![TOMK Stagg graduate Tom Kazanecki, right, is guarded by St. Xavier University’s Joshua Evans during a recent game. Kazanecki changed his mind on playing an extra season for St. Ambrose after he was injured in a practice. Photo by Jeff Vorva](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/TOMK-1024x681.jpg)
Stagg graduate Tom Kazanecki, right, is guarded by St. Xavier University’s Joshua Evans during a recent game. Kazanecki changed his mind on playing an extra season for St. Ambrose after he was injured in a practice. Photo by Jeff Vorva
College Report: Former Stagg standout Kazanecki gives hoops one more year
By Jeff Vorva
Staff writer
The idea was for Tom Kazanecki to finish his basketball career at St. Ambrose in 2021.
The former Stagg hoops standout was even toying with the idea of starting a military career, even though he had an extra year of athletics eligibility remaining, thanks to seasons getting snipped because of COVID-19.
Basketball was going to be out of the picture. However, a freak accident in practice changed all of that.
In December 2020, Kazanecki’s season — and seemingly his career — ended early when he fell on a basketball and injured his left kneecap.
“The ball got knocked around in the paint and it landed under my foot,” he said.
He injured the kneecap and had surgery in January 2021. While rehabbing the knee and stopping by the gym during the ensuing months, he changed plans.
“You get in the gym with the guys and it feels like you have to do it,” he said of coming back.
Through 26 games this season, Kazanecki was averaging a team-high 17.8 points per game for the Fighting Bees. He was 30th in the country with 227 rebounds.
The 6-foot-6 forward/center could leave the school in the top 10 of a category that would surprise those who remember his high school days.
So far this season he is shooting 39.2 percent (65 of 166) from 3-point range, which would put him ninth on the Bees’ all-time list in that category. If he gets that percentage up a few ticks, he could land in program’s top 5.
He said taking 3-pointers is something he worked on during college to add another wrinkle to his game.
He’s had a memorable career at the school in Davenport, Iowa, schoo including winning the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference’s Dr. LeRoy Walker Champions of Character Award in 2018-19.
Kazanecki scored 17 point in the Bees’ 78-66 home win over Iowa Wesleyan on Feb. 10, which marked coach Ray Shovlain’s 700th career victory – all of them coming at St. Ambrose.
7 is a Magic Number
St. Xavier’s men’s volleyball team, ranked 15th in the nation in the NAIA in the latest coaches poll, won its seventh match in a row Saturday with a 25-17, 25-14, 25-17 win over Viterbo in a CCAC home battle.
Seven was also a big number for former Marist hitter Jake McClain. The sophomore middle hitter took seven swings and connected on seven kills for a 1.000 hitting percentage. He also had seven blocks.
That comes less than a year after another former Marist middle hitter had an amazing perfect match. Patrick Mahoney had 12 kills in 12 attempts for Loras in a match last Feb. 23, becoming one of two players in NCAA history with a perfect match with that many attempts.
Ruzevich hits 1,000
Julia Ruzevich, an Orland Park native and Marist graduate who also played basketball at Moraine Valley, became the sixth player in Lindenwood’s NCAA-era history to pass the 1,000 point mark.
She did it in a recent 69-58 loss to Drury, a team that was voted fourth in the nation among Division II schools by the coaches.
On the right Rhode
Former Mount Carmel basketball star Jake Rhode scored 25 points in a 99-72 Elmhurst home victory over Augustana on Feb. 9 to become the BlueJays’ all-time leading scorer.
The record was 1,914. Rhode entered the game tied for first and broke the record right away. He is also the school’s all-time assist leader.
