Scouting DuPage County girls basketball
Addison Trail
Coach: Rob Schader
Last year: 12-16 overall, 2-10 sixth place in West Suburban Gold, lost to Glenbard West in the regional semifinals.
Top players: Serena Gilliam, sr., C; Brenda Berumen, sr., G; Angelina Carreras, sr., G; Joanna Garay, sr., G; Klaudia Kulowski, sr., C; Natalie Obrzut, sr. G; Karime Martinez, sr., G; Mia Johnson, so., C; Quiana Birmingham, fr., G.
Scouting report: After a subpar season due mainly to inexperience, the Blazers should be coming of age this year. Schader has a lot of weapons and the group developed cohesiveness with a strong summer league performance. "Confidence is high. We're quick, we can handle the ball and our up-tempo offense will keep us in games." Gilliam is an all-conference caliber player, and the crafty Carreras is a heady floor leader and a great ballhandler at point guard. Others must step up as scorers. The Blazers can go nine or 10 deep with kids who saw a lot of floor time last year. "We can be .500 or better," Schader said.
Benet
Coach: Joe Kilbride.
Last year: 28-5, 7-0, first in the East Suburban Catholic Conference; lost to Montini in a Class 4A sectional final.
Top players: Kendall Holmes, jr., G; Ashley Konkle, sr., F; Clara Prasse, sr., G; Lindsey Rogers, jr., F; Brooke Schramek, jr., F.
Scouting report: It's not hard to imagine Benet as a state championship contender again this season. The Redwings count three Division I commits and six more players being recruited by Division I colleges. That doesn't even count Prasse, the point guard who drew Division I and Division II interest but has opted not to play in college. And the Redwings have plenty of experience back, having lost only one starter, Denver University guard Tsimba Malonga. If that doesn't speak to Benet's depth, the 11 players returning with varsity experience at Benet should. You want size on your team? Five Redwings are 6 feet or taller. How about 3-pointers? Really, do you have to ask? Defense? C'mon, this is Benet we're talking about. The big problem last year was injuries. "We have a lot of work to do, but if we can get healthy and stay that way, I like our chances," Kilbride said.
Downers Grove North
Coach: Stephan Bolt
Last year: 14-14, 7-5 in West Suburban Silver, lost in regional final.
Top players: Julia Kramper, sr., G; Ellie Gross, jr., G; Alexis Parker, jr. F; Lauren Sebek, sr., G; Jalyn Harris, sr., C.
Scouting report: The Trojans are a team on the rise. Kramper and Gross were all-conference last season, and the front line appears solid with the 6-3 Harris - who has been offered by Emporia State - Parker and senior Quinn Stephens, who is returning from knee surgery. The 5-11 Parker is a powerfully built soccer star who should make an impact. "I think we've grown up, become tougher and are maturing as a team," Bolt said. "This group expects to compete at a high level, they hold each other accountable, and they expect to win. They developed some confidence in each other over the summer and they have higher expectations for the season, and they should."
Downers Grove South
Coach: Lyndsie Long
Last year: 16-11, 10-2 in West Suburban Gold, lost in regional semifinal.
Top players: Holly Lueken, sr., F; Maggie Greco, sr., G; Meghan Stapleton, so., G/F.
Scouting report: The Mustangs are looking to win a conference championship and go further in the playoffs. The have a bona fide star in Lueken, a four-year varsity player coming off a big junior season in which she averaged 17.2 points and 7.1 rebounds and earned IBCA Special Mention All-State honors. She has scored over 1,000 points. Scoring should not be a problem for the Mustangs, though rebounding could be because of an overall lack of height. "We have a group of players that work well on and off the court together," Long said. "Regardless of our height, we have the drive and leadership to be successful."
Fenton
Coach: Dave Mello.
Last year: 9-16, 4-8, fifth in Metro Suburban Conference Blue Division; lost in first round of regionals.
