For our first episode of 2023, we go up and down the court with holiday basketball action and hear from New Trier senior Jake Fiegen — the top scorer at the prestigious Pontiac Holiday Tournament. Then, we take time to remember our favorite stories of 2022.

Local wrestlers took on tough competition, and we recap big finishes by Loyola and Highland Park grapplers. New Trier gymnasts are making progress, such as sophomore Clara Crossgrove who tells us about her 9.55 floor routine in the second quarter.

And we don't forget hoops. We give updates on our teams and focus on New Trier's hot streak and coach Teri Rodgers' most recent honor.

We break down one of the best shooting performances Illinois has ever seen — for real! Joe breaks down what he saw as New Trier's Ian Brown sank 12 of 14 three-point attempts in a raucous Trevians win against Rolling Meadows. In the second quarter, Brown tells us about his night in the zone.

We also discuss another chapter of New Trier-Loyola hockey and more.

Coach John Holecek is walking away from Loyola Academy football after lifting it up to the Illinois high school mountaintop. We discuss Holecek's legacy, accomplishments and what may be next. We then let coach do the talking, giving us his thoughts on the change, the state of Ramblers football, keys to success, his proudest achievements and much more.

They did it — just like they said they would. The Loyola Academy Ramblers are state champions. We start by talking through how they pulled off the 13-3 title win over Lincoln-Way East, then discuss the season that was, some of the top moments and players. We hear from some of the players and answer the big questions, like was this the best Loyola championship team.

Loyola left no doubt in a semifinal victory over previously unbeaten York. We start there, recapping the 30-3 romp in Elmhurst, before turning our sights to the state title matchup with top-seeded Lincoln-Way East. We hear from both coaches and give our keys to victory. Don't miss this one.

Using an early scoring blitz, Loyola tamed the Lions and is moving on to another state semifinals. The unbeaten Dukes are waiting in Elmhurst. We discuss how the Ramblers can knock off York and advance to the state championship.

Plus, we break down the Trevians' second straight swimming state title in the pool and hear from coach Mac Guy.

Two down, three to go in Loyola Academy's quest for a football state championship. We recap the Ramblers ground assault in a Round 2 victory and look forward to a matchup with 9-2 Lyons in Round 3.

We also talk cross-country and swimming postseason finales and hear from New Trier volleyball coach Hannah Hsieh about her young group's season.

It is onto Round 2 for Loyola Academy, but the Ramblers are moving on without one of their top playmakers. We talk about how LA adjusts to the loss of RB Will Nimesheim and a long road trip. And we give plenty of attention to the field hockey state champs for New Trier. Senior Honor Roberts helps us tell the story of the dominant Trevians. Plus, soccer, volleyball and cross-country sectionals, oh my!

The football was good this past weekend in the North Shore. Loyola and Mt. Carmel put on a show in a fight for the best team in Illinois, while New Trier and Maine South took their rivalry battle to overtime with a playoff spot on the line. We break it all down, plus hear from Ramblers QB Jake Stearney and tip our cap to second-place Trevians tennis