There’s a lot to be said for the game of Evan Frieders
at Kaneland, but one stands out.
He gets it.
“I just like to win, honestly,” Frieders said. “I like to go out there, guard the best player and do what we need to do to win. If that’s score, I can do that. If I need to get rebounds or put up assists in a game, I’ll go out and do that.
“I just like to play hard for my team and do what I can to help us win.”
In his third year of playing on varsity, the 6-foot-5 junior guard is doing just that.
Frieders scored only two points Wednesday but had six rebounds and six assists in just under three quarters of play for the host Knights in a lopsided 73-27 nonconference win over Hancock.
Junior point guard Marshawn Cocroft
scored 22 points and senior forward Freddy Hassan
added 12 for Kaneland (14-1). Freshman guard Jayden Harris
led Hancock (2-15) with nine points.
Eleven days earlier, Frieders scored 18 points as all five starters for the Knights reached double figures in a 91-85 win over Yorkville Christian in the Plano Christmas Classic championship game.
Wednesday’s effort then wasn’t a surprise, according to sophomore forward Jeffrey Hassan
.
Kaneland’s Evan Frieders (11) looks to pass over Hancock’s Isaac Villagomez (31) in the first quarter of a nonconference game in Maple Park on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon News)
“Evan is really unselfish and he will always look for the open guy,” Hassan said of Frieders. “He brings defense to this team. He’s our defensive stopper.”
Freddy Hassan called Frieders one of the team’s hardest workers in practice.
“Score hustle points and make the right plays — that’s what he likes to do,” Freddy said. “He’s always trying to make his teammates better.
“He knows he can score but he doesn’t always have to.”
Kaneland coach Ernie Colombe
promoted Frieders to the varsity as a freshman. Frieders came off the bench as the sixth man, usually at shooting guard, for a team that went 26-6 and won the first of back-to-back conference titles.
Frieders moved to point guard last season as a sophomore.
Kaneland’s Evan Frieders (11) reacts to a basket against Hancock during the first quarter of a nonconference game in Maple Park on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon News)
“That’s not an easy transition, but that team had a lot of success, too,” Colombe said of another 26-6 record. “Evan is so versatile. He’s arguably our best defensive player and usually guards our opponent’s best player.
“He’s worked on his shooting since freshman year and is just unselfish. The sky’s the limit, and his best basketball is ahead of him.”
With Cocroft’s transfer from Aurora Christian, Frieders has moved back to shooting guard.
Senior guard Luke Reinert
, also a starter, has played the point previously on the lower levels and so has senior guard Preston Popovich
. Combined with junior guard Isaiah Gipson
, Colombe has a wealth of talented options for his backcourt, which he doesn’t mind at all.
“We’re fortunate to have some height with (6-7) Freddy and (6-9) Jeffrey Hassan,” Colombe said. “But ultimately, I do believe the high school game is usually a guard’s game.
“Year in and year out, the best teams seem to have the best guards.”
Kaneland’s Evan Frieders (11) slips past Hancock’s Miguel Chaidez (1) and Joshua Baxter (25) in the second quarter of a nonconference game in Maple Park on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon News)
Frieders entered Wednesday’s game averaging 7.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists.
“The thing I love most about Evan is that he doesn’t care how many points he scores each night,” Colombe said. “That’s part of the reason he’s able to put up those games with big totals in rebounds and assists.”
It pleases the coach to no end because he thinks in today’s society there’s often too much emphasis by players posting their numbers on social media.
“We talk to the kids about it weekly,” Colombe said. “We’re big on, ‘How did you impact the game?’
“If you have an off shooting night, you can still impact the outcome of the game, and Evan Frieders is an impact player.”
Kickboxing is a high-impact sport. Combining cardio and strength training into every session, kickboxing challenges your endurance and abilities. It also tests your balance, agility, strategizing abilities and coordination. Something as simple as punching must be done correctly unless you want to open yourself up to a jab from your opponent.
While kickboxing is a great way to get fit, proper safety is necessary to prevent injury. There isn’t much safety equipment required for kickboxing other than a good pair of gloves. Kickboxing gloves like Cleto Reyes Training Gloves
can help protect your hands while allowing you the ability to block or grab quickly.
