This is the Daily Chronicle's Year in Sports photo gallery. A sports photograph can be an action photograph that shows the peak moment, or an interesting moment that happens at a sports event. Here are some of our top favorites from 2017.
James Marcinkowski of Sycamore is hoisted high above the Spartans in celebration of their boys basketball sectional semifinal victory against Belvidere on Tuesday, Mar. 7, 2017 at Genoa-Kingston High School in Genoa. Sycamore won 36-35 on two free throw shots by Marcinkowski with 0.1 seconds left on the clock.
Kaneland Knights wander the sidelines, silhouetted only by the scoreboard with 9:06 left in the 4th quarter during their IHSA class 5A second round football playoff game against Sterling on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2017 at Kaneland High School in Maple Park. Sterling won 46-20 in a game where the stadium lights abruptly shut off twice.
DeKalb's Michael Mitchell, right, soars past Sycamore's James Marcinkowski, left, for a layup during the First National Challenge boys basketball game on Friday, Jan. 27, 2017 at the Convocation Center in DeKalb.
Jeremy Ramos of Belvidere slides safely into second base as the ball bounces past DeKalb's John Brei during their baseball game on Thursday, March 23, 2017 at DeKalb High School in DeKalb.
Ideal Industries T-Stripper operator Becky Spears of Belvidere reacts to having her photo taken with the Commissioner's Trophy on Monday, April 3, 2017 at Ideal Industries in Sycamore. The trophy was awarded to the Chicago Cubs after beating the Cleveland Indians to win the 2016 World Series and was on display for Ideal Industries employees as a showing of gratitude for the work they did on installing new lighting in the clubhouse.
Frankfort Lincoln-Way East senior Tim Magee of Frankfort, 17, lets out some steam as he cheers on the Eagles during their 2017 IHSA state championship 8A football game on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017 at Huskie Stadium on the campus of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.
Jakob Norman of DeKalb, front, is pushed out of bounds by Yorkville's Cale Reeder during their 138 pound finals bout of the Northern Illinois Big 12 conference championship tournament on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017 at Kaneland High School in Maple Park. Reeder won by 5-4 decision.
Sycamore's Jason Wittenberg, right, checks out Zach Carlsen's eye after fielding a ball during practice before their baseball game against Harlem on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at the Sycamore Community Sports Complex in Sycamore.
DeKalb-Sycamore Co-op gymnasts Lauren Leman (left) and Maddie Hickey talk between tumbles during their gymnastics practice on Monday, Nov. 20, 2017 at Energym in Sycamore.
Michael Elias (right), former assistant coach for the 1968 DeKalb High School wrestling team, shares a laugh with Dave Braser, a former wrestler on the 1968 team, as they catch up in the bleachers before the current Barbs' season opener against West Aurora on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2017 at DeKalb High School in DeKalb. DeKalb honored members of the 1968 state championship wrestling team between the junior varsity and varsity matchups.
NIU linebacker Jordan Cole (45) and NIU defensive end Joe Sanders (9) celebrate after NIU downs the ball deep in Eastern Michigan's side of the field at Huskies Stadium in DeKalb October 26.
DeKalb football players celebrate their victory over Sycamore after the First National Challenge on Friday, Sept. 15, 2017 at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb.
Sycamore's Maegan Schwartz holds hte trophy as she grabs a bite of pizza from Lauryn Gregorec, left, after the Spartans' 40-30 win over DeKalb in the First National Challenge girls basketball game on Friday, Jan. 27, 2017 at the Convocation Center in DeKalb.
Kaneland coach Joe Conroy reacts on the sidelines during their boys basketball regional final against Sycamore on Friday, Mar. 03, 2017 at Sycamore High School in Sycamore. The Spartans of Sycamore beat the Kaneland Knights 37-36 in overtime.
Indian Creek track runners (from left:) Emma Turner, Charlett Marcrum, Everett Willis, and Jeffrey Probst warm up with the team during track practice on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at Indian Creek Middle School in Waterman.
DeKalb's Brianjay Ross gets hit by Montini's Rian O'Connor as the pass is just out of reach during their IHSA first round football playoff game on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017 at DeKalb High School in DeKalb. DeKalb won 38-28.
David Ruetten of the DeKalb-Sycamore co-op adjusts his goggles during boys swimming practice on Monday, Nov. 20, 2017 at Huntley Middle School in DeKalb.
Lena-Winslow's Ian Kuehl (55) lifts up Rahveon Valentine (43) in celebration during their 2017 IHSA state championship 1A football game on Friday, Nov. 24, 2017 at Huskie Stadium on the campus of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.
Lena-Winslow fans John Kerestes (left), 12, and Drew Presson, 11, both of Rockford, watch from the top of the stands as the Panthers take on Tuscola during their 2017 IHSA state championship 1A football game on Friday, Nov. 24, 2017 at Huskie Stadium on the campus of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.
