The news site of Evanston Township High School's student newspaper

The Evanstonian

The news site of Evanston Township High School's student newspaper

The Evanstonian

The news site of Evanston Township High School's student newspaper

The Evanstonian

Eli Cohen

Eli Cohen, Executive Editor

Hello! My name is Eli Cohen and I am an Executive Editor for The Evanstonian. I am currently a senior, and this is my fourth year on staff.  Throughout my four years at ETHS, The Evanstonian has been a really big part of my life and has been a major focus of mine. Growing up, I hoped to work in the field of sports media, but never considered writing. That all changed when I was introduced to my first journalism class at ETHS, and I quickly realized that it was something I truly enjoyed. I look forward to continuing to work with The Evanstonian, and hope to make sports journalism into a career.

By Eli Cohen
Senior Column | What S103 means to me

Senior Column | What S103 means to me

Eli Cohen, Executive Editor May 21, 2021

I’d be lying if I said I haven’t thought about the consequential effects of this draining year of online learning; naturally, those thoughts come first. Nonetheless, as my time at ETHS is ceasing,...

The Class of 21s top 21 senior athletes

The Class of ’21’s top 21 senior athletes

Eli Cohen, Executive Editor May 21, 2021

All student-athletes deserve a little bit of praise for the strength needed to compete in such an unprecedented year. Below, 21 of the many distinguishable student-athletes from the class of...

From Kits to Commits: Class of ’21 athletic commitments

Eli Cohen, Executive Editor May 21, 2021

Division I: Michael DeMaria: Mens Lacrosse, Loyola-Marymount Dahna’Adel Duffy: Womens Bowling, Wichita State Connor Groff: Football, Drake Josie Lambert: Womens Lacrosse, Davidson Ryann...

Introducing the 2021-22 Evanstonian Editorial Board!

Zachary Bahar, Eli Cohen and Nora Miller May 21, 2021

The outgoing Evanstonian Executive Editors are pleased to announce the 2021-22 Evanstonian Editorial Board! Executive Editors: Lauren Dain, Eden Drajpuch Community Impact Editors: Maddie Coyle, Eva...

From L-R: Isaiah Holden, Blake Peters, Elijah Bull

Timeline: Year-long rollercoaster puts Kits in ‘win-and-in’ situation

Eli Cohen, Executive Editor March 10, 2021

Evanston basketball, like everything else in the world, was drastically altered by the coronavirus pandemic, which overtook our lives a year ago. Now, back on the court, the Kits will enter Beardsley Gym...

Boys’ basketball takes first loss following poor shooting night

Eli Cohen, Executive Editor February 27, 2021

It was a tale of two halves in Beardsley Gym last night. After ending the first two quarters up 29-25, Evanston appeared to have found a way to contain Glenbrook South’s offense, as quality shots...

Girls basketball struggles offensively against top ranked Simeon in loss

Eli Cohen, Executive Editor February 23, 2021

After succumbing to a 13-2 deficit early in the first quarter, Evanston could never close the gap en route to a 17-point loss to the reigning 3A state champions, Simeon. Despite showing a glimmer of...

Blake Peters goes up for a layup in the 4A State Championship game against Belleville West

Decade report: Assessing Sun Times’ Evanston boys basketball evaluation

Eli Cohen, Executive Editor January 25, 2021

Throughout the past month-and-a-half, Chicago Sun-Times high school sports contributor Joe Henricksen has been counting down the 50 most winningest Chicagoland boys basketball teams of the decade (the...

Tier One: a breakdown of what a return to athletics entails for ETHS

Eli Cohen, Executive Editor January 25, 2021

On Friday, Jan. 21, the Illinois Department of Public Health and Governor JB Pritzker announced that all high school sports will be played this year in regions that are in ‘Phase 4’. Just one week...

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker

Why I worry about the IHSA’s plan for sports to return

Eli Cohen, Executive Editor January 25, 2021

Before I dive deeper into this issue, I would like to say that I am missing high school sports—I greatly miss the community, competition and comradery that come with it. Additionally, I know that I am...

Photo by Michael Barthelemy

Football star’s breakout season in question amid Division I recruitment

Eli Cohen, Executive Editor October 24, 2020

Typically, when a team finishes 3-6, ‘excitement’ wouldn’t be the proper word to describe fans’ feelings about an upcoming season. However, for the 2020-2021 Evanston football season, there...