What to know before you buy kickboxing gloves
Style and purpose
Different styles of kickboxing gloves have their own purposes. If you’re just starting out, you may want something with extra padding, secure straps and lightweight material. This will help your hands get used to hard contact. As you grow accustomed to the sport, you may be better able to choose something that fits you and your kickboxing goals. If you plan on kickboxing with a bag only, then try a pair of bag gloves. If you’ll be sparring with an opponent, all-purpose gloves or fingerless kickboxing gloves that give your fingers more range of motion may be preferable. No matter what kickboxing gloves you settle on, make sure they are comfortable and allow movement in your thumb.
Weight and size
The weight and size of a glove determine how much padding is inside of the glove. That means a heavier-weight glove has more protection, though it slows you down. A lighter-weight glove offers more flexibility but far less protection. Consider your kickboxing priorities as well as your own strength. If you’re just starting out, it’s best to err on the side of caution with a heavier, more cushioned glove. If you have experience, something more lightweight and flexible will be enough since your reflexes are accustomed to the speed of the sport.
Safety and injuries
If you want a fitness routine that will keep you safe from bruises and injuries, stay away from kickboxing altogether and maybe try an exercise bike
. The truth of the matter is that regardless of the safety precautions you take, injuries are still a possibility. Kickboxing can be a high-contact sport. Sparring with a boxing bag may be safer than a skilled opponent, but it’s not abnormal to end up with bruises and sore areas. Be careful and practice caution, but expect some mild injuries along the way.
What to look for in quality kickboxing gloves
Material
Kickboxing gloves are most commonly made of leather or vinyl. Leather boxing gloves are more durable and mold to the shape of your hand while being breathable and offering an excellent fit. Vinyl gloves, however, are far more affordable. If you’re just starting out and need a pair of kickboxing gloves for a weekly class, vinyl should be suitable. If you plan to partake in kickboxing for a long time, leather gloves will hold up better, last longer and provide a more comfortable experience.
Closure
Kickboxing gloves have different closure options. Examining this aspect of the glove is important since it often betrays the craftsmanship’s quality. Laces allow for a tight, adjustable fit. They also offer solid wrist support. Unfortunately, you need help to lace up gloves and cannot tie them yourself. Another option is Velcro, which gives you a secure hold and allows you to strap them on your own. They are easy to tighten or loosen. Velcro straps are ideal unless you’re a professional kickboxer, in which case laces may be preferable.
Padding
Kickboxing gloves are useless without padding. While you want your thumb and fingers to have some range of motion to help with blocks or catching oncoming punches, you need padding to protect your hands. Open or closed foam is the most common padding used in kickboxing gloves. Try on your gloves before committing to them, and even practice punching a bag a few times to see how cushioned they are. While the padding won’t eliminate the feeling of a blow, it should lessen the impact and protect your knuckles.
How much you can expect to spend on kickboxing gloves
On the cheaper end, you can find a decent pair of kickboxing gloves for $25-$50. The highest quality kickboxing gloves are anywhere from $100-$300.
Kickboxing gloves FAQ
Can you wash kickboxing gloves?
A. You should never machine-wash your kickboxing gloves. This can soak the foam and ruin your gloves. If you need to clean your boxing gloves, gently wipe them with a towel and apple cider vinegar or gentle soap. Allow them to air dry fully before using.
Are boxing gloves and kickboxing gloves different?
A. Yes. While you can use boxing gloves for kickboxing, more flexibility in the fingers is usually preferred. Having movement in the thumb area is best for kickboxing.
What you need to know: Great for sparring or sessions on the bag, these padded leather gloves will have you hook-punching and upper-cutting in no time.
What you’ll love: These boxing gloves were made for beginners and experts alike, offering many sizes and weights to suit different users. Long-lasting latex foam will protect your knuckles while a velcro strap supports your wrist.
What you should consider: Some users say the build quality of these gloves is not up to par.
What you need to know: These MMA- and Muy Thai-rated gloves are made of foam and mesh, making them both comfortable and protective.
What you’ll love: They’re easy to put on and take off. They’ve got great absorption and are very durable. Because they’re equipped with anti-microbial treatments to cut odors and bacteria growth, they’ll stay fresh through training sessions and sparring.
