Anita Patel

Sports Reporter · Naperville, IL

Anita Patel, a graduate of DePaul University, has over 8 years of experience covering high school athletics for various local publications. She has a deep passion for sports and youth development, often championing the stories of student-athletes making an impact in their communities.

9 stories from Anita Patel in Orland Park

Real Estate•3h

Single-family home sells in Batavia for $800,000

A 4,906-square-foot single-family home, built in 1989, has changed hands.The house at 601 Ridgelawn Trail in Batavia was sold on Oct. 16 for $800,000, or $163 per square foot. This two-story house has five bedrooms and three bathrooms. The interior features a fireplace. The property is equipped...

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Schools•3h

2026 IHSA playoffs: Steve Soucie’s Class 1A playoff analysis and picks

Round of 32 matchupsGalena (6-4) at Heyworth (9-0): There was no fooling around by Galena in the opening round as it hung 72 points on Orr. There’s little question that the Pirates might be the most dangerous team in the state that finished fifth in their conference race. Heyworth finished the...

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Schools•3h

CCL football: Here are 5 storylines to watch in the first round of the 2026 IHSA playoffs

The Chicago Catholic League will be well represented in the first round of the 2026 IHSA football playoffs. CCL teams went 12-1 during the opening round, while eight teams including defending state champions Mount Carmel, Brother Rice, Fenwick and Montini played well enough to earn opening-round...

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Sports•10h

Huntley boys soccer advances to sectional finals with shutout win, St. Charles East falls in penalty kicks

When the ball entered the box, Tyler Murray’s mind drifted toward last year. In 2025, Huntley led St. Charles North by two goals in the sectional semifinals before falling by two goals in overtime. Flash forward one year and three days later, it was the same postseason round against the same...

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High school soccer coaches Vincent Mkhwanazi and Andy Stembridge shaking hands after a game

Schools•10h

Kankakee, Bradley-Bourbonnais have seasons end with losses in sectional semifinals

In a poignant twist of fate, two former teammates turned coaches found themselves on the brink of a thrilling rematch in the sectional semifinals, only to see their dreams dashed in a heart-wrenching fashion. Vincent Mkhwanazi and Andy Stembridge, once united on the field, now lead rival high...

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Putnam County volleyball team celebrating a point against Earlville in a regional quarterfinal match.

Sports•11h

Putnam County tops Earlville in straight sets in 1A regional quarterfinal

As the crowd buzzed with anticipation, Putnam County junior Britney Trinidad stood at the net, her heart racing with the thrill of competition. "We just beat them last week, but we knew they would come wanting to get us back," she shared, embodying the spirit of determination that filled the gym....

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Sports•12h

Sycamore cruises past Belvidere; Dixon holds on in 2nd set to set up rematch of wild 2025 regional final

```json { "content": " In a dazzling display of skill and determination, the Sycamore volleyball team overwhelmed Belvidere with a staggering 25-2 victory. The air was electric as Khiara Thomas, a key player, shared, "It helps being on our home court and we really want our season to go far." This...

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Sports•Yesterday

Newark volleyball opens postseason with win over Leland: The Times Monday Roundup

```json { "content": " As the crowd erupted in cheers, the Newark Norsemen showcased their dominance on the court, leaving the Leland Panthers in their wake. With a resounding victory of 25-6, 25-13, the energy was palpable, a testament to the hard work and dedication that these young athletes have...

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Morris Warriors girls volleyball team celebrating a dominant victory on the court.

Arts•Yesterday

Morris dominates Hillcrest in Class 3A regional quarterfinal to advance

In a stunning display of teamwork and energy, the Morris Warriors swept Hillcrest 25-8, 25-7, marking a powerful start to their postseason journey. Coach Dan Brown's emphasis on communication and control shone through, as the young team showcased their growth and determination on the court. This...

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