Scouting DuPage County girls basketball

Addison Trail

Coach: Rob Schader.

Last year: 5-22, 2-10, sixth in the West Suburban Conference Gold Division; lost to Elk Grove 55-26 in regional quarterfinal.

Top players: Kelly Delawder, sr., G.; Rachel Baumgartner, sr., post; Stephanie Messina, sr., G.; Annina Beltrano, sr., G.; Alexandria Disilvio, sr., post; Tegan Graff, jr., post.

Scouting report: Schader, in his ninth season as coach, is counting on a six-pack of returners to help the Blazers make strides this winter. Baumgartner, the team's top rebounder, scored 5 points a game in 2013-2014 and is one of six players who picked up plenty of experience. "We have six players returning that played a ton of varsity minutes for us last year," said Schader, referring to Messina, Beltrano, Disilvio, Graff, Baumgartner and Delawder. "Each of these six players contributed a lot of minutes during the season last year. But we are a little deeper this year with the ability to play nine girls on any night." For Addison Trail to make a big jump in wins this season, the Blazers will need to pick up their play on the defensive end, with rebounding an area where Schader expects to see a jump in results. "Overall, we have a great group of kids who work hard. It will be an interesting ride to say the least."

Benet

Coach: Joe Kilbride.

Last year: 21-10, 4-5, fifth in the East Suburban Catholic Conference; lost to Neuqua 54-37 in sectional semifinal.

Top players: Emily Eshoo, sr., G; Emily Schramek, sr., F.; Kathleen Doyle, jr., G.

Scouting report: Legendary coach Peter Paul has stepped down after 617 wins in 29 seasons, but new coach Kilbride has eight returning players, including five seniors and three starters back. The offense returns 5-9 Eshoo, who has committed to play at Bradley University, and 6-0 senior Emily Schramek. Doyle averaged 11 points and 4 rebounds as a sophomore point guard and led the team in assists, steals, blocks and charges taken. "Our big three of Doyle, Eshoo and Emily Schramek will undoubtedly lead the way, but I expect our depth to be a key strength this year," Kilbride says. "We have a nice mix of senior leadership, good shooting, exceptional guards and some legitimate size with the addition of sophomore Katie Jaseckas. I know the girls are excited to get started and see what we can become." Other key returnees include seniors Morgan Thomalla, Emma Hlavin and Colleen Pfister, plus junior Elise Stout and sophomore Kendal Schramek.

Downers Grove North

Coach: Stephan Bolt.

Last year: 25-4, 11-1 West Suburban Conference Silver Division champion, lost to Batavia in the sectional semifinal.

Top players: Jaida Green, jr. G; Peyton Winters, sr. C; Lauren Porcelli, jr. G; Madison Farnsworth, jr. F/C; Brigid Miller, so. G; Colleen Miller, so. G; Izzy Greenblatt, sr. G

Scouting report: The Trojans look to be one of the best teams in Illinois and they certainly feature one of the best players in the state in Green, a 6-foot-2 guard who can do everything. She's already attracted the attention of major colleges. Winters, at 6-3 is an "aircraft carrier" in the middle. She can score and rebound in double figures and, last year, blocked about 6 shots a game. Porcelli is a tough defender who can play either guard, while Farnsworth can get after it on the boards. The Miller twins are the long-range shooters, and Greenblatt is a soccer player who provides energy and toughness. "We have more depth this year," Bolt said. "There will be competition for playing time. We had a taste of success last year and we need to continue to be hungry for more."

Downers Grove South

Coach: Lyndsie Long

Last year: 8-17, 5-7 in West Suburban Conference Gold Division, lost to Wheaton North in regional semifinal.

Top players: Ava Porlier, sr., G; Vashae Easley, sr., G; Kasandra Rugienus, so., F; Addyson Wesolowski, so., G, Kiera James, so., F; Megan Muench, sr., G.

Scouting report: Last year was a learning season for the Mustangs, and the education continues, but there will be some definite improvement. Though a bit undersized and lacking experienced depth, the Mustangs have some good athletes who will excel in a new offense that takes advantage of their ability to slash and get to the basket. "Our kids play hard and they know how to play as a team," Long said. "We're physical on defense, but we need to improve our rebounding." Porlier and Easley can score and they're high IQ leaders on the floor, and Reginenus is a threat from distance. James, an outstanding athlete who will battle taller opponents underneath, will be a key. "If we continue our improvement we can be in the top two in conference," Long said.