Kishwaukee Valley Storm 15-Under players celebrate their 9-5 win over ESP Elite Softball in the championship game of the Storm Dayz Tournament Sunday June 25, 2017 at Sycamore Community Park.
Aleah Leman of DeKalb-Sycamore is presented with her first place medal in the bars by Notre Dame principal Dan Tully, right, during the IHSA gymnastics state finals on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017 at Palatine High School in Palatine.
Sycamore's Nathen Shover reacts as the ball takes a wicked hop over his glove during practice before their baseball game against Harlem on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at the Sycamore Community Sports Complex in Sycamore.
Sycamore's Saydie Holland, left, celebrates with teammate Savannah Burns after Holland scored a first half goal against DeKalb during their girls soccer game on Tuesday, April 11, 2017 at Sycamore High School in Sycamore. Sycamore won 3-1.
Sycamore Middle School 8th grader Zoe Durst, 13, practices her weightlifting on Monday, June 26, 2017 at Moose(L)-Up in DeKalb.
New DeKalb High School girls basketball coach Tyler Bantz practices passing with sophomore on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at DeKalb High School in DeKalb.
Genoa-Kingston COGS Jackson Ebel (49) dives into the endzone for a touchdown during the playoff game between the Genoa-Kingston COGs vs the Elmwood Park Tigers at Genoa-Kingston High School in Genoa, IL. Saturday October 28th, 2017.
Peyton Wiegmann of Sycamore shoots a layup around Marcus Bobo of DeKalb during their boys basketball game on Friday, Dec. 1, 2017 at Sycamore High School in Sycamore.
G.C.-Melvin-Sibley's Head Coach Mike Allen and Luke Freehill (54) hug in celebration of their 2017 IHSA state championship 2A football game win over Maroa-Forsyth on Friday, Nov. 24, 2017 at Huskie Stadium on the campus of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. Gibson City Melvin-Sibley won 38-32.
Prairie Ridge's Jeffrey Jenkins (77) hugs Samson Evans as the Wolves celebrate what would become the winning touchdown during their 2017 IHSA state championship 6A football game on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017 at Huskie Stadium on the campus of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.
Roadrunner fans Annie Henehan (left) and Morgan McCarthy, both 12 and from LaGrange Park, shield themselves from the wind, cold, and bright sun as they watch their 2017 IHSA state championship 6A football game on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017 at Huskie Stadium on the campus of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.
Morris fan Lisa Laurie cheers on the defense during their 2017 IHSA state championship 4A football game on Friday, Nov. 24, 2017 at Huskie Stadium on the campus of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.
Genoa-Kingston left fielder Cassandra Bade dives for the ball but was unable to snag it before a tumble which sent the ball past Bade during their softball game against Sycamore on Wednesday, April 26, 2017 in Genoa.
Ellie Kerkove of Sycamore digs for the ball during volleyball practice inside the field house at Sycamore High School on Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017 in Sycamore.
Allison Yohanan of the DeKalb-Sycamore chips out of a 12th hole sand trap in the 2017 IHSA girls 2A regional golf tournament on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2017 at the Sycamore Golf Club in Sycamore.
Kaneland's Rachel Richtman tends to Sycamore runner Ali Flatter at the finish line during the IHSA 2A Burlington Central regional cross country meet at Plato Park Depot & Museum on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017 in Elgin.
Nazareth's Eduardo Gonzalez (6) crouches down in dejection after their 2017 IHSA state championship 6A football game on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017 at Huskie Stadium on the campus of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.
Aleah Lehman hugs Maddy Hickey after Lehmans floor routine on Wednesday February 8, 2017.
Fans filter into Huskie Stadium from The Yard to watch Northern Illinois University take on Boston College during their home opener football game on Friday, Sep. 1, 2017 at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.
Indian Creek's Kevin Jordal looks up to the scoreboard as time runs out during their boys basketball regional final against DePue on Friday, Feb. 24, 2017 at Indian Creek High School in Shabbona. Indian Creek lost 46-38.
Sycamore's Amanda Swedberg secures the out in centerfield from a Kaneland fly ball during their softball game on Thursday, April 13, 2017 at Sycamore High School in Sycamore.
DeKalb's Jaylen Hobson (left), Devin Williams (back) and Matthew Montavon (right) celebrate a Hobson touchdown against Montini during their IHSA first round football playoff game on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017 at DeKalb High School in DeKalb. DeKalb won 38-28.
Louis Donnell and wife Tina of Shelbyville walk around Huskie Stadium to their seats during the 2017 IHSA state championship 2A football game on Friday, Nov. 24, 2017 at Huskie Stadium on the campus of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.
Jack Paeglow of DeKalb uses a spotter to see the green during the IHSA 3A boys golf regional meet on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2017 at Kishwaukee Country Club in DeKalb.
IC Catholic players watch from the lockerroom as Gibson City Melvin-Sibley takes on Maroa-Forsyth in their 2017 IHSA state championship 2A football game on Friday, Nov. 24, 2017 at Huskie Stadium on the campus of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. Gibson City Melvin-Sibley won 38-32.
