Girls basketball: Northwest holiday tournament previews

Dundee-Crown Charger Classic

When: Dec. 26-29

Who: Buffalo Grove, Regina, Evanston, Mother McAuley, Resurrection, Hononegah, Maine West, Fremd, St. Charles North, Naperville Central, New Trier, Johnsburg, Fenwick, Bartlett, Dundee-Crown, Prospect.

Favorite: Buffalo Grove

Darkhorse: Maine West

Players to watch: Buffalo Grove: Allison Mocchi, Maggie Mocchi, Ellen Ayoub. Evanston: Kim Davis, Darcel Retreage. Resurrection: Deanna Ortiz. Maine West: Brittany Begrowicz, Mary Kusner, Colleen Vana. Fremd: Stacey Nachtsteim, Taylor Glassman. New Trier: Megan Napoli. Fenwick: Tricia Liston, Katlyn Payne. Prospect: Megan Murray. St. Charles North: Kelsey Smith. Naperville Central: Jessica Carter. Johnsburg: Michelle McDonald. Dundee-Crown: Robyn Staudenmaier.

Outlook: Buffalo Grove has never won the 16-team tourney but was second to Stevenson in the mid-1990s. The Bison, ranked No. 1 in Class 4A, have three Division I players in Maggie Mocchi (Northwestern), Allison Mocchi (Northwestern) and Ellen Ayoub (Loyola), all averaging double figures. They have started in this tourney the past three years and have been joined in the starting lineup by sophomore Heather Nisbet and junior Kaitlin Hillner. Seniors Lauren Angotti, Allison Heissel and Katie Lee also have experience from last year's Elite Eight team. The Bison will be trying to keep their perfect 12-0 record intact. "I think the tourney is tougher with the addition of St. Charles North and Mother McAuley," said Bison Hall of Fame coach Tom Dineen. The Bison will open against Regina, a team they beat 62-33 earlier this season in their own Thanksgiving tourney. "That's unfortunate because we would like to see different people in this tourney," Dineen said. "And Regina is a good team, well-coached (Jim Russo) and we just played them. I would like to be playing someone different. But we are going there for the competition. And we're going to get it four times." The Bison have finished third twice, including last season, in the careers of Ayoub and the Mocchis. "Winning this tourney is obviously pretty prestigious and the girls would like to do that," Dineen said. "We're not planning on losing but if we get beat, we want it to be the better team." Maine West, a five-time champion, is off to a 10-2 start and 4-0 record in the Central Suburban North. "We're looking to get better," said Warriors coach Derril Kipp. "It's a great tournament with great competition and that's what we're looking for." Mary Kusner leads the Warriors (14 ppg) while Brittany Begrowicz (11) and Samantha Acosta (10 ) are also in double figures. Colleen Vana and Erin Baumstark average 5 ppg. The Warriors were 2-2 last year with one of their losses coming to Resurrection (9-3), who would be their second round opponent this time if the Warriors can get past Fremd. The Vikings (2-1 in the MSL West) have been playing better basketball lately. Tracey Nachtsheim has had three double-digit scoring games for Dave Yates' squad while sophomore Taylor Glassman directs a balanced offense. 'We're just looking for consistency," Yates said. "We're not having bad games, but we're not consistently putting it together. Obviously, we're going to get four good games here as this tournament is getting stronger and deeper." "Fremd relies a lot on their defense," Kipp said. "It seems to keep them in games. And they like to press." The Vikings (5-6) have added more depth with the return of some players missing earlier in the season. One is Dani Videka, who had key points in a win over Hoffman two weeks ago. Prospect checks in at 9-4 under first-year coach Martha Kelly and opens against the host Chargers. "I think they are very similar to us," Kelly said. "They have some shooters and they play a full-court game like us. They like to press and they look to shoot the ball on offense." Megan Murray leads the Knights at about 14 ppg, while Rachel Hunt is at 8 ppg. Alyssa and Lexi Glennon and Danielle Brucci have often rounded out the starting five. "We hope to compete with a lot of the good teams in this tournament," Kelly said. "If anything, there are a number of teams in our sectional, so we get a chance to look at them and see how we stack up."

Warren Blue Devil Classic

When: Dec. 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28

Who: Wheeling, Palatine, Warren, Niles North, Carmel, Lake Forest, Deerfield, Grayslake Central

Favorite: Wheeling

Darkhorse: Carmel

Players to watch: Deerfield: Danielle Ripkey. Niles North: Brenna Ranger. Carmel: Tiffany Henrickson. Wheeling: Lana Rukavina, Ashley Wilson, Janelle Cannon. Palatine: Katie MacFabe. Warren: Sarah Boothe, Lory Shaw, Shana Shepherd, Joree Green. Grayslake Central: Rachel Culp, Erin Claxton.

