Cook County girls basketball outlook
Barrington
Coach: Babbi Barreiro (31st season, 519-419 career record)
Last season’s record: 16-12, 6-4 MSL West
Top returning players: Ashley Mahlum sr. (P, 5-11); Maya Paniak, sr. (G, 5-8), Vidhi Trivedi sr. (G, 5-4), Susie Bongiorno, sr. (G, 5-8), Syd Ball, sr. (G, 5-9); Simrabb Alam, jr. (G, 5-9); Maddie Anderle, jr. (G-5-8); Lily Richmond, so. (P, 6-0); Mel Bongiorno, so. (G 5-8); Isla Koertner, so. (G, 5-10)
Top newcomers: Audrey Swanson, jr. (G, 6-0); Caley Skidmore so. (5'8-G); Ayla Allen fr. (G, 6-0)
Worth noting: Barreiro says this will be an interesting year for her 31st team. "We have some veterans and some newcomers who will be difference makers," the hall of fame coach said. Mahlum will lead the way for the Fillies. "We expect some great things from her on the court as a leader," Barreiro said. "Right now we are still battling some injuries from last season (two ACL's and a meniscus surgery two weeks ago). I love the way they are working together and pushing each other in practice. I expect when we get everyone back we will be that much more ready and battle well. Right now we have a lot of kids stepping up and making plays in practice so we are eager to get a game under our belts. Looking forward to the season to see a balanced group play well."
Buffalo Grove
Coach: Martha Kelly (fifth season, 27-70 career record at BG, 111-130 overall)
Last season’s record: 5-24, 2-8 MSL East
Top returning players: Demi Antonopoulos, sr. (G, 5-10); Paige Veller, sr. (G, 5-6); Hannah Weber, jr. (F, 6-2); Leah Hampton, jr. (G, 5-5); Ava LoVerde, so. (G, 5-4); Amanda Kowalski, so. (G, 5-4)
Top newcomers: Lauren Fink, so. (G, 5-6); Ava Antonopoulos, so. (F, 5-10); Kayla Daugird, fr. (G, 5-6); Olivia Hill, fr. (C, 6-3)
Worth noting: As she begins her fifth season, Kelly welcomes a young group for the 2024-25 season with tons of talent. Behind top returners in Veller, Antonopoulos and Weber, the Bison will look to make some noise this season, hoping to show a lot of growth during the season under the veteran Kelly. "We will have to be ready as we face a tough schedule including our very own Thanksgiving tournament (the Bison Classic), the tough MSL conference and Dundee-Crown's Christmas Tournament," said Kelly, a former three-sport standout at Driscoll High School who also coaches the Bison varsity softball team.
Conant
Coach: Todd Strauch (seventh season, career record 54-98)
Last season’s record: 9-20, 2-8 MSL West
Top returning players: Kanna Bradarich, sr. (G, 5-11); Olivia Hagler, sr. (G, 5-7); Kristina Tierney, sr. (F, 6-0); Lyla Clifton, jr. (F, 6-0); Gianna Fresso, jr. (G, 5-7); Kiana Leopoldo, jr. (G, 5-6)
Top newcomers: Annabel Danso, so. (F, 6-0); Bridget Gibson, jr. (F, 5-9); Kate Jenrick, jr. (F, 5-8)
Worth noting: The Cougars look to bounce back from a tough year as they return all five starters and 84% of their points scored from last season. Bradarich (7.1 ppg, 3.6 apg, 4.6 rpg last season) and Tierney (9.4 ppg, 3.7 rpg) are four-year varsity players while Hagler enters her third season. Clifton (8.0 ppg, 4.6 rpg), Fresso and Leopoldo begin their second seasons. “I’m looking forward to watching this group continue to grow together,” Strauch said. “They worked really hard this offseason to take the next step as a program and I’m excited to see how far this group can take us."
