Scouting the Fox Valley

Aurora Central Catholic

Coach: Mark Fitzgerald (10th season, 131-126)

Last year: 13-16

Top returning athletes: Senior Tatyanna Smith (6-0, F); Junior Tressa Cwinski (5-9, F); Sophomore Delani Kosner (5-8, G)

Top newcomer: Junior Lara Anger (6-0, C)

Outlook: The Chargers have some big shoes to fill - literally. Gone is 6-foot-3 Taylor Harizin who is now playing at Quincy University. Aurora Central also graduated point guard Alex Johnston and two other 2-year starters, Gina Cortino and Shakira Del Toro. The six seniors who graduated last year accounted for 61 percent of the team's scoring. Kosner is the only returning starter. Her 185 points last year were second on the team to Harazin. The Chargers will count on the 6-foot-2 senior Madeline Bunger, 6-0 Tatyanna Smith and 6-0 Anger to replace Harazin's size inside. Senior Jessica Kling has three years of varsity experience. Fitzgerald said junior power forward Cwinski, senior transfer Alize Casas and sharpshooting senior guard Alexis Camp will "all bring a lot of energy and team-first spirit to the club." He added Smith is also poised to have a breakout year. "An excellent athlete, Smith dedicated herself to the game this summer and early results are extremely positive," Fitzgerald said. He's hoping the team's new look will be competitive in the Metro Suburban Conference. "We have once again committed to a tough nonconference schedule by returning to the Chicago Heights Marian Catholic Holiday tournament where we will be the smallest school in the tournament and play powerhouses Marian Catholic, Fenwick and Thornton in round-robin play," Fitzgerald said. "I think this year's team will surprise a few people with their great attitudes, hustle and team play. It should be a very fun year."

Aurora Christian

Coach: Burney Wilkie (4th season, 54-31)

Last year: 20-9, 9-1 in the Northeastern Athletic Conference, regional champion

Top returning athletes: Seniors Alexandra Fry (5-6, PG), Megan Hart (5-11, PF), Sarah Wert (5-7, G.F); Juniors Tori Henning (5-8, G), Dannielle Lopez (6-0, C), Lauren Richert (5-6, G), Jackie LaVia (5-11, F/C)

Outlook: The Eagles return seven of their top nine including four of five starters from a 20-win season. "This is our last year in the NAC and the race for the conference championship should be between us and Harvest Christian," said Wilkie, who knows the Lions will be tough to beat. "They have to be a favorite to win 2A this year," Wilkie said. "I saw them this summer and they are the most loaded small school I have ever seen." The Eagles also have plenty of talent starting with Henning, who led Aurora Christian last year averaging 17.2 points and already is in the top 10 in scoring and rebounding on Aurora Christian's all-time ranks. "We are expecting another big year from Tori," Wilkie said. "Tori gets to the basket with ease. She has put in a lot of quality time in the off-season, and we are expecting her to not only be great at getting to the basket this year, but also a great shooter." Fry set Aurora Christian's single season record with 140 assists last year. Averaged 7.8 points per game. "Alexandra is coming off a breakout junior season," Wilkie said. "Alexandra is a great team leader and was voted captain by her teammates for a second consecutive year. Alexandra is not only a great facilitator, but also a great defender." Hart also is a team captain after averaging 5.3 points and 8.2 rebounds. "The strength of our team is our ability to push the ball up and down the floor," Wilkie said. "We really love to get up and down and have become a really good pressing team. I think offensively we will be as balanced as we have ever been. Last year, a weakness of ours was our inability to knock down 3-point baskets consistently. I think we will be much improved in that area this year. If we are able to knock down jump shots and consistently defend on the half court, I believe that we have a chance to reach our ultimate goal and compete for a 1A state championship." Wilkie expects Lopez to be one of the most improved players in the area this year. Richert is one of the team's best defenders, and Wert and LaVia provide solid depth.

