Fox Valley girls basketball outlook
Aurora Central Catholic
Coach: LeVada Smith (seventh season).
Last season’s record: 23-9 overall, 6-1 in the GCAC.
Top returners: Sofia Corral, sr., G; Riley Cwinski, sr., F; Grace Grunloh, jr., G; Brooklyn Murphy, sr., G.
Key newcomers: Sofia Orozco, soph., G/F; Ashley Watter, jr., F.
Worth noting: Although the Chargers’ run of consecutive Class 2A regional championships ended at 2 last season, they enjoyed a 23-win campaign and defeated Marengo (78-50) in the regional semifinals before falling to top-seeded Stillman Valley (53-48) in the regional finals. Another positive — the Chargers return several solid players, including 5-foot-9 guard Corral, 5-9 forward Cwinski, and 5-9 guard Murphy. Orozco (5-11) and Watter (5-10) will provide interior depth for the Chargers. ACC opens its season against Plano, Sandwich, LaSalle-Peru, and Dwight on Nov. 18-20, 22, at the Somonauk Breakout Tournament.
Aurora Christian
Coach: Tori Henning (third season).
Last season’s record: Played a JV schedule and finished 9-11.
Top returners: Maddy Quan, sr., G; Makenzie Jensen, jr., G; Anna Beaumont, soph., F.
Key newcomers: Jada Vizcaya, frosh., G; Evelyn Klimek, frosh., F.
Worth noting: Aurora Christian is happy to be back playing a varsity schedule again. “This will be our first season since 2020-2021 that we will be playing a varsity schedule due to lack of numbers and how young our girls have been,” said Henning, a standout player for the Eagles before graduating in 2019. “We are excited to get the program back to where it was since our 2019-2020 state appearance.” The Eagles begin their season at Indian Creek on Nov. 25.
Bartlett
Coach: Patrick Ryan (first season).
Last season’s record: 15-18 overall, 10-8 in the Upstate Eight (5th place).
Top returners: Emily Linkovich, sr., G; Chloe Ohm, soph., G; Christina