Top players: Julia Kaspari, sr., G; Ashley Lira, sr, F; Isa Lozada, sr., G; Joni Lucas, jr., G; Mackenzie Miller, sr., G;
Scouting report: Some teams play fast. Fenton makes them look slow. The Bison enter their second year playing the "Grinnell System," a high-scoring, extreme-pressure defense, frequent-substitution style. Their goal is 80 shots a game, 50 of them from 3-point range. "Now we've just changed it to the Bison system," Mello said, calling it more of a knock-off of the Grinnell System because of some changes the Bison have made. The Bison will hang a banner in their gym commemorating the national record they set last year for 3-pointers attempted. "We're working on the makes this year," the coach said. Mello estimates the Bison are about a month ahead of last year's schedule. The Bison will play all 19 girls on the roster, usually entering the game five at a time. "We practice with 19 (girls) to play 19. Other teams practice with 12 or 15 to play eight," Mello said. "If we can get their nine, 10, 11, 12 playing, that's a win for us."
Glenbard East
Coach: Nicole Miller
Last year: 7-19, lost to Elk Grove in a Class 4A regional quarterfinal.
Top players: Sophia Moore, sr., G/F; Brooke Hernandez, so., G; Emily Ryan, so., F; Lisa Stranski, jr., F; Hayden Dudek, sr., F; Jillian O'Brien, jr., G; Kate Lugardo, jr., G; Paige Andrews, jr., G' Joselyn. Molinar, sr., F.
Scouting report: Moore is the lone returning starter for the Rams. Miller is back to her old stomping grounds after coaching the program from 2000-10. Moore is the key for a team looking for leadership and guidance, Miller said. The Rams have good size, with five players 5-foot-11 or taller. "We're young and looking to be a competitive team," Miller said. "Last year we weren't. I could start five sophomores easily. There's a lot of talent coming up. We're looking to get back to the basics and work hard. It's going to take awhile to get used to the varsity level, but I think we can be a force to be reckoned with as a team."
Glenbard North
Coach: Steve Wit
Last year: 6-22, 2-14 in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost to Schaumburg in a Class 4A regional quarterfinal.
Top players: Ashley Cooney, sr., C; Brea King, jr., G; Neveah King, jr. G; Stefanie Jaszka, sr., G; Anna Pedraza, so., G; Olivia Corona, so., G.
Scouting report: Despite losing three top players from last season, Wit is optimistic the Panthers can turn the corner this season in the DuKane Conference. "We are a young, guard-oriented team that has some growing to do. It's an exciting year from the standpoint that we really don't have a player who has proved themselves. Anybody can step up and surprise people. I just don't know who it will be. I'm excited about this group of kids." The Panthers, Wit said, will feature many non-seniors in their rotation, though Brea and Neveah King have potential to be difference-makers. Cooney and Brea and Neveah King have the most experience among the returnees. Eight sophomores, led by Olivia Corona, highlight the roster. "I need somebody to step up and carry that load we lost in graduation," Wit said. "I think the test is going to be how we grow with some of that youth and work together and play as a team. We're a different team than the rest of the conference."
Glenbard South
Coach: Morgan Kasperek.
Last year: 30-4, 12-0, first in Metro Suburban Conference Blue Division; placed third in Class 3A.
Top players: Maggie Bair, sr., C; Lauren Cohen, so., G; Raquel LaPonte, jr., G; Alex Wilharm, so., F;
Scouting report: What a legacy last year's Raiders left: A third-place finish in Class 3A, by far the best season in Glenbard South history. That was then, this is now. Three starters from that team graduated, but there are 12 girls on the roster for a team that usually carries eight or nine. "It's definitely a new team this year," Kasperek said. Fortunately for the Raiders, they return one of the best players in DuPage County, Drake recruit Bair. At 6-foot-2 she's a force in the post, scoring and rebounding. But anyone who's scouted the Raiders know they can't let her drift out to the 3-point line. She's a proven shooter. "The thing with Maggie is she can play any position, so we can find any team's weakness and put Maggie there," Kasperek said. Cohen is the other returning starter. "Lauren Cohen is a great basketball player and she can get to the rim well," Kasperek said. Another difference from last year is the Upstate Eight Conference schedule. The Raiders should fare well in the UEC, but there will be a learning curve there.
Glenbard West
Coach: Kristi Faulkner.
Last year: 24-6, 10-2, first in West Suburban Silver; lost in regional final.
Top players: Nikki Adamski, sr., F; Katelyn Heller, sr., G; Taylor Huff, jr., F; Maggie Stutelberg, so, G; Jamiyah Thomas, sr., F.