Bartlett

Coach: Brad Hunt (first year)

Last year: 12-18, 6-4 in the Upstate Eight Conference Valley

Top returning athletes: Seniors Kayla Hare (5-9, G), Danielle Kleeman (5-8, F), Miranda Hedeen (5-5, G), Meghan Colley (6-0, F), Jennifer Carberry (6-0, F); Junior Teagan Noesen (5-8, G); Sophomore Shelly Banks (5-7, G)

Top newcomers: Senior Amber Pagan (5-9, F); Junior Savannah Standefer (5-9, G); Freshmen Lexie Sinclair (5-7, G), Justina Hernandez (5-9, G/F)

Outlook: The Hawks went through a last-minute coaching change when Dave Mello resigned in August. Luckily they have someone who knows the program as well as anyone in Hunt, who coached with Mello the past two years and eight years with Denise Sarna before that. He also has been a lower-level coach with the Hawks. "I am proud that I have been a Hawk all 13 years," Hunt said. Hare is a returning All-Area selection who averaged 15.4 points, 4.7 rebounds and 6.4 steals a game last year. Her 193 steals put her 13th on the all-time on the Illinois single-season list. She has committed to the University of St. Louis-Missouri. Kleeman gives the Hawks a strong inside player who averaged 6.6 points and 6.2 rebounds a game. Noesen chipped in 3.3 points last year, Banks 2.7 points and Hedeen 1.3 points. "Our team is going to be very exciting to watch," Hunt said. "We have a great mix of senior leadership and some fresh new faces. We are going to be fast and aggressive. We will most likely be smaller than most teams." Hunt said the Hawks expect to improve on last year's record and climb up the conference standings. "We play a very difficult schedule," Hunt said. "I feel we will be a very competitive team within and out of our conference." South Elgin is the defending Valley champion and Hunt likes West Aurora's returnees. "Both of those schools will be tough on any given night," Hunt said. "The Valley will be up in the air and fun to watch it play out."

Batavia

Coach: Kevin Jensen

Last year: 9-22, 4-8 in the Upstate Eight Conference River

Top returning athletes: Juniors Geddy Rerko (6-0, F), Hailey Orman (5-6, G), Ava Sergio (6-1, F), Jenna Laughlin (5-9, G), Allison Newberry (5-8, G); Sophomores Erin Golden (5-7, G), Katherine Polick (5-7, G)

Top newcomers: Senior Paris Chaney (5-7, G); Junior Meghan Walsh (5-8, G); Freshman Morgan Haug (5-7, G)

Outlook: The Bulldogs started last year trying to replace 4-year starter and the school's all-time leading scorer Hannah Frazier, and it wasn't easy. "We are looking to rebound from a tough 2016-2017 season," Jensen said. This year's team is still fairly young with the only senior being Paris Chaney, a transfer from Aurora Christian. But many of those juniors and sophomores already have varsity experience which will provide the team a boost. "We are looking for breakout seasons from Geddy Rerko and Ava Sergio," Jensen said. "Sophomore Erin Golden will be a dynamic player this year and has the ability to score inside and outside. Hailey Orman will provide a strong outside threat, while Allison Newberry will add speed to the lineup. The addition of Paris Chaney adds depth to the team."

Burlington Central

Coach: Mark Smith (6th year, 135-51)

Last year: 15-15, 8-4 Kishwaukee River Conference

Top returning athletes: Junior Mackenzie West (5-11 C); Sophomores Kathryn Schmidt (6-0 G/F), Zoey Kollhoff (5-9 F), Reili Gardner (5-7 G)

Top newcomers: Sophomores Alex Lichner (6-0 F); Freshmen Elana Wells (5-6 G), Avery Andersen (5-8 F)

Outlook: Young but with some decent varsity experience, the Rockets embark on the season with high expectations. Leading the list of young returners is Schmidt, who led the team in scoring as a freshman at 16.3 ppg, which included 58 3-pointers. She also averaged 7.2 rebounds and had 20 blocked shots. With 488 points last season, it's possible she'll become a rare sophomore who reaches 1,000 points in her second varsity season. West (7.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg) brings some size up front and Smith said the likely starting point guard would be Wells, who was impressive in summer leagues. Kollhoff averaged 4.1 ppg last season and will be looking to add to that average. "West has really improved and Kat continues to develop. She's a gym rat and plays as much as she can. She can shoot outside but she's got a knack for getting inside also," said Smith. "Some of the sophomores played a lot as freshmen so we think we're going to be better." The Rockets finished second to Johnsburg in the KRC last season and Smith tabs the Skyhawks as the league favorite again. BC has left the Dundee-Crown Christmas tournament and will play at Dixon over the holidays. The Rockets also play in the ultra-tough DeKalb MLK tournament in January.