What you should consider: Some users say the mesh material can be uncomfortable while punching.
What you need to know: If you want a pair of gloves you can use on the bag, in kickboxing sparring sessions or even in the boxing ring, check out this pair.
What you’ll love: Three layers of natural foam protect your knuckles and an attached thumb protects your whole hand. Anatomically shaped with reinforced seams, these gloves can hold up to a lot of abuse and impact.
What you should consider: Some users are disappointed in the wrist support of these gloves.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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Attorneys have proposed a $7.5 million payout to settle the first of more than 150 federal lawsuits alleging phony arrests by corrupt ex-Chicago police Sgt. Ronald Watts and his team, records show.
Ben Baker sued Watts and the city in 2016, alleging the longtime tactical sergeant in charge of the Ida B. Wells housing complex pinned bogus drug cases on him — and in one instance, his partner, Clarissa Glenn — in retaliation for refusing to pay Watts a $1,000 bribe. Baker spent about 10 years in prison before his conviction was thrown out.
Attorneys for Baker and Glenn reached a deal with the city in November, though the proposed settlement amount was not revealed until Thursday, when the agenda for next week’s City Council Finance Committee meeting was made public. If the Finance Committee passes the settlement, the full City Council will vote on whether to approve it at its next meeting on Wednesday.
Kristen Cabanban, a spokesperson for the city’s Law Department, declined to comment Thursday, saying city attorneys will testify before the committee on Monday about the reason’s behind the settlement offer and take questions from aldermen.
Lawyers for Baker and Glenn also could not immediately be reached.
There are roughly 175 other Watts-related cases yet to be resolved in federal court. Three have been scheduled for trial, though it is possible the Baker settlement is a signal that the other cases might also be settled – and the proposed multimillion-dollar Baker payout could be a sign of how much the other plaintiffs might get.
The Tribune was the first to report
on Baker’s accusations, which came nearly nine years ago in the wake of the Laquan McDonald shooting scandal and led to a series of mass exonerations in Cook County and one of the biggest and costliest police scandals in Chicago history.
Last summer, a lawsuit filed by Alvin Waddy in Cook County Circuit Court became the first to reach a settlement agreement. The City Council ultimately approved a $500,000 payout
for Waddy.
The Watts lawsuits have the potential to be staggeringly expensive for the city. Aside from whatever payments are made to the plaintiffs through settlements or jury awards, the costs to taxpayers are already piling up into the millions because the city is using several outside law firms to handle the litigation.
Ben Baker, who was released from prison in 2016 after he was allegedly framed on drug charges by Chicago police Sgt. Ronald Watts and incarcerated for a decade, in his home on Jan. 12, 2017. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)
Watts was arrested in 2012 along with another member of his team, Officer Kallatt Mohammed, for shaking down a drug courier who turned out to be an FBI informant. Watts received 22 months in prison
and was released in 2015.
In the years since, Watts and his tactical officers have been accused of orchestrating a reign of terror at the Ida B. Wells housing project, systematically forcing residents and drug dealers alike to pay a “protection” tax and putting bogus cases on those who refused.
More than 200 Watts-related convictions have since been thrown out, and the amount of federal civil lawsuits filed against Watts and the city has snowballed since Baker and Glenn filed their case in 2016.
The plaintiffs are almost all Black men who lived in the Ida B. Wells complex and were familiar with Watts and his crew. In case after case, the lawsuits allege that when Watts’ targets complained to the Police Department or in court, judges, prosecutors and internal affairs investigators all chose to believe the testimony of Watts and other officers over their accusers, records show.
The cases also highlighted a broken system of police discipline that allegedly protected corrupt officers and punished those who tried to expose the corruption. Despite mounting allegations, Watts continued to operate for years amid a lengthy police internal affairs probe as well as investigations by the state’s attorney’s office and the FBI, according to court records.
In fact, two Chicago police officers who alleged they were blackballed for trying to expose Watts’ corruption years ago won a $2 million settlement in their whistleblower lawsuit.
Watts has denied wrongdoing in every lawsuit. He moved to Las Vegas after his release from federal prison and has kept a low profile. Records show he currently lives in Arizona.
Watts told a conservative radio host during a lengthy 2023 interview that he spent his career disrupting violent drug dealers and is now the victim of a smear campaign by ex-criminals and lawyers trying to cash in.
