Girls basketball: Scouting Cook County
Barrington
Coach: Babbi Barreiro (33rd season, career record 534-436)
Last year's record: 15-17, 6-4
Top returning players: Maddie Anderlem, sr. (G, 5-8); Simra Alam, sr. (G, 5-9); Audrey Swanson, sr. (G, 6-0); Lily Richmond, jr. (P, 6-0); Melody Bongiorno, jr. (G, 5-8); Isla Koertner jr. (G, 5-10); Caley Skidmore, jr. (5-8, G); Ayla Allen, so. (G, 6-0)
Top new players: Hailey Donovan, sr,; Rihanna Lawrence, sr.; Syd Peipert, jr.; Avery Sandberg, so.
Worth noting: Hall of fame coach Babbi Barreiro says her team has shown outstanding focus in the preseason. "And our practices have had great energy and teamwork so far," said Barreiro, a former Elk Grove standout basketball and softball player who graduated from Indiana University and now has 534 wins. The Fillies return a strong core group from last year’s team that finished second in the MSL West. "I’m confident this group will embrace a shared offensive approach while committing to the defensive work required to be successful,“ Barreiro said. "The new conference alignment and a highly competitive nonconference schedule will certainly test us, but those challenges are exactly what we need to grow and prepare for tournament play later in the year. I’m proud of this team’s commitment, chemistry, and daily effort — and as always, I’m eager to get the season underway and see what this group can accomplish together."
Buffalo Grove
Coach: Martha Kelly (sixth season)
Last season’s record: 12-19, 4-6 MSL East
Top returning players: Hannah Weber, sr. (F, 6-2); Ava Antonopoulos, jr. (F, 5-11); Lauren Fink, jr. (G, 5-6); Ava Lo Verde, jr. (G, 5-2); Amanda Kowalski, jr. (G, 5-4); Kayla Daugird, so. (G, 5-6); Olivia Hill, so. (F, 6-2); Litsa Karavitis, so. (G, 5-6)
Top new players: Emaline Sara, so. (G, 5-6); Paige Watson, so. (G, 5-5); Heidi Krause, so. (G, 5-6); Annie Sadowski, fr. (G, 5-6)
Worth noting: The Bison return a lot of experience as Kelly begins her sixth year in charge. The former Driscoll standout three-sport athlete watched her Bison break the single-season school record for rebounds last winter. Among the statistical leaders from that team were Hill (9.8 ppg, 6.7 rebounds pg), Weber (7.3 ppg, 7.8 rebounds pg) and Daugird (7.1 ppg, 2.5 assists pg, 2.8 steals pg).
Conant
Coach: Todd Strauch (eighth season, career record 67-109)
Last season’s record: 15-15, 6-4 MSL-West
Top returning players: Lyla Clifton, sr. (F, 5-10); Gianna Fresso, sr. (G, 5-6); Annabel Danso, jr. (F, 5-11); Arianna Dugo, jr. (G, 5-9); Madyson Biedke, jr. (G, 5-5); Kiana Leopoldo, sr. (G, 5-6); Kate Jenrick, sr. (F, 5-8), Bridget Gibson, sr. (F, 5-7)
Top new players: Karys Harvey, jr. (F, 5-7); Lexi Rivera, jr. (F, 5-8)
Worth noting: The Cougars return over 50% of their scoring from last season with returning all-conference selection Fresso along with six others who saw varsity playing time. Clifton and Leopoldo return from injuries that cut short their junior season after strong starts. Danso (8 ppg, 5.5 rpg), Dugo (4 ppg, 2.5 rpg) and Biedke (3 ppg, 1 apg) return for their second season. "It will be an interesting year with the new conference alignment and playing some different teams,” Strauch said. “We play a difficult nonconference schedule that will challenge us and get us ready for conference play. We’re looking forward to seeing how the returners mix with some of the younger girls and improve throughout the season."
