un impulso en el tramo final de la temporada.
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Deportes AP: https://apnews.com/hub/deportes
Europa espera con cautela a Rubio en Múnich mientras Trump agita los lazos transatlánticos
Por MATTHEW LEE
WASHINGTON (AP) — El secretario de Estado, Marco Rubio, encabeza esta semana la amplia delegación de Estados Unidos en la Conferencia de Seguridad de Múnich, donde los líderes europeos, cada vez más nerviosos, esperan al menos un breve respiro de las políticas y amenazas, a menudo inconsistentes, de Donald Trump, que han sacudido las relaciones transatlánticas y el orden internacional establecido tras la Segunda Guerra Mundial.
Hace año, el vicepresidente JD Vance dejó atónitos a los dignatarios que acudieron al foro con un ataque verbal contra muchos de los aliados más cercanos a Washington en Europa, a quienes acusó de poner en peligro a la civilización occidental con programas internos de corte izquierdista y de no asumir la responsabilidad de su propia defensa. Rubio planea adoptar un enfoque menos contencioso, pero filosóficamente similar, cuando se dirija el sábado a la reunión anual de líderes mundiales y funcionarios de seguridad nacional, según funcionarios estadounidenses.
El anuncio formal del Departamento de Estado acerca del viaje de Rubio no ofreció detalles sobre su escala de dos días en Múnich, a donde llegará tras visitar Eslovaquia y Hungría. Pero los funcionarios, que hablaron bajo condición de anonimato para adelantar información del viaje, señalaron que el jefe de la diplomacia estadounidense pretende centrarse en áreas de cooperación en cuestiones globales y regionales compartidas, incluyendo Oriente Medio y Ucrania, así como China, una potencia económica que busca aprovechar la incertidumbre en los vínculos entre Estados Unidos y Europa.
De ser así, muchos entre el público podrían sentir alivio tras haber sido zarandeados primero por las duras reprimendas de Vance y luego por una serie de declaraciones y medidas de Trump en los meses posteriores que han apuntado prácticamente a todos los países europeos, Canadá y aliados de larga data en el Indopacífico.
Rubio tiene trabajo para calmar las preocupaciones europeas
Los recientes comentarios de Trump sobre arrebatar el control de Groenlandia a Dinamarca, miembro de la OTAN, y sus insultos a diversos líderes resultaron particularmente inquietantes, lo que llevó a muchos en Europa a cuestionar el valor de Estados Unidos como aliado y socio.
Eso deja a Rubio ante una tarea difícil si quiere calmar las aguas.
El discurso de Vance el año pasado fue “realmente un momento impactante”, afirmó Claudia Major, vicepresidenta sénior del German Marshall Fund en Berlín. “Se percibió como la primera declaración muy clara de lo que significaba la nueva administración Trump”, es decir, que “los europeos ya no son socios”.
“Hay una gran duda sobre si la base (de la confianza) sigue ahí y si todavía compartimos la misma visión para la relación transatlántica”, agregó. “Cuanto más se prolongue este tipo de distanciamiento, más difícil será volver a encontrar una relación sólida”.
El presidente de la Conferencia de Seguridad de Múnich, Wolfgang Ischinger, ofreció una visión similar.
“Las relaciones transatlánticas atraviesan actualmente una crisis significativa de confianza y credibilidad”, manifestó esta semana. Pero también mostró su esperanza de que Rubio y las decenas de legisladores estadounidenses que se espera asistan a la reunión ofrezcan un pronóstico menos sombrío y desalentador para el futuro.
Algunos líderes adoptan postura intermedia con Trump, y otros ven una ruptura
El canciller de Alemania, Friedrich Merz, con quien Rubio se reunirá el viernes, ha intentado adoptar una postura intermedia para lidiar con la imprevisibilidad de Trump y su insistencia en las relaciones transaccionales.
Merz sostuvo que Europa también necesita “aprender el lenguaje de la política de poder” para imponerse, por ejemplo, asumiendo una mayor responsabilidad en su seguridad, buscando una mayor “independencia tecnológica” e impulsando su crecimiento económico. Pero subrayó que “como democracias, somos socios y aliados y no subordinados” de Estados Unidos.