Outlook: Wheeling and Warren are No. 4 and 6 respectively in the Class 4A poll. The Wildcats (11-2) and Blue Devils (12-0) have met for the title each of the last two years. Warren is the defending champ. Wheeling has several key players back from last year's team, including Lana Rukavina (Illinois) and Ashley Wilson (Division I prospect). Jessie Smith, Bridget Gray, Stephanie Kuzmanic and Bianca Szafarowicz all played in this tourney a year ago while Janelle Cannon and Natasha Robinson are transfers who add more depth in the backcourt. Warren is led by Stanford-bound Sarah Boothe, a 6-foot-5 center who has led the Blue Devils to the supersectional the past three years, senior forward Lory Shaw, who's having a breakout season, scrappy point guard Joree Green and sharpshooter Shana Shepherd. "We like getting five games on the road," Wheeling's Wiegel said about the tourney. "It's a chance for us to just focus on our game." Palatine is hoping to use the tourney for more experience. "We are looking to compete harder," said Palatine coach Ron Theberge. "Obviously, we want to improve. We'll get five good games, and we want to come out feeling better about ourselves." Katie MacFabe has been a force for the Pirates with her offense and defense. "Katie is doing a great job," Theberge said of the 6-foot-3 junior center. "We're pleased with her effort at the offensive and defensive end. We've got to get other people contributing on the offensive end so she doesn't feel she is carrying the whole burden on offense." The Pirates are 2-10. "We've just got to cut down on our mistakes," Theberge added. "And keep getting better." Deerfield is one of the top challenges in the Central Suburban North.

Carmel (6-5) doesn't score much, but coach John Ryan's Corsairs are competitive on most nights. Guard Tiffany Hendrickson (11 ppg) is one of the better shooters in the county.

McHenry tournament

When: Dec. 19-22

Who: Marian Central, Crystal Lake Central, Hoffman Estates, North Chicago, McHenry, Rockford Jefferson

Favorite: Hoffman Estates

Darkhorse: Crystal Lake Central

Players to watch: Hoffman Estates: Megan Fischer, Megan Evans.

Outlook: Hoffman Estates (7-5) won its first five games before dropping five of its last seven. But coach Mike Nocella was encouraged with the Hawks' effort in a 38-34 loss to 11-1 Conant last Saturday. Nocella is no stranger to the McHenry tourney. While serving as the head coach at Prospect, Nocella won or tied for four titles in this tourney before taking the Knights to Dundee-Crown. "We'd like to win all our games," he said. "We want to get back into the winning mode. And this tourney will give us a chance to work on things." Megan Fischer is leading the Hawks with nearly 16 points per game while Megan Evans has also shown she can be a force inside. Megan Bernardoni, Colleen Roberts, Jada Stotts, Melissa Douglass and Carol King have all reached double figures for Hoffman this season. The Hawks have not played any of the teams in the tourney this season.

Mundelein Lady Mustangs Holiday Classic

When: Dec. 22, Dec. 26-29

Who: Huntley, Vernon Hills, Cary-Grove, Glenbrook North, Waukegan, Payton, Grant, Prairie Ridge, Rolling Meadows, Zion-Benton, Conant, Belvidere, Mundelein, Streamwood, Libertyville, Prosser

Favorite: Conant

Darkhorse: Mundelein

Players to watch: Conant: Michelle Rawleigh, Ariana Zades, Lisa Parisi. Huntley: Katie Bergquist, Daisy Jara. Cary-Grove: Danielle Smith, Jamie Kuhl, Jill Cole, Meg Straumann, Claire Jakubicek. Waukegan: Bianca Jarrett. Grant: Jamie Swanson, Heather Ruetsche, Autumn Gaylor. Prairie Ridge: Shannon Hennelly, Emily Murphy, Anna Patras. Mundelein: Sam Panitch, Kelsey O'Connor, J.J. Sawchuk. Zion-Benton: Brittany Simmons. Libertyville: Ali Haws, Casey Hopper, Dana Eriksen, Vernon Hills: Amy Burton.