Cary-Grove

Coach: Rod Saffert (12th year, 217-107)

Last year: 16-12, 11-5 in the Fox Valley Conference (first), won Libertyville Holiday Tournament

Top returning athletes: Seniors Katie Sowa (G/F), Abby Getka (F), Maddie Gorz (G), Nicollette Richardi (G), Vanessa Morris (G), Ally Raupp (F); Juniors Bailey Steinkamp (G/F), Maddie Jannusch (G/F), Elsa Larry (G)

Top newcomers: Junior Sarah Howdeshell (F)

Outlook: Now in his 25th year with the program, Saffert's Trojans have to replace Katie Demert and Becca Kendeigh but have one of the area's elite returnees in Sowa, who has committed to the University of Indianapolis. She averaged 16.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 2.6 steals and 2.9 deflections per game last year. She is only 100 points away from 1,000 in her career. While she's the leader, Saffert likes what the nucleus of returnees bring. "These eight young ladies round out what should be a very competitive team and season for us," Saffert said. "They will bring many different talents to our scheme this year." Saffert said Howdeshell will provide valuable minutes in the post. The Trojans are looking forward to defending their conference crown. "We should contend for the FVC title and a regional title this season," Saffert said. "We know there is a lot of work to do, but we are all committed to each other and this program. The vibe in practice has been phenomenal thus far, and we are all looking forward to lacing up our shoes and hitting the hardwood once again in pursuit of our goals."

Crystal Lake South

Coach: Mark Mucha (4th year, 59-24)

Last year: 14-15, 8-8 in the Fox Valley Conference

Top returning athletes: Senior Lauren Schoen (5-9, G); Junior Maddie Bush (5-4, G)

Top newcomers: Juniors Emily Sulikowski (F), Kate Lawson (F); Sophomores Kyra Swartz (G), Gaby Trier (F); Freshmen Brooke Kuffel (F), Ava Sevcik (G)

Outlook: The Gators figure to be one of the most inexperienced teams in the area. They graduated 80 percent of the last year's varsity. "We will be young this year, but eager to compete in the Fox Valley Conference," Mucha said.

Dundee-Crown

Coach: Sarah Miller (5th year, 61-67)

Last year: 19-11, 11-5 Fox Valley Conference (tied for championship), won 3rd straight regional title

Top returning athletes: Seniors Anna Kieltyka (5-7 G), Kendall Schmidt (5-4 G), Maddi Tripp (6-2 C), Kennedy White (5-7 G); Sophomores Cassidy Randl (5-8 F), Payton Schmidt (5-5 G), Katelyn Skibinski (5-7 F)

Top newcomers: Sophomore Kendall Kieltyka (5-9 C), Jocelyn Munoz (5-2 G); Freshmen Gianine Boado (5-8 G/F), Alyssa Crenshaw (5-9 C)

Outlook: It will be a team effort for the Chargers this season as they look to defend their shared FVC championship and go for a fourth straight regional title. One challenge will be replacing the combined 21 points and 11 rebounds per game from graduated Allison Michalski and Paige Gieske. "Everyone will have to do their part for us to be successful," said Miller. "I think we have the potential to surprise some people. We have some leadership and it's been a good start. I've been very pleased so far." Leading the way will be seniors Tripp (5.5 ppg. 5.0 rpg), Anna Kieltyka (4.0 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 2.0 apg) and White (4.7 ppg), who will all be looked at to score more this season. Miller called up two freshmen, Boado and Crenshaw, who she says will be competing for playing time. "Our practices have been super competitive and the intensity is there," Miller said. "I really feel like we can do some great things this year. We want to contend for the conference again and we have other goals that we've set high."

Elgin

Coach: Dr. Nick Bumbales (9th year)

Last year: 5-23, 0-12 in the Upstate Eight Conference River Division

Top returning athletes: Senior Kylie Graves (5-9, F), Raechel Untalan (5-8, PG), Makenna Downing (5-7, G), Gabby Pierre-Louis (5-9, F); Dulce Ocampo (5-1, G), Ayesha Khan (5-2, G), Yasely Jaimes (5-5, G); Juniors Kamiya Harvey (5-6, G), Dajha Cooper (6-0, C), Emily Graves (5-8, F)

Top newcomers: Juniors Sarah Moskow (6-0, C), Talicia McGee (5-7, G), Sabrina Chen (5-7, G), Abby Sensor (5-7, F), Brissa Arredondo (5-6, F), Veronica Gutierrez (5-4, G), Jada Crawford (5-9, F), Rachel Caldwell (5-9, F), Nancy Wilkins (5-8, F)

