Scouting Fox Valley area girls basketball teams
Upstate Eight Conference
Bartlett
Coach: Denise Sarna (10th year at Bartlett, 164-103)
2007-08 record: 10-19 (5-5 UEC)
Top returning players: Seniors Rachael Anello (5-8 G), Sam Salinas (5-9 F), Becca Cronin (5-7 G/F), Alexa Tovella (5-7 G), Shannon Sebestin (5-9 F), Danielle Marciniak (6-1 C); junior Nicolette Gutzwiller (5-8 F); sophomores Nicole Beck (5-8 G), Christina Carlson (6-0 C), Jacki Gulczynski (6-0 G/F).
Top newcomers: Freshmen Ashley Santos (5-9 G/F), Haley Videckis (5-10 F), Kristin Conniff (5-11 F), Katie Gutzwiller (5-9 F).
Outlook: With 10 returning players and four talented freshmen, Bartlett has high hopes of erasing a rare losing season, one that saw many young players get valuable varsity experience. "We're a blend of experience and youth," said Hawks coach Denise Sarna. "I think we can go pretty deep in numbers and we have decent speed." And some size too. The Hawks return three 6-footers in Marciniak, Carlson and Gulczynski, who averaged a team-high 12.4 points per game last season while earning all-area honors. Marciniak returns healthy after missing the better part of last season with an ACL injury. And, all four freshmen up on the varsity are 5-9 or taller. "We'll try to get our running game going and play some tough defense," Sarna said. "Just by the fact we're returning four starters (Gulczynski, Cronin, Tovella, Salinas) we should be better. I expect some of our hard knocks of last year to pay off this year. We had a good summer and I can see confidence in the kids. We still have a killer schedule so we'll see where we stand early." Bartlett will play in the Naperville Central/Benet Tip-Off Tournament again, as well as the Charger Classic Christmas Tournament at Dundee-Crown. Salinas and Tovella will join the team after competing for the Hawks in the state cross country finals this weekend in Peoria.
Elgin
Coach: Angie Hudson (fourth year, 11-72)
2007-08 record: 1-25 (1-9 UEC)
Top returning players: Seniors Ellen Holton (6-1 C), Karis Allen (5-6 G), Kayla Jackson (5-2 G); junior Brandi Hernandez (5-2 G)
Top newcomers: Junior Evelyn Boje (5-5 F); freshman Porsche Griggs (5-10 F)
Outlook: Maroons' coach Angie Hudson likes how her team moves on the court. "I think we are going to be very quick," said Hudson. "We've got a lot of quick guards. Hopefully we'll get some easy baskets and some fast breaks on defense. This is the most speed I've had since I've been at Elgin. Even our post players are quick." Hudson also has a good amount of experience returning, including all-conference performer Allen (the team's leading returning scorer) and Holton (whose 2007-2008 season was slowed after having a jaw procedure done). "We've got a lot of girls that played a lot of varsity minutes," said Hudson. "They took their lumps last year. I think they are going to be ready to go this year." Hudson feels the Maroons will be improved on the defensive end. "Defensively we're stronger," said Hudson. "We worked on a lot of trapping. We'll throw some different looks at teams. With the rotation of guards we have, we're pretty quick. I think we can surprise some teams in the conference because of it. This team really likes to play defense." Griggs is a freshman that has a lot of potential. "I've seen a lot of good things out of her," said Hudson. "She's got a good arm-span and she can handle the ball. The kids love her. She has meshed right in." Hudson is optimistic about the team's future. "We'll be much better and the kids believe it," said Hudson. "I would look for us to get into double-figure wins this year and maybe shock some teams in the conference."
Larkin
Coach: Amy Silverman (14th year, 156-210)
2007-08 record: 6-21 (3-7 UEC)
Top returning players: Seniors Ashley Somphonhphakdy (5-6 G), Darlene Sivilay (5-7 G/F), Lindsey Casebeer (5-9 F), Jessica Harris (5-8 F), Leah Rybakowski (5-6 G); junior Stacey Beaver (6-1 C); sophomore Monica Hurtado (5-4 G).
Top newcomers: Senior Nadia Spencer (5-6 G); junior Tatiana Holbert (5-9 F).
