Stevenson sectional boasts strong field
The IHSA state girls gymnastics series is right around the corner, scheduled to begin with regionals Jan. 31st.
A quick look at the pairings and one thing is certain — the Stevenson sectional is loaded with talent.
Last year, 11 of the 12 Mid-Suburban League teams competed in the Schaumburg sectional — only Barrington traveled to the Stevenson sectional.
This year after some realignment, six of the 12 MSL schools will compete in the Stevenson sectional.
The Stevenson field features four teams in the top five of season-high scores — including Fremd at No. 5 with a 146.875.
The Vikings, who have won a dozen state titles — including back-to-back crowns in 2007 and ’08 — are looking to qualify for the state meet for the 19th straight year. But it won’t be easy.
Lurking in the Stevenson field are the host and 2009 state champion Patriots (150.40) and 2010 state champion Carmel (150.225) — the teams that own the top two scores in the state this season.
Also in the field are dangerous Lake Forest, improving Libertyville and rising Prairie Ridge. Palatine, Barrington, Hersey, Buffalo Grove and Wheeling will also compete in the Stevenson sectional.
In a field with so much talent, there will no doubt be a few deserving teams and individuals left on the outside looking in.
Schaumburg earned the top seed at the Niles North sectional, as the Saxons seek their first state appearance.
Also at Niles North will be Prospect, Conant, Hoffman Estates, Elk Grove, Rolling Meadows and Maine West.
Fremd adjusts sans Van Duch:
Last year, Fremd took third in the state meet — but this year has been a season of adjustments.
One of the biggest has been trying to fill the spot of senior Alyssia Van Duch, who suffered a season-ending ACL tear in her left knee.
Van Duch was a key member of the Vikings the last three years, including their 2008 state championship team.
“Winning state as a freshman and being able to be a part of a team like that was very rewarding,” said Van Duch, who is still actively helping guide the young Vikings. “No one wants to go out like this in their senior year, it’s disappointing. But now I just have to change the way I look at it and help the team become the best they can be.”
Knights’ Scala stepping up:
Freshman Gianna Scala has made a big splash for Prospect this season.
Scala has not been timid in her debut season, helping lead the Knights to their eighth consecutive MSL East Division title.
Last weekend at the Prospect Invitational, Scala finished second in the all-around to defending MSL all-around champion Ashley Miller. The freshman flashed her potential on the floor by taking first with a 9.55.
“Age wise she’s a freshman, maturity wise she’s a senior — she’s way ahead of herself,” said Prospect coach Randy Smith of Scala.
Miller back in form:
Schaumburg’s Ashley Miller had a breakthrough sophomore season last year, capping it by winning the MSL all-around title and qualifying for her first state meet.
This year Miller has had the challenge of living up to the expectations she set last season. After a rusty start, Miller is starting to shine, winning back-to-back all around titles — including a 37.20 on Jan. 11th when she helped the Saxons secure their first MSL West Division title.
Miller has been consistently hitting her Tkachev release on the uneven parallel bars and is coming on strong on beam, floor, and vault.
“Ashley is getting back to where she was last year,” said Schaumburg coach Jami Stilling of Miller, who won the all-around at the Prospect Invite with a 36.975. “You can just see the way she practices now and how she approaches the events she is much more confident.”
Kuksuk, Palatine on the rise:
Palatine sophomore Nicole Kuksuk, who qualified for state on floor last year, is starting to find her comfort zone.
Kuksuk hit a 36.65 to take first in the all-around and lead Palatine to team honors at the Niles North Invite last weekend.
“She is not a nervous as she was last year,” said Palatine coach Terry Theobald. “She’s been there and she’s definitely better competitor.”
The emergence of Kuksuk and fellow sophomore Abby Alden, along with the steady performance of senior Nicole Barba, have sparked the Pirates.
“They’re all helping each other,” Theobald said.
Schedule alert:
The Mid Suburban League meet is Friday, Jan. 28, at Rolling Meadows starting at 6 p.m. The MSL freshman meet is this Saturday at 11 a.m.