Otros como el presidente de Francia, Emmanuel Macron, y el primer ministro de Canadá, Mark Carney, parecen haber renunciado casi por completo a Trump y a Estados Unidos. Ambos países abrieron la semana pasada consulados en la capital groenlandesa, Nuuk, como muestra de apoyo a la isla y a Dinamarca.
Macron advirtió esta semana que las tensiones entre Europa y la Casa Blanca podrían intensificarse tras el reciente “momento Groenlandia”. Describió al gobierno de Trump como “abiertamente antieuropeo” y empeñado en el “desmembramiento” de la Unión Europea.
“Cuando hay un acto claro de agresión, creo que lo que debemos hacer no es inclinarnos ni intentar llegar a un acuerdo”, dijo en una entrevista con varios periódicos europeos. “Creo que hemos probado esa estrategia durante meses. No está funcionando”.
Macron apuntó a la existencia de una “doble crisis: tenemos el tsunami chino en el frente comercial y tenemos inestabilidad minuto a minuto del lado estadounidense”.
Carney —quien recibió aplaudido por muchos por plantarle cara a Trump en un discurso el mes pasado durante el Foro Económico Mundial en Davos, Suiza— no ha ocultado su frustración e impaciencia con el presidente republicano.
Carney se ha convertido en el líder de un movimiento que aboga por que los países encuentren formas de relacionarse y contrarrestar a Estados Unidos. Prometió impulsar acuerdos comerciales con otras naciones, incluida China, para que sirvan como anclas de estabilidad comercial. El acuerdo con Beijing le valió nuevas amenazas de Trump.
Temores por Groenlandia y Ucrania
Para muchos en Europa, las intenciones de Trump con respecto a Groenlandia agravan sus temores sobre la guerra de Rusia en Ucrania y sirven como recordatorio de siglos de política de poder en los que la diplomacia quedaba subordinada al uso de la fuerza militar.
“Groenlandia es para Trump lo que, en esencia, Ucrania es para (el presidente de Rusia, Vladímir) Putin, aunque obviamente sin la devastadora guerra en esta etapa”, apuntó Fiona Hill, experta en Rusia que formó parte del Consejo de Seguridad Nacional de la Casa Blanca durante el primer mandato del republicano.
Mientras, a medida que Trump intenta mediar para poner fin a la guerra entre Rusia y Ucrania y busca un acuerdo nuclear con Irán, los europeos se sienten cada vez más inquietos por el “Consejo de Paz” del mandatario, un grupo de 27 líderes mundiales encargado primero de gestionar el acuerdo de paz de Gaza, pero concebido eventualmente como un vehículo para resolver otros grandes conflictos.
Alemania, Francia, Reino Unido, Italia, Noruega y Suecia, entre otros, han declinado aceptar o aún no se han sumado al Consejo, que celebrará su primera reunión para recaudar fondos para Gaza en Washington el 19 de febrero.
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Los periodistas de The Associated Press Emma Burrows en Londres, Geir Moulson en Berlín y Lorne Cook en Bruselas contribuyeron a este despacho.
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Esta historia fue traducida del inglés por un editor de AP con la ayuda de una herramienta de inteligencia artificial generativa.
Jokic y Murray guían a Nuggets a victoria 122-116 ante combativos Grizzlies
DENVER (AP) — Nikola Jokic y Jamal Murray se mostraron listos para sus apariciones en las festividades del Juego de Estrellas de la NBA al unirse para ayudar el miércoles a que los Nuggets de Denver resistieran el embate de los Grizzlies de Memphis y se impusieran por 122-115.
Jokic logró el 184.º triple-doble de su carrera con 26 puntos, 15 rebotes y 11 asistencias. Murray sumó 22 puntos y acertó sus cuatro tiros libres en los últimos 11,7 segundos.
Tim Hardaway Jr. aportó 21 puntos para los Nuggets, que llegan al receso por el Juego de Estrellas con marca de 35-20 pese a una temporada plagada de lesiones en la que los cinco titulares se han perdido encuentros y seis de sus principales jugadores de la rotación han estado fuera durante tramos significativos.
