Podcasts
The Varsity
No one covers North Shore prep sports like we do, and we take it even further in The Varsity, where our hosts use a four-quarter format to give you the latest news, stats and scores, as well as their takes. They also chat with a special guest in have fun along the way.
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Buzzer Shock for Loyola, New Project from NT/MLB Alum — Episode 233
Loyola gets its heart broken by an Evanston buzzer beater. We talk what it means and what’s next for the Ramblers. New Trier boys get back on track against Kenwood, but can they keep it up with a big weekend? Loyola girls? They keeping rolling.
We also hear from Charlie Tilson, the New Trier product and former MLB player who is back with other former pros with a youth baseball program.
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Bumps in the Road for New Trier, Loyola Hoops; But Not Ramblers Girls — Episode 232
Following a hot start, both New Trier and Loyola boys hoops have hit rough patches — and for different reasons. The Trevians are adjusting without their star and primary ball-handler, while the Ramblers offense appears stuck in the mud. We discuss if and how they right their ships.
Plus, the perfectly righted ship that is Loyola girls hoops, as well as Giants basketball, boys swimming, gymnastics and more.
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Holiday Hoops Rewind, Big Matchups Ahead — Episode 231
Our local hoops teams had a busy holiday season and we dribble you through it. New Trier earned a trophy at Pontiac without star Christopher Kirkpatrick. We talk how they did it and what we know about Kirkpatrick. Loyola boys went down to Florida and won three times and are back with a big week. Ramblers girls won their host Christmas tournament and keep keeping on, while Highland Park boys and girls continue to find their way.
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LA, NT boys collect big W’s, gymnastics preview, big football decision — Episode 230
Nice wins from Loyola (over Kenwood) and New Trier (over Deerfield) keep both teams humming right along into the winter break. We talk their holiday-tourney potential. Loyola girls took its first loss of the year, and we discuss the Ramblers tough slate. Plus, New Trier gymnastics has a new look this year. Who is in the lineup and what are the expectations?
Plus, we save football talk until the fourth quarter after a big decision by the IHSA to expand the playoff field. -
New Trier responds, LA hangs in and more winter sports — Episode 229
Since its tough loss to rival Loyola, New Trier boys hoops has taken care of its business with big wins against Mount Carmel, Maine South and Lane Tech. We talk about the Trevs rebound. The Ramblers stood alongside top-ranked DePaul, but could not keep pace. Why? Plus, girls hoops, where Loyola keep winning, New Trier is a work in progress, and Highland Park is still the CSL North team to beat.
We also talk wrestling, gymnastics and more winter sports.
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Loyola Wins Rivalry Hoops DH, Are LA and NT Top 5? — Episode 228
Loyola boys and girls hoops took it to New Trier in the teams’ annual Thanksgiving doubleheader. We talk what that means right now and the rest of the way. We also ask if the Ramblers and the Trevians are Top 10 boys teams this season. What about top 5?
Also can Loyola girls, despite losing a program great, compete for a state title again?
We also discuss the IHSA football championships delay and wonder what all the complaining was about.
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State Swimmers Step Up; Hoops Look-Ahead — Episode 227
A young New Trier swim/dive team made a splash at the state finals, racing to fourth place with a mostly underclassmen lineup. We talk who came through and what does it mean for the Trevians future. Loyola and HP left a mark too. Then, we pivot to the winter season and basketball: who’s up, who’s down and who’s got the goods?
And since football is still going on, we spend some time on our favorite moments of the quarterfinals and the best semifinal matchups this weekend.
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NT Vball, What A Run, Early Hoops Talk — Episode 226
New Trier volleyball made its third straight — but maybe their most unlikely — run to the Class 4A final eight. The junior-heavy Trevians may have been overpowered by Benet, but we look inside their 11-match winning streak that got ’em there. Plus, swimming sectional and state talk, cross country recap, and way-too-early hoops chatter.
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Week 1 and Done: Football Season Recap; Field Hockey dynasty — Episode 225
Our local teams faced stiff competition in the postseason’s opening round and couldn’t hold up. We review the defeats. Now, New Trier, Loyola and Highland Park are done for the year, and we look at what they accomplished and what’s next. We also recap another championship season for Trevians field hockey, who posted a dramatic victory to win it all.
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Playoff Primer: 3 Are In, Will Any Survive? IHSA Ranting & Tennis Champs — Episode 224
All three of our teams — New Trier, Highland Park and Loyola (by a hair!) — made the playoffs. We look at their matchups and their chances of escaping the first round. And, per usual, we gripe about the postseason selection process and how it can and should be better. Plus, Trevians tennis three-peats and we hear from their coach, Jerry Morse-Karzen.