Season Preview
When it comes to high school girls basketball, Illinois did not disappoint! A ton of talent was spread across the state! This year will not be much different. A couple of teams have moved classes so this year should be very interesting. We have highlighted some of our top teams in the state.
(Rockton) Hononegah (32-4) made a great run to the state final 4 with Marquette commit Jordan King, before falling to would be state champion Maine West, who went a perfect 33-0! Jordan King proved that she could put her team on her back and get them to Redbird arena in her senior campaign!
Maine West and Oregon commit Angela Dugalic are back, and look to make a push towards state again this year. Maine West will be without their senior leader and Saint Louis commit, Rachel Kent. Kent came up big in many games for the Warriors last year. Kent played a big role along side of Dugalic. Dugalic is a long athletic forward that is a complete player, she is a matchup nightmare for any team. Senior Dylan Van Fleet is also back this year!
Mother McAuley (33-2) had a great season last year, the only two losses in the regular season came to (Montini). This team was lead by a host of seniors inlcuding, University of Chicago commit Grace Hynes, Lewis Commit Lauren Ramsey, Saint Francis commit Hannah Swiatek & Nikki Murphy who went on to play collegiate soccer. Can McAuley get back to Redbird Arena this winter?
Don’t count Montini out this year! They are young and talented. The Broncos have a nice core returning including, Tatiana Thomas, Taylor Charles, Sophie Sullivan, SIU Commit Sydney Prochaska, & Taris Thornton. This group is long and can defend. Head Coach Jason Nichols continues to have his players playing their best basketball in February!
Benet is one of the favorites going into the year in 4A. The Redwings have all the the right components.. Height, Scoring, Defense, and leadership. Some of the returning players include... Kendall Moriarty, UIC Commit Lindsey Rogers, Ashley Berry, Depaul Commit Kendall Holmes & Wisconsin Commit Brooke Schramek.
Kenwood has got one of the most talented young guards in the country! #1 ranked sophomore Brianna Mcdaniel returning this year, and she is even better. Kenwood plays hard and is coached very well. Make sure you keep an eye out for the lady broncos this season.
Whitney young is a team that can be looked at as one of the favorites in Illinois. Whitney young has a new coach, but the same culture, as well as some of the same contributors from last year. Some of the top players include... Texas A&M commit Kayla Green, Michigan Commit Cameron Williams, Tamia Ware, & Freshman Skylar Jones! The Dolphins will be one of the toughest teams in the state!
Homewood-Flossmoor was one game away from super sectionals, and this year they are better! They Return top recruit Grace Hall, senior Tia Morgan, transfers Bradley Commit Isis Fitch, & Laila Rogers. And Super Freshman Alyssa Latham.
Bolingbrook has talent! This is one team you want to scout more the once! They have 5 D1 starters and they are looking to have a great season. LSU Commit Treasure Thompson, NIU Commit Jayden Marble, Marquette Commit Danyel Middleton, Kennedi Perkins, & DeAhnna Richardson. This team is going to be a matchup nightmare for any program!
Thornwood is not a team to take lightly. Thornwood is in a new conference this year, but have the same goal in mind! The Thunderbirds are lead by a host of great players including.. Illinois State Commit Fantasia Baines, Nayo Lear, Ceniyah Hampton Janiyah Saverson, & Jamarea Lacaze. This is a senior heavy team that is ready to compete!
Simeon is one of those teams that play hard from beginning to end! Simeon is one of the most athletic teams in the state. Returning players include.. Diamond Stokes, Khaniah Gardner, & Aneesah Morrow. This team is versatile, and tough! With the height and speed the Simeon has, they will be a tough team to beat.
Evanston is a very skilled team that is coach very well. They can beat any team on any given night. Evanston suffered a tough loss to Maine West overtime last year in the sectional finals! Jaylen Turchin, Kayla Henning, & Ambrea Gentle, are back and ready to make a run! This team is coached very well and talented.