Scouting report: How do you top the program's best season in years? You do it by bringing back talented players like Heller, Huff, Thomas and Stutelberg. "We have some good players coming back, good leadership," Faulkner said. Heller can shoot from long range or drive to the basket, using her quickness and athleticism to push the pace. But the Hilltoppers also have good size in the 6-footers Huff, Thomas and Adamski, plus the 5-11 Stutelberg. "She's a great shooter, just a natural stroke," Faulkner said of Stutelberg. An improved Hilltoppers team will face an upgraded schedule. They opened Monday with Rolling Meadows. Two-time defending state champion Geneva, Naperville Central, Wheaton Warrenville South, Lake Park and Fremd also will challenge the Hilltoppers in addition to a good conference schedule. "We've added a lot of tougher games and we think that challenge will help us hopefully be more prepared for the postseason this season," Faulkner said.
Hinsdale Central
Coach: Karen Persinger
Last year: 10-19, 2-10 in West Suburban Silver; lost in regional semifinal.
Top players: Tina Rivera, sr., G; Mady Bokich, sr., G; Sarah Cernugal, jr., G; Maiwen Amegadjie, jr., C: Kendall Butler, jr., F; Anna Howell, jr. G.
Scouting report: The Red Devils have a blank canvas to work with following heavy graduation losses. Bokich and Rivera are back and will provide the leadership for the rebuild. "We graduated eight amazing seniors from last year's team," Persinger said. "This has created a completely new look and the girls are excited about the opportunity to step up and establish their own mark on the program. Early in the season we will be focused on developing our identity on both sides of the ball. Mady Bokich and Tina Rivera have done a great job leading and setting the example of what hard work looks like in our program."
Hinsdale South
Coach: Scott Tanaka
Last year: 11-17, lost in regional semifinal.
Top players: Erin Adams, jr., F; Emily Koziol, sr., G; Crysta Davis, jr., G; Janae Washington, jr. G, Ariana Winberly, sr., F.
Scouting report: The Hornets are adjusting to a new coach in Tanaka, who takes the reins after winning 156 games over the past 10 seasons as the boys coach at Minooka. Koziol, a two-time all-conference pick, and Adams, who was all-conference last season, provide a good base. Tanaka also has seven newcomers, including junior guards Esily Noor and Lejla Useini, and sophomore guards Mary Lavorato, Ciniya McCray and Ellie Urbanski. "The girls are all working hard to learn a new system and language," Tanaka said. "We will continue to show growth as a team and get better every single day."
IC Catholic Prep
Coach: Kelsey James
Last year: 11-18, 4-8 in Metro Suburban Conference Blue Division; lost in sectional semifinal.
Top players: Jaida Smith, sr., G; Jackie Lara, sr., C; Gabi Zanoni, jr., G/F; Hannah Johnson, jr., G; Alia Johnson, so., G; Claire Wagner, fr., F.
Scouting report: The Knights graduated nine players but look to rebuild on the fly with Smith, a four-year varsity player, leading an up-tempo offense. Guard play should be a strength, and James hopes the fast pace will make up for the lack of height. "We are a younger team but looking to have a better outcome than last year," James said. "We have great senior leadership in Jaida and Jackie. Jaida is doing a great job of being the leader and setting the tone for the younger girls." The younger players include junior guard Abi Wagner, a defensive stalwart, and her 5-11 sister Claire. "We have added a more complex offense to get all the girls involved and to get all the girls the opportunity to score," James said. "Defensively, we have a ton of speed and will look to get some easy baskets off turnovers. This team will do all the little things to be successful."
Lake Park
Coach: Brian Rupp.
Last year: 18-10, 9-7, fifth in DuPage Valley Conference; lost in regional final.
Top players: Casey Darre, sr., G; Kate Kirkham, sr., G; Ria Patel, so., G; Darrione Rogers, jr., G; Payton Skalski, sr., G; Samantha Vandergriff, sr., G; Brayana Walker, jr., G.
Scouting report: Any team with Rogers is going to be good. The 5-foot-11 do-everything DePaul recruit is fun to watch. "Obviously, we've got to get Darrione the ball. She's bigger, faster, stronger, older," Rupp said. The rest of the Lancers will expect her to take the lead offensively, and they're OK with that. "The ego is very low on this team right now. They enjoy each other's successes," Rupp said. But if opponents focus their defense on Rogers, she will find a 3-point shooter in the corner. The Lancers are loaded with them. "Darrione is smart enough to make those plays, she's smart enough to make that pass. Her ego is really low too," the coach said. Kirkham and Darre are two of those shooters who will join Rogers in the starting lineup, but the other two spots are up for grabs on a team that should go eight or nine deep. Rupp will use the early part of the season to learn about his roster and let the new varsity players get comfortable.