Fenton

Coach: Tim Anderson.

Last year: 16-13, 7-5, third in Metro Suburban Conference; lost to Glenbard West 45-31 in regional quarterfinals.

Top players: Jessica Bango, jr., G; Daisy Mora, sr., G; Courtney Susmarski, jr., F; Ellie Wassmann, so., G; Valerie Andrews, sr., F; Dana Fritz, sr., C; Bianca Valadez, sr., G/F.

Scouting report: Anderson is having fun with this team already. "I'm just so pleased with our team chemistry. We have so much balance," he said. Gone to graduation is Tina Guarino. "She led us in just about every stat and she was the ultimate mentor, too, for the kids," Anderson said. The remaining girls benefited from Guarino's guidance, and there are a lot of them. Anderson has eight seniors and two juniors back, plus two sophomores. "The one thing I do know about them is they have something really great. They love to play defense," he said. The Bison don't have a go-to player on offense like Guarino, at least not yet, but that's OK. They will adjust."We have a lot of flexibility in what we can do because of that," he said. "They pick things up very quickly." This group is fundamentally very sound, which will offset its lack of speed and size.

Glenbard East

Coach: Don Finnie.

Last year: 8-17, 5-9, sixth in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost to WW South 57-32 in regional semifinal.

Top players: Allison Hanson, sr., F; Brasia Solid, jr., F; Ashley Brown, jr., G.; Brittaney Paganucci, jr., G; Bailey Kitahata, sr., F.

Scouting report: The Rams are making the move to the Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division, along with West Aurora, and are looking forward having three starters back. Hanson, a four-year starter and all-DVC performer last year, is the team leader, but Finnie also expects big things from Solid and Brown, who was the starting point guard as a sophomore last year. "I think we'll be pretty strong on our defensive side and we can go fast if we have to," Finnie said. "I've got good team leadership in running the club from Brown at the point, and then we've got Allison and Brasia back and they were the leading rebounders and leading scorers. Forwards Kitahata, Amanda Chlebek and Megan Ryan and guard Chelsey Losacco will give the Rams hope for more victories this year. "They're a good bunch of girls and they work well together and they like each other," Finnie said. "They stayed together and progressed a lot in summer league, and camps and the kids are a great group to work with."

Glenbard North

Coach: John Chamberlain.

Last year: 7-21, 1-13, eighth in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost to Downers Grove North 39-33 in regional semifinal.

Top players: Jennifer Deegan, jr., G/F.; Zakiya Newsome, so., G.; Sarah Petzold, sr., F.; Lisa Lubben, sr., G.

Scouting report: Many of last year's players have departed, including the graduated Laila Pickens, a double-digit scorer and strong rebounder. More than half of the roster has turned over from graduation and a couple of juniors not returning, but the core of the Panthers' lineup will be all-DVC player Deegan and sophomore guard Newsome. Petzold, a three-sport athlete, came on late in the year for the Panthers after Pickens suffered a season-ending broken ankle. "The graduating seniors brought a strong work ethic, leadership, and defensive intensity that the new-look Panthers will try to emulate," Chamberlain said. "Chemistry may be an issue early on with so many new faces, but the hope is that they can improve upon last year's record and DVC standing." Deegan averaged 11.1 points a game and 5.0 rebounds a game last season, while Newsome was good for 5 points, 2 rebounds and 1.7 steals a game. Sophomore forward Frankie Malkin is expected to be a key contributor as well.

Glenbard South

Coach: Julie Fonda.

Last year: 22-8, 12-0, first in Metro Suburban Conference; lost to Marshall 57-46 in sectional semifinal.

Top players: Sydney Bauman, sr., C; Jenna Brambora, sr., G; Alex LaPonte, sr., G; Ivana Markovic, sr., G; Taylor Carli, sr., G; Arianna Mora, sr., F.