Local News
![RichMiller Rich Miller](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/RichMiller-1.jpg)
Time for Ken Griffin to answer a few questions
Spread the loveBy Rich Miller Richard Irvin is a Republican. Period. Irvin might not be enough of a Republican for the purists. Democrats might want to weaken Irvin in the Republican primary for governor by pointing to some of the nice things he’s said about Democrats (including the governor) over the years. But Richard Irvin…
![GSWNH_JimNowlan_083019 Jim Nowlan](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/GSWNH_JimNowlan_083019-804x1024.jpg)
Income inequality tearing at social fabric
Spread the loveBy Jim Nowlan Household incomes in America have become more and more unequal over recent decades, as measured by the Gini Index of Inequality. American society has also become more sharply polarized, as measured by Donald Trump’s continuing, intense support in small town and rural America. I know why, or at least know…
![GSWNH_TabaraesAndMinaDuarte_012822 GSWNH_TabaraesAndMinaDuarte_012822](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/GSWNH_TabaraesAndMinaDuarte_012822.jpg)
Tabares backs West Lawn Branch Library
Spread the love Twenty-third Ward Ald. Silvana Tabares (left) recently toured the renovated West Lawn Branch Library, 4020 W. 63rd St.,, with new branch manager Mina Duarte. Details about the renovation’s may be found in the West Lawn column in the January 28 Greater Southwest News-Herald. –Supplied photo
![GSWNH_ChuyStarbucks_012822 GSWNH_ChuyStarbucks_012822](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/GSWNH_ChuyStarbucks_012822-1024x559.png)
Chuy backs Starbucks unionization
Spread the love U.S. Rep Jesús “Chuy” García (D-4th), white mask, recently stood with those who support unionization of Starbucks workers, outside a shop in the city. Workers are attempting to organize under the banner of Chicago and Midwest Joint Board, Workers United, an affiliate of the Service Employees International Union. –Supplied photo
![NAZ 23 Sophomore Danni Scully of Nazareth is triple-teamed by Marist in a 53-42 victory in LaGrange Park on Jan. 19. Photo by Jeff Vorva](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/NAZ-23-1024x883.jpg)
‘Grizzled’ sophomores help Naz beat Marist
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff Writer Nazareth’s “grizzled veterans” have won 19 of their first 20 games. The Roadrunners’ were victorious in a big East Suburban Catholic Conference showdown with Marist, with two sophomores doing most of the damage in a 53-42 win in LaGrange Park on Jan. 19. Nazareth improved to 19-1, 4-0.…
![SANDBURG BOWLERS Sandburg’s boys bowling team is headed to state for the first time since 2017 after winning its own sectional on Saturday. Photo courtesy of Carl Sandburg](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/SANDBURG-BOWLERS-e1642992845574.jpg)
Postseason Sports Report: Area stars ready for state bowling and dancing
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff Writer The first two IHSA state tournaments for winter sports will take place this weekend, and an army of area athletes will be competing in both. The boys bowling and competitive dance championships will be held Friday and Saturday, with the bowlers heading to St. Clair Bowl in O’Fallon…
![STRUS Stagg coach Marty Strus gets ready to talk to his players during Friday night’s game against Andrew. Photo by Jeff Vorva](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/STRUS-1024x681.jpg)
Strus tops former coach in Stagg’s win over Sandburg
Spread the loveBy Jeff Vorva Staff writer Marty Strus has nothing but good things to say about his former high school coach, John Daniels. “He’s meant a ton to me,” Strus said of the coach he faced off against last week when his Stagg Chargers took on Sandburg. “He meant a lot to me as…
![1 For 68 years the Palos Area Chamber of Commerce has remained actively involved in the everyday life of the Palos area, residents and business community. (Supplied photo)](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/1-4-1024x768.jpg)
Palos Area Chamber dedicated to promoting area
Spread the loveBy Kelly White Dedicated to helping local area businesses strive is the Palos Area Chamber of Commerce. The chamber was formed in 1949 when a small group of merchants joined together for the purpose of advancing economic, industrial, professional, cultural, and civic welfare of the Palos Heights area. For 68 years, the Palos…
![PeggyZabicki Peggy Zabicki](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PeggyZabicki-1024x768.jpg)
We need real solutions to crime
Spread the loveBy Peggy Zabicki Your correspondent in West Lawn 3633 W. 60th Place • (773) 504-9327 Crime and safety concerns are the number one topic of all the calls and texts I receive. It seems that many politicians offer no solutions except the usual lists of ways to keep safe. I think everyone knows about locking…
Neighbors
![Just weeks before Republican National Convention, Illinois GOP chair announces resignation Just weeks before Republican National Convention, Illinois GOP chair announces resignation](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/TRACY-06741-bRYaAc-1024x682.jpeg)
Just weeks before Republican National Convention, Illinois GOP chair announces resignation
By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com Halfway through the 2024 election cycle and just a few weeks away from the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Illinois GOP Chair Don Tracy on Wednesday announced his resignation as head of the state Republican Party. Tracy, who’d held the job since February 2021, explained his resignation in…
![Pritzker signs bill creating new Department of Early Childhood Pritzker signs bill creating new Department of Early Childhood](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IDEC-3-gA9lr0-1024x682.jpeg)
Pritzker signs bill creating new Department of Early Childhood