Lisle
Coach: Nick Balaban.
Last year: 13-17, 6-5, fourth in Interstate Eight Conference; lost in regional final.
Top players: Jordan Buchelt, sr., F; Emma Rossin, so., G; Gaby Wagoner, jr., G; McKenzie Weaver, sr., G; Caitlyn Webber, sr., F.
Scouting report: Balaban lost to graduation one of the best players has ever had, Natalie Takahashi, and has had numerous school events pulling players out of practice already this season. "It's been a tough go in terms of having some continuity," he said. So why is he so optimistic about the Lions this season? "I think as the season goes on we can be a pretty good team," he said. A lot of it has to do with the six sophomores who will play on the varsity this season. The Lions will be young and inexperienced, but they will have more depth than in previous years, and that will enable them to do more than they could. Instead of relying on Takahashi, they have five girls who can play point guard, and they might even play all five at the same time to push the pace of the game in ways they never did. They also have some quality seniors returning. Weaver will be relied upon for scoring and leadership as one of those point guards. Rosin also can score. Buchelt will provide everything else the Lions need. "She doesn't have to score a point for her to have an impact on the game," Balaban said.
Metea Valley
Coach: Cedric Williams
Last year: 8-17 overall; 2-12 finished seventh in DuPage Valley Conference, lost to Lockport in the first round of playoffs.
Top players: Tess Thompson, sr., F-C; Nazira Whigham, jr., G; Rachel Kern, sr., G; Kelsey Barrett, jr., F; Chloe Kurkjian jr, F.
Scouting report: The youthful Mustangs are athletic and deep but like all young teams have to improve on how they take care of the ball. Thompson is a top-flight player, but was injured in a soccer game in the spring and won't be at back at full strength until halfway through the season. "Our plan is to wreak havoc with a strong pressing defense," Williams said. "And we can shuffle people in and out to utilize our depth." Outside shooting is developing, but early on the Mustangs will emphasize the midrange game and getting it into the post. Whigham and Kern give them a strong pair of returning starters in the backcourt.
Montini
Coach: Jason Nichols.
Last year: 32-3, 6-0, first place in Girls Catholic Athletic Conference Red Division; placed second in Class 4A.
Top players: Taylor Charles, fr., F; Frankie Kokkines, sr., G; Sam Mitchell, sr., G; Sydney Prochaska, sr., G; Zoe Zacker, sr., G; Tatiana Thomas, fr., F; Taris Thornton, so., G.
Scouting report: This version of Montini will be younger, more athletic and more perimeter-based, sometimes using a five-out offense. "We have not had this many freshmen that have made an impact in a while," Nichols said. Four of the top nine Broncos will be freshmen, and two of them - Thomas and Charles - already have scholarship offers from major Division I colleges. Still, they are freshmen, and there will be good days and bad days for them. They also have to mesh with the returning veterans. Mitchell, an Alabama-Birmingham recruit, will be the primary scoring option, able to drive to the basket or hit the 3-pointer. SIU recruits Prochaska and Kokkines also will be counted on to provide leadership and scoring.
Naperville Central
Coach: Andy Nussbaum.
Last year: 28-6, 15-1, first in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost in the sectional final.
Top players: Katlyn Allen, so., G; Kate Gilfillan, jr., F; Gabi Melby, so., G; Sara Opalka, jr., F; Lucy Schmid, sr., F; Lauren Umbright, jr., F.
Scouting report: Nussbaum is ready to roll with a new group this season again. "I'm pretty optimistic," he said. "I feel good about our group. We don't have a great deal of size, but we seem to be in an era of basketball where that doesn't seem to be as important as it used to be." That means his team can shoot pretty well from outside. Even the Redhawks' lone 6-footer, University of Chicago recruit Schmid, can shoot from deep. She and Melby will be counted on to lead the team in scoring often. "Lucy's a hard worker and she works on her game. She's a great teammate," Nussbaum said. "She's a big kid that can shoot the ball. What's not to like?" But Nussbaum believes this team has enough depth that others will take their turn making a lot of marks in the score book. The Redhawks expect to go eight players deep, or will when Melby returns from a broken pinkie finger suffered the second day of practice. She is expected to miss 7-10 games.