Elk Grove
Coach: Courtney Lindfors (third season)
Last season’s record: 4-28, 2-8 in the MSL East
Top returning players: Katie Wirtz, sr. (G, 5-7); Ashley Braude, sr. (C, 6-3); Lindsay Bobowski, sr. (G, 5-7)
Top new players: Jamie Wirtz, so. (G, 5-8)
Worth noting: Lindfors begins her third season in charge at Elk Grove where she starred for coach Ryan Kirkorsky in high school. The Grenadiers graduated seven seniors. "I am excited to see what this team can do this year," said Lindfors, who coached the Grenadiers flag football team to a 19-2 record this fall.
Fremd
Coach: Jim Weaver (first season)
Last season’s record: 30-6, 10-0 MSL (second in Class 4A)
Top returning players: Greta Thompson, sr. (F, 5-11); Bella Del Mar, sr. (F, 6-0); Sophia McMillan, sr. (G, 5-6); Gracie Todd, jr. (G, 5-9); Anna Montella, jr. (F, 5-10); Lucy Kim, sr. (G, 5-6); Natalie Klink, sr. (C, 6-2), Elena Nehf, Sr. (F, 5-10), Lily Mayer, sr. (G-5-5)
Top new players: Nelly Gonnella, sr. (G, 5-7); Hadley Carter, so. (G, 5-7); Selah Cho, so. (G, 5-6); Sophia Adams, so. (F, 5-8); Payton Kemeny, jr. (G, 5-4); JoJo Duncan, jr. (G, 5-6), Madison Drenth, jr. (C- 5-10)
Worth noting: With former Fremd hall of fame softball coach Jim Weaver (495 wins) taking over the program, the Vikings are coming off consecutive trips down state (second in 2025 and third in 2024). Thompson (Rollins commit), Del Mar, and McMillan (University of Illinois soccer commit) are four-year varsity players while Todd (Miami of Ohio commit) and Montella round out the five returners from a core of eight players last season. “The program lost an excellent class of seniors (including Ella Todd, Coco Urlacher and Ellie Thompson) who were strong leaders so the girls are working hard to come together and create their own legacy," Weaver said. "I’ve coached most of the girls in the program at some point in the past 3 years as the JV coach and they are amazing people who understand the sacrifices necessary to play at a high level." Weaver added that the Vikings had a strong summer and a fantastic off-season in their skill development and in the weight room. "We shoot the ball pretty well," he said. "So our season will come down to playing together as a group on both ends of the floor.”
Hersey
Coach: Courtney Ludois (third season at Hersey (43-22 record), two seasons at Richmond-Burton (34-21, Overall 77-43)
Last season’s record: 21-12, 8-2 in MSL West
Top returning players: Kate Donovan, sr. (G, 5-7); Sadie Marks, jr. (F, 6-1); Emily Hany, jr. (G, 5-7); Etta Fischer, so. (F, 6-1); Lexi Miyares, so. (G-5-7); Ellie Molster, so. (G, 5-10); Jillian Wandler, sr. (F-5-10); Rylee Farrell, sr. (C-6-1)
Top new players: Julia Fonseca, so. (G,5-10); Kathryn Cataldo, So. (G, 5-7); Lea Dreyer, so. (G, 5-7); Luciana Pesoli, fr. (G, 5-7); Lana Helm, sr. (G, 5-8); Hailey Mitchell, jr. (C, 5-11);
Worth noting: The Huskies are coming off a solid season where they went 21-12 against a tough schedule. They finished second in the MSL East and won the Elgin Larkin regional before falling to Prospect in the sectional semifinal. The Huskies return three starters, as well as three sophomores who earned valuable playing time as freshmen. The Huskies will be led by seasoned veteran Kate Donovan at point guard, a NJIT commit, and post player Marks, who gained valuable experience as the starting forward. With a solid lineup of returners and some fresh faces, including a total of six sophomores, the Huskies are looking forward to a tough new conference. "This group has been so enjoyable to coach," said former Rockton-Hononegah and Marquette standout Courtney Ludios. "They are hard-working, coachable and close off the court," Ludois said. "Kate Donovan and Sadie Marks have been incredible leaders, and we have a good mix of veterans and newcomers. Our young kids are ready to make their mark.”