Outlook: Bumbales, starting his 30th year coaching at Elgin and ninth as head girls basketball coach, returns most of his team. Kylie Graves averaged 7.8 points and 4.5 rebounds a game last year and made Upstate Eight Conference honorable mention. Her average was around 16 points a game early in the season before injuries slowed her. She and Untalan are co-captains; Untalan averaged 3.7 points and 2.8 rebounds. "Raechel has proven to be a reliable point guard," Bumbales said. Harvey played varsity as a sophomore and scored 4.7 points a game; so did Cooper who averaged 3.2 points and 5.5 rebounds. "We return the majority of our scoring from last year's squad which improved dramatically defensively," Bumbales said. "This year's hopes rest on being able to improve offensively." The coach called Harvey a "legitimate inside/outside threat," and he said Downing provides 3-point shooting and tough defense, and Emily Graves is a "dual offensive/defensive threat." Bumbales said Cooper could challenge Elgin's blocked shots record. Bumbales is glad to have 75 girls in the program this year including 30 sophomores. "Behind the veteran leadership of the program, we have built an incredibly positive culture in which young ladies of all demographics and cultures want to participate and represent their school regardless of the outcome. It is extremely impressive," Bumbales said.

Geneva

Coach: Sarah Meadows (7th year, 148-40)

Last year: 29-4, 11-1 in the Upstate Eight Conference River (first), Class 4A state champions

Top returning athletes: Seniors Margaret Whitley (5-6, G), Stephanie Hart (5-6, G), Madison Mallory (6-1, F), Maddy Yelle (5-10, G/F), Bri Borkowicz (5-5, G); Sophomore Lindsay Blackmore (5-11, F)

Top newcomers: Juniors Cassidy Navigato (5-6, G), Jenna Segebrecht (6-1, F); Sophomores Katie Montgomery (5-6, G), Emma Kornak (5-10, F)

Outlook: Geneva enters the season as the defending Class 4A state champions - a title that is never going to get old to hear. "We are excited to get going," Meadows said. "We have a big target on our backs and our kids are up for the challenge of that target." After winning every postseason game on the way to state by at least 19 points, the Vikings won a pair of 1-point thrillers at Redbird Arena, nipping Fremd 34-33 in the semifinals and Edwardsville 41-40 in the title game on last-second shots by Whitley and Hart, respectively. Whitley, committed to the University of Alabama at Birmingham, averaged a team-high 14.2 points a game last year. Hart, like Whitley an All-Area selection and 4-year starter, is headed to Lewis University. Mallory (Youngstown State) and Yelle (Niagara University) also will play in college. "We return experienced players," Meadows said. "We expect our team to compete and play hard in every game. Our strengths will be our experience, we are athletic and our want to win. These kids are competitive and they will grind every day." After graduating Grace Loberg, the school's all-time leading rebounder and a 4-time All-Area selection, it's no surprise what Meadows said the Vikings need to work on. "Areas we will need to concentrate in are rebounding and understanding how to use our post," Meadows said. "Conference shapes up to be competitive like all years. We will have great games against St. Charles North, St. Charles East and Batavia."

Hampshire

Coach: Mike Featherly (5th year, 70-43)

Last year: 17-11, 11-5 in the Fox Valley Conference (tied for first)

Top returning athletes: Seniors Lauren Herrmann (G), Nicole Jachec (F), Sam Johnson (F), McKenzie Rasmussen (G); Juniors Ally Cermak, Sarah Bowen (F)

Top newcomers: Juniors Julia Eadler (F), Morgan Haefling (G), Jessie Heine (G), Aly Johnson (F), Jenny Lundquist (G); Sophomores Katie Del Re (G), Alyssa Cork (G); Freshman Kelby Bannerman (G/F)

Outlook: The Whip-Purs were part of a tight race in the Fox Valley Conference last year that ended with them sharing the championship. They graduated All-Area selection Rachel Dumoulin and her 14.6 points per game, and head into the 2017-18 season with several players looking to step into larger roles. Bannerman got her season started with a team-high 14 points in Hampshire's season-opening win Tuesday. "We have a young team in terms of varsity experience," Featherly said. "The girls have worked hard in the off-season and have bought into the process of getting better every day. They look to continue building on the high expectations we have as a program. The conference is going to be extremely competitive and we look forward competing on a nightly basis."