Naperville North
Coach: Jason Dycus
Last year: 16-12, 10-6 third in DuPage Valley Conference, lost to Naperville Central in regional final.
Top players: Greta Kampschroeder, so., G; Nikki Kwilosz, jr, G; Kara Rivard, jr, G; Letti Drummond, sr., F; Sarah Lockridge, jr., F; Kaitlyn Castillo, sr.; F.
Scouting report: It all starts with Kampschroeder, a true five-position standout who's one of the best in the state. Though they don't have great depth there is an impressive group of supporting players who can make the Huskies strong on both offense and defense. The guards are returning starters. Kwilosz can shoot from long range, and Rivard is a good defender and floor leader. Drummond, Lockridge and Castillo will be tough on the boards. "Our other kids will have to step up when opponents concentrate on Kampschroeder," Dycus said. The coach would like to have another player or two develop to help the Huskies through a brutal schedule and postseason.
Neuqua Valley
Coach: Mike Williams
Last year: 10-20, 4-8 fifth in DuPage Valley Conference, lost to Naperville Central in the regional semifinal.
Top players: Kelly Vonnahme, sr., F; Ashley Ishman, sr.; F; Claudia Gallegos, so.; F/G; Ellie Wisner, so., G; Kara Vonnahme, jr., G., Emma Guthrie, so., G.
Scouting report: The Wildcats, long one of the top teams in the area, have found the past few years challenging. But Williams believes that the size and talent he has this year could start the team on the way back. The Wildcats are led by returning starters Kelly Vonnahme, Ishman and Gallegos. There is good outside shooting, and the Wildcats' length and quickness will create problems for opponents. Williams expects a solid defense to translate into fastbreak points. "We're not talking about records or conference standings," Williams said. "We're just enjoying practicing and team building. We have some good young players coming up. We're working hard and we'll see where that leads us in the postseason."
St. Francis
Coach: Sandy De Craene
Last year: 14-14, 8-1, second in the GCAC; lost to Glenbard South in a Class 3A regional final.
Top players: Kate Chaparro, so., G; Madison Wisted, sr., G/F; Megan Lombardo, sr., G: Emily Dziengel, jr., G/F; Ashley Sullivan, jr., G.
Scouting report: After taking over the program midway through last season, De Craene is back on the sidelines. The Spartans return only one starter, Chaparro, but hope to compete in the Metro Suburban. "Kate did really well for us last year, but we're hoping she can come back stronger after finally finding her shooting rhythm at the end of last year," De Craene said. Wisted is slated to play numerous positions for the Spartans after missing almost all of the last two seasons due to injuries. Lombardo played quality minutes last season and is slated for an expanded role. De Craene said the 10 juniors hold the key to the team's success this season. "We have a varsity of juniors fighting for positions and minutes," she said. "We're expecting them to come out and give us good minutes. I'm a defensive coach, so I expect good defense from all of them. Our bench is going to give us a lot of needed help that we didn't have last year."
Timothy Christian
Coach: Michelle Strube
Last year: 20-10, 8-4, second in the Metro Suburban Red; lost to Harlan in a Class 2A Chicago Christian sectional title game.
Top players: Sureya Alex, so., G; Hannah Schuringa, so., F; Jordyn Strube, sr., G; Greta Hoogstra, so., C; Sarah Carstensen, so., G; Lauren Gehrke, sr., G.
Scouting report: After finishing with the most wins in Michelle Strube's first five years, the Trojans have a wealth of talent back to contend for the Metro Suburban Red title. Replacing the graduated Olivia Schuringa, who averaged a team-high 9.8 points a game, is a tall order. But Alex made big strides last season, and Hannah Schuringa averaged 8.5 points and a team-best 7.8 rebounds. Jordyn Strube, in her third year on the varsity, could be an X-factor after averaging 9.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists. Once she recovers from an injury suffered in the volleyball season, the 6-foot-2 Hoogstra is a player to watch. Last season the Trojans captured their first regional title since 2011 and only lost two games in the 2018 calendar year. "The key for us is to play defense because we will push the ball in transition," Michelle Strube said. "We want to be aggressive on defense. I have some really good athletes, maybe better than last year. We have some talented kids who can step in and play right away. Last year was a nice surprise. We really started playing well as a team starting in January. Our goal is to win the conference, repeat as regional champions and get that sectional. We have big goals ahead of us."