Two businessmen looking to bring a special cigar lounge to Park Ridge – and allow patrons to bring their own alcohol into the establishment – got an early nod from the City Council even though city leaders would have to figure out how to structure a liquor license.
Speaking to the council at its meeting Monday, Seventh Floor Hospitality Group owner Louis Morgan and his business partner, Corey Singleton, expounded on a special license request they would have to make that would allow patrons to not only bring their own bottles – BYOB – of wine and beer, but also spirits to the businessmen’s proposed lounge, The Embassy.
“They had an idea of how they wanted to structure the liquor license and it really didn’t fit with any of our license categories,” Mayor Marty Maloney told the council, explaining that he wanted to get input from aldermen before having the city attorney deal with either amending the current liquor license ordinances or creating a new class.
Morgan and Singleton want to open The Embassy at 626 Busse Highway in the north suburb. They both described the establishment as a high-end, luxury cigar bar that would have retail and membership components.
The pair have a similar, if larger, cigar lounge of the same name in south suburban Flossmoor.
Park Ridge currently grants BYOB licenses that allow patrons to bring beer into establishments. Usually, the license is granted to restaurants that do not serve alcohol, though Maloney noted some hair salons allow patrons to bring in beer while they’re being serviced.
But the two owners of Seventh Floor Hospitality Group said they want their cigar lounge to be different, allowing harder alcohol. They explained that workers would not pour the alcohol for patrons.
“Because this will require some legal work, I want council to weigh in on it,” said Maloney.
While the presentation from Morgan and Singleton was on the meeting agenda, there was no binding, actionable measure for the council to consider. The City Council’s discussion was only that – a discussion. There was a show of hands vote on whether the council favored having the city’s legal team look into the licensing, and with two aldermen absent, all in attendance said yes.
Maloney said should this license be created, which could be an amendment to the current BYOB rules or establishment of a new class, anyone could apply for it. However, requestors would still need City Council approval.
“We could say no, to limit the number [of the special licenses granted], but on the surface we’re not just doing it for these guys,” the mayor said.
Singleton said patrons would be able to bring in drinks and members would be able to store bottles onsite. He said staff would not serve the drinks.
“We will not pour,” he assured the council. “Members and patrons will pour.”
The building where The Embassy would be located is a two-story one – formerly a financial services office. The first floor would sell cigars and allow anyone to stop by, buy a cigar and have a smoke. The second floor, however, will be for members and provide a place to socialize, the owners explained.
Still, the whole business will be based around tobacco sales and smoking. The Embassy would likely never be allowed to sell alcohol or food. The majority of its profits have to come from tobacco products in order to allow smoking.
“You cannot smoke indoors if less than 80% of your sales come from tobacco,” said Morgan.
He said that patrons would be able to get food through such services as Uber Eats and Door Dash. Also, the cigar lounge would likely partner with a local restaurant “to be our main source of food for guests,” he said.
Council members had a myriad of questions, ranging from business aesthetics and parking, to ventilation and more.
Alderperson Joseph Steinfels asked whether anyone could bring in a drink and Morgan said they could, though only members could store a beverage on site. Members would also be able to store cigars in addition to their bottles.
The memberships start at $10,000 for a lifetime membership, $2,500 for a year or a month-to-month fee.
Morgan and Singleton said they anticipate having a few dozen customers at any one time during the week, and up to 70 in the lounge on the weekend. Membership would be capped at 125.
Should the city come up with a licensing solution, the mayor explained, the business owners’ request would still have to follow the city’s process for approval, including going before the Liquor License Review Board
“You’ll hear from our legal department very soon,” the mayor told them, laughing and assuring that the declaration wasn’t an ominous one.
Lifting knee sleeves are used to help in a variety of situations and for a variety of conditions and issues. They predominantly help protect your joints and increase your stability. They can also relieve pressure on your knees and keep them warm, preventing stiffness from settling in. They’re helpful outside of lifting, too, and are frequently used by cyclists and runners.
The best lifting knee sleeves are the Stoic Knee Sleeves For Powerlifting
. These aren’t meant for a casual audience, as they’re designed around the needs of professionals and enthusiasts.
