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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star
Northern Illinois University’s student media since 1899
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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star
The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star
DeOndre Saunders

DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter

DeOndre is a sports reporter at the Northern Star. He is a communications major with a minor in Journalism. DeOndre helps cover NIU basketball and also writes columns for the sports section.

All content by DeOndre Saunders

NIU to host sports festival

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
April 20, 2023
Junior infielder Eric Erato (5) steps up to the plate in a Saturday afternoon matchup with Central Michigan University. The Huskies fell to the Chippewas 17-7. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Cold bats freeze Huskies in blowout loss to Chippewas

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
April 8, 2023
Junior Cheng En Tsai returns a serve from his opponent Friday afternoon. The University of Toledo Rockets defeated the Huskies 4-3. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Men’s tennis falls to Toledo in tight contest

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
April 8, 2023
Senior second baseman Sam Mallinder (18) rounds first base Saturday. Mallinder spoke to her experience in being recruited and playing at NIU, her goals for the team and her education. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Sam Mallinder: the engine of NIU softball

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
April 6, 2023
Junior gymnast Alyssa Al-Ashari starting her beam routine at the EMU gymnastics meet in February. Al-Ashari earned 9.850 for her beam performance. (Mingda Wu | Northern Star)

3 gymnasts participate in NCAA Tournament

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
April 6, 2023
Chicago Bulls guard Patrick Beverley, left, passes against Memphis Grizzlies guard Luke Kennard during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Chicago, Sunday, April 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

The Pat Bev Effect: A boost for the Bulls

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
April 2, 2023

Huskies shut out by Ball State in conference showdown

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
April 1, 2023
NIU redshirt freshman Blake West opposes Buffalo’s redshirt freshman Mason Bush in the first match of the wrestling side of the meet on Feb. 4 at the Convocation Center. (Alyssa Queen | Northern Star)

7 Huskie wrestlers named to All-MAC Academic team

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
March 30, 2023
Freshman utility player Danielle Stewart was named MAC Pitcher of the Week Tuesday afternoon. Stewart was credited with two wins and a save in a series sweep of Miami University. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Danielle Stewart named MAC Pitcher of the Week

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
March 28, 2023
Senior forward A'Jah Davis (25) looks for an opening to pass the ball in the first half of the game on Jan. 25. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

Davis records 54th double-double in Huskies’ final

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
March 23, 2023
Then-junior Natalie Hamp finishes her landing after an attempt on the uneven parallel bars during a meet on Feb. 13, 2021.

2 gymnasts receive All-MAC honors

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
March 23, 2023

Former Divison II volleyball head coach joins Huskies staff

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
March 9, 2023
Huskies guard Janae Poisson (22) high fives her teammates before a timeout during the team's game against Eastern Michigan on March 1 at the NIU Convocation Center. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

Janae Poisson: The 7-year veteran of NIU

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
March 6, 2023
Senior forward A'Jah Davis (25) looks for an opening to pass the ball in the first half of the game on Jan. 25. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

Davis ties double-double record in victory over CMU

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
February 26, 2023
NIU E-sports will host a Super Smash Bros. tournament at 11 a.m. on Feb. 11 in Room 100 of Altgeld Hall. All proceeds from the tournament will go towards The Trevor Project. (Sean Reed | Northern Star)

NIU Esports to play Super Smash Bros. for charity

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
February 8, 2023
Junior forward A'Jah Davis shoots from the free throw line during a game on Jan. 15 against the University of Toledo Rockets. The Huskies fell 73-52 as Davis led all NIU scorers with 24 points. (Summer Fitzgerald/ Northern Star)

Huskies snap five-game losing streak

By DeOndre Saunders and Eddie Miller
February 5, 2023
NIU sophomore guard Jayden Marable maneuvers past EMU freshman guard Kyndal Lewis during Wednesday's conference matchup at the Convocation Center in DeKalb. Marable finished the game with 12 points, the fourth-best scorer for the Huskies in the 72-65 victory over the Eagles. (Alexander Pyevich/Northern Star)

NIU dismantled by Bowling Green at home

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
January 29, 2023
Redshirt senior goalkeeper Martin Sanchez walks on the field during NIU's match against the University of Illinois Chicago on Sept. 12 at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. (Milly Landa | Northern Star)

Family inspired Sanchez’s NIU soccer career

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
November 30, 2022
Marv, the Tails pet of the week, smiling at the camera by a tree. (Courtesy of Tails Humane Society)

Tails Pet of the Week: Marv

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
November 28, 2022
Junior guard Chelby Koker prepares to engage with an Akron player in January. Koker surpassed a total of 1,000 career points scored in NIU's 79-67 victory over Akron in DeKalb last semester.