Waubonsie Valley
Coach: Brett Love
Last year: 10-18 overall, 5-11 sixth in DuPage Valley Conference, lost to Bolingbrook in the regional semifinal.
Top players: Lauren McKnight, so., G; Ahniya Melton, jr., F; Grace Setter, jr., F; Mykah Berkompas, so., G; Iwiyisi Osaghae, sr., G, Halle Williams, jr, F.
Scouting report: The Warriors are young and athletic. Going into the season the offense is ahead of the defense. There's great balance and athleticism that could make them a DVC contender when that defense develops as expected. "We can put the ball on the floor, drive and work it inside. And we have some firepower from the outside," Love said. McKnight was all-conference as a freshman and she's a complete player. Melton, who is coming off a preseason injury, is a force on the boards. She's also added a consistent jump shot. Williams and Berkompas give Waubonsie a pair of sharpshooters. The Warriors will play a pressing defense and they plan to push the ball in transition.
West Chicago
Coach: Thomas Nall
Last year: 6-20, 3-9 in Upstate Eight Conference Valley Division, lost to Addison Trail in a Class 4A Addison Trail regional quarterfinal.
Top players: Shailee Patel, so., G; Sadie Obenauer, so., G/F; Shelbie Steward, jr., F; Monse Vargas, jr., F; Paige Mikson, jr., G.
Scouting report: The Wildcats will be a gritty bunch due to only 10 players on the roster. The first-year coach is preaching playing hard and competing on every play to overcome a small roster, especially with the graduation of Sofia Radice and Sierra Koenig. "They are going to play hard, and we will see what happens from there," Nall said. "It's about playing hard and competing. All 10 girls, at some point of the year, will have to contribute and get on the floor. It's a matter of them buying into what we're trying to preach. If they do, we will be all right and not worry about wins and losses and just competing." Nall said his team will play primarily a zone defense due to the team's lack of depth. Offensively, the Wildcats don't have the personnel, Nall said, to play at an up-tempo pace and will try and slow down the game and look for quality shots on each possession.
Westmont
Coach: John Natanek.
Last year: 8-18, 1-9 in Interstate Eight Small, lost in regional semifinal.
Top players: Megan Thompson, so., F; Aleksa Sekularic, so., G.
Scouting report: To say first-year coach Natanek has a rebuilding project on his hands is an understatement. The Sentinels have only 11 players in the program, all of whom will play at the varsity level. No underclass levels means help won't be coming this winter. "We are very young and attempting to rebuild the program," Natanek said. "Our top two players are sophomores, and many freshmen will get varsity minutes. Our success will be measured in development." The win-loss record may not be impressive, but the young players will get a chance to get in on the ground floor of the rebuild. "(We want) to bring excitement back to Westmont girls basketball," Natanek said.
Wheaton Academy
Coach: Erin Carwell
Last year: 11-15, 4-8 Metro Suburban Blue, lost to Aurora Central Catholic in a Class 3A regional quarterfinal.
Top players: Analise Richcreek, sr., F; Imani Hillmer, jr., F; Molly Vanhuizen, so., G; Jerilyn Blackmon, so., G; Britta Swoboda, jr., F.
Scouting report: The Warriors have a unique roster makeup, with a group of forwards among the main returnees. Richcreek, a four-year starter, headlines the group. Along with Richcreek, Hillmer, a three-year starter, and Swoboda form a solid trio that will create matchup problems due to their experience and size. Carwell is counting on point guard Blackmon to mesh well with Richcreek and Hilmer. "We're forward heavy," Carwell said. "I have a team of forwards. Our guards are young, but it's going to be exciting because we are a quick team and have really good leaders. Analise and Imani are great leaders and have a love for basketball and Jerilyn has speed and can play the whole game. All three of them will look to shoot, have great range and play really well together and can fill any position I ask of them." Vanhuizen benefitted from being pulled up to the varsity last season. Capable of playing the wing spot, Vanhuizen is athletic an scrappy, Carwell said. Swoboda, a captain, showed promise last season and salted to be the fifth starter.