Outlook: Conant, off to an 11-1 record, hopes to keep its momentum alive in this 16-team event. The Cougars can get scoring from several players, led by four-year versatile starter Michelle Rawleigh. The senior forward can be a force inside but also can shoot the 3s. Guards Ariana Zades and Lisa Parisi have plenty of experience in the backcourt. "This is a good tourney for us," said Cougars coach Dan Travers. "We'll see some pretty good teams here." One of them is Mundelein, which is 9-3 and 2-2 in the North Suburban Lake after a recent 58-49 loss to 12-0 Warren. Junior guard Kelsey O'Connor scored 37 points last Saturday against Zion-Benton. Warren coach John Stanczykiewicz said the Mustangs are legit. "They're one of the best teams we've played all season."

Grant is new to the tournament after playing well at McHenry for years, and the Bulldogs (9-2) certainly can win this tournament. They're led by three-year varsity forward Jamie Swanson (14.9 ppg) and fellow senior Heather Ruetsche (11.9 ppg), who's played well in her first season playing point guard. Coach Tom Oeffling's three other starters are Autumn Gaylor, Tori Ziegler and Bailey Wagner, who's the two-time defending Class AA shot put state champ. Gaylor, Ziegler and Wagner all three stand around 6 feet and are athletic. Grant's only losses are to Wheeling and Waukegan, and both games were close.

Like Grant, Cary-Grove (7-2) is new to the tournament, having left McHenry. The Trojans feature 6-0 senior guard Danielle Smith (11.9 ppg) and 6-2 senior forward Jamie Kuhl (9.7 ppg). Freshmen Meg Straumann (8.3 ppg) and 5-10 Claire Jakubicek (7 ppg) log significant minutes for coach Rod Saffert. C-G also gets scoring from 5-10 senior Jill Cole (9.1 ppg).

Huntley (6-2) and coach Steve Raethz play physical and tough, especially at the defensive end. Katie Bergquist, a 5-11 senior, leads the Red Raiders in scoring at 13.6 ppg, while 6-0 senior Daisy Jara (9.3 ppg) has posted a couple of double-doubles recently.

Prairie Ridge (4-6) features junior guard Shannon Hennelly (8.6 ppg) and 5-10 senior Emily Murphy (8.8 ppg).

Vernon Hills (5-7) is led by 6-0 senior Amy Burton (10.8 ppg), who scored a season-high 18 points against Lakes on Tuesday. The Cougars lost to Prairie Ridge (41-34) and Glenbrook North (48-42) during Mundelein's Thanksgiving tournament.

Another new team to the tournament is Libertyville, which left Dundee-Crown. The Wildcats dropped their third game in a row Tuesday, 45-40 to Zion-Benton, to fall to 6-7. Post players Ali Haws (10.5 ppg) and Casey Hopper (9.7 ppg) and guard Dana Eriksen (9.8 ppg) lead Libertyville in scoring.

After setting the school record for wins last season, Zion-Benton is 6-5. The Zee-Bees lost exciting guard Bianca Jarrett, who transferred to Waukegan. The Bees feature Eastern Michigan-recruit Brittany Simmons (15 ppg) plus four sophomores in Abby Hansen, Shanyel Jackson, Dominque Williams and Mary Dillow.

Rolling Meadows stands at 3-8. The Mustangs will benefit from the experience at this tourney. Senior guard Lielz Aluquin has helped spark the Mustangs' offense on more than one occasion, scoring a season-high 17 points against Lakes.

Rolling Meadows will open against Zion Benton. "We've had good games with them in the past in various tournaments and we're looking forward to that again," said Mustangs coach Patrick O'Connell. "Our next game is against Glenbrook North, who we lost to in the Mundelein Thanksgiving tournament (40-28) so we're looking forward to that, too, because we did not compete very well last time. We're glad to have another opportunity to play them. And our last pool play game is against Cary-Grove, a very strong team so that is great competition for us."

O'Connell likes the idea of seeing new teams and new styles of basketball in the 16-team tourney. "It makes you stretch a little bit creatively and provides a good challenge," he said. "It makes you expand your skills and options which will help us as the season goes on." One unfortunate loss for Meadows is an ACL injury to Taylor Fritz, a 5-foot-7 junior who scored 11 points against Hersey this season. She will be out for the season. The Mustangs have also been without Kelly Zahorski this season,. The 5-11 junior also suffered a season-ending knee injury.