Photo courtesy of Elyjah Williams

Checking in with ‘College Kits’: Elyjah Williams

Eli Cohen, Executive Editor October 20, 2020

Elyjah Williams, Class of 2017, was a vital member of ETHS’ 2016-17 team that was sectional champions, and ranked as the top team in Illinois throughout much of the season. Williams, a 6’7” forward,...

Photo courtesy of @ETHSports via twitter

Things we get to see this fall season: Wagener’s return to glory

Eli Cohen, Executive Editor October 20, 2020

When senior Campbell Wagener stepped into ETHS, golf wasn’t on his radar. Now, Wagener will go down as one of the more successful Evanston golfers in recent memory, as he is a two-time state qualifier,...

Photo by Madison McGuire

Sports—at ETHS and beyond—amidst a pandemic

Eli Cohen and Lena Papa September 27, 2020

If you crossed Church and Dodge anytime throughout this summer, there’s likely one thing that drew an eye: Lazier Field. While some may think that attendance would be limited due to a global pandemic,...

Art by Nora Miller

Jacob Blake: Evanstonian

Zachary Bahar, Eli Cohen and Nora Miller September 24, 2020
Before he became a symbol for numerous Evanstonians and Americans on Aug. 23, Jacob Blake was your average Joe.
Mr. Lowe sitting behind his desk.

Rodney K. Lowe: The man who brought The Evanstonian to life

Jonah Charlton and Eli Cohen September 10, 2020
Mr. Lowe’s energy was one of the things that his colleagues and students remembered most about him. Mentee and colleague Patti Minegishi Delacruz called it “magnetic,” 2017-18 Executive Editor Harrison Witt said his energy made him “an absolute joy to be around” and countless others said it was the thing they remembered most about him.
LaShandra Smith-Rayfield discusses the lack of support from fellow beachgoers

LaShandra Smith-Rayfield discusses the lack of support from fellow beachgoers

Eli Cohen, Executive Editor August 5, 2020

Evanston often advertises itself as a diverse, socially conscious town. However, the contrast between what’s broadcasted and how the Evanston community acted last Wednesday, July 29 is monumental. Last...

Photo courtesy of Blake Peters. Edited by Scott Horne

Sharp-shooting guard Blake Peters commits to Princeton

Eli Cohen, Executive Editor June 13, 2020

Rising senior Blake Peters has been a vital part of ETHS’ state appearances the last two years, as he has been a full-time starter at shooting guard for the Kits. Earlier today, Peters announced his...

Senior Ariel Logan.

Sky’s the limit

Eli Cohen, Sports Editor May 14, 2020

Many say it’s just a game— but sports have a strange way of bringing people together. Sports can get communities united, people overjoyed and a whole country on the edges of their seats. The absence...

ETHS’ athletics department hopes for a summer season

Eli Cohen and Peter Barbato May 1, 2020

On April 21, The IHSA announced the suspension of all remaining activities for the 2019-20 school year. Despite being anticipated by many, the news was gut-wrenching to every student athlete that prepared...

Lazier Field is empty following the statewide stay-at-home order that has cut short or cancelled many senior Wildkits  seasons.

A deep dive into how COVID-19 impacts senior athletes

Michael Barthelemy and Eli Cohen April 6, 2020

On March 12, our lives were put on hold. This was of course the day in which the email detailing the ETHS building’s closing and the school’s transition into e-learning was sent out in wake of the...

Senior Kayla Henning runs the fast break.

Honoring the seniors of ETHS’ girls basketball team

Eli Cohen, Sports Editor March 20, 2020

In a time where much of the world is down and many demoralizing aspects of society are headlined in the media, both in and out of the sports world, I think it’s important to celebrate some of the achievements...

Season recap on wrestling

Eli Cohen and Will Wambo February 28, 2020

The wrestling season is over, and despite the loss of Ramin Abraham, Dylan Kull and Rafael Salinas, it was a good season for the Kits. Evanston had seven Sectional qualifiers in Charlie Fox, Valery...

Elijah Bull dribbles the ball up the court

Kits defeat Sussex-Hamilton 70-68 in 3OT

Eli Cohen, Sports Editor February 9, 2020

Four quarters weren’t nearly enough to decide a winner between Evanston and Sussex-Hamilton, as Evanston battled against Hamilton for three additional overtime periods, eventually ending in a 70-68 overtime...

Evanston takes on Sussex-Hamilton in the E-Town Showdown

Eli Cohen, Sports Editor January 31, 2020

Evanston (20-1) vs. Sussex-Hamilton, WI (11-1) 6:30 p.m. tip-off. How are the Kits looking? The Kits are rolling after an 81-79 win over fifth ranked Bloom last Saturday. The victory improved Evanston’s...