Huskies survive fourth-quarter surge by Southern Indiana

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
November 16, 2022
NIU Fitness Recreation will be hosting a 5K jog that starts at the Recreation Center.

NIU Recreation Fitness to host hot cocoa 5K run

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
November 14, 2022
Women's basketball vs. Bowling Green

Huskies trounced by ranked Irish in season debut

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
November 9, 2022
Redshirt senior forward Enrique Banuelos in possession of the ball during NIU men’s soccer match Sunday night at the NIU Soccer & Track and Field Complex. (Marco Sotelo Avila | Northern Star)

Huskies fall to Zips in home finale

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
October 31, 2022
Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu is led off the court by the Bulls' medical team for concussion protocols during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs on Friday in San Antonio, Texas.

COLUMN: Ayo Dosunmu is the Chicago Bulls’ newest hometown hero

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
October 31, 2022
Redshirt senior forward Enrique Banuelos in possession of the ball during NIU men’s soccer match Sunday night at the NIU Soccer & Track and Field Complex. (Marco Sotelo Avila | Northern Star)

Knight’s game-ending goal captures win for Huskies

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
October 23, 2022
Senior midfielder Adrian Corona launches a pass in NIU's Aug. 26, 2021 win over Purdue-Fort Wayne.

Corona aiming for post-college success

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
October 19, 2022
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson carries the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Jackson was the Ravens' leading rusher with 12 carries for 58 yards in a 19-17 win over the Bengals. (Nick Wass | Associated Press)

COLUMN: Lamar’s holdout is setting the right example

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
October 15, 2022
Redshirt senior forward Enrique Banuelos in possession of the ball during NIU men’s soccer match Sunday night at the NIU Soccer & Track and Field Complex. (Marco Sotelo Avila | Northern Star)

Huskies halt Broncos’ winning streak with scoreless stalemate

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
October 12, 2022
The DeKalb Public Library is hosting a Microsoft Excel workshop at 7 p.m. on Oct. 24.

DeKalb Public Library to host homemade soup mix event

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
October 5, 2022

Huskies draw even with Badgers in scoreless road matchup

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
October 2, 2022
Huskies split weekend series at Buffalo

Huskies split weekend series at Buffalo

By Skyler Kisellus and DeOndre Saunders
October 2, 2022
The NIU men's soccer team poses with the Mid-American Conference regular season trophy after a 2-1 victory over Akron on Oct. 30, 2021. (Noah Silver | Northern Star)

Men’s soccer eyeing repeat as MAC champions

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
September 29, 2022
DeKalb Park District is hosting a Halloween house decorating contest.

DeKalb Park District to host Halloween house decorating contest

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
September 28, 2022
NIU midfielder Patrick Coleman (center) and Kevin Galiano prepare to receive the ball from goalkeeper Martin Sanchez, who is catching the ball. Men's soccer lost the home game against UIC 0 - 2 at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex on Sept. 12 (Milly Landa | Northern Star).

Men’s soccer downed by Broncos to open league play

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
September 24, 2022
The Netflix home page shows a list of trending shows on a laptop screen.

What I’m watching this weekend: DeOndre Saunders

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
September 14, 2022
Defensemen Adrian Lara (no. 5) tracks down the ball during a defensive stand during NIUs 5-2 victory over Bowling Green in the Mid-American Conference semi-final in Nov. 2021.

Men’s soccer burned by Flames at home

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
September 13, 2022
The NIU men's soccer team celebrates a goal in the first half of their 3-0 victory against the Marquette University Golden Eagles on Sept. 10, 2021, in DeKalb.

Huskies win home opener behind two Arima goals

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
September 7, 2022
DeKalb County Sheriff's police arrest juvenile involved in car chase on Aug. 29

DeKalb County Police arrest suspect involved in car chase

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
August 31, 2022
M. Courtney Hughes is NIU’s NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative. (Courtesy of Donna Turner)

NIU announces new NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
August 25, 2022
Then-sophomore infielder Eric Erato swings his bat during a game against Ball State University on April 23, 2022 in DeKalb.

Baseball falls to Ball State in first three games of series

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
April 24, 2022
Women's basketball vs. Bowling Green

Huskie basketball teams announce new recruits

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
April 21, 2022
Historically Black Colleges and Universities have been less likely to receive as much attention from NFL scouts compared to school in more well-known leagues.

Deion Sanders’ recruiting brings more NFL eyes to HBCUs

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
April 19, 2022
The Netflix home page shows a list of trending shows on a laptop screen.