Elk Grove
Coach: Courtney Lindfors (third season, 16-43 career record)
Last season's record: 7-23, 4-6 MSL East
Top returning players: Danica Little (sr); Zariela Myles (sr); Samantha Cherry (sr); Emily Fiorito (sr)
Worth noting: Lindsfor, a former star at Elk Grove, says this season we will be a brand new one for the Grenadiers. "We are looking to change things up," she said. "We have seven seniors eager to have a great senior season. It is going to be a fun and exciting season."
Fremd
Coach: James Han (first season)
Last season’s record: 30-7, 10-0 MSL West
Top returning players: Ella Todd, sr. (G, 6-0); Coco Urlacher, sr. (G, 5-11); Ellie Thompson, sr. (G, 5-10); Greta Thompson, jr. (G, 5-11); Bella Del Mar, jr. (F, 6-0); Gracie Todd, so. (G, 5-10); Sophia McMillan, jr. (G, 5-7)
Top newcomers: Anna Montella, so. (F, 6-0)
Worth noting: First-year coach James Han, a guard for Schaumburg's 2001 Class AA state boys basketball state championship team, said it's obviously going to be a challenging season as the Vikings mourn the loss of hall of fame head coach Dave Yates and the impact he had on the players, staff, and basketball community. The Vikings are returning key contributors from its third-place team, including Ms. Illinois Basketball contender and Utah-commit Ella Todd. The team has added depth, speed, and sharp-shooting. The Vikings are also returning two other starters: Coco Urlacher and Ellie Thompson along with Greta Thompson, Bella Del Mar, Gracie Todd, and Sophia McMillan. "We have built a tough schedule that includes Loyola (defending state champion), Waubonsie Valley (fourth in state last year), Kenwood, Lyons, Lake Zurich, Hamilton Southeastern (Ind.), and Alton," Han said. "This year we will rely on our seniors players finding ways to incorporate our newcomers into our system and continuing to push ourselves against tough competition."
Hersey
Coach: Courtney Ludois (second season at Hersey record 22-10, 34-21 two seasons at Richmond-Burton, overall 56-31)
Last season’s record: 22-10, 9-1 MSL East (East champions), regional champions
Top returning players: Kiki Craft, sr. (G, 5-11); Kate Donovan, jr. (G, 5-7); Sadie Marks, so., (F, 6-1); Grace Grabowy, sr. (G, 5-9); Maddy Drury, sr. (G/F, 5-10); Morgan Daly, sr. (G, 5-8), Nora Lochner, sr. (G, 5-3)
Top newcomers: Abby Bailitz, sr. (G/F, 5-10); Abby Molster, sr. (G/F, 5-9); Rylee Farrell, jr. (F/C, 6-0), Gabby Felman, jr. (F, 5-10); Jillian Wandler, jr. (F, 5-10); Emily Hany, so. (G, 5-5); Etta Fischer, fr. (F, 5-11); Lexi Miyares, fr. (G, 5-7); Ellie Molster, fr. (G/F, 5-11)
Worth noting: The Huskies are coming off a solid season against a tough schedule. They won the MSL East, played in the MSL championship game, and won the Elgin regional before falling to Stevenson in the sectional semifinal. The Huskies return five of their top eight from last year, and will be led by a seasoned Donovan at point guard. They also return their top defender in Craft, and will look for sophomore post player Marks and guard Grabowy to step into starting roles. With a solid lineup of returners and some fresh faces, including three freshmen, the Huskies are looking to pick up where they left off last season. “I am so excited about this group," said Ludois, the former Rockton Hononegah and Marquette standout guard. "We return a lot of strong players from last year that have another year of varsity basketball under their belts. We also have a great group of younger kids who are ready to get in the mix. I expect us to battle for the MSL East and pick up right where we left off.”