Scouting report: Fonda, in her 10th and final season guiding the Raiders, is the envy of other coaches. She has eight seniors on the roster, five of whom have spent all four years on the varsity, plus four juniors. "It's a rare situation," she said. Instead of learning plays, the Raiders will be working on things like shooting, rebounding and being aggressive on defense. "The cool thing about them is we pick up where we left off last year. We do a quick review and then we go about perfecting things," Fonda said. The Raiders have 6-foot-3 center Bauman, who signed to play next year at SIU-Edwardsville. Beyond Bauman the Raiders lack height, but they make up for it with lots of speed and good ballhandlers. They'll continue to play defense the length of the floor, looking to score in transition. "It's going to be fun to watch," Fonda said. The part that isn't fun? Losing senior Megan Smith to a torn ACL in Monday's season opener.

Glenbard West

Coach: Karen Persinger.

Last year: 3-26, 1-11, seventh in West Suburban Silver; lost to Geneva in the regional semifinal.

Top players: Grey Hayes, jr., G; Marisa Vivoda, sr., F; Kassie Buchholz, sr., G; Ellen Daniels, sr., F.

Scouting report: After a rough season last year the Hilltoppers are getting a fresh start with a new coach. Persinger joined the Hilltoppers as an assistant coach at midseason last year. Now she's installing a new system with new terminology to get the team back on track. "It's going well. I've been really pleased with how hard they've worked," Persinger said. "Basically everything is kind of new for the girls." The new-look Hilltoppers will not have much height, but they will be quick and look to push the tempo. They will mix things up defensively with the emphasis on man-to-man. "Defensively, we're really doing a nice job, and I think our team speed will really work to our advantage as the season progresses," Persinger said. The offense will be balanced, not reliant on any one go-to player. "I don't really have one, I have several," Persinger said.

Hinsdale Central

Coach: Tom McKenna.

Last year: 15-10, 8-4 tied for second in West Suburban Conference Silver Division, lost to Lyons Twp. in regional semifinal.

Top players: Gabrielle Rush, sr. G; Payton Katich, sr. G; Gilley Martinelli, jr. F; Paige Barack, so. G; Riley Burr, so. F; Grace Hartzman, so. G; Emma Day, sr. C.

Scouting report: When she graduates Rush, who is headed to Princeton in the fall, will hold most of the Red Devils' scoring records. "She's the best player I've ever coached," McKenna said. "She's a great shooter, handles the ball very well, sees the floor and rebounds well for someone who is 5-foot-10, and she makes her teammates better." Rush and Katich will be central to the team's success. The others are promising but untested. As a team, the Red Devils can fly, they can shoot and they're unselfish. However, they must overcome a lack of height. "We'll try to push the ball up the floor, run as much as we can and then run a basic motion offense," McKenna said.

Hinsdale South

Coach: Brett Love.

Last year: 11-17, 8-4 finished third in West Suburban Conference Gold Division, lost in the first round of regional to Riverside-Brookfield.

Top players: Gennifer Simpson, sr. G; Sydney Kopp, jr. G; Taylor Barnes, sr. F; Abby Lewis, sr. F; Tatyana Presley, jr. G; Tyler Hunter, so. G.; Cheyanne Stage, jr. F.

Scouting report: After a sub-.500 season the Hornets are looking to surprise a lot of people this year. They're not tall, but they're quick and experienced and they work hard. "We have the people to play a running game," said first-year coach Love. "We're strong and we have some good leapers like Simpson and Barnes." Hunter will start off in a reserve role but could move in as a starter before very long. She will be an impact player. Simpson and Kopp are both all-league candidates and vocal leaders. If the Hornets can execute and gain the confidence they need, they should make some noise.

IC Catholic Prep

Coach: Aubree Schuett.

Last year: 25-8, 8-2, first in Suburban Christian Conference Gold Division; finished fourth in Class 2A.

Top players: Anjella Farmer, jr., F; Chiara Gaudio, sr., G; Tess Reardon, so, G; Gabby Curran, sr., G; Erin Maloney, sr., G.

Scouting report: The Knights enjoyed last year's trip downstate so much, they want to make a habit of it. "My expectations are as high as they ever have been, if not higher," Schuett said. Despite graduating several of last year's top players, they have the kind of roster they can build with. "The best thing about our young kids is that they're eager to learn," Schuett said. "They're basketball savvy, supersmart and have good court sense." But whereas last year's team was in midseason form from the start, this year's team will require more teaching. "We're definitely a much different group than last season," Schuett said. Still, Schuett won't change a thing for this group. "It's about doing what you do, but doing it really well," she said. Maloney and Gaudio are the returning starters, and both will be counted on for leadership. Farmer has big shoes to fill, but she's got Schuett's confidence she can do it.