Wheaton North
Coach: Dave Eaton.
Last year: 20-9, 12-4, third in DuPage Valley Conference; lost in sectional semifinals.
Top players: Nikki Baird, sr., G; Rachel Brady, jr., G; Ellie Hubbard, so., G; Claire Hyde, fr., G; Jenna Kortenhoeven, sr., F; Sarah Topps, sr., F; Leeya Zander, jr., G.
Scouting report: Having lost several key players to graduation, this season will have a much different look for the Falcons. "There are going to be some new faces out there," Eaton said. But he's very happy with how the team is jelling already, with the returning players welcoming those new faces and working to make them feel comfortable. "We've got five really good seniors who have gone above and beyond knowing we're going to be young," Eaton said. " ... To have kids who are that driven at 17, 18 years old, it sure makes it easy for me." Offensively, the focus will be on Baird, the 6-foot-2 Belmont University recruit, but Eaton sees more balance in this year's squad. And it's a likable group that Eaton is counting on to carry on a key team tradition; the Falcons have gone eight seasons without an athletic code violation. "That's probably the thing I'm proudest of the most," he said.
WW South
Coach: Rob Kroehnke
Last year: 27-4, 14-2, second in DuPage Valley Conference; lost to Geneva in a Class 4A sectional.
Top players: Maria Dohse, sr., G; Mira Emma, sr., G; Paige Miller, sr., G; Kylie Ruggles, sr., G; MacKenzie Stebbins, sr., G.
Scouting report: Never blessed with great size, the Tigers are even smaller than usual this season. They often will play five guards together. "It's going to be interesting, that's for sure. We're going to have to try some different stuff," Kroehnke said. One thing that won't change is the WW South defense, always tougher than a 20-page book report. The Tigers might not be big, but they are quick and athletic - including Division I soccer recruits Emma and Miller - so they will push the pace. Oh, and their schedule is as strong as any team's, with a number of top nonconference teams plus the new DuKane Conference, which is loaded top to bottom for girls basketball. The Tigers open league play with defending state champion Geneva. "Come February hopefully we're prepared," Kroehnke said. "It'll be interesting to see how everything shakes out."
Willowbrook
Coach: Terry Harrell
Last year: 6-21, 4-8 West Suburban Gold; lost to Hinsdale South in a Class 4A Hinsdale South regional quarterfinal.
Top players: Katelyn McCann, sr., G; Gracie Tumilty, so., G; Stephanie Dasbach, so., F; K'aliyha Herron, jr., G; Maureen Schmid, sr., F.
Scouting report: Harrell welcomes back three of his top players from last season. McCann averaged a team-high 11.2 points a game. McCann, a 5-foot-7 senior, is one of eight guards on the roster. Herron averaged 10 points, and 5-foot-6 Schmid led the team in rebounds at 8.9 a game. Three sophomores will play heavy minutes this season, led by Tumilty and Dasbach. Harrell said Annmarie Knudtson is also slated to be a key contributor. "Although (Willowbrook) will rely on young players in the starting lineup, we expect to have a deep bench, which will enable us to compete for the top spot in the West Suburban Gold," Harrell said.
York
Coach: Brandon Collings
Last year: 19-10, 8-4, second in West Suburban Silver; lost in regional final.
Top players: Sara Krissinger, jr., G; Kathleen Levins, sr., F; Sydney Molis, so., G/F; Kiah Rufus, sr., G; Emily Rohman, sr., F.
Scouting report: Levins, a four-year varsity player, leads a young but talented group that has high expectations despite its inexperience. Collings thinks a conference title is within reach despite the roster turnover. "We graduated four of five starters from last year and our only returning starter, all-conference senior shooting guard Matty Stark, tore her ACL in the off-season and will miss the entire season," Collings said. "Our new starting point guard, senior Kiah Rufus, will miss up to six weeks with a stress fracture, so we will have five new starters and will be without our senior point guard for a while." Collings calls Krissinger the best leader he has ever coached and expects her to be the Dukes' go-to scorer. Molis and fellow 6-foot sophomore Kaitlyn Kjome could turn some heads, and 5-10 junior Carley Schwartz provides solid 3-point shooting.
- Matt Le Cren, Bobby Narang, Orrin Schwarz, Neil Shalin