Hoffman Estates
Coach: Bradley Reibel (sixth season)
Last season’s record: 5-23, 0-10 MSL West
Top returning players: Ella Steel (G), Kendall Burdick (G), Maddie Frank (F), Olivia Ingraffia (G), Zion Oyeleke (G) Justice Phillips (G), Alicia Fuentes (F), Joelle Qumsieh (G),
Top newcomers: Edessa Khamoo (G), Miah Ugalde (G), Madisyn Harper (F)
Worth noting: Reibel said the Hawks are entering this season with a strong emphasis on development and growth, both individually and as a team. While the team brings a mix of experienced players and newcomers, he said the primary goal is to see continuous improvement throughout the season, focusing on building skills, resilience and teamwork.
Palatine
Coach: Sarah Davis (second season, career record 14-16)
Last season’s record: 14-16, 4-5 MSL West
Top returning players: Molly Pieper, sr. (F, 6-1); Halle Onyekonwu, sr. (C, 6-3); Jaslene Evans, sr. (F, 6-0); Elise Martino, sr. (G, 5-6); Ava Millan, sr. (G, 5-5); Addy Dersnah, sr. (G, 5-8); Liann Ang, sr. (G, 5-7); Grace Kline, so. (G, 5-9)
Top newcomers: Savannah Apolinar, so. (G, 5-7)
Worth noting: Palatine is loaded with seniors this year, which means it will bring experience and leadership to the floor. The Pirates back the majority of their starting roster, with the addition of two more seniors returning from injury (ACL tears). Pieper (9 ppg last season) and Martino are four-year varsity players with Onyekonwu (5 ppg last season) and Evans returning to the lineup for their third year on the varsity. Ang and Dersnah are returning after a year hiatus due to injury and Kline is excited to add to her second year on varsity. “We’re really looking forward to this season," Davis said. "We have a special group of seniors with a ton of chemistry. It’s going to be exciting to coach and exciting to watch.”
Prospect
Coach: Matt Weber (fifth season at Prospect, 11th season overall, career record 153-134, 77-35 at Prospect)
Last season’s record: 20-13, 7-3 MSL East
Top returning players: Alli Linke, jr. (F, 6-1); Gina Falls, sr. (G, 5-10); Sadie Splinter, sr. (F, 5-7); Riley Caroll, sr (G, 5-10); Colleen Shute, sr. (F, 6-0); Zoe Black, so, (G, 5-10); Maeve Johl, so. (G, 5-10); Neve Pomis, sr. (G, 5-4); Allison Warnement, jr. (F, 5-10); Ally Hendrickson, sr.,.(F, 5-7)
Top newcomers: Ella Daly, so. (G, 5-6); Lina Calvacca, jr. (F, 5-9); Libby McDonough, jr. (G, 5-6); Makaylah Mosby, sr. (G, 5-7); Julia Rarau, sr. (F, 5-9)
Worth nothing: The Knights have a lot of returning talent and experience on the court. Linke, a two-time all conference/All-Area selection, is a D-I recruit with more than 10 D-I offers. She averaged more than 12 points and 9 rebounds last season. Falls (7ppg), Splinter (4 rpg) and Carroll are also returning starters. Shute, Pomis, Black (who also has Division I interest) and Maeve Johl had a lot of varsity minutes last year. “Every player on the roster are multi-sport athletes,” Weber said. “Looking to play fast on offense and aggressive on defense. Have high goals for what we want to accomplish this year.”
Rolling Meadows
Coach: Ryan Kirkorsky (13th season at RM, 243-106 record; 17th year overall, 305-157 record)
Last season’s record: 22-9, 8-2 MSL East
Top returning players: Lizzy Andriano, jr. (G, 5-4); Dalia Grandberry, jr. (C, 6-4); Abby Ramel, jr. (G-F, 5-10); Iris Jordan, so. (G, 5-9); Nell Osterhues, so. (G, 5-7); Claire Cox, sr. (G, 5-6)
Top newcomers: Maggie Schoessling, jr. (G, 5-9): Anna Andriano, so. (G, 5-5); Maddie Johnston, so. (G, 5-6)
Worth noting: As he begins his 13th season at Meadows, KIrkorsky features a very young team after graduating seven seniors and four starters. Andriano heads into her third year as the starting point guard. "She sets the tone for everything we do," Kirkorsky said. "Lizzy and Claire Cox will serve as this year's captains, and they've set a great tone these first few weeks." Grandberry, coming off her volleyball season, can be dominant on both ends of the floor and she currently holds a few Division I offers. Ramel has worked on her game the last few years and will take on a more prominent role for the Mustangs. Jordan and Osterhues are talented sophomores who will also take on bigger roles. Anna Andriano, Johnston and Schoessling will contribute right away. "With our youth, it's going to take us some time to develop," Kirkorksy said. "But we're excited about this group and have high expectations for the season."