Sycamore's Austin Bunge (left) and Matthew Tronc walk off the field after losing 1-0 to St. Francis during their IHSA regional semifinal boys soccer game on Wednesday, Oct. 18, 2017 at Sycamore High School in Sycamore.
Jack Teboda (center), 1968 state champion wrestler for DeKalb, gathers the Barbs for a motivational huddle inside the wrestling room on Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2017 at DeKalb High School in DeKalb. The Barbs honored members of the 1968 state championship wrestling team between the junior varsity and varsity matchups in their season opener against West Aurora.
Children practice on the ice during hockey camp with members of the Northern Illinois University hockey team on Monday, July 10, 2017 at Fox Valley Ice Arena in Geneva.
Phillips' Thierno Aidara (10) dances with the Wildcats after winning 33-7 during their 2017 IHSA state championship 5A football game on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017 at Huskie Stadium on the campus of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.
DeKalb's Christian Jiminez (top) leans back into a pin on Brendan Shuman of Sycamore in their 120 pound bout during their wrestling dual meet on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017 at DeKalb High School in DeKalb. Jiminez won by fall in 1:26 and DeKalb won 60-12.
Morris's Chatten Dryfhout (24) nearly completes the pass, but bobbles it in the last moment during their 2017 IHSA state championship 4A football game on Friday, Nov. 24, 2017 at Huskie Stadium on the campus of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.
Nazareth's Gavin Smith (74) is overcome with emotion following their 2017 IHSA state championship 6A football game on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017 at Huskie Stadium on the campus of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.
Sycamore's Ty Sulaver, front left, hugs Jack Mizgalski, center, as the Spartans celebrate their 37-36 overtime win over Kaneland during their boys basketball regional final on Friday, Mar. 03, 2017 at Sycamore High School in Sycamore.
DeKalb's Emma Fellabaum (left) and Jessa Henry celebrate a point against Batavia during their IHSA 4A Kaneland regional semifinal volleyball game on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 2017 at Kaneland High School in Maple Park. DeKalb won in straight sets.
Morris's Trevor Tanke (22) breaks down in tears after their 2017 IHSA state championship 4A football game on Friday, Nov. 24, 2017 at Huskie Stadium on the campus of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb. Morris lost 24-21.
Loyola's Hugh Kelly (23) breaks up a pass intended for Lincoln-Way East's A.J. Henning (3) during their 2017 IHSA state championship 8A football game on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017 at Huskie Stadium on the campus of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.
LaGrange Park Nazareth Academy players celebrate a touchdown during their 2017 IHSA state championship 6A football game on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017 at Huskie Stadium on the campus of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.
Ben Aranda of DeKalb Huntley celebrates after defeating Colton King of Dwight in hteir 80 pound weight class championship bout during the 38th annual IESA boys wrestling state finals on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at the Convocation Center at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.
Phillips' Richard Price (21) and Dunlap's Isaac Guyton (2) jump up for the pass during their 2017 IHSA state championship 5A football game on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017 at Huskie Stadium on the campus of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.
Sycamore's (from left:) Jordan Tolzin, Jack Mizgalski, Keyshawn Stallworth, and Ty Sulaver react after teammate James Marcinkowski sank both of his free throws to give the Spartans the win during their boys basketball sectional semifinal against Belvidere on Tuesday, Mar. 7, 2017 at Genoa-Kingston High School in Genoa. Sycamore won 36-35 on two free throw shots by Marcinkowski with 0.1 seconds left on the clock.
Lake Zurich's Travis Katzenberger (68) hangs his head while alone on the empty field and with stands packed after losing their 2017 IHSA state championship 7A football game on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017 at Huskie Stadium on the campus of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.
David Ruetten of the DeKalb-Sycamore co-op comes up for air in the butterfly portion of the 200 yard intermediate medley during their boys swim meet against Jacobs on Monday, Dec. 11, 2017 at Huntley Middle School in DeKalb.
Jack Butz takes a look at a Cogs trophy as he and other maintenance staff members dust off the trophies, plaques, and photos on display in the hallway cases on Monday, July 10, 2017 at Genoa-Kingston High School in Genoa. School staff does this task every summer to help keep the school looking new, accoring to athletic director Phil Jerbi.
Kishwaukee Valley center fielder Amanda Swedberg makes a diving attempt at a sinking liner in the championship game against ESP Elite in the Storm Dayz Tournament Sunday June 25, 2017 at Sycamore Community Park.
DeKalb-Sycamore co-op swimmers (from left:) Mason Dukes, Timothy Braun, and Wesley Titus cheer on their team during their boys swim meet against Jacobs on Monday, Dec. 11, 2017 at Huntley Middle School in DeKalb.
Lake Zurich's Travis Katzenberger (68) hangs his head while alone on the empty field and with stands packed after losing their 2017 IHSA state championship 7A football game on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2017 at Huskie Stadium on the campus of Northern Illinois University in DeKalb.