Los Grizzlies, que han perdido 10 de 12 compromisos, borraron un déficit de 15 puntos en el último cuarto, en gran medida con Jokic en el banquillo, pero nunca pudieron tomar la ventaja en el cierre.
Jokic alcanzó el triple-doble cuando asistió a Hardaway en un triple con 5 segundos por jugar en el tercer cuarto para poner el marcador 93-81.
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Deportes AP: https://apnews.com/hub/deportes
Asking Eric: He says no automatically
Dear Eric: I have had a best friend, Beth. I’ve known her since we were 23 years old. We have not always lived in the same city nor seen each other regularly, but when we do, it’s as if no time or distance has passed. We connect immediately.
My problem is that Beth does not always return texts or calls in a timely fashion. I mean weeks will go by or sometimes she won’t reply at all.
She is a married, childless medical professional who works part time. It seems that she could easily make the time. I feel very ignored and neglected. I also feel pretty childish that I feel this way. Is this normal modern etiquette or do I just accept that my best friend is just kinda flaky?
– Ignored by my Bestie
Dear Bestie: Although there are many ways of handling texts and cellphone calls, I hesitate to say that this is the modern etiquette. However, our phones and other devices can often give us the impression that we’re all experiencing time and communication in the same way. And that isn’t true.
Sometimes I’ll get professional emails that include a signature line that reads “your work hours may not be my work hours; please don’t feel obligated to respond outside of your work hours.” I like this because it acknowledges that people manage their time differently.
Along the same lines, it will help you to have a conversation with Beth about expectations and hopes around communication. Try not to frame it as a demand. She’s not wrong for taking a long time to get back to you, per se. Maybe her expectations around texting are laxer, or she finds replying overwhelming. So, come at it from a place of curiosity. Does texting or calling work for her, or is there a better way of staying in contact? Does she prefer to have a set time, perhaps, or even to receive a calendar invite? In this conversation, you can also talk about what works for you, and what makes you feel valued. Armed with this information, you’ll both be able to communicate better.
Dear Eric: I’ve been married for 37 years to a man who is everything most people dream of in a spouse except one. He automatically says “no” or disagrees with 98 percent of everything I say or suggest.
I’ve learned not to ask questions that I know he will respond to in the negative. I’ve also asked him many times over the years to work on saying “yes” more.
Last night when he disagreed on plans I had for hosting a party, I threatened to withhold sex and then he agreed to say yes but he still grumbled a little and said he didn’t like one part of my plan.
I used to brush it off as him being the youngest child in a big family who everyone doted on. He’s also a true leader in everything he does, and I respect and admire him immensely. But this has been bothering me more lately and making me not like him.
Are there other things I can say or do to make him quit snapping out negative responses? Or should I continue to just accept it and work on not getting resentful?
– No More No
Dear No More No: First off, you don’t have to just accept it. Though the method you describe worked, in general, much as it did for Ancient Greece’s Lysistrata, it’s not a perfect tool for negotiation (as that title character in Aristophanes’ play would attest). What you’re looking for is respect and an equal footing in your partnership. That’s something that you deserve.
Every relationship, marriages included, is reliant on communication. Communication patterns and strategies vary person to person and relationship to relationship. What I see in your husband’s repeated “no” response is a refusal to communicate. This leaves you with little-to-no recourse. It makes sense that you’ve tried to puzzle this out on your own, attributing it to his upbringing and career. That may be a part of it, but none of us gets a free pass for bad behavior simply because of where we’re from or what we’ve been through, good or bad.
When a couple is having trouble communicating, it’s time to bring in a third party to help translate and build new ways of speaking. That third party is often a marriage therapist. Talking to one might help you and your husband a lot.
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Now, what if he says “no” to this as well? Remind him that this issue is causing a problem in your marriage, and it’s causing a problem for you. You believe that the problem is fixable and you’d like to try. Is he saying no to having a better, happier marriage?
(Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.)