Outlook: Youth and inexperience may be abundant at Larkin to start the season but there's also some talent. While the Royals lost leading scorer and floor leader Alyssa Burns to graduation, Harris, Casebeer and Beaver all saw significant varsity time last season. "We're definitely young," said coach Amy Silverman. "Even though we have some players back we're young and inexperienced. Harris and Casebeer have the most experience and we'll look to them for leadership. Harris is a smart player and a strong player and Casebeer is tough inside." Rybakowski will run the show as point guard, a position she got some experience at last season. "Beaver is still young but coming up last year to the varsity gave her some experience and she gives us some size," Silverman said. "We just need to get her and some of the other girls more experience and some confidence." Larkin will open the season at the Oregon Thanksgiving Tournament, having opted out of the Hinsdale South tournament after several years there.
South Elgin
2007-08 record: 15-14 (5-5 UEC)
Coach: Tim Prendergast (2nd year, 15-14)
Top returning players: Seniors Cortney Kumerow (6-2 C), Genevieve Johnson (5-6 G), Kaleigh Irwin (5-10 F), Andrea Mastro (5-7 G); juniors Alyssa Krause (6-0 F), Dijon Smith (6-1 post)
Top newcomers: Becca Smith (5-7 PG)
Outlook: South Elgin opened some eyes last year by winning 15 games. Storm coach Tim Prendergast would like to see said eyes open even further. "We feel like we're turning the corner here," said Prendergast. "But we don't want to be .500. We want to compete with the top teams in the conference. Our goal is to be better than .500 and to try to win a regional and be more competitive in our conference. We were 5-5 there last year. We want to improve on that." The Storm had no troubles scoring points last year. But Prendergast would like to see the flip-side worked upon. "We lost a game last year 63-61 to Neuqua Valley," said Prendergast. "We have no problem scoring. But we have to play better defense. We need to emphasize defense. The more we run the other team will have more opportunity to get the ball back our way. We have to play defense." Kumerow and Johnson are both returning all-UEC players. Post play figures to be a strength. "We're athletic and we're big and we can pound the ball inside," said Prendergast. "At the same time, our post players can run the floor. We'll try some different things." Prendergast has high hopes for freshman Becca Smith, the team's new point guard (Johnson has moved to the off-guard position after being the team's point guard the last 2 seasons). "She is pretty good," said Prendergast of Smith. "We played 34 games (28-6 record) in the summer and we let her run the show pretty much out there. She was the talk of the summer league." Prendergast sees a loaded UEC this year. "Our conference is really good," said Prendergast. "All of the top players are back. I feel we've taken a step up here, but nobody has left."
Streamwood
Coach: George Rosner (28th year coaching, 306-402; 264 wins at Streamwood)
2007-08 record: 4-23 (1-9 UEC)
Top returning players: Seniors Kim Hotoby (5-7 G), Arielle Gallione (5-9 post), Danielle Cizowski (5-6 G), Megan DeGuia (5-7 G), Lizi Lieberman (5-7 G-F); juniors Melissa Oehlerking (6-0 F), Cait Marchant (5-2 PG); sophomore Emma Schmidt (5-10 F)
Top newcomers: Juniors Alex Kowalski (5-6 G-F), Julianne Ranahan (5-6 G); sophomore Michelle Tomczak (6-2 post); freshman Amanda Patterson (5-4 G)
Outlook: Rosner, the dean of area girls basketball coaches, is excited about the depth this year's squad possesses. "You look at all 12 of the girls, I can see all 12 girls getting into games," said Rosner. "I don't see anybody having a permanent seat on the bench. Everybody here can contribute. The other part of it is there is competition in practice, which we haven't always had. That's a good thing." Schmidt, Oehlerking, Hotoby and Marchant started in the majority of last year's game. Schmidt was the team's second-leading scorer as a freshman last year. "Emma is going to be real good," said Rosner. "She's worked hard and has gotten much better than last year. She's stronger. She can be a force inside." Gallione will also provide interior strength, while Oehlerking gives Rosner a variety of options. "Melissa is very versatile," said Rosner. "She can hit 3s or she can post people up. We've got some people who can move people around. We'll be tough inside." Rosner likes the outlook for 08-09. "We only won 4 games last year," said Rosner. "We have the potential to be better in a lot of different definitions. I think we'll be better than last year. We would like to have an impact in the tournaments and in the Upstate Eight. I'm happy with this group we have."