By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com SPRINGFIELD – Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation Tuesday creating a new cabinet-level state agency dedicated to early childhood education and development. The new Department of Early Childhood, which will become operational in July 2026, will take over programs currently housed across three state agencies, including funding for preschool…
![Speaker Welch rebuffs lawsuit from would-be staff union as ‘forum shopping’ Speaker Welch rebuffs lawsuit from would-be staff union as ‘forum shopping’](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1024-EXEC-JN-WELCH-BURDEN-STAFF-09191-Jd97ud-1024x682.jpeg)
Speaker Welch rebuffs lawsuit from would-be staff union as ‘forum shopping’
By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch is urging a Cook County judge to dismiss a lawsuit members of his staff filed against him last month seeking to force recognition of their union. In a new filing Monday, attorneys for Welch argued the Illinois Legislative Staff Association has no…
![Advocates say SCOTUS ruling paves way for law ensuring abusers have guns confiscated Advocates say SCOTUS ruling paves way for law ensuring abusers have guns confiscated](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/scotus1-N8hYn7-1024x768.jpeg)
Advocates say SCOTUS ruling paves way for law ensuring abusers have guns confiscated
By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com After the U.S. Supreme Court last week upheld a federal law that bars those under domestic violence-related restraining orders from owning guns, victim advocates say Illinois lawmakers should pass a measure to ensure firearms are actually confiscated in those situations. The legislation has been stalled for more than…
![Communities, commission push Pritzker admin for more prison plan details Communities, commission push Pritzker admin for more prison plan details](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/240611-COGFA-SOTO1-AsGWYO-1024x682.jpeg)
Communities, commission push Pritzker admin for more prison plan details
By DILPREET RAJU Capitol News Illinois news@capitolnewsillinois.com Jimmy Soto spent more than 42 years wrongfully imprisoned in Illinois Department of Corrections facilities. In 2020, he was moved to the “F-House” at Stateville Correctional Center in Joliet, a condemned unit, not because he was being punished, but because it was where the facility was housing individuals…
![Elections board urged to dismiss complaint that Bailey illegally coordinated in 2022 campaign Elections board urged to dismiss complaint that Bailey illegally coordinated in 2022 campaign](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/20240429-BAILEY-PROFT1-yRwYCt-1024x624.jpeg)
Elections board urged to dismiss complaint that Bailey illegally coordinated in 2022 campaign
By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com A hearing officer is recommending the Illinois State Board of Elections dismiss a complaint that alleged conservative radio host and political operative Dan Proft illegally coordinated with former Republican state Sen. Darren Bailey during his 2022 campaign for governor. Proft, a one-time gubernatorial candidate himself, is behind an…
![State highway shootings decline as critics sue over ‘dragnet surveillance’ State highway shootings decline as critics sue over ‘dragnet surveillance’](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/FLASHING-LIGHTS-SQUAD-POLICE-00971-ilpWzw-1024x682.jpeg)
State highway shootings decline as critics sue over ‘dragnet surveillance’
By JERRY NOWICKI Capitol News Illinois jnowicki@capitolnewsillinois.com Illinois State Police say an automated license plate reader program has helped the agency identify witnesses or suspects in 82 percent of highway shooting cases this year, including all eight that resulted in a death. But as the state looks to further expand its network of more than…
![Just weeks before Republican National Convention, Illinois GOP chair announces resignation Just weeks before Republican National Convention, Illinois GOP chair announces resignation](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/TRACY-06741-bRYaAc-1024x682.jpeg)
Just weeks before Republican National Convention, Illinois GOP chair announces resignation
By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com Halfway through the 2024 election cycle and just a few weeks away from the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Illinois GOP Chair Don Tracy on Wednesday announced his resignation as head of the state Republican Party. Tracy, who’d held the job since February 2021, explained his resignation in…
![As Illinois session ends, lawmakers’ attempt to reinstate wetland protections fails As Illinois session ends, lawmakers’ attempt to reinstate wetland protections fails](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Wetlands-Prairie-scaled1-3WD1bu-1024x683.jpeg)
As Illinois session ends, lawmakers’ attempt to reinstate wetland protections fails
by JENNIFER BAMBERG Investigate Midwest jennifer.bamberg@investigatemidwest.org In 2006, 19-year-old Jessica Whinston inherited 20 acres of land that her grandparents once farmed in Quincy, Illinois. The land had sat dormant since the 1980s and was overgrown, but Whinston and her husband Bradley worked to turn it into a productive farm. The couple were eventually able to…
![Elections board dismisses illegal campaign coordination complaint, declines to clarify law Elections board dismisses illegal campaign coordination complaint, declines to clarify law](https://southwestregionalpublishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/240618-PIC-Board-of-Elections1-1aDJ4Z-1024x658.jpeg)
Elections board dismisses illegal campaign coordination complaint, declines to clarify law
By HANNAH MEISEL Capitol News Illinois hmeisel@capitolnewsillinois.com CHICAGO – State elections officials on Tuesday indicated they were unlikely to step in to clarify what constitutes illegal campaign coordination after voting to dismiss a complaint alleging such coordination in the 2022 campaign for governor. At their monthly meeting in Chicago, Illinois State Board of Elections members…