Evanston girls basketball matches up against Benet in E-Town Showdown

Eli Cohen, Sports Editor January 31, 2020

Evanston (19-2) vs. Benet (21-2) 8 p.m. tip-off. How are the Kits looking? The game against Benet will be the fourth consecutive matchup where the Kits play a team ranked in Maxpreps’ top 20 Illinois...

Undefeated Girls Basketball set for 6 p.m. tip-off against New Trier

Eli Cohen, Sports Editor December 13, 2019

ETHS’ girls basketball team tips off against New Trier tonight at 6 p.m. in Beardsley Gym. The Kits, 6-0, look to avenge last year’s one point loss against the Trevians at home. For Evanston, tonight’s...

Junior Blake Peters goes for a layup.

Taking a look at ETHS’ new basketball team

Eli Cohen, Sports Editor December 5, 2019

ETHS’ boys basketball team made the trip to Peoria for the state semifinals the past two seasons. The undersized, junior-heavy Kits look to make it for a third consecutive year, but they will have many...

Senior Kayla Henning is one of four returning players.

Experienced Girls Basketball’s journey to state starts today

Eli Cohen, Sports Editor November 23, 2019

Following last season’s heart-wrenching overtime loss to Maine West, Illinois’ state champions, ETHS’ Girls Basketball team returns to the court with a nearly identical roster, hoping the more experienced...

Football’s tough season comes to an end

Eli Cohen, Sports Editor November 8, 2019

Following a historical 7-3 record last year, Evanston Football’s 3-6 season was bitter sweet. The Kits were, in general, an inexperienced team at the varsity level, but they hope the challenges the sophomores...

Boys soccer ends in yet another drama-filled season

Eli Cohen and Everneesa Beech November 8, 2019

ETHS boys soccer had one of the most successful seasons in recent memory. Following an 18-2-2 record led by a stellar defense, the squad ended their season with a 2-1 loss to St. Patrick in the sectional...

Kits win Homecoming Game 49-10 over Glenbrook North

Eli Cohen, Sports Editor September 28, 2019

The rain was pouring and the Kits couldn’t stop scoring.  Evanston came out on top 49-10 against Glenbrook North in a game that started on Friday night, but finished Saturday afternoon due to lightning...

It’s time to realize professional athletes are people too

Eli Cohen, Asst. Sports Editor September 27, 2019

Professional athletes can be some of the most beloved people, but also some of the easiest to betray. When a player or team is booed by their own fans due to a horrid performance, I can live with it....

Fantasy football tips

Eli Cohen, Assistant Sports Editor August 21, 2019

1: Wait to draft a quarterback.  While a quarterback is the center of every real football team, there is no need to draft a QB early for your fantasy team. The reason for this is because all quarterbacks...

Risin into Fall: Boys Soccer

Eli Cohen, Assistant Sports Editor August 21, 2019

Following a 15-5-2, ETHS’ boys soccer team’s season ended earlier than they hoped. This season, however, is made up of mostly returning players and aims to keep improving to make it further in the...

The top five running backs for your 2019-20 fantasy football team

Eli Cohen, Assistant Sports Editor August 21, 2019

1: Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints     Why is he my number 1? Of all running backs last year, Kamara totalled the fourth most points. The top three point-getters are all on my top five list, but are...

Risin into Fall: Football

Eli Cohen, Assistant Sports Editor August 21, 2019

After finishing 7-2 last year before losing in their first playoff game, the Kits graduated many key players such as quarterback Ben Tarpey to Miami of Ohio as well as Michael Axelrood, a wide receiver...

State Champion: Ramin Abraham

State Champion: Ramin Abraham

Eli Cohen and Sophia McCandlish May 24, 2019

Ramin Abraham entered ETHS his freshman year as a goalie for the soccer team, with little interest in wrestling. When he graduates on June 2, he’ll walk out with a 53-0 record on the mat and a state...

Fall sport season rundown

Boys XC By Gordon Redfield-Gale Staff Writer After losing top seniors to their respective college programs, it appeared as though the cross-country team would need time to rebuild. However,...

OOD to UIUC

OOD to UIUC

Eli Cohen, Sports Captain May 23, 2019

After years of tireless hard work and dedication, senior Olivia O’Donnell has committed to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign on a gymnastics scholarship. “I chose U of I because I felt...