Hoffman Estates
Coach: Bradley Reibel (seventh season)
Last season’s record: 5-25, 0-10 MSL West
Top returning players: Miah Ugalde, sr.; Molly Bell jr.; Carmella Calabrese, so.; Nadia Thomas, so.
Top new players: Bella Benitez, fr; Agata Madej, fr; Mia Przybyslki, fr; KK James, fr; Pip Sher, fr; Anna Sankey, fr; Kaleah Ward, fr; Sanaa Allen, fr.
Worth noting: Seventh-year coach Bradley Reibel, a former All-Area basketball selection from Prospect High School where he was the school's 2012 Athlete of the Year, welcomes in plenty of new faces this season. "We will be young and hoping to grow over the course of the season," Reibel said. "We always measure ourselves based on the development of our players from the start to the end of the season and this year will be no different."
Maine East
Coach: Lance Newman (third season, career record 27-32)
Last season's record: 14-17, 4-6 in CSL North
Top returning Players: Arabella Silva jr. (G, 5-8); Heidi Cortez jr. (G, 5-8), Marie Matsumoto jr. (G, 5-5), Cumiyah Preister jr. (G, 5-7)
Top new players: Oyin Olurotimi (F, 5-9)
Worth Noting: Maine East has been a tough opponent for its CSL North opponents the last two seasons. Seven seniors have graduated so this year's club will be led by juniors. CSL North 'Player of the Year' Silva is looking to earn that honor for a second consecutive season after averaging 23 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3 steals and 2.5 assists. "This will be a new look Blue Demon team ready to start the season hosting its annual Thanksgiving tournament," said Maine East coach Lance Newman.
Maine West
Coach: Deanna Tuttle (fifth season, career record 42-66)
Last season’s record: 8-20, 3-7 in conference (fifth place)
Top returning players: Mariana Espinoza, sr. (G, 5-3); Kaitlyn Nutley, sr. (G, 5-9); Ava Roback, sr. (F, 5-9); Lynn Yousuf Abramson, sr. (F, 5-5); Maddie Jackson, jr. (G, 5-3); Alyssa Philip, jr. (G, 5-4); Hanna Balchan, so. (G, 5-6)
Top new players: Natalia Babicki, so. (G, 5-2); Areti Kolias, so. (F, 5-7); Chloe Mach, so. (G, 5-5); Dayliana Rodriguez, fr. (F, 5-10)
Worth noting: Maine West returns seven players from last season, including the starting lineup. The Warriors return four seniors entering their third varsity season along with two-time all-conference player, Nutley (10.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.9 steals). "We are a balanced blend of returning upperclassmen with substantial varsity experience and underclassmen eager to learn and compete at the varsity level," Tuttle said. "I am excited to see this team grow both on and off the court this season as we work to get better every day."
Maine South
Coach: Jeff Hamann (eighth season, career record 164-50)
Last season's record: 25-10, 8-2 in the CSL South, regional champions, advanced to the sectional championship game
Top returning players: Amelia Fernandez sr. (G, 5-6), Emily Currey sr. (F, 5-10), Hayden Fahy jr. (G 5-5), Addie Kopf sr. (F, 5-9)
Top newcomers: Molly Mizwicki sr. (F, 5-7), Mia McNeill sr. (G, 5-5), Kathleen Noone sr. (G, 5-5), Ally Seurynck sr. (G, 5-7), Gianna LaVecchia jr. (G, 5-4), Phoebe O'Shea jr., (G, 5-5), Nellie Ossmo jr. (F, 5-8), Theresa Sladky jr. (G, 5-8), Evelina Sotos jr. (F, 5-6), Lena Chaplin jr. (G, 5-7)
Worth noting: Maine South has enjoyed much success recently, winning 104 games over the past four seasons, including three CSL South championships and advancing to the sectional championship four seasons in a row. While the Hawks lost several key players to graduation, they return two starters and three of their top six players from last year's team. That trio includes Fernandez (3.5 points, 2.4 assists), Currey (4.5 points, 3.7 rebounds) and Fahy (6.6 points). Their speed, quickness, shooting skills and ability to play the game at a fast pace will make up for their lack of size. "I am very much looking forward to coaching this group and seeing what they are able to accomplish," said Hawks coach Jeff Hamann. "They are a fun, yet extremely competitive group and very hungry and eager to continue the program's winning tradition."