Harvest Christian

Coach: Jeff Boldog (1st year)

Last year: 29-5, Northeastern Athletic Conference champions, 4th place in Class 1A state tournament

Top returning athletes: Senior Alyssa Iverson (G); Juniors Jenn Kasper (G), Gracie Ozburn (G); Sophomore Maddy Martin (G)

Top newcomers: Seniors Grace Ringel (C), Addie Ringel (F); Junior Elena Porrata (G)

Outlook: With everyone except Katie Kaldenberger back from last year's state team plus more talent transferring in, the Lions are poised for another year as one of the state's best. They will do it with a new coach after Boldog replaced Rich DeTamble this fall. Boldog has four years experience at Prairie Ridge coaching football and three years coaching girls basketball. He also previously coached Harvest Christian's boys team for two years and took over a program that had never won double digit games, and led them to consecutive 17-win seasons and the regional finals his second year. He has been an assistant with the boys program for the past two seasons. Boldog's overall record as a head coach is 42-29. "The team has been through a lot in the off-season with the addition of a new coaching staff, and it will take time to get used to a new style of play," Boldog said. "The team has to continue to work hard to get better every day, and not rest on past success. We have a very tough nonconference schedule to help prepare us for the move to Class 2A." Iverson leads the returnees after an All-State junior year. The newcomers include the Ringel sisters from Kaneland; Grace averaged 7.9 points and 5.5 rebounds on a Knights team that reached the Class 3A sectional finals. "We are adding three new players that should make an instant impact on the program," Boldog said.

Huntley

Coach: Steve Raethz (19th year, 321-211)

Last year: 17-13, 11-5 Fox Valley Conference (shared championship)

Top returning athletes: Senior Mallory Moffett (5-9 G)

Top newcomers: Junior Bridget Bigden (5-9 F); Sophomores Madelynn Hill (5-4 G), Sydney Novak (5-10 F), Anna Seng (5-5 G); Freshmen Ashley Guazzo (5-4 G), Madison Walsh (5-8 F), Briana Bower (5-10 F), Kamsi Nwogu (5-11 F), Raquel Radermacher (5-8 G)

Outlook: For the first time in, well, a long time, Huntley comes into a season with only one active senior on the roster. Moffett is the only player on the Red Raiders' roster with extensive varsity experience. Fellow seniorMcKenzie Krich is out for the season after tearing an ACL over the summer. "We're real young," said Raethz. "We have a combined eight girls who are freshmen and sophomores this year. This is about as young a group as I've ever had but at some point you have to hit the reset button. They're great kids and a lot of these kids have had tremendous success at the lower levels and in eighth grade. We're just trying to get them acclimated to the speed of the varsity game. I've been impressed with their coachability and their eagerness to get better every day. Mallory has really stepped up in the leadership role and she's doing a nice job of showing the younger players what it takes to be a varsity player." Raethz said he's been impressed with the progress of the freshmen. "Our freshmen have a strong skill set," he said. "We will get better as the year progresses."

Jacobs

Coach: Joe Benoit (6th year)

Last year: 12-15, 8-8 in the Fox Valley Conference

Top returning athletes: Senior Kerry Healy (5-8, G); Sophomores Kyra Cabusao (5-6, PG), Elizabeth Schwartz (5-6, G)

Top newcomers: Junior Aleicia Valldejuli (5-10, F); Sophomores Courtney Pahl (5-6, G), Courtney Durben (5-6, G)

Outlook: Healy is the top returning scorer after averaging 5.3 points per game. She is a three-year starter and a four-year varsity athlete in two sports (softball). Eight of Jacobs' nine players are two-sport athletes. Cabusao, who qualified for state in the shot put, started every game at point guard as a freshman and led the team in assists. Schwartz, also a varsity soccer player, came off the bench as a freshman and made 24 three-point shots. "Kerri Healy brings a great deal of leadership to our team and it's been fun to see the high level of intensity at practice that our young players bring," Benoit said. "These kids embrace the fact that we'll be undersized every night and welcome the challenge of our difficult schedule."