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/12/asking-eric-he-says-no-automatically/
BYU standout receiver Parker Kingston charged with first-degree rape in Utah
Prosecutors in Utah have filed a first-degree felony rape charge against BYU standout wide receiver Parker Kingston, officials said Wednesday.
Kingston, 21, is being held without bail in St. George, a city near Arizona, Washington County prosecutors said. His initial appearance in court is scheduled for Friday.
The investigation began last February, prosecutors said in a news release. A woman who was 20 years old at the time told officers at a St. George hospital that Kingston assaulted her on Feb. 23, 2025, prosecutors said. Police gathered digital and forensic evidence and interviewed the parties involved and other witnesses, prosecutors said.
It was not clear if Kingston had an attorney. He didn’t immediately respond to a message seeking comment. A phone message left for his family was not immediately returned.
BYU said in a statement that it takes any allegation very seriously and will cooperate with law enforcement. It said it would not be able to comment further due to federal and university privacy laws and practices for students.
Kingston had a team-leading 67 receptions and 928 yards with five touchdown catches last season. He also rushed for 199 yards on 25 carries with a score, and returned 17 punts for 230 yards and a TD.
Jaren Jackson Jr. anota 23 en su debut como local y Jazz propina 14ta derrota seguida a Kings
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Jaren Jackson Jr. anotó 23 puntos al debutar en casa para conducir el miércoles al Jazz de Utah hacia una paliza de 121-93 sobre los Kings de Sacramento.
Lauri Markkanen anotó 19 puntos para ayudar a que el Jazz ganara su segundo partido consecutivo. Isaiah Collier sumó 12 puntos y 14 asistencias. Brice Sensabaugh aportó 19 puntos desde el banquillo.
Utah acertó el 54,7% de sus tiros de campo y encestó 15 triples. Jackson y Markkanen se combinaron para 15 canastas en tres cuartos.
DeMar DeRozan encabezó a Sacramento con 20 puntos y Devin Carter añadió 19. Los Kings perdieron su 14.º partido consecutivo tras ir abajo por dos dígitos durante los últimos 40 minutos.
Utah superó a Sacramento por 25-6 en puntos al contraataque y por 58-42 en la pintura.
El Jazz amplió su ventaja a 34 puntos tras tres cuartos, al ponerse 100-66 cuando Sensabaugh anotó una bandeja con “finger roll” para vencer la bocina.
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Deportes AP: https://apnews.com/hub/deportes
Jalen Williams anota 28 puntos y Thunder arrolla a Suns, por 136-109
PHOENIX (AP) — Jalen Williams anotó 28 puntos, Isaiah Joe sumó 21 y el Thunder de Oklahoma City se valió de una puntería afinada para apabullar el miércoles 136-109 a los Suns de Phoenix.
Oklahoma City estuvo arriba por al menos 20 puntos durante toda la segunda mitad y amplió la ventaja a 37 en el tercer cuarto. Williams encestó 11 de 12 tiros de campo y añadió cinco asistencias y cuatro rebotes.
Joe convirtió 6 de 8 triples.
Kenrich Williams aportó 15 puntos y Chet Holmgren finalizó con 13. El Thunder, campeón defensor —que ha ganado cuatro de seis compromisos—, lanzó para 58,4% de efectividad en tiros de campo y obtuvo 74 puntos de jugadores que ingresaron desde la banca.
Dillon Brooks encabezó a los Suns con 23 puntos. Royce O’Neale y Jordan Goodwin agregaron 12 cada uno.
Pese a la abultada derrota, los Suns llegan al receso del Juego de Estrellas con marca de 32-23, mucho mejor de lo que la mayoría anticipaba después de que la franquicia traspasó en el verano a Kevin Durant, 15 veces elegido al Juego de Estrellas, con destino a los Rockets.
Oklahoma City lidera la NBA con récord de 42-13.
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Deportes AP: https://apnews.com/hub/deportes
Fresh off program-record 42-point game, Oak Lawn’s Bianca Fleitas lets it fly from 3-point line. ‘The engine.’
Make no mistake about it, Oak Lawn’s Bianca Fleitas loves hitting 3-point shots.