Big Northern East Conference
Burlington Central
Coach: Wade Maisto (Interim status; coached
3 years in 1980s with a record of 48-26)
2007-08 record: 19-11 (7-3 BN-E)
Top returning players: Seniors Amanda Smith (5-9 F), Tarika Fowler (5-6 G); juniors Jordan Maisto (5-4 G), Katie McNutt (5-4 G), Taylor Colby (5-9 F); sophomore Aly Settanni (6-0 C).
Top newcomers: Seniors Molly Turk (5-9 F), Rosie Garza (5-5 G, Bartlett transfer); juniors Megan Minehart (5-5 G), Mary McCartney (6-1 C), Molly Yoder (5-10 F), Liz Halbmaier (5-9 F).
Outlook: The Rockets will have a new look this season as Wade Maisto takes over for Darlene Guyett on the bench for just this season (Guyett took a one-year leave of absence from coaching and expects to return next year). Maisto coached BC for three seasons in the 1980s and it was just two years ago that BC broke the school record for wins that the 1986-87 sectional finalist of Maisto's had set. BC lost its top two scorers in Cory Bazany and Melanie Laird, but they do return fiery point guard Jordan Maisto, the coach's daughter, who averaged 10.3 points per game last season and was second in the area with 52 3-pointers. Also back with some varsity experience are McNutt and Colby (4.3 ppg). And then there's the addition of Turk, a varsity starter as a freshman who took the last two years off basketball to concentrate on volleyball, where she has earned a scholarship to Northern Iowa and today was named, for the second straight year, the Honorary Captain of the Daily Herald's All-Area team. "We're happy to have Molly back in the program, said Wade Maisto, who has coached most of these players either in the summer or in junior high. "I really think we can be a decent team. We're young but we also have some experience. The girls are learning new offenses and new defenses. I expect the team to be better at and after Christmas than it is at Thanksgiving. I know this group will work hard. We'll need good leadership from Jordan, Taylor and Katie. They played a lot of minutes last year."
Hampshire
Coach: Sue Ellett (sixth year, 98-46)
2007-08 record: 19-8 (9-1 BN-E)
Top returning players: Seniors Kendall Kurilla (5-3 G), Kristy Pfaffinger (5-0 G), Gianina Estocado (5-1 G), Christine Schumacher (5-8 G), Kelly Plichta (5-6 G), Kelsey Watson (5-8 F/C), Jackie Jeffries (5-8 F); juniors Cassie Dumoulin (5-8 G/F), Chrissy Heine (6-0 F/C); sophomore Alex Dumoulin (5-7 F).
Top newcomers: Senior Kayla Meyer (5-6 G); juniors Bridget Dumoulin (5-7 F), Margaret Wians (5-4 G).
Outlook: Depth and experience will be the key for the defending Big Northern East champion Whip-Purs, who jump up to Class 3A for the postseason this year. Coach Sue Ellett says she has the same three goals for her team as she does every year -a conference title, 20 wins and a regional crown - but this year, she says, "we're shooting for the whole package." Why not? The Whips may have more experience returning than any team in the area. Alex Dumoulin (9.0 ppg, 5.6 rpg) and Heine (10.6, 7.8 rpg) return, as does Schumacher (6.3 ppg), who missed the first half of last season recovering from an ACL. "This is the first time I've opened practice with all juniors and seniors," Ellett said. "I know Dumoulin is a sophomore but she has varsity experience and doesn't play like a sophomore. We have experience on our side. These seniors have a sense of urgency and focus and they really want to have a nice year." Ellett says the jump to 3A won't be that major for the Whip-Purs. "We always play a tough schedule so it doesn't really matter," she said. "These kids are a year stronger, a year bigger and a year smarter. If we can stay happy, healthy and focused and keep all the seniors on the same page we could have a nice year."