Kaneland

Coach: Ernie Colombe (12th year)

Last year: 23-7, 9-4 in the Northern Illinois Big XII East (second)

Top returning athletes: Seniors Jenni Weber (5-9, G), Jamie Martens (5-6, G); Juniors Hannah Armin (5-5, G), Maddy Wheatley (5-6, G), Bryanna Kigyos (5-8, F)

Top newcomers: Juniors Jill Mitchinson (5-7, G), Peyton Giffney (5-6, G), Katie Colombe (5-9, F), Brianna Thomas (6-0, C), Linsey Turner (5-6, G); Sophomore Keely Noel (5-7, G); Freshmen Abby Peeler (5-11, F), Chloe Conley (5-6, G), Kelsey Modaff (5-7, G)

Outlook: The Knights graduated All-Area guard Morgan Weber and lost transfers Grace and Addie Ringel to Harvest Christian from last year's sectional finalist, but Kaneland has plenty back and an influx of talented newcomers. Jenni Weber led Kaneland in scoring last year at 14.2 points a game, sinking 69 shots from 3-point range. Martens is as good as any point guard around who can beat her defender off the dribble and finish for herself or find an open teammate. Averaged 5.6 assists and 4.8 rebounds last season while scoring 7.5 points a game. "It is early but we feel like we have a roster of 14 and they all can play," Colombe said. "We have an unselfish team that really gets along well on and off the court. The strength of our team is our depth and our ability to shoot the ball. We are very young ... but have a lot of potential and hope to be playing our best basketball at the end of the season."

Larkin

Coach: Steve Knapp (3rd year, 23-37)

Last year: 14-17, 4-8 in the Upstate Eight Conference River Division

Top returning athletes: Seniors Haley Bohne (5-7, PG), Val Pizana (5-9, PF), Gloria Stoltz (5-6, PG/SG); Sophomores Brianna Young (5-11, SG/PG), Aaliyah Dixon (5-11, SG/SF)

Top newcomers: Juniors Kiara Villa (5-5, PG), Amber Allen (5-4, SG); Freshman Lexi Saldivar (5-5, PG)

Outlook: There's some big shoes to fill this winter at Larkin with the graduation of all-time leading scorer and last year's All-Area captain Marlee Kyles. She's at Arizona now, and the Royals will look to a variety of players to help fill the production Kyles provided. "This season will be interesting as we lost 30 points a game from Marlee but I think that we can surprise people with our athleticism," Knapp said. Bohne is a three-year starter who averaged 6.7 points last year. Young and Dixon both played varsity as freshmen and averaged 9.7 and 4.5 points a game, respectively. "We have 3 returners that played most of our minutes last year and we also have some length," Knapp said. "I expect that our team will compete with something on their shoulder and will have more balanced scoring this year." Knapp likes defending champion Geneva in the conference race again this year but has a surprise squad as well. "Streamwood has done some great things and will be a competing team in the conference," Knapp said. "Both St. Charles teams will be good and competitive so it will be a great year. We definitely need to work on scoring the basketball but I am hoping that our defense will keep us in the game."

Rosary

Coach: Phil VanBogaert (2nd year, 14-14)

Last year: 14-14

Top returning athletes: Senior Jenna Hernandez (5-6, PG); Sophomore Zoe Ketterman (6-0, F)

Top newcomers: Seniors Anna Glasgow (5-6, SG), AnnaLeah Esp (6-0, F)

Outlook: The Royals only lost one home game in VanBogaert's first year to GCAC champion Queen of Peace. They reached the regional finals before losing to Kaneland. "We have good balance," VanBogaert said. "We have good post players and good shooters." VanBogaert said his main concern heading into the season is his team's lack of experience.

St. Charles East

Coach: Aubree Schuett (1st year)

Last year: 22-5, 10-2 in the Upstate Eight Conference River Division

Top returning athletes: Seniors Sara Rosenfeldt (6-0, F), Rose Stackhouse (5-7, G), Nicole Jordan (5-6, G); Juniors Ashley DiOrio (5-8, G), Taylor Shead (5-8, G)

Top newcomers: Juniors Lexi Kiefer (5-5, G), Emily Vitkus (6-0, F)

Outlook: Schuett takes over for Lori Drumtra. This is Schuett's 12th year coaching, most recently at IC Catholic Prep for five years where she took her team to the Class 2A state tournament in 2014 and 2015. She's got quite a player to build around in Rosenfeldt, a three-time All-Area selection who is committed to the University of Alabama Birmingham. She averaged 19.1 points and 10.5 rebounds last year and is on pace to become the school's all-time leading scorer this year. In the last year of the Upstate Eight Conference River, the Saints get to test their mettle against defending state champion Geneva, among others. "I anticipate the River Division will post very competitive games this season and I expect my group to be right up there," Schuett said. "We're a relatively young group as it relates to varsity game experience but I don't anticipate that to hinder us greatly. We have an athletic, hardworking group that is committed to putting in the work to earn a positive outcome." Schuett said the team's strength is they buy into the team concept while working on a completely new system will take a little time. "Every day we cover something new," Schuett said. "Keeping up with that and transferring what we're learning in practice into game situations will be key."