After developing a solid midrange game in grade school, Fleitas decided to back up a little bit and let fly in high school for the Spartans.
“I really wanted to shoot outside the area,” she said of setting up from beyond the arc. “I thought it would be cool to hit those 3-pointers.”
Even though she makes a bunch of them now, she’s cool about it. There are no histrionics.
“I get pretty happy,” she said, smiling. “But after I hit one, I stay calm and focus on the next play.”
Fleitas maintained that focus Wednesday night, sinking three 3-pointers to finish with 17 points as host Oak Lawn eased to a 60-28 nonconference win over Bradley-Bourbonnais.
Oak Lawn’s Bianca Fleitas (25) drives through the Bradley-Bourbonnais defense toward the basket during a nonconference game in Oak Lawn on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. (Troy Stolt / Daily Southtown)
On top of that, Fleitas added four rebounds and four steals for Oak Lawn (19-11). Olivia Perry tallied 14 points and four steals, while Kenadie Haubenreiser had nine points and eight rebounds
Interestingly, Sara Abdelrahman was held scoreless by Bradley (2-25) and took just two shots. Twenty-four hours earlier, she established a program record with 10 3-pointers while scoring 30 points for the Spartans in a 59-18 win over Eisenhower.
Fleitas, however, rewrote the record book herself Jan. 29 with a 42-point performance in a 74-37 win over crosstown rival Richards.
“Going into the game, I actually thought I wasn’t going to play one of my best games,” Fleitas said. “In school, things were frustrating, but when I played, I focused on basketball and something was just different that night.
Oak Lawn’s Bianca Fleitas (25) pushes the ball up the court against Bradley-Bourbonnais during a nonconference game in Oak Lawn on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. (Troy Stolt / Daily Southtown)
“I think I had five 3-pointers in the first quarter and then everything else was just twos around the rim. It was good.”
Perry, who also made five 3-pointers that night, pointed out how much she enjoyed watching Fleitas’ dynamic performance.
“It was super fun,” Perry said. “There was some great energy that day.”
Even when Fleitas isn’t scoring 42 points in a game, she still plays a valuable role.
Oak Lawn’s Bianca Fleitas (25) dribbles the ball up the court as Bradley-Bourbonnais’ Katie McBurnie (3) defends during a nonconference game in Oak Lawn on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. (Troy Stolt / Daily Southtown)
“She brings a lot of strength to the team,” Perry said of Fleitas. “She brings a lot of motivation. I think that she’s a big backbone to our team. I like her facilitating on the court, for sure.
“She’s always vocal and super loud. That’s definitely helpful on and off the court, during practice and in the locker room.”
Oak Lawn coach Mark Sevedge has watched Fleitas emerge this season after she spent most of last winter on the shelf with an MCL injury.
“She’s the engine that runs our team,” Sevedge said of Fleita. “She handles the ball for us 95% of the game. She can shoot the three for us and she finishes at the rim.
“She has a high-energy motor and gets us in our offense. She runs the show for us on the floor.”
Oak Lawn’s Bianca Fleitas (25) goes up for a layup against Bradley-Bourbonnais during a nonconference game in Oak Lawn on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. (Troy Stolt / Daily Southtown)
And it’s not just Oak Lawn. Fleitas holds offers from Benedictine, Carthage, Illinois Wesleyan, Olivet Nazarene and St. Francis Joliet.
“I think I’m just going to finish my high school season and make a decision right after that,” she said. “I want to focus on high school before I see which path I’m going to take.”
The Spartans, who concluded their regular season Wednesday night, and drew the 12th seed in the Class 4A Mother McAuley Sectional. They will face fifth-seeded Lincoln-Way West (17-12) at 7:30 Monday at the Shepard Regional.
Fleitas confirmed that she comes from a basketball family. Her sisters, Alexis Loza and Victoria Zepeda, played for Argo.
Over the years, Fleitas loved the sport more and more.
“Honestly, I love playing with a team and being on this team has been great,” she said. “I love being around a good culture and having fun.”
Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/11/bianca-fleitas-oak-lawn-girls-basketball/