What I’m watching this weekend: Northern Star Staff

By Madelaine Vikse, DeOndre Saunders, and Daija Hammonds
April 14, 2022
Junior tennis player Oliver Valentinsson celebrates during a match against Binghamton University April 1 in DeKalb.

Swedish tennis player has high competitive spirit as a Huskie

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
April 10, 2022
Sophomore Diana Lukyanova and freshman Reagan Welch high-five during a tennis match.

Women’s tennis beats first MAC opponent Eastern Michigan

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
April 10, 2022
Senior Kyle Seebach pitches during a game against Miami University April 1 in DeKalb.

Huskies lose ball game after holding early lead at Purdue

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
April 5, 2022
Junior catcher Scott Combs (12) bats during a game against Miami University Friday April 1 in DeKalb.

Baseball picks up one win from weekend against Miami

By Michael Stoll and DeOndre Saunders
April 3, 2022
Philadelphia 76ers' Joel Embiid saves a loose ball during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Toronto Raptors March 20 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

James, Embiid, Antetokounmpo in close race for NBA lead scorer

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
March 31, 2022
Junior catcher Scott Combs (right) bats during a game against Kent State Monday at Ralph McKenzie Field in DeKalb.

Baseball wins a walk off, loses three games in first home series

By DeOndre Saunders and Jordan Radloff
March 28, 2022
Sophomore pitcher Connor Langreder throws a pitch during a game against Sacramento State Feb. 21 in Sacramento, California.

Baseball splits four games in weekend series at Akron

By Noah Silver, DeOndre Saunders, and Jordan Radloff
March 20, 2022
Loyola of Chicago's Lucas Williamson (left) heads to the basket as Drake's Tremell Murphy (right) defends during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in the championship of the Missouri Valley Conference tournament Sunday, March 6 in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

March Madness predictions: first round features great matchups

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
March 14, 2022
Redshirt senior guard Janae Poisson navigates the court during Wednesday's overtime win over the Buffalo Bulls. Poisson recorded 26 points, six rebounds and an assist during NIU's matchup with Buffalo at the Convocation Center in DeKalb. (NIU Athletics)

Huskies need key players for success in MAC tournament’s first round

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
March 8, 2022
Senior guard Nia Ahart shoots the ball during a Feb. 24 game against Eastern Michigan University at the NIU Convocation Center.

Women’s basketball dominates CMU on senior night

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
March 5, 2022
Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan (11) drives against Atlanta Hawks guard Bogdan Bogdanovic (13) during the first half of an NBA basketball game Thursday, March 3, 2022, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Updating NBA award predictions in the season’s second half

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
March 4, 2022
Junior guard Kaleb Thornton controls the tempo of the game during Jan. 18 83-92 loss to Bowling Green. (Zulfiqar Ahmed | Northern Star)

Thornton leaving game leaves Huskies with no floor general

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
March 2, 2022
Men's basketball junior guard Kaleb Thornton looks on as Eastern Michigan freshman forward Colin Golson, Jr. makes an attempt at the net during a game in DeKalb on Jan. 15. (Northern Star File Photo)

Men’s basketball can’t complete comeback at EMU

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
February 23, 2022
Connie Teaberry, the director of track and field and cross country at NIU, looks on during a track and field event. Teaberry is in her 18th season as head coach of the track and field program and her 11th as its director. (NIU Athletics)

Connie Teaberry: From All-American to head coach

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
February 23, 2022
Akron sophomore wing Ali Ali (left) plays man defense against senior guard Anthony Crump during Tuesday night's Mid-American Conference matchup at the Convocation center in DeKalb. Crump finished the game third in NIU scoring, recording 11 points in their 70-54 defeat at home. (Zulfiqar Ahmed | Northern Star)

Late air ball leaves Huskies with loss

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
February 20, 2022
Graduate guard Nia Ahart (left) advances past the 3-point line whilst being defended by Western Michigan sophomore guard Megan Wagner during Saturday's game in DeKalb. The Huskies defeated the Broncos 73-55 at the Convocation Center in DeKalb. (Zohair Khan/Northern Star)

Defensive displays push NIU past WMU

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
February 20, 2022
Huskies bounce-back with road win in Muncie

Huskies bounce-back with road win in Muncie

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
February 16, 2022
Redshirt senior guard Janae Poisson navigates the court during Wednesday's overtime win over the Buffalo Bulls. Poisson recorded 26 points, six rebounds and an assist during NIU's matchup with Buffalo at the Convocation Center in DeKalb. (NIU Athletics)