St. Charles North

Coach: Mike Tomczak (2nd year, 19-10)

Last year: 19-10, 8-4 in the Upstate Eight Conference River Division

Top returning athletes: Seniors Anna Davern (6-1, F/C), Emma Helsel (5-6, G), Megan Gunnink (5-5, G), Caroline Shafar (6-1, F/C); Junior Annie Tate (5-9, PF/SF); Sophomore Launi Chanthaboury (5-5, G)

Top newcomers: Juniors Jessica Reymer (5-5, G), Brooke Elliot (5-6, G), Fiona Gleason (5-6, G/F), Shelby Parmer (5-11, F), Nicole Hayes (5-9, F), Ally Rasso (5-6, G); Sophomore Caroline Jakaitis (6-2, C/PF); Freshman Talia Pellegrini (5-7, PG/SG)

Outlook: It was a memorable first year for Tomczak. The North Stars beat eventual state champion Geneva and also Proviso West and Dundee-Crown. They lost to Rolling Meadows in the regional final. Davern is a returning All-Area selection who averaged 15 points and 6 rebounds a game. She is committed to Colorado Springs. "We are so excited to start a new season," Tomczak said. "We had a great summer working together. We have a great blend of returning varsity experience and new talent and expect to be a very competitive team this season." The North Stars will try to play up-tempo as they compete for the top spot in the Upstate Eight River. "We think the conference should be very competitive, as always," Tomczak said. "Geneva remains the team to beat. Our athleticism and our ability to get out in transition is an area of strength for us." Tomczak isn't worried about the chemistry or how hard his squad will work. "We have tremendous leadership from our girls," Tomczak said. "We plan on trying a variety of new things this year on both sides of the ball and we have confidence that our girls will be able to excel in the mental aspect of the game this year. We continue to work toward positionless basketball and strive to make versatility a strength of our program."

St. Edward

Coach: Michelle Dawson (14th year, 207-160)

Last year: 28-6 (3rd place Class 2A), 8-1 Metro Suburban West

Top returning athletes: Seniors Yssa St. Domingo (5-4 G), Abigail Armstrong (5-4 G), Mariel Franco (5-8 G), Taylor Gredzieleski (5-7 G), Isabella Hernandez (6-0 F), Mary Catherine Kelly (5-9 F), Madison Knott (5-8 G), Mallory Rejman (5-9 F), Mackenzie Wilson (5-9 F); Junior Haley Niehaus (5-10 F)

Top newcomers: Juniors Gabrielle Dewindt (5-9 F), Madalynn Duffy (5-5 G), Rachel Hicks (5-6 F); Sophomores Madeline Ellsworth (5-7 G), Ashley Miller (5-8 F), Samantha Ottinger (5-7 G).

Outlook: Coming off a banner 28-6 season that culminated with bringing home the third place trophy from the Class 2A state tournament, the Green Wave enter this season with two major challenges - replacing the 32 points per game lost to the graduations of Maddie Spagnola and Katie Castoro, and moving back up to Class 3A. St. Edward does have sufficient experience back, starting with Sto. Domingo (8.8 ppg, 2.7 apg, 38 3-pointers) and Knott (5.8 ppg, 36 3-pointers) in the backcourt and Rejman (4.7 ppg. 4.8 rpg) up front. Franco (4.4 ppg) also saw a lot of court time last season. "I feel like we're coming in in a good place," Dawson said. "We have a lot to improve on and we have to get the younger girls caught up with the speed of the game but I'm real excited. We have a great core group of nine seniors that will give us great leadership. It's nice because we're so deep and we have a lot of basketball sense. We lost a lot of points between Katie and Maddie so some people will have to step up." Dawson added defending Class 2A state champion Byron to the Wave's nonconference schedule this season.