St. Viator Snowflake Tournament

When: Dec. 26-29

Who: Niles West, Elmwood Park, St. Viator, Leyden. Northside, Highland Park, Fenton, Maine East

Favorite: St. Viator

Darkhorse: Highland Park

Players to watch: St. Viator: Jenny Muench. Highland Park: Tatiana Moore. Maine East: Antonoitte Collman,

Outlook: St. Viator is hoping to find some momentum for the second half of the season. "We're working hard and hope to get on a roll here because we have played pretty good basketball recently," said Lions coach Paul Bjerkness. The Lions (3-8) are led in scoring by senior Jenny Muench, who is averaging close to 12 points. Rebounding has been a total team effort. "The last few games Susan Hohenadel (sophomore guard) has been playing well," Bjerkness said. "And so has Colleen Nolan (junior forward). She has been solid in the post both as a defender and offensive threat. Susan has been solid on offense with some really big shots." Bjerkness added that Kelly Hendricks has been solid at the point position. "She has had some big steals and has scored some points," he said. "And she has done a good job defensively on the other team's guards." The Lions finished third last year behind Northside Prep and Niles West. "Realistically, we've played some pretty stiff competition so far," Bjerkness said. "That tough schedule hopefully will pay off at some point."

Suburban Holiday Showcase

When: Dec. 18, 20, 22, 27, 28

Who: Lake Park, Downers Grove South, Loyola, Trinity, Barrington, Lake Zurich, Montini, Stevenson

Favorite: Montini

Darkhorse: Lake Zurich

Players to watch: Lake Zurich: Lydia Bauer, Gabby Chapa, Peggie Parhas, Audrey Bauer. Barrington: Shelby Whigham, Emily Harris, Samantha Beach. Loyola: Ashley Thomas. Trinity: Monica Albano, Erica Cross. Montini: Sharon Lenert. Michala Johnson. Lake Park: Samantha Arnold; Stevenson: Claire Moller, Caitlin Morrissey, Kayla Fisher.

Outlook: Plenty of competition here. Trinity (13-1), Loyola (9-4), Montini (6-40 and Lake Zurich (11-2) are all considered Chicago-area powers. Montini is No. 10 in the Daily Herald rankings and Lake Zurich is 15. Barrington coach Babbi Barreiro has a young team competing in this event, but the Fillies have shown signs of promise. "We have to get game experience," Barreiro said. "We have to keep playing games. This is great competition." The Fillies opened with a 54-43 loss to Lake Zurich. "We're still very inconsistent," Barreiro added. "The more games against good teams the better our chances become for more consistency and continuity." Freshman Shelby Whigham (10 ppg, 8 rebounds) has been the Fillies' leading scorer, with more than five games in double figures. "Shelby is doing a very nice job," Barreiro said. "She has a very bright future. We've had different kids step up in different games." Emily Harris has reached double figures, including a 19-point effort against Crystal Lake South. "She has great hands and is an excellent passer. I look for Emily to be a special player the next couple of years." For now, Barreiro says the Fillies must limit their mistakes. "We have to stick together and work through the growing pains," she said. "We're still not putting up enough points."

Lake Zurich opened the season with an overtime loss to Prospect but since then has won 11 of 12, including seven in a row. The Bears have held nine opponents to fewer than 40 points. Junior forward Lydia Bauer is coach Chris Bennett's best player and has a pair of 23-point efforts. Her kid sister Audrey also is athletic. Three-year varsity guard Peggie Parhas popped for a season-high 20 points against Barrington on Tuesday. Guard Gabby Chapa can shoot the 3 -- as can Lydia Bauer and Parhas -- while fellow guard Olivia Allen has ran track downstate the last two springs.

Stevenson (4-10), which played at Dundee-Crown for years, is having a rough season under second-year coach Trish Betthauser. Veteran guard Claire Moller is good defensively and can score, too. The Patriots also boast Loyola-transfer Kayla Fisher, sisters Caitlin and Anna Morrissey, and 6-1 sophomore Kelsey Simon.

Woodstock/Richmond-Burton Holiday Tournament

When: Dec. 15, 17, 21, 22

Who: Burlington Central, Crystal Lake South, Grayslake North, Harvard, Lakes, Marengo, Richmond-Burton, Round Lake, Wauconda, Woodstock

Favorite: Round Lake

Darkhorse: Crystal Lake South.

Players to watch: Round Lake: Labrenthia Murdock, Amber Phillips, Brittany Kucia, Jazzamin Rivers, Wauconda: Lauren Mead, Kate Martino, Tammy Ellis. Lakes: Keshia Cunningham. Grayslake North: Lauren Erickson, Elizabeth Phillips, Natalie Barczyk. Harvard: Kelsey Martin. Burlington Central: Jordan Maisto, Cory Bazany, Taylor Colby. Woodstock: Mollie Whiting, Arielle Penza, Chrissy Velasquez. Crystal Lake South: Molly Benoit, Carly Juliano, Katie Burton. Richmond-Burton: Hailey Schleibinger.