Palatine
Coach: Sarah Davis (fifth season)
Last season’s record: 16-17, 6-4 MSL West
Top returning players: Grace Kline, jr., (G, 5-9); Savannah Apolinar jr., (G, 5-6),
Top new players: Katie May so., (G/F, 5-9); Grace Abhalter so., (G, 5-6); Andrea Fonou jr., (G, 5-7); Allie Whitcomb jr., (G, 5-5); Alexia Washington sr., (F, 5-6)
Worth noting: After graduating 10 seniors, the Pirates are ready and excited to make a new name for themselves according to coach Sarah Davis (formerly Iuorio), a former standout athlete who played basketball, softball and soccer for the Pirates before studying at Illinois State. The Pirates are a young group, with only two returning players from last year in Kline and Apolina. "With their leadership, the team is looking to continue to improve throughout the season, with the main goal being playing together," Davis said. "We are going to work extremely hard and get 1% better every day. We’re so excited to watch the girls come together and gain momentum. They’re a young group, but a motivated and coachable group!"
Prospect
Coach: Matt Weber (sixth season at Prospect, 12 overall, career record 180-142, at Prospect 104-43)
Last year's record: 27-8, 10-0 in MSL East, lost in sectional final to Fremd
Top returning players: Alli Linke sr. (6-1, F); Zoe Black jr. (5-10); Maeve Johl jr. (5-10); Allison Warnement sr. (5-10); Libby McDonough sr. (5-5); Ella Daly jr. (5-6)
Top new players: Sophie Panaitescu jr. (5'4), Madeline Marling jr. (6-2), Ava Verros jr. (5-9); Ashley Skelton fr. (6-0); Tess Brennan fr. (5-7); McKenna Carroll fr. (5-8); Mia Marling fr. (6-0)
Worth noting: The top two scorers from last year's sectional final team and MSL East champion (Linke and Black) are back. Linke is a returning all-state player committed to Murray State while Black is a returning All-Area selection who has D1 offers. Also returning is Johl, who started multiple games last year. Warnment, McDonough (quarterback for the Knights flag football team) and Daly also had a lot of quality varsity minutes. Coach Matt Weber also welcomes four freshmen (Brennan, Carroll, Marling and Skelton) who will compete for time with juniors Panaitescu, Madeline Marling and Verros.
Rolling Meadows
Coach: Ryan Kirkorsky (14th season at RM, 265-115 record; 18th year overall, 327-166 record)
Last season’s record: 22-9, 6-4 in MSL East, regional champions
Top returning players: Lizzy Andriano, sr. (G, 5-4); Dalia Grandberry, sr. (C, 6-4); Abby Ramel, sr. (G-F, 5-11); Maggie Schoessling, sr (G, 5-9); Anna Andriano, jr. (G, 5-6); Iris Jordan, jr. (G, 5-9); Nellie Osterhues, jr. (G, 5-7)
Top new players: Cara Cruz, so. (G, 5-6); Meghan Riggi, so. (G, 5-3)
Worth noting: The Mustangs will be an experienced team returning all five starters and their top seven rotation players from last season. Lizzy Andriano, Grandberry and Ramel are multi-year starters who lead RM and impact the game on both ends of the court. Grandberry recently committed to Eastern Illinois University and Ramel will play at the next level as well. Iris Jordan is a do-it-all player who makes winning plays on both ends of the floor and Osterhues is a dynamic scorer and defensive stopper. Anna Andriano was the team’s most consistent spark off the bench last year,. Schoessling played a key role last year with her versatility, capable of playing any position on the court while making timely plays. Kirkorsky said sophomores Ashcraft, Cruz and Riggi are talented and will also make the team better. "This group is looking to build off of last year's success," said the veteran coach, one of the winningest coaches in the MSL with 327 triumphs.