Lake Park

Coach: Brian Rupp.

Last year: 7-21, 2-12, seventh in DuPage Valley Conference; lost 39-36 to Glenbard North in regional quarterfinals.

Top players: Emily Duckhorn, jr., G; Erica Fant, sr, G; Jen Warefield, jr., F; Alexis Pall, sr., F.

Scouting report: In his second season at Lake Park, Rupp is looking forward to a fun year. "We have high hopes this year," he said. "We have expectations." The Lancers expect to win a lot more games because they have almost everyone back from last year, and they've had time learn Rupp's system. The Lancers won't be afraid to shoot early and often. "We want a shot up in 6-10 seconds," Rupp said. "If it hits the rim it's a good shot." Leading the way will be Duckhorn. "I'm convinced she's one of the best shooters int he area," Rupp said. "She's always an offensive threat any way you go. She is a lights-out wide-open shooter, and everytime she shoots I think it's going in." Fant will guide the team at the point, and she's got a green light to freelance defensively. Pall also is a very good defender, and Warefield led the team in rebounding last year.

Lisle

Coach: Nick Balaban.

Last year: 19-11, 7-4, fourth place in Interstate Eight Conference; lost to Mt. Assisi 52-42 in Class 2A Lisle regional championship.

Top players: Sarah Mogensen, sr., F; Leah Reeves, sr., G/F; Kate Twaddle, sr., F/G; Monifah Davis, sr., F; TyAnn LeGrand-Melton, so., G; Natalie Takahashi, fr., G.

Scouting report: Senior-heavy depth will be a big asset for the Lions as they aim for the upper tier of the conference. Davis came on strong at the end of last season, leading the team in scoring during the postseason averaging 14.0 points a game. She led Lisle the entire season in blocked shots. Mogensen was all-conference as a junior and was tops on the team in rebounding, steals along with field-goal and free-throw percentages. She was second on the squad in scoring at 10.6 ppg. "Our ability to defend and rebound, day-in and day-out, will allow us the opportunity to compete with anybody," Balaban said.

Metea Valley

Coach: Cedric Williams.

Last year: 13-13, 5-7, fourth in the Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division; lost to Oswego 47-42 in the Class 4A Joliet Central sectional semifinal.

Top players: Lisa Logan, sr., PG; Taseandra Parker, sr., F; Nicki Cast, so., SG; Brianna Hall, so., F/C.

Scouting report: First-year coach Williams takes over a team that enjoyed a memorable run in the postseason last winter. But like all teams, graduation will give this season's version of the squad a new look. "The strength of our team will be team defense, effective post play and outside shooting. The weakness of our team will be the lack of depth at certain positions on the court and playing experience at the varsity level," Williams said.

Montini

Coach: Jason Nichols.

Last year: 35-2, 10-0, first in Suburban Christian Conference; defeated Joliet Catholic in the Class 3A championship game.

Top players: Kelsey Bogdan, sr,. G.; Lindsay Jarosinski, fr., C.; Claudia Kunzer, so., G.; Lea Kerstein, jr., G.; Kaylee Bambule, so., G.; Rainey Kuykendall, sr., F.; Aaliyah Patty, fr,. C.

Scouting report: Nichols begins his 12th season at Montini looking for his fourth state championship. The Broncos lost some key players to graduation and transfer, but there's plenty of talent again in Lombard. It starts with Bogdan, committed to play at Harvard, and Kuykendall. Bogdan and Kerstein are the only returning players who played double-digit minutes in the state final, but Kuykendall, Kunzer and Bambule will play major roles also. The 6-foot-5 Jarosinski already is getting offers from Division I colleges, and the 6-3 Petty also has loads of potential. "Our success in February will be based on our development over time and how we handle losing games and how we fix that so it doesn't happen when it matters in the playoffs," Nichols said.

Naperville Central

Coach: Andy Nussbaum.

Last year: 12-18, 7-7, fourth in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost to Oswego East 70-54 in regional semifinals.