Outlook: Round Lake has put itself in great position to win the tournament, having won its first three games. The Panthers defeated Crystal Lake South (44-32) and Burlington Central (35-34) on Saturday, then beat Woodstock (65-48) on the Blue Streaks' home floor Monday night. Round Lake (11-2) wraps up the tourney with games against Harvard (4:30 p.m. Friday at Woodstock) and Grayslake North (10:30 a.m. Saturday at R-B).

Wauconda opened with a win against Harvard, but then lost to Grayslake North 62-60 in overtime in its second game Saturday and followed up with a 54-44 loss to Crystal Lake South (8-5) on Monday. Wauconda (6-4) finishes up by playing Burlington Central at 5:30 p.m. Friday at R-B and Woodstock at 9 a.m. Saturday at R-B. Lauren Mead has scored 17, 27 and 22 points in Wauconda's first three games.

Grayslake North (5-7) won twice Saturday but couldn't sustain the momentum, losing to Marengo on Monday. The Knights play the host school Friday at 7 p.m. at Richmond-Burton.

With its 56-29 loss to Vernon Hills in a North Suburban Conference Lake Division game on Tuesday, Lakes (0-15) dropped its 71st consecutive game, one shy of the state record held by Rockford Auburn. The Eagles play Woodstock (8-4) at Woodstock at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Crystal Lake South Saturday at noon at Richmond-Burton.

Wheaton North tournament

When: Dec. 26-29

Who: Waubonsie Valley, Willowbrook, Wheaton North, Jacobs, Elk Grove, Lyons Township, Hinsdale Central, Glenbard North, Glenbrook South, St. Charles East, Glenbard South, Elgin, West Aurora, Hersey, Schaumburg, Downers Grove North

Favorite: Schaumburg

Darkhorse: Elk Grove

Players to watch: Elk Grove: Ashley Capotosto, Olivia Roback. Schaumburg: Kylie Castans, Gabrielle Blackwell, Drewann Pancratz. Hersey: Sarah Stoltzner, Kelly Rogowski, Megan Rogowski. Waubonsie Valley: Jessica Morice. Willowbrook: Angela Domin. Wheaton North: Allie Cerone, Michelle Scandora. Hinsdale Central: Toni Kokenis, Molly Kinsella. Glenbard South: Nikki Simpson, Danielle Pipal.

Outlook: No one has stopped Schaumburg yet. Can the top-seeded Saxons (11-0) say that after four games in this tourney? Among the top challengers are Hinsdale Central (10-0) and Waubonsie Valley (11-0), both ranked among the top six in the Daily Herald poll. Also, Glenbrook South looms as a threat. The Titans recently stopped powerful Maine South. And Elk Grove is sporting a 10-3 record at the moment. "We've participated in the Wheaton North Christmas tourney for the past 23 years," said Schaumburg coach Bill Murmann. "Wheaton North organizes one of the best Christmas tournaments in the state of Illinois, hosting uninterrupted games from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. four days in a row. The hospitality has been second to none." Murmann knows his team will be tested. "The competition has always provided some of the best teams in the state with teams like Hinsdale Central and Waubonsie Valley, who are both undefeated this season," Murmann added. "We always look forward to the competition as a way to make us better for the second half of the season." Murmann brings a Saxons team that has three starters averaging double figures (all-area selections Drewann Pancratz, Kylie Castans and Gabrielle Blackwell). Elk Grove is getting a lot of scoring from sophomore Ashley Capotosto (21.6 ppg) and a lot of assists from Olivia Roback (7.7 ppg). Grenadiers coach Jim Wills has watched his team win 10 of its first 13 contests and he is looking forward to the competition at Wheaton North. "You've got three undefeated teams," said Wills, whose team was third two years ago in this event. "It seems like it gets tougher every season. When you get into a 16-team tourney, you want to get on winner's side of the brackets, so we've got to get our first game with Lyons and take it from there." Wills said a 2-2 record in the winner's bracket looks good. "Anything better, would be gravy," he said. "We're playing well (six-game winning streak) with a lot of confidence and better defense, which is really key for us." Hersey has always enjoyed success in the tourney. Coach Mary Fendley's teams are 17-3 over the last 5 years -- winning titles in 2002 and 2004. "Despite our record, we all believe that things will start working out better for us," Fendley said. "Maybe the tournament will help us do that. We've had a lot of success here in the past, so maybe we'll go in with some confidence. Some of the younger kids (2 freshmen and 4 sophomores) are really starting to show in practice that they are ready to contribute to varsity." Senior Sarah Stoltzner and freshman Megan Rogowski were named to the all-tourney team at the Maine West Tip-Off Classic.