Schaumburg
Coach: Kaitlin Aylward (second season)
Last season’s record: 8-22, 2-8 MSL West
Top returning players: Sophia Snow, sr. (G, 5-2); Martha White, jr. (G, 5-8); Emma Grossman, sr. (G, 5-8); Stayan Porter, jr. (F, 5-7)
Top new players: Parvathi Menon-Komattil, fr. (G/F, 5-9); Abbey Miller, so. (G, 5-6)
Worth Noting: The Saxons return seven players from last year’s team, led by senior all-conference guard Sophia Snow. This season, they’ll rely on the experience and leadership of seniors Grossman, Pekala, Flores, Pietris and Delao while also looking for key contributions from underclassmen Miller and Menon-Komattil. The Saxons open their season in their own 36th annual Lady Saxons Thanksgiving Basketball Classic.
St. Viator
Coach: Kyle Braheny (third season at SV, ninth overall, career record 87-137
Last season’s record: 20-14, 3-9 ESCC
Top returning players: Catherine Adamski, sr. (F-5-11), Emily Walberg, sr (F, 5-10), Gabriella Scaravalle, sr. (G, 5-7), Molly Finucane, sr. (F, 5-7); Bella Gounaris, jr. (G, 5-6), Kalin McCrea, jr. (G, 5-6); Ava Garcia, so (G, 5-7)
Top new players: Evelyn Hill, so. (G, 5-6); Kate Ziebka, jr. (G, 5-7); Claire Salatino, jr (G, 5-7); Grace Chepell, jr. (G, 5-9)
Worth noting: St. Viator is looking to build off its 20-win season and regional championship a year ago under coach Kyle Braheny. The Lions return both youth and experience with five seniors and their three leading contributors from last winter. All-Area selection Garcia (13.2 ppg, 6.7 rpg), Gounaris (9.6 ppg) and McCrea (8.3 ppg) look to lead a balanced team. "This is going to be a fun and exciting team to watch this season," Braheny said. "We want to set the tone from the beginning with our defensive intensity and pace of play. We want to establish ourselves early in the season and continue to build on our identity of being a tough team to play. This is a hard working group of student-athletes that are eager to grow and succeed."
Wheeling
Coach: Kellie Braase (third season, career record 10-52)
Last season’s record: 2-30, 0-10 MSL East
Top returning players: Mia Smith sr. (G), Nicole Sterkowiec sr. (G), Kate Ning jr. (G), Madison O'Rourke jr. (G), Laila Crump so. (F)
Worth noting: Now in her third season, former Wheeling great Kellie Kuzmanic Braase said the Wildcats are continuing to lay the foundation as they will compete in the newly formed MSL West division. Smith, Sterkowiec, O'Rourke and Ning all return with experience on the varsity from last season under Brasse, a former standout at Wheeling and Cornell College in Iowa.
Willows Academy
Coach: Morgan Jahnke (first season)
Last season’s record: 26-9, 4-3 ISL Conference
Top returning players: Maura Crimmins jr.; Erin Mongoven, sr; Maria Paschall, sr.; Clare Gannon, sr.; Catherine Fairbank, sr.
Top new players: Kamila Mikula, fr,; Claire Stepansky, jr.; Stephanie Tirpak, jr.
Worth noting: Behind an aggressive defense, the Eagles have a record of 83-21 (2023-2025) over the past three seasons. During that stretch, they earned three 3 regional titles and their first sectional title. This season, they are under new leadership with head coach Morgan Jahnke, who has been with the program the past five seasons working under Jodi Marver. "With the amazing success we've had over the past three seasons, we will now be bumping up from Class 1A to 2A," Jahnke said. "I know our girls are ready to bump up to the 2A level. Our team motto this year is 'GRIT' and I know our girls will rise to the occasion."