Girls basketball notes: Meet several unsung heroes from these winning teams

Winning teams often feature standout players.

All winning teams also possess unsung players.

Players who seldom lead their teams in scoring yet provide significant contributions on a consistent basis.

Larkin improved to 13-7 with last weekend’s city sweep of Elgin (57-11) and Harvest-Westminster Christian, (53-21).

“I would put Yesi Escobar in that category,” said Royals coach Deryn Carter. “While she does score a good amount for us (second leading scorer at 15 ppg), she has really stepped up as a second option for us – especially the way teams tend to focus on Mia (Carter).

“It helps give us another option to go to and run plays for. Yesi also is a tremendous defensive player, leading our team with four steals per game.”

Escobar, a senior guard, has provided leadership for the Upstate Eight West contenders.

“She has improved her game a ton from last year, and is really stepping up for us on offense and defense,” said the coach.

At South Elgin, coach Emily Driessen credits Molly Stahl for her dedication.

“Molly is a three-year varsity starter, 4.48 weighted GPA, involved in multiple different clubs and played flag football at our school,” said Driessen. “She is an absolute workhorse and one of our captains. Her stats are not through the roof by any means and she did suffer an ankle injury earlier in the year, but she was instrumental in our win (45-32) over Bartlett last Friday.

“She defended their best player full court, keeping her to 4 of her 18 points when guarding her, and scored 10 points for us. We usually put her on the other team’s best player. She also had to step up and play point guard after Izzy Fernandez went down with a season-ending injury. Her teammates adore her and she has been an excellent role model for our program.”

Glenbard West is off to a 17-2 start.

“We would like to highlight junior Lily Hubbuch,” said Hilltoppers assistant coach Lauren Busch on behalf of head coach Kristi Faulkner. “She brings 100 percent focus and intensity every time she steps on the court.

“Lily is willing to do whatever is asked of her, whether it’s hitting a big three or locking down another team’s top player. She often draws our toughest defensive assignments and is relentless in her pursuit to hold top players to minimal impact.

“As a coach, having a player who you never have to question their effort, hustle, and commitment is such a benefit. She has a high basketball IQ and is a leader on the court through her everyday example. She is a talented player whose persistent work ethic makes her a central pillar to our success.”

UEC East frontrunner Glenbard South (15-4) receives solid support from junior point guard Kaitlin Erickson.

“Kaitlin is a three-year varsity player, and this is her second year as a starter,” said Raiders coach Eric Daca. “Kaitlin doesn’t score a lot but can drive to the basket and shoot. She does a good job of running the offense and distributing to others. She is also an aggressive defensive player. Her competitiveness is an asset in practice and during games.”

Lake Park coach Bobby Reibel credits seniors Tatum Kelly Quintero, Dani Rottinger, Ali Pena, Sydney Logan, Alex Kiefer, and Rachelle Orrico, as key parts for the DuKane leaders (16-2).

“Tatum has worked incredibly hard to rehab after missing last year with a knee injury,” said Reibel. “She serves as one of our team captains and has started every game for us this year. She is well respected by her teammates and is a glue girl who contributes on both sides of the floor.

“Despite seeing limited minutes, Dani and Ali come to practice every day looking to get better and doing whatever they can to help our team,” added Reibel. “They challenge their teammates and have significantly helped improve our team.

“Sydney and Alex have been key pieces to us winning specific games this year. They contribute both on the floor and by keeping their teammates positive through leadership and humor. Rachelle brings a lot of toughness to our team and our defense, which has been a major reason for our success. She is always willing to do all the little things to make us better.”

Streamwood (11-5) coach Samuel Kruel highlights junior guard Karen Mendez.

“Karen has been an integral part of our success this season, but rarely will you see her name at the top of the stat sheet when it comes to scoring,” said Kruel. “She has a motor that never quits. Whether that be on defense or running the break on offense, she is always moving at 100 mph.

“Although only 5-foot-2, she’s not afraid to mix it up in the paint with the bigs. Her 83 rebounds (6.4 per game) ranks second on the team, and she’s also second on the team in steals, assists, and 3-pointers made.”

St. Charles North (13-3) coach Grant Oler credits senior Riley Barber for her all-around play.

“There are so many kids I could talk about in this capacity, but the one that sticks out the most is Riley,” said Oler. “She has been a 3-year starter on some incredibly talented teams. Her value is much more than points. She is one of our loudest and most consistent communicators defensively and has been for many years. She really does it all for us – tied for first in steals, second on the team in assist to turnover ratio, rebounds, assists, blocks, and third in deflections.”

Crystal Lake South (11-4) junior Tessa Melhuish fits this category to a tee, according to coach Mark Mucha.

“She scores less than 5 points per game but…leads our team in rebounding and led the FVC in rebounding last year, averaging almost 10 per game,” said the coach. “She is always hustling, not scared to dive on the floor for loose balls. She is often tasked with guarding the opposing team’s biggest player.

“When we are playing well, 99 percent of the time you’ll find Tessa on the floor, and she will somehow have a hand in the action.”

Burlington Central (11-7), second in the FVC, recognizes Ashley Waslo and Kelsey Covey for their contributions.

“It’s quick and easy to recognize the leading scorers, but there is so much more that goes into the success of a team,” said Rockets coach Michael Carani. “We have a few girls that consistently bring the effort on the defensive side of the ball. They’re great team players, see the court well, set solid screens, and bring energy through their effort.

“Ashley ranks second in steals, deflections, and assists, third in rebounds, and fourth in scoring, while Kelsey is our leading free-throw shooter and fifth leading scorer.”

Naperville Central (15-3) coach Andy Nussbaum credits senior guard Colette McInerney, among others.

“Colette starts and gets the toughest defensive assignment every game,” said the coach.

“And our seniors on the bench – Maya Williams, Kayla Spikings, and Madi Brown. They contribute heavily to team chemistry.”

Kyra Lilly has helped Kaneland (16-5) remain unbeaten in the Interstate 8.

“Kyra is our third leading scorer but leads the team in minutes played,” said Knights coach Brian Claesson. “She has been on varsity for last three years and knows our offensive and defensive systems better than anyone else. She truly is a coach on the court.

“She does all the little things coaches love. She has stepped up and been a vocal leader and has the respect of her teammates.”

Huntley (12-7), first place in the FVC, features veteran Avery Suess.

“Avery is a junior and three-year varsity player,” said Red Raiders coach Steve Raethz. “She brings so many intangibles to our team and is a versatile defender, able to guard multiple positions on the floor. She is a tenacious rebounder, extremely coachable, with a great attitude. We are truly fortunate to have her.”

Downers Grove North (18-2) coach listed Lylah Pantuso, Gianna Goodwin, Grace Olson, and Kate Miller for their contributions.

“Lylah has great vision and an excellent feel for the game,” said Trojans coach Stephan Bolt. “She makes the people around her better, plays unselfishly, and is an outstanding teammate. Her ability to read situations and keep us organized is a big reason we’re able to play the way we do.

“Gianna is as reliable as they come, and one of our most physical defenders. She sets the tone for our team with her effort and toughness.

“Grace is a confident shooter who can knock down shots in bunches. She stays ready, understands spacing, and when she gets going can change the momentum of a game.

“Kate is a great teammate who understands her role,” added Bolt. “She’s capable of playing important minutes in crucial matchups, and her willingness to prepare, compete, and do what the team needs has been huge for us.”