Schaumburg
Coach: Kaitlin Aylward (first season)
Last season’s record: 27-6, 8-2 MSL West
Top returning players: Taline Abousamra, sr. (C, 6-0); Olivia Dudek, sr. (F, 5-10); Sophia Snow, jr. (G, 5-2); Emma Grossman, jr. (G, 5-8)
Top newcomers: Martha White, so. (G, 5-8)
Worth noting: The Saxons are aiming to build on the momentum from a successful season last year but with a lot of new faces. First-year coach Aylward takes the reins, bringing both energy and a winning background to the team as she previously served as the Montini varsity assistant coach the past four years. She’ll rely on returning players like Abousamra, Dudek, Snow and Grossman to lead on the court while White is looking to make an impact in her debut varsity season. "It will be fun to watch the strides this team makes by the end of the season," Aylward said.
Wheeling
Coach: Kellie Braase (second season, career record 8-22)
Last season’s record: 8-22, 0-10 MSL East
Top returning players: Ellie Vitoso, so. (G); Kate Ning, so. (G.), Madison O'Rourke, so. (G), Mia Smith, jr. (G), Belen Estrada-Ibarra, sr. (G)
Top newcomers: Nicole Sterkowiec, jr. (G)
Worth noting: Braase-Kuzmanic, a former standout at Wheeling and Cornell College in Iowa, looks forward to seeing how this team progresses throughout the season. "We are a young team still learning the ins and outs of the game," she said. "But the girls are willing to work hard every day."
Maine East
Coach: Lance Newman (second season, career record 13-15)
Last season’s record: 13-15, 3-7 CSL North
Top returning players: Arabella Silva, so. (G, 5-7); Jessica Bravo, sr. (F, 5-7); Maria Gonzales, sr. (F, 5-7); Heidi Cortez, so. (G 5-7), Marie Matsumoto, so. (G, 5-5)
Top newcomers: Cumiyah Preister, so. (G, 5-7)
Worth noting: Maine East looks to improve this year in conference play after going 3-7 last season with all of its games going down to the wire. The Blue Demons will be led by standout sophomore Silva who scored 538 points last year as a freshman. Although losing impact player Mariah Scott to graduation, East is looking to pick up the tempo with a combo of senior leadership and young impact players. Maine East opens play vs. Round Lake in its Thanksgiving Holiday Tournament which features new teams in Carmel and Thornton Fractional South.
Maine South
Coach: Jeff Hamann (7th season, career record 139-40)
Last season's record (31-2, Bison Classic champion, Dundee-Crown champion, CSL South champions, regional champions, sectional finalist)
Top returning players: Katie Barker sr. (G, 5-10); Asia Kobylarczyk sr. (F, 6-0); Ally Pape sr. (F, 5-11); Emily Currey jr. (F, 5-11); Amelia Fernandez jr. (G, 5-7); Kara Chaplin sr. (F, 5-9); Alyssa LaVecchia sr. (G, 5-4); Victoria Marchuk sr. (G, 5-6)
Top newcomers: Hayden Fahy so. (G, 5-5); Anya Chojnowski jr. (G, 5-6); Addie Kopf jr. (F, 5-8); Mia McNeill jr. (G, 5-6); Molly Mizwicki jr. (F, 5-7); Kathleen Noone jr. (G, 5-6)
Worth noting: Hamann's Hawks return three three-year starters: Barker who averaged 6.5 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2.8 spg; Kobylarczyk 7.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg; and Pape 9.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg. They have a 57-10 record as starters over the previous two seasons as do two top players off the bench from last year's team, Currey and Fernandez. "Each season, we do have lofty goals and this season is no exception with the group we have returning,“ Hamann said. "Our keys will continue to be our willingness to share the ball with each other on the offensive end, as well as the mindset that we need to play at our pace on both ends of the floor and our ability to use our athleticism and versatility to our advantage. We are certainly looking forward to another extremely successful season."