Top players: Emily Kraft, sr., G; Haley Minick, sr., C; Hannah Swarm, jr., G; Cierra Stanciel, sr., G.

Scouting report: Four-year varsity All-Area guard Shannon Ryan graduated along with Katie Moran and the two players will be missed, but the Redhawks have three starters back and added a fourth one in Stanciel, who started two years ago as a sophomore and has returned to the school. Swarm will miss the start of the season with a knee injury, but Nussbaum is hopeful to have a strong backcourt featuring a speedy Stanciel and sharpshooters Kraft and Swarm. The 5-foot-11 Minick will be counted on heavily to rebound and provide an inside presence. "I'm cautiously optimistic," said Nussbuam, who has 11 seniors on the roster. "We have a lot of experience and we have some kids that can shoot. The injury bug bit us early a little bit last year, so we're kinda hoping to make it through healthy and then hopefully our senior experience will be a critical factor." Seniors Casey Smith, Taylor Stenmark and Lisa Tassi all will play significantly this season for the Redhawks, who open the new season Friday against Metea Valley at the Tip-Off tourney in Naperville.

Naperville North

Coach: Jason Dycus

Last year: 18-11, 8-6, third in DuPage Valley Conference; lost to Benet 57-46 in Class 4A East Aurora regional final. Top players: Kayla Sharples, sr., F; Laurel Pereira, jr., G; Cece Pope, jr., F; Olivia Stapleton, sr., SG; Caleigh Corbett, sr., PG; Katie Cores, jr., F; Chloe O'DeKirk, sr., C.

Scouting report: The Huskies enjoy a wealth of experience returning this season with only two seniors gone from the 2013-14 team. Leading the way is Sharples, who was all-state and all-conference last winter, averaging 19.2 points per game. Another all-DVC pick, Pereira, put through 10.2 ppg as a sophomore. Pope returns after contributing 6 ppg and 7 rebounds per game. "Our strengths are solid perimeter play with a good post presence. We expect Kayla, Laurel and Cece to be our scorers. Overall, the top strength of our team is our perimeter play. We need our bench players to produce more for our team this season," Dycus said.

Neuqua Valley

Coach: Mike Williams.

Last year: 28-6, 12-0, first in Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division; lost to Whitney Young 57-39 in supersectional.

Top players: Bryce Menendez, sr., C; Myia Starks, jr., G; Kai Moon, jr., G; Jamie McInerney, sr., F; Megan Keefer, so., G.

Scouting report: After winning conference, regional and sectional titles before coming up short to eventual state champion Whitney Young at the Class 4A supersectional, the Wildcats return four starters and look primed for another big season. Six-foot-two all-conference center Menendez, committed to Lehigh, is back along with talented guards Stark (committed to Northern Illinois) and Moon (who is weighing several Division I offers) and 5-10 forward McInerney. "We feel like we're right back in the same boat…we got some juniors up from the sophomore team and probably 2-3 freshmen who can help us, but we've also got a lot of returning players," Williams said. "We'll be ready again … it's our final year in Upstate Eight and then it's the DVC, which is exciting. We're in great shape, and we've got some depth. But everybody's gunning for us; we're the team to beat." Other varsity returners include senior forward Maya Cobb, guard Jessica Austin and center Gwen Berglind, while Williams expects newcomers Courtlyn Smith, Ezgi Ulger, Jordan Diaz, Megan Callahah, Rachael Lee, and Taylor Crowley also to have an impact this winter.

St. Francis

Coach: Mike Phillips.

Last year: 13-15; lost to Glenbard South 49-33 in Class 3A St. Francis regional final.

Top players: Reagan Sproat, jr., F; Elinor Cycenas, sr., G; Mia Mazza, so., G; Leah Riccolo, jr., G; Regan Kasprak, sr., G; Baumgartner, jr., F; Antwainette Walker, fr., F.

Scouting report: The Spartans return three starters from last season, including Sproat, one of the area's top scorers and rebounders. Cycenas and Mazza are also back after starting in 2013-14. The Spartans will count on the leadership of Riccolo, who returns to the team after a year away from basketball. Kasprak and Baumgartner give the team added depth, and Phillips expects Walker to be a key player this season. "Our team is fairly young overall, but we anticipate a team focused on the defensive end of the floor that will get better as the season goes on and people get used to playing with each other," the Spartans coach said.