South Elgin

Coach: Dan Mandernack (4th year, 60-25)

Last year: 21-7, 10-1 in the Upstate Eight Valley (first)

Top returning athletes: Senior Lexi Roberts (5-6, SG); Juniors Casey Brennan (5-8, PG), Miah Galvan (5-9, F); Sophomore Megan McClure (5-9, SG)

Top newcomers: Sophomore Madison Waichnus (G)

Outlook: Last year's team won the most games in South Elgin history, boys or girls. The Upstate Eight title was the first for the Storm, who also won 10 straight games during the year. They did graduate about 95 percent of the offense from that team including all-conference players Mackie Kelleher, Gracie Franks, Teagan Pompa and Emmy McIntosh. "We will be young and inexperienced," Mandernack said. "Our goal is to jell as a team and improve daily with our player development program for each player." Brennan started at point guard last year after Kennedy Wells tore her ACL in the fourth game. "We look for her to have a great year," Mandernack said. "Her speed, defense and ability to get to the rim are strengths." McClure started 9 games as a freshman and brings the Storm outside shooting. "We have a lot of hungry kids fighting for playing time," said Mandernack, who wants his team to play fast, together and execute their pressure defense. "We want to be a team that no one wants to play," Mandernack said. "Out-hustle our opponents with great defense and a great love of the game. Expectations are always high at South Elgin. The players are putting in outstanding effort early on in practice."

Streamwood

Coach: George Rosner (38th year, 432-559, 36th year at Streamwood)

Last year: 16-14, 5-7 Upstate Eight River

Top returning athletes: Seniors Maddi Exline (5-9 F), Andrea Bracey (5-10 F), Monica Brown (5-3 G), Alexis Rojas (5-9 F), Becky Roncone (5-7 G); Sophomore Mandy Mien (5-3 G)

Top newcomers: Junior Riya Patel

Outlook: The Sabres have plenty experience returning from last year's regional championship team but there will be one big hole to fill with 6-3 Jenejha Williams now playing at Winona State. "It's different not seeing a 6-3 girl on the court but having five of our top six back is nice," said Rosner, the dean of Fox Valley area girls basketball coaches. "This is the most seniors I've had in a lineup in a long time." Replacing Williams' 16.4 ppg and 12.6 rpg will have to be a team effort, one led by the seniors but also engineered by sophomore point guard Mien (9.4 ppg, 4.6 apg, 3.2 spg). "Mandy is a special talent," Rosner said. Exline (8.7 ppg) and Bracey (5.7 ppg, 6.3 rpg) will be looked at to help pick up the scoring load as well. "J took 300-something shots last year and those are shots we have to replace," Rosner said. "A lot of them will come from the outside but we will still have an inside game. Bracey is 5-10 but she plays much bigger. We have a lot of versatility but we need to get healthy. We've got a lot of nagging injuries right now."

West Aurora

Coach: Connie Siljendahl (12th year)

Last year: 14-13, second in the Upstate Eight Valley

Top returning athletes: Seniors Toni Kennebrew (PF/C, 5-9), Skylar Doby (5-5, PG), Kiyanna Rodgers (G, 5-7), Essence Rayford (G, 5-1), Kate Martinez (G, 5-3), Keyani Pryor (5-7, G); Juniors Dajour Miles (G), Keva Tomas (5-10, F), Ana Karanovic (5-9, F)

Top newcomers: Sophomores Isabelle Lambert, Kendra Battle, Oliva Vanderwounde

Outlook: Siljendahl is retiring after this season, and she has an experienced team to go out with. Doby and Rodgers are both four-year varsity players. Miles won last year's state title in the 400. "Most of my players have been with me on varsity three to four years," Siljendahl said. "The team worked hard during the summer honing their basketball skills and building confidence through games and tournament play. Quickness will be a strength for our team which we will take advantage of in many of our defensive sets. Offensively, we plan to shoot more from the outside and drive the ball when opportunities present themselves. Our big people will play important roles both scoring and rebounding while being key to starting the fast break offense. The depth of experience will help us win the close games and provide mental toughness throughout the season." Siljendahl said retiring comes with mixed emotions. "I have been blessed with being around some great people here at West Aurora," Siljendahl said.

Westminster Christian

Coach: Fred Versluys (4th year)

Last year: 6-20

Top returning athletes: Seniors Elise VanNoord (5-10, F), Mica Glanzer (5-7, PF); Junior Keely Frens (5-4, PG)

Outlook: VanNoord heads Westminster's lineup after averaging 11.3 points and 6.2 rebounds a game last year. "We have a strong core of returning players from last year," Versluys said. The Warriors got their season started Tuesday with a 35-21 win over Kirkand. VanNoord had a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Glanzer also grabbed 10 rebounds and Tess Anderson, a 5-foot-2 senior, added 4 steals.