What to know before you buy a lifting knee sleeve
Fit and length
To get the most from your lifting knee sleeves
, they need to have a proper fit and length.
Fit: This is also called size. Your sleeves must be tight enough for you to feel the compression without being so tight they cut off your circulation. Proper fit is found by taking measurements around your knee and comparing them to your prospective sleeves’ sizing chart. Keep in mind that sleeves become looser over time, so it’s OK to be a little bit too tight at first.
Length: Most sleeves are either long enough to include the legs above and below the knee or short enough to only focus on the knees. Longer sleeves offer more support and stronger compression, but shorter sleeves offer a greater range of movement.
Thickness
Lifting knee sleeves typically come in one of three thicknesses, which provide varying levels of support.
3-millimeter sleeves offer light support, light enough to be worn daily without issue. They’re best for those trying lifting knee sleeves for the first time and for those engaging in cardio exercises.
5-millimeter sleeves provide moderate support with minimal restriction of movement. They’re excellent for almost any type and level of exercise.
7-millimeter sleeves offer the strongest support but limit flexibility. They’re best for powerlifting and other exercises that require high strength and low mobility.
What to look for in a quality lifting knee sleeve
Material
Lifting knee socks are usually made of neoprene or nylon and spandex.
Neoprene sleeves are much more durable and soft enough that they rarely chafe or cause irritation. They stretch easily without risking tearing, making them easier to put on and take off. Neoprene is also breathable for long-session comfort and warm to stave off stiffening.
Nylon and spandex sleeves are more affordable but come with caveats. They are thinner and provide less support, and they aren’t nearly as durable. These materials are suitable for those trying sleeves out or for those who only exercise on occasion.
Copper
Some lifting knee socks are infused with copper, which is proven to be antimicrobial — this leads to less nasty odors developing. It’s also suggested to aid in joint and muscle health as well as pain relief, but these claims aren’t verified.
Contoured edges
The best lifting knee socks have contoured edges to help them stay in place. This means more time exercising and less time bending down to pull your sleeves back up or down.
How much you can expect to spend on a lifting knee sleeve
Lifting knee sleeves typically come in pairs at costs of $20-$80. Basic sleeves usually cost less than $30 and occasionally as little as $15. Most cost $30-$60, with the best costing roughly $60-$80.
Lifting knee sleeve FAQ
How do I wash lifting knee sleeves?
A. Most lifting knee sleeves use materials that can be safely machine-washed. However, many manufacturers still recommend that you hand-wash the sleeves to help them last as long as possible. To hand-wash them, let them soak in a sink filled with a mixture of hot water and laundry detergent before rinsing them thoroughly and hanging them up to air dry.
What exercises benefit most from wearing lifting knee sleeves?
A. Any exercises that put a strain on your knees can benefit from using lifting knee socks, not just powerlifting. This can include:
Leg-based exercises such as squats, lunges and leg lifts.
Cardio exercises such as running, rowing and cycling.
What you need to know: These are designed to help professionals push themselves toward greater heights.
What you’ll love: They are 7 millimeters thick for maximum compression and come in eight sizes so you can find your perfect fit. Each sleeve is 11.8 inches long to ensure full and proper coverage. Triple-reinforced nylon stitching and neoprene main material ensure high durability.
What you should consider: These are not meant for anything other than powerlifting. A few consumers had issues getting the sleeves off and on. They’re expensive.
What you need to know: These 7-millimeter sleeves provide the best compression for an affordable price.
What you’ll love: They come in five sizes, from small to XXL, and in five designs, including black with either white or red accents. Despite the reasonable cost, these sleeves still are made of neoprene. They are machine-washable and a drawstring storage bag is included.
What you should consider: A few customers found it difficult to find a size that fit appropriately. Others reported torn seams after a few months of regular use.
What you need to know: This 7-millimeter sleeve sports a special design and is competition-approved.
What you’ll love: The knee support pattern provides an anatomical fit for comfort and superior assistance — it’s even patented and classified for medical use. The neoprene is soft, warm and tight without sacrificing range of motion. It comes in six sizes, from XS to XXL.
What you should consider: Only one sleeve is included, making this among the most expensive options. A few purchasers had issues finding a good fit, saying they run large.
Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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