Nelson at the ETHS fall commitment day.

Nelson chooses Penn

Eli Cohen, Sports Captain May 23, 2019

Diver Trevor Nelson will continue his academic and athletic career at the University of Pennsylvania next fall. “When I took my trip to Penn in the fall, I really fell in love with the campus and...

Freshman Lucia Mena skates at the national championship.

Back to back: Evanston figure skating team captures second consecutive national championship

Eli Cohen, Sophia McCandlish and Chris Werner April 26, 2019

On March 30 in Brighton, Michigan, the Evanston figure skating team won its second straight national championship. “This has been the most exciting year for our team,” coach Jana Reynolds said....

Senior Lance Jones calls a play at the State championship.

Kits end heroic season in championship defeat

Eli Cohen and Chris Werner March 22, 2019

With under 20 seconds to go in the 4A State championship game down 12 points, coach Mike Ellis subbed Ryan Bost, Jaheim Holden and Lance Jones out of the contest. With their exit went the most successful...

From the left, senior Ryan Bost, senior Jaheim Holden and sophomore Blake Peters discuss strategy during the fourth quarter.

Jones, Peters lead Kits to championship game

Eli Cohen and Chris Werner March 16, 2019

The Kits are shooting to make ETHS history tonight, facing off with Belleville West at 7:15 p.m at the Peoria Civic Center for the class 4A State championship after their semifinal game against the Rockford...

ETHS varsity basketball team.

Kits punch ticket to elite eight with 56-42 victory over Loyola

Chris Werner and Eli Cohen March 9, 2019

Two years ago, ETHS stars Ryan Bost, Jaheim Holden and Lance Jones were only sophomores, showing flashes of future stardom while playing in the shadow of current Purdue guard Nojel Eastern. Now, as seniors,...

ETHS wins sixth straight regional, faces GBS Tuesday

Eli Cohen, Sports Captain March 4, 2019

Evanston came out on top against Notre Dame Friday night, defeating the Dons 80-68 at Beardsley Gym, taking home the regional championship for the sixth year in a row. ETHS’ starters, Ryan Bost, Jaylin...

Girls cross country running in the field house.

New year, new race

Eli Cohen, Benji Fervoy and Chris Werner February 18, 2019

ETHS’ most decorated girls track athlete in recent memory, Envaeva Michelin, graduated last year and now runs both track and cross country for the University of North Carolina, and the Kits are striving...

Senior Lance Jones dribbles down the home court of Beardsley Gym.

Jones leads Kits to 61-49 win against New Trier

Eli Cohen, Sports Captain February 17, 2019

It doesn’t have to be pretty if it gets the job done. Offense was a luxury in the first half of Friday night’s game, as the teams went into the locker room with the score at 22-21 in New Trier’s...

Sophomore Louis Lesmond drives to the hoop.

32 minutes away: with a win tonight, Evanston becomes sole CSL South champion

Jonah Charlton, Eli Cohen and Chris Werner February 15, 2019

 Jan. 12, 2018, the last time ETHS battled New Trier in Trevian territory; the score was deadlocked with the end of the fourth quarter just a few seconds left.  Then junior guard Lance Jones chased...

Boys basketball defeats New Trier on home court

Hailey Fine and Eli Cohen January 13, 2019

In the seventh anniversary of the Bob Bost Classic, a packed Beardsley Gym witnessed Evanston’s 54-46 victory over rival New Trier, as the Kits’ solid interior defense held Trevian star forwards...

Boys basketball off to successful start despite undersized lineup

Eli Cohen, Sports Captain December 26, 2018

Chicago is renowned as one of the biggest basketball cities in the nation, but after years of consistent success, ETHS has established itself as a suburban powerhouse. This year’s guard-heavy team hopes...

Kayla Henning, junior, dribbles down the court at Dec. 4 game against Glenbrook South. Henning recovered from an ACL injury offseason.

Girls basketball overcoming injuries

Eli Cohen, Benji Fervoy and Will Wambo December 26, 2018

With a mix of upperclassmen leadership and up-and-coming talent, the Kits look to continue improving. Despite being plagued with injuries, the team is shooting to make it even further into March than their...

ETHS opens season with 77-45 win at St. Viator tournament

Chris Werner and Eli Cohen November 23, 2018

The Kits came out of the gate slowly against Conant on Tuesday night, taking a prolonged five and a half minutes to score their first basket, but bounced back from their struggles to show why they’re...