Timothy Christian

Coach: Michele Strube.

Last year: 6-22, 3-9 seventh in conference, lost to Nazareth in the regional semifinals.

Top players: Kaitlyn Gehrke, sr. C; Julian Stremler, sr. F; Allison Zeilstra, so. G; Ellie Wiener, jr. G; Maty Huisman, sr. G; Olivia Hoekstra, so. G.

Scouting report: Gehrke is an outstanding post player who will play at the next level. Last year the Trojans didn't have the guards to get her the ball, but this year is a different story. Zeilstra and Wiener are a couple of quick quarterback types who are ready to take it up a notch and deliver the basketball to the 6-foot-1 Gehrke and her cohort up front Stremler, who is a classic power forward and a great defender. Stremler and Gehrke were both starters on an outstanding Trojans volleyball team. "We'll play a quicker style with a lot of inside scoring and we'll get our points in transition," Strube said. "These girls have big hearts and no one will outhustle them. We have a chance to win our division in the Metro Suburban Conference."

Waubonsie Valley

Coach: Dave Owles.

Last year: 6-20, 4-8 in Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division; lost to Plainfield North 65-56 in overtime in Class 4A Plainfield North regional quarterfinal.

Top players: Taylor Ameri, sr., F; Abbey Glavin, so., G; Carolina Church, jr., G/F; Makinzie DeHaan, so., F.

Scouting report: Preparation in the off-season and some fine-tuning of the Warriors' game on the court are keys to this season, according to Owles. "Several girls made a commitment to our program, putting in a lot of hard work and effort in the off-season to really improve their physical athleticism and individual basketball skill," he said. "We plan to increase the tempo, improve defensively and become more aggressive and efficient offensively." Another key will be staying healthy as last season the Warriors dealt with numerous injuries.

West Chicago

Coach: Kim Wallner.

Last year: 5-22, 2-12, sixth in Upstate Eight Conference River Division; lost to Downers Grove South 31-25 in Class 4A Wheaton North regional quarterfinal.

Top players: Mae Gimre, sr., G; Hailey Sartre, sr., F; Mariel Colleton, sr., F; Cristina Hurtado, sr., C.

Scouting report: Wallner said depth will improved this season. The Wildcats will play up to 11 players. "Our weaknesses are youth, lack of varsity experience and height. Mae Gimre is our only returning starter as we graduated six seniors last season," she added. "We will improve as the season goes on and challenge teams with our speed and pressure defense."

Westmont

Coach: Mike McCord.

Last year: 12-18, 4-7 seventh in Interstate Eight Conference, lost to Mount Assissi in sectional semifinals.

Top players: Mara Casper, sr. G; Annie Carlson, jr. C/F; Emma May, sr. F; Ally Craft, fr. F; Amanda Preete, jr.; G

Scouting report: McCord has scheduled some tough early season opponents in order to prepare his team for the grind of the season. "We'll probably start slow," McCord said. "But if we don't get discouraged, we should be decent and in contention for the top half of the conference." The coach will run a faster offense than last season and he's got the shooters to put the ball in the hoop in Casper, Carlson and Preete. May and Carlson are great athletes who will help keep the team moving and battling for rebounds. Casper, who can shoot the 3, will also be the primary ballhandler. May, who has played only one year of organized ball, has been a pleasant addition. She will play a big part in the team's fortunes.

Wheaton Academy

Coach: Beth Mitchell. Last year: 16-10, 8-3, second place in Suburban Christian Conference Blue Division; lost to Nazareth 58-41 in Class 3A Timothy Christian regional final.

Top players: Jamie Netzley, sr., G; Christina Garrison, sr., F; Elizabeth Melby, yr., G; Izzy McNally, so., G; Meredith Bolt, so., G; Liana Ledesma, yr., G; Heidi Engebretsen, sr., F.

Scouting report: The Warriors are a young team this season with just two seniors on the roster and four returning players overall. Netzley is a third-year starter and is expected to contribute big at point guard. Melby, Garrison and Engebretsen are the other returners. Melby and Garrison also started in 2013-14. "Speed will be our strength and defense will become our offense," Mitchell said. "We are excited for our first year in the Metro Suburban Conference and hope to be competitive with the great girls basketball programs in it."

Wheaton North

Coach: Dave Eaton.

Last year: 19-10, 11-3, second in DuPage Valley Conference; lost to Geneva in the regional final.

Top players: Kelly Thornton, sr., G; Emari Jones, jr., G; Emmy Gryna, sr., F; DeeDee Berkely, sr., F.

Scouting report: How do you replace the leading scorer and rebounder in program history? You start with three returning starters. Jones, Thornton and Gryna will carry on without the graduated Chrissy Baird, a walk-on at UCLA. Thornton and Gryna again will be counted on to stretch defenses with their 3-point shooting. Jones, a 6-footer, will be a challenge to defend at point guard, but she will move to shooting guard at times when Castle comes in. "Sarah's done a good job of allowing us to use Emari in a different way," Eaton said. The Falcons put up a lot of points in some games last year, but when the run-and-gun didn't work they struggled. Eaton wants them to be able to change tempos when the situation calls for it and show better shot selection. "We lived and died by that 3," he said, "and we talked a lot at the beginning of the season about being able to play at two speeds." Meanwhile, a new group joins the Falcons this year with sophomores Bella Mullaney and Amanda Morabeck, plus freshman Hannah Swider.

WW South

Coach: Rob Kroehnke.

Last year: 28-4, 14-0, first in DuPage Valley Conference; lost to Geneva 55-54 in sectional semifinal.

Top players: Olivia Linebarger, sr., F; Ellen Anderson, jr., G; Erin Madigan, jr., G; Marissa Lessick, sr., F.

Scouting report: Change is a constant in high school sports, and the Tigers are dealing with their share this season. They graduated four starters from last season's team, including repeat All-Area Captain Meghan Waldron, now at DePaul. "It's different," Kroehnke said. "... It's one of those years that there's just a lot of unknown right here at this moment." Linebarger is the lone returning starter. "She's been through the wars, so to speak, and she knows what needs to be done," Kroehnke said of the four-year varsity player. Linebarger can score, rebound and play tough defense. Madigan, Lessick and Anderson saw some playing time also. Kroehnke isn't sure yet where the scoring will come from, so, he said, "We're going to have to play some really, really good defense." The Tigers will play in three tournaments before 2015, so they'll only have one home game in their first 17 games.

Willowbrook

Coach: Terry Harrell.

Last year: 23-5, 12-0, first in the West Suburban Conference Gold Division; lost to Batavia 63-42 in regional finals.

Top players: Sam Schmidt, sr., G; Micala (Max) Giammarino, sr., G; Josie Zabran, jr., F; Destiny Williams, sr., G.

Scouting report: Last year's unbeaten conference champs were hit hard by graduation, with seven players, including four starters, departing. To make matters worse, Danielle Velasquez, who would have been the starting point guard, was lost to an ACL injury. Even so, Harrell expects the Warriors to be a force again this year behind senior guard/forward Schmidt, the lone starter back, Giammarino and Zabran. Zabran was called up from the sophomore squad late last winter and had an instant impact, averaging 16 points and 7 rebounds over the final nine games. "Although there is only one returning starter we expect to be competitive for the WSC championship again and be highly competitive in the playoffs," Harrell said. Willowbrook will count on six seniors to help take up the leadership that has left, including 5-foot-10 senior forward Alyssa Ressinger.

York

Coach: John Constable.

Last year: 15-13, 5-7 fifth in West Suburban Conference Silver Division, lost to Downers Grove North in regional final.

Top players: Jessica Bianchi, sr. G; Sarah Milkowski, sr. G; Alyssa Kovatchis, sr. G; Jamie Kovatchis, sr. G; Kelly Polte, jr. C; Megan Backman jr. G; Ellen Foley, jr. G; Kathryn Wheeler, sr. G.

Scouting report: Speed, perimeter shooting and defense will be the calling cards for the Dukes this year. They have quick guards who can take care of the ball and because they're not a tall team they will have to hit consistently from the outside. "We'll play a pressing defense," Constable said. "We have the speed to create more possessions and the depth to keep fresh bodies on the floor and they work well as a unit. I think we can compete for the conference title." The coach called Bianchi the best defender he's ever coached and also said that there aren't many who can guard her 1-on-1. Milkowski, at 5-foot-7 could be important underneath in the Dukes four- or five-guard lineup.