Maine West
Coach: Deanna Kuzmanic (fourth season, career record 34-46)
Last season’s record: 12-14, 7-3 CSL North (co-champion)
Top returning players: Kaitlyn Nutley, jr. (G, 5-9); Georgia Herman, sr. (G, 5-10); Ava Roback, jr. (F, 5-9); Mariana Espinoza, jr. (G, 5-5); Lynn Yousuf Abramson, jr. (F, 5-7)
Top newcomers: Alyssa Philip, so. (G, 5-7); Cassie Mach, jr. (C, 5-11)
Worth noting: Maine West returns seven players this season, but remains a young team with only three seniors on the roster. After winning a share of the CSL North last season, the Warriors return all-conference selection Kaitlyn Nutley (7.5 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.9 apg). "We are excited to grow on our success from last season," said Kuzmanic, one of the all-time leading scorers for Wheeling High School and Alabama-Birmingham. "The competitive spirit and positive energy of our girls makes them such a fun group to coach."
East Suburban Catholic
St. Viator
Coach: Kyle Braheny (second year at SV, 10-25 record; eighth season overall, 67-123 record)
Last season’s record: 10-25 overall, 2-10 ESCC (regional champions)
Top returning players: Maggie Ratzki, sr. (G, 5-6); Ellen Denten, sr. (F, 5-10); Kyli Ziebka, sr. (G/F, 5-6), Kalin McCrea, so. (G, 5-6); Bella Gounaris, so. (G, 5-6)
Top newcomers: Ava Garcia, fr. (G, 5-7); Emily Walberg, jr. (G/F, 5-10); Raisie Rivera, sr. (G, 5-5); Catherine Adamski, jr. (F, 5-11)
Worth noting: The Lions are looking to build on where they left off last season when they won four of their last five games, including a trip to the sectional championship. Although they graduated eight seniors, they return a combination of experience and talent. Ziebka, Ratzki, Denten and McCrea are returning starters while Gounaris played meaningful minutes as a freshman. Garcia, a freshman, will look to contribute early and often and several experienced players will add to the balanced rotation. “This is going to be a fun and exciting team to watch this season," Braheny said. "We are establishing our identity as being a defensively sound team that wants to create pressure and play with pace. This is a great group of student-athletes who are ready to compete from day one. We want to continue our momentum from the end of last season.”
West Suburban
Leyden
Coach: Tony Smith (fourth season, 36-46 career record)
Last season’s record: 16-12, 5-7 WSC
Top returning players: Katherine MacLeod, jr. (G,5-7); Nicol Bokuniewicz, sr. (F, 6-1); Abigail Cortez, sr. (F, 5-8); Najawa Jackson, sr. (G, 5-3); Hailey Keeton, sr. (G, 5-7); Brooke Reith sr. (F, 5-3)
Top newcomers: Nataly Salgado, jr. (G, 5-3); Carmen Richardson, sr. (G, 5-4); Natalia Petrucci, jr. (G, 5-4); Era Mustafa, jr. (G, 5-4); Angelina Guillen, jr. F (5-9); Malayne Escoto, sr. (F, 5-8)
Worth noting: Smith said the Eagles are battling some injuries early in the season but it will be one of the deepest teams Leyden has had when everyone is healthy. "Our team will be very balanced," said Smith, who is looking to continue building the program. "And we are looking forward to watching them grow throughout the season."