8 Kits commit to Division 1 athletics at Fall National Signing Day

8 Kits commit to Division 1 athletics at Fall National Signing Day

On Wednesday Nov. 14, eight ETHS seniors committed to Division 1 athletic programs. Seniors Annika Destefano, Rosemary Gibbons, Lucy Hogan, Lance Jones, Keara Kerr, Trevor Nelson, Olivia O'Donnell and...

OOD to UIUC

OOD to UIUC

Ben Baker-Katz and Eli Cohen November 9, 2018

After years of tireless hard work and dedication, senior Olivia O’Donnell has committed to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign on a gymnastics scholarship. “I chose U of I because I felt...

Girls basketball set to kick off season

Girls basketball set to kick off season

Eli Cohen and Adrian Wilburn November 9, 2018

With the season set to start at the annual Schaumburg tournament from Nov. 13-23, girls basketball will compete with some of the top teams in the area. “It’s a really good test for us because there...

Previewing ETHS’ first home postseason game in seven years

Previewing ETHS’ first home postseason game in seven years

Eli Cohen and Hailey Fine October 26, 2018

What you need to know for ETHS football’s first home playoff game in seven years On Friday Oct. 26, the No. 10 seed Evanston will host the No. 23 seed Edwardsville, a 6-3 team that resides just outside...

Senior Michael Axelrood elevates for a catch versus Niles North.

Kits defeat Niles North 52-15 to cap off regular season

Eli Cohen and Hailey Fine October 22, 2018

ETHS improved to 7-2 after defeating Niles North in dominant fashion, 52-15, on Friday night. It marks the first time in two decades that Evanston football has won seven games in a season, and the first...

Freshman Grace Johnson defends a St. Ignatius player in the ETHS win Saturday.

Field Hockey wins first sectional game in program history

Eli Cohen and Hailey Fine October 15, 2018

ETHS’ varsity field hockey team came up with their first win of the season on Saturday Oct. 13, as they defeated St. Ignatius 2-1 following two first half goals. Not only was this the first victory of...

Senior running back Cion Miller-Smith sprints through the Glenbrook South defense.

Kits claim playoff berth with 28-7 road victory

Eli Cohen and Chris Werner October 13, 2018

Evanston’s usually stout defensive front gave up a whopping 262 rushing yards Friday night but a ‘bend don’t break’ theme emerged as the Kits only allowed one score all game, resulting in a 28-7...

Senior captain Tommy Barbato tees off at an early season tournament.

Boys’ golf hopes simple mindset leads to success in the home stretch of season

Michael Barthelemy and Eli Cohen October 2, 2018

Keeping it simple. With a group of golfers new to the varsity level, it has been important for the team to emit confidence. Golf is a mental sport, making a sound mindset key to success. The team’s...

Junior Quadre Nicholson dodges a Conant defender.

Kits win third straight at home against Conant

Eli Cohen, Staff Writer September 8, 2018

ETHS moved to 3-0 after a tough 20-7 win against Conant on Friday night in a game where offense came at a premium and both defenses shined. “We wanted to protect our home turf at Lazier Field, so...

Senior Lance Jones dribbles past defenders at the state semi-final game last spring.

Jones commits to SIU ahead of senior season

Eli Cohen and Chris Werner September 5, 2018
Jones committed to Southern Illinois University (SIU) via Twitter on Friday, Aug 24, lifting the pressure of recruitment off his shoulders.
Junior Darrius Hunt catches a pass during summer practices.

Fallin’ into season: Football

Eli Cohen, Staff Writer August 28, 2018

The Kits daunting schedule will surely provide challenges, but with an experienced and versatile offense, the talented squad should put up a strong fight against tough competition. the most challenging...

Fallin’ into season: Boys Golf

Eli Cohen, Staff Writer August 28, 2018

The golf team may not get as much buzz or publicity as other sports at ETHS, but the squad’s depth, drive and mental toughness should help the team keep improving. “We have a little deeper group...

Nikki Kimmel guards Mary McClintock at a practice.

Lacrosse hopes balance in ages brings success

Eli Cohen, Sports Writer March 23, 2018

With 14 returning players, including 11 seniors, this year’s girls lacrosse team still added key new members to the squad, preparing to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with this spring. “This...

Studying harder isn’t worth the cost of sleep deprivation

Eli Cohen, Feature Writer January 9, 2018

There are many ways to try and improve your grades, but staying up all night doing your homework is not the solution. Teens are recommended to get eight and a half to ten hours of sleep, but despite...

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