Women’s basketball edges Buffalo in OT

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
February 13, 2022
Women's basketball vs. Bowling Green

Bench stepping up for women’s basketball

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
February 10, 2022
Then-freshman guard Chelby Koker brings the ball up the court in the Huskies' Jan. 15 loss to Kent State University at the Convocation Center in 2020. (Araya Venegas/Northern Star)

Team comes before self for Koker

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
February 4, 2022
Sophomore guard Jayden Marable (left), redshirt freshman guard Sydney McCrea, senior forward McKayla Brandon, redshirt senior guard Paulina Castro and junior forward A'Jah Davis embark toward the sideline in a game against Bowling Green Wednesday night. (Summer Fitzgerald | Northern Star)

Late three seals Bowling Green win over Huskies

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
February 3, 2022
Junior guard Kaleb Thornton controls the tempo of the game during Jan. 18 83-92 loss to Bowling Green. (Zulfiqar Ahmed | Northern Star)

Men’s basketball earns 19-point victory on road

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
February 2, 2022
Junior guard Chelby Koker avoids traffic during NIU's victory over the Akron Zips Monday night. (Summer Fitzgerald | Northern Star)

Carlsen: ‘This is a group who refuses to quit’

By De’Ondre Saunders, Sports Reporter
February 1, 2022
Akron junior forward Lonasia Brewer defends NIU senior forward Mikayla Brandon during a Monday night game in the Convocation Center in DeKalb. The Huskies went on to win 79-67.

Buffalo pumps brakes on NIU’s win streak

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
January 29, 2022
Akron defenders guard against redshirt senior guard Janae Poisson at the NIU Convocation Center on Feb. 8. (Summer Fitzgerald | Northern Star)

Defensive efforts lift Huskies past Kent State

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
January 26, 2022
Late run by Huskies falls short of road win

Late run by Huskies falls short of road win

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
January 25, 2022
Senior forward Mikayla Brandon works her way through defenders in NIU's 80-59 victory against Bradley on Nov. 22 at the Convocation Center. Brandon finished the game with 15 points and 10 rebounds. (Wes Sanderson | Northern Star)

Women’s basketball triumphs behind excellent shooting

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
January 22, 2022
Junior guard Chelby Koker (right) dribbles past a defender in NIU's exhibition game against Benedictine on Oct. 29.

Women’s basketball snuffs out losing streak in road victory

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
January 8, 2022
Junior forward A'Jah Davis (left) watches junior guard Chelby Koker drive to the basket in NIU's victory over Bradley on Nov. 22. (Northern Star File Photo)

Women’s basketball drops fifth-straight

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
January 1, 2022
Junior forward A'Jah Davis (left) watches junior guard Chelby Koker drive to the basket in NIU's victory over Bradley on Nov. 22. (Northern Star File Photo)

Huskies drop fourth-straight in career day by Davis

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
December 17, 2021
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball passes the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Charlotte, N.C., Friday, Nov. 26, 2021.

Future stars forging path in NBA

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
December 7, 2021
Junior guard Chelby Koker possesses the ball during an exhibition on Oct. 29 against Benedictine University at the Convocation Center. Koker scored

Koker’s scoring can’t carry NIU past Panthers

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
December 4, 2021
A basketball sits on the court of a large stadium.

Puma’s deal with a high school phenom and what it could mean for the future

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
December 2, 2021
The scene pre-game on the United Center court.

Pippen doesn’t understand Jordan’s legacy

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
December 1, 2021
Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan, left, and Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo reach for a rebound on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021. Through December, DeRozan is proving to be a valuable pickup for the Bulls.

DeRozan, Lavine: Best scoring duo

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
November 29, 2021
Junior forward A'Jah Davis (left) watches junior guard Chelby Koker drive to the basket in NIU's victory over Bradley on Nov. 22. (Northern Star File Photo)

Huskies beat Milwaukee at home

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
November 28, 2021
Redshirt senior guard Errin Hodges prepares to shoot a free-throw in NIU's exhibition game on Oct. 30. Hodges managed only three points in the Huskies 70-53 loss to Harvard on Nov. 14.

Huskies fall to Harvard on road

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
November 14, 2021
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) celebrates with after scoring against the Memphis Grizzlies during an NBA basketball game in San Francisco, Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021.

Predicting NBA 2021-22 award winners

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
November 2, 2021
Halftime at the NIU Convocation Center Dec. 18, in DeKalb.

NIU Convocation Center welcoming fans back

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
October 25, 2021
Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Las Vegas.

Bears’ success lies in hands of Fields

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
October 15, 2021
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