Scouting local women's college basketball teams
BenedictineCoach: Oliver Wiseman
Last year's record: 9-16
Top players: G Jordan Carlquist (Hersey), F Megan Duzansky
Outlook: In a preseason poll, the Eagles were picked to finish sixth in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference.
College of DuPageCoach: Abby Talley
Last year's record: 15-16
Top players: G Sierra Gibson, G Delmarea Willis.
Outlook: In her debut season as coach, Talley guided the Chapparrals to their first Region 4 championship in 15 years.
College of Lake CountyCoach: Tanner Morris
Last year's record: 3-25
Top players: F Sydni Hill, G Ruth Foskett.
Outlook: Seven new players are on the roster, including G Kayla Keaskowski (Grayslake North) and F Jory Mendoza (Grant).
Elgin C.C.Coach: Eumeka Aguado
Last year's record: 9-22
Top players: G Zoey Wilson, G Nicole Ramtahal.
Outlook: F Shayne LaRock and G Sarah Duque are other key contributors for the Lancers.
Elmhurst
Coach: Jason Pruitt
Last year's record: 3-21
Top players: F Anna Kleszynski, G Katie Matrise
Outlook: Pruitt takes over a Bluejays program looking to bounce back while losing top scorer and rebounder Taylor Harazin.
Harper College
Coach: Romel Bryant
Last year's record: 3-19
Outlook: There will be plenty of new faces on the roster as Bryant takes over a program coming off a rough season.
Judson
Coach: Matt Richter
Last year's record: 6-22
Top players: F Sydney Novak (Huntley), G Gaby Quintana
Outlook: In his first season on the Eagles' bench, Richter is stressing defense. "A tough-minded defensive team first," he said. "With the team learning a new offensive system, our defensive work ethic will be our backbone, especially in the beginning of the season."
North Central
Coach: Maggie McCloskey-Bax
Last year's record: 6-18
Top players: G Megan McClure (South Elgin), G Grace Kieffer.
Outlook: The Vikings are regrouping after losing their Top 3 scorers from last season - Natalie Stavropoulos, Mitrese Smith and Allison Pearson (Maine West).
Oakton
Coach: Tony Siriscevich
Last year's record: 28-5
Top players: G Ellie Reynold, F Macey Gandee.
Outlook: In addition to Reynold and Gandee, the Owls bring back talented guards Jocelyn Muenster and Kamila Gajkowska (Conant).
Waubonsee
Coach: Jim Williams
Last year's record: 14-18
Top player: F Emily Hurst.
Outlook: The Chiefs will miss departed guard Brooke Heiman, who averaged 21.6 points per game last season.
Wheaton
Coach: Kent Madsen
Last year's record: 15-11
Top players: G Caroline Sikkink, F Annika Richardson.
Outlook: Sikkink (13.7 point per game), Richardson (12.4) and G Kate Oliver (9) were the Thunder's Top 3 scorers last year and the trio is back this season.
- Scot Gregor