Fox Valley (Valley) Conference
Cary-Grove
Coach: Rod Saffert (third year, 39-19)
2007-08 record: 26-4 (10-0 FVC Valley)
Top returning players: Senior Tori Sandstrom (5-9 F); junior Liz Bart (5-6 G); sophomores Meg Straumann (5-9 PG), Claire Jakubicek (6-0 G)
Top newcomers: Juniors Tino Bear (5-10 F), Laura Chianakas (5-6 G), Liz Dyrek (5-8 F), Karen Serowka (5-5 G)
Outlook: The Trojans, who ran the table in the FVC Valley last year, return 4 players in Straumann, Jakubicek, Sandstrom and Bart who started at various times last season. "The biggest thing is we've all been on the same page since Day 1," said coach Rod Saffert. "They all want the same thing. The big fact is they are together. Some of the girls came to me before the school year and asked why can't we achieve things other than a conference title and a regional title? They have some lofty aspirations." Straumann (the team's leading returning scorer at 10.0 ppg) and Jakubicek figure to weigh in heavily on the offensive end. "They should both be huge contributors scoring-wise," said Saffert. "Ideally I'm hoping to get 10 points or more out of every girl that starts. It's possible. We'll see what happens. We've got a lot of weapons. We've got a lot of people that can do a lot of different things." Saffert feels this year's group brings an added component to the gym. "I've been doing this for 16 years and have had some really good teams over the years," said Saffert. "This one wants something greater. There is no doubt in my mind they can do it."
Crystal Lake South
Coach: Kyle McCaughn (eighth year, 100-100)
2007-08 record: 21-9 (7-3 FVC Valley)
Top returning players: Seniors Carly Juliano (5-8 F), Caitlin Mize (6-0 post), Jessica Taldone (5-6 F), Michelle Kuta (5-5 G), Tona Beuttner (5-6 G); juniors Molly Benoit (5-8 F), Katie Burton (5-7 G), Michelle Gaede (5-7 G), Jenny Hanrahan (6-0 post)
Top newcomer: Junior Lauren Chrystal (6-0 post)
Outlook: South, picked by a number of area observers to contend for the FVC Valley crown this year, has experience on its side on a number of fronts. First, the Gators return all 5 starters from last year's 21-win team. That group includes all-FVC Valley performers in Juliano, Mize and Burton. Seven of South's players have been with coach Kyle McCaughn for 3 seasons now. "These girls have significant playing time and experience," said McCaughn. "They have a good understanding of what we need to do and how we do it. That will help us immensely. That experience will be huge. This group has been successful, too. They won 22 three years ago and 21 last year. That experience and that knowledge and being in tough situations will hopefully be beneficial to these kids," said McCaughn. Defense will once again be one of South's main calling cards. "Our biggest strength is our defense," said McCaughn. "The girls buy into our defensive system and they take it to heart. We have some defensive goals that we set and they buy into those." McCaughn said his team will be a bit more up-tempo this season, but not at the expense of the larger picture. "We'll run up and down and push it a little more than we have in the past," said McCaughn. "We'll still have a methodical patience if we don't get anything in transition. We knew we have the ability to pick teams apart. We're able to score because the girls know the offense so well and they will get to know it a little better this year." McCaughn knows the Valley Division will be no walk in the park. "I would like to think we should be near the top," said McCaughn. "But there is great competition in the conference. The conference is better than it was last year. The Valley side will be tough. Nobody is going to walk away with it."
Dundee-Crown
Coach: Michelle Russell (first year)
2007-08 record: 11-16 (4-6 FVC Valley)
Top returning players: Seniors Ashley Bartelt (5-7 G), Alex Lococo (5-7 G), Melissa Summaria (5-4 G), Katie Sullivan (5-5 G), Tori Scarpelli (5-8 F), Emilie Kerkman (5-7 G), Jill Gantz (5-9 F/C), April Podbregar (5-9 F).
Top newcomers: Juniors Megan Sasanella (5-8 G), Dana Jensen (6-0 C), Lindsey Mosher (5-8 F/G), Chelsea Henderson (5-5 G).
Outlook: The Chargers have a new look this season. No, it's not new uniforms or a new gym -it's a new coach for the first time in program history. Michelle Russell, the program's all-time leading scorer and an underclass coach the past 8 years, has taken over for the retired Joe Komaromy, an icon of Fox Valley area girls basketball, who retired after 26 years leading the program. What Russell has inherited is a team with eight returning players but few with significant varsity experience. "There's only a few who got good playing time but they're working hard and the seniors know what to expect," Russell said. "Experience will have to come with playing time but I think they're all solid enough to handle it." Lococo and Scarpelli started at times for the Chargers last year and Summaria, Kerkman and Gantz all saw playing time, but D-C will hit the floor with some unknowns at the varsity level. "We're doing a lot of rebuilding," said Russell, who will be assisted by her sophomore assistant from last year, Julie Staudenmaier, whose daughter Robyn is now at Cardinal Stritch in Milwaukee (Tim Foecking, who played on Schaumburg's 2001 state championship team is now D-C's sophomore coach). "We're working on fundamentals and playing solid defense and hopefully the scoring will come."
Jacobs
Coach: Ed Haugens (sixth year, 96-48)
Conference: Fox Valley (Valley)
2007-08 record: 17-12 (6-4 FVC Valley)
Top returning players: Seniors Sam Votjsek (5-4 G), Caitie Quitschau (5-8 F), Keri Bultman (5-9 G); juniors Maria Tamburino (5-8 G), Katy Cook (5-9 F), Hailey Cnota (5-9 G).
Top newcomers: Senior Amy Ritzke (5-9 G/F); juniors Sierra Dunner (5-9 G, Dundee-Crown transfer), Kelsey Quitschau (5-6 G); freshman Kassidy Herman (5-9 F).
Outlook: Jacobs will have a bit of a different look this season, with more size than speed. "Speed-wise we won't be as fast as last year," said coach Ed Haugens. "But we have more size and we're still a very athletic team. We have some nice experience and great potential. It will all be about chemistry and coming together as a team." While the Golden Eagles lost leading scorer Markie Rahn to graduation, they do return Tamburino (8.4 ppg), Cnota (6.7) and Bultman (6.4) from last year's regional championship team. "We're putting in some new things this year and we'll do some things different with our offense this season," said Haugens.
Independent School League Conference
Elgin Academy
Coach: Vicente Pena (first year)
2007-08 record: 11-17 (3-7 ISL)
Top returning players: Senior Kristin Cella (5-10 C); juniors Alyssa Pena (5-7 G-F), Bianca Swegler (5-10 PF-C), Lauren Steinle (5-6 PG)
Top newcomers: Junior Gizem Tunca (5-6 G); sophomores Alex Ovington (5-6 G-F), Caitlin Ward (5-9 G-F); freshmen Alex Lee (5-10 C), Ashley Barnes (5-4 PG)
Outlook: Vicente Pena takes over for Diana Comer-Rabaza, who had coached the team the previous 6 years (27-119 overall record). Pena previously coached the freshman team at St. Edward and at St. Joe's Middle School in Elgin. Pena said the team has a strong bond. "The younger girls have played together the last few years," said Pena. "That will help us out. There is a good chemistry." Quickness will be a big strength for the Hilltoppers. "We'll do our best to utilize our speed against the teams we play. We'll be more of an outside-oriented team and defensively we'll be OK. The kids hustle. They will use their speed to help out on defense." Pena is looking to build things long-term. "We've got a very good group of girls to work with," said Pena. "There is a lot of potential. These younger girls will be together the next 2 or 3 years. That will help out a lot."
Independent Fox Valley (Fox) Conference
Huntley
Coach: Steve Raethz (10th year, 127-127)
2007-08 record: 20-10 (8-2 FVC Fox)
Top returning players: Seniors Megan Martinez (5-7 G), Allyson Stellmach (6-0 C), Sammy Oslance (5-6 G), Erin Sietz (6-0 F); juniors Hillary Johnson (5-10 F), Kadie Lowery (5-11 G-F), Carly Goede (5-4 G)
Top newcomers: Juniors Amanda Wisniewski (5-9 G-F), Taylor Henning (5-7 G-F); sophomores Rachel Chapuis (5-6 G-F), Cecilia Tsevas (5-8 G)
Outlook: Red Raiders' coach Steve Raethz feels the long-term outlook for this group is positive. "I think this group has a lot of potential," said Raethz. "I foresee us getting better as the year progresses. We're working hard to create an identity and build team chemistry on both ends of the floor. Defense is our main staple. The biggest thing is I see us improving on both ends of the floor as the season progresses. I see us getting stronger as a team. We're working hard at getting everyone on the same page with what we're trying to do defensively. We've got a unique mix of newcomers and returners. The biggest thing is getting everybody on the same page. Once we start to click, I see us playing some pretty good basketball." Raethz is also encouraged by the experience that is returning. "We have a very nice luxury of having a couple of returning starters back and we've got kids that even though they weren't starters, they saw significant minutes," said Raethz. "I really like the potential of this group and what we can potentially do down the road. we want to contend for the conference championship and we want to contend for a third-straight regional title and obviously go deeper into the postseason." Huntley will play in tournaments at Waubonsie Valley and Mundelein this year. "Our first 15 games will be a real challenge," said Raethz. "But it will prepare us heading into the conference after the break, which is what we want."
Suburban Catholic Conference
St. Edward
Coach: Michelle Dawson (fifth year, 60-49)
2007-08 record: 12-12 (7-7 SCC)
Top returning players: Seniors Tommisina Domel (5-7 G), Katie Yohn (5-11 G), Lauren Thomas (5-5 G), Angie Cortez (5-11 F), Valerie Gotheridge (5-8 F); junior Kristi Knott (5-8 G/F); sophomore Vincenza Ranallo (5-6 G).
Top newcomers: Freshmen Madeline Kerr (5-10 G/F), Callie Johnson (5-8 G).
Outlook: Any team that enters the season with a Katie Yohn has to be considered a tough opponent. The returning Daily Herald All-Area co-captain enters the season with 1,127 career points and last season averaged 20 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 4.2 steals and 1.3 blocks per game as she secured a full scholarship from Bradley University. "We're looking for some girls to really step up and play a supporting role for Katie this year," said Green Wave coach Michelle Dawson. "We know we're not as tall as we've been the last few years so we're concentrating on our perimeter defense and cutting off the lanes." Thomas, Ranallo, Gotheridge and Knott all saw significant varsity time last season and will be looked to form a good chemistry around Yohn, who needs just under 600 points to shatter Beth Hasenmiller-Sauser's career record. "We'll have a whole new look," said Dawson. "We're a different team this year and these girls are working real hard."
Private School League Conference
Westminster Christian
Coach: Ken Flickinger (fourth year, 13-60)
2007-08 record: 3-18 (0-8 PSL)
Top returning players: Juniors Rachel Doby (5-11 F), Sarah Wesley (5-11 C), Beth Kautz (5-5 G), Sara Rodgers (5-7 PG); sophomore Hannah Graves (5-8 G)
Top newcomers: Sophomores Emily Bickford (5-11), Andrea Walsh (5-10)
Outlook: One major positive is the Warriors return their entire starting lineup from a year ago. Rodgers averaged 7.7 points per game, while Doby was at 7.6 points per contest and led the team in rebounding. Rodgers, Doby and Beth Kautz were all-PSL honorable mention selections as sophomores. "We're still young and we're very athletic," said Flickinger. "We've got some great team chemistry from last year." This will be the first time Westminster will have 2 full teams (sophomore and varsity). "We'll be able to separate both squads, which will be good," said Flickinger, who welcomed six freshmen to the program this year. "The freshmen that played last year, there is a lot of competition among them to fill out the varsity." Flickinger is encouraged by the commitment of the team during the off-season. "We had a great summer," said Flickinger. "It was our best summer in terms of effort and participation. I'm very pleased. These girls have a positive attitude about basketball. All of the things are right. We just have to put it together on the floor." The Warriors have no shortage of height this year. "We've got really good size across the front," said Flickinger. "We've also got a lot of guard-type players who have a lot of quickness. With time, this team could be a pretty good defensive team. They get after it." Improved shooting and a reduction in the turnover department are on the to-do list this season. "Those are two areas that we have focused on," said Flickinger. "These girls have a year of being in the varsity arena. That experience is going to help us this year."