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Deep thoughts, high hopes at Montini

Montini

Coach: Jason Nichols.

Last year: 31-6, 6-0, first in Suburban Christian Conference; third place in Class 3A.

Top players: Kaylee Bambule, jr., G; Lea Kerstein, sr., G; Tiara Wallace, sr., G; Claudia Kunzer, jr., G; Lindsey Jarosinski, so., C; Aaliyah Patty, so., C; Nikki Oppenheimer, jr., G.

Scouting report: When Nichols says this is “one of our deepest teams,” he's not exaggerating. Eight Broncos either have committed to or received offers from Division I colleges. The depth will come in handy the first couple of weeks of the season with Bambule out with a Grade 3 high ankle sprain suffered Sept. 25. She might not be back until after Thanksgiving, and the Broncos have no need to rush her. The big changes are the Broncos will play in Class 4A when the postseason rolls around, and it will play in the GCAC for league play. Both mean more competition, which is the theme for the season. The Broncos will play a loaded schedule; if they manage another 30-win season, they'll earn it. The only negatives to this roster might be a lack of toughness, but even then Nichols quickly admits “but maybe that's just me nitpicking. We have a bunch of great kids. There's nothing really negative about them. They're almost too nice, and they're softening me up a little bit.”

Rosary

Coach: Don Rasich (1st year)

Conference: Catholic Athletic Conference (White Division)

2014-15 record: 13-17

Top returning players: Taylor Drozdowski (Sr., 5-8, G/F), Danielle Goering (Jr., 5-7, F), Jenna Hernandez (So., 5-5, G), Mary Kate Bakala (Jr., 5-5, G), Lauren Smith (Jr., 5-9, F/C)

Top newcomers: Caitlyn Unruh (Jr., 5-3, G), Aubrey Fisher (Jr., 5-7, G/F), Sydney Drozdowski (So., 6-0, F/C), Sophia Kramer (So., 5-10, F/G), Maura Vanbogaert (So., 5-9, F), Jessica Gosong (Jr., 5-10, F)

Season outlook: The Royals ended last year on a strong note, winning a Class 3A regional title and sectional semifinal before losing to Rockford Lutheran. Rasich, a Rosary assistant coach the past three years, takes over for Jessie Tyrell. The Royals graduated four-year standout point guard Quincy Kellett, and Rasich only has one senior to work with in his first year. “I never like to say young,” Rasich said. “I was at Hinckley-Big Rock and we won state with two seniors. I think as the year progresses we'll get better as we learn to close out games.” The lone senior, Taylor Drozdowski, is a third-year varsity starter, and Bakala, Hernandez and Smith saw time in the starting lineup last year. “After losing a senior core, we will look for leadership beyond Taylor,” Rasich said. “We will rely on our core juniors along with the influx of underclass sophomores.” Not only do the Royals have a new coach, they will be playing in the new Chicago Athletic Conference. “Playing a consistent competitive schedule in the GCAC conference, holiday tournaments and a strong nonconference schedule, our team will be tested early and often,” Rasich said. “We will be fundamentally strong defensively and up-tempo on offense. The team has more depth than past seasons.” In addition to the strong conference opponents, the Royals face 2A state champion Bishop McNamara, 2A state qualifier IC Catholic Prep, rival Aurora Central Catholic, Yorkville, St. Francis and Hinckley-Big Rock, among others.

St. Francis

Coach: Melissa Taylor.

Last year: 18-11; lost 57-35 to Chicago North Lawndale Charter in Class 3A Nazareth regional final.

Top players: Reagan Sproat, sr., G; Antwainette Walker, so., F; Mia Mazza, jr., G; Sloane Baumgartner, sr., G.

Scouting report: The Spartans are aiming to improve upon last season's record that included seven losses to state-ranked teams. St. Francis also will compete in its first season in the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference (GCAC). “Being my first season as head coach, I'm blessed to inherit such a great group of young ladies. Their work ethic and will to get better is extraordinary,” Taylor said. “I have high expectations for all our returning players as well as our new additions. Basketball is a team sport and requires a team effort. Therefore, I'm looking for contributions from all personnel.” Walker showed a lot of potential last season as a freshman. Her continued growth is essential. Look for Sproat and Mazza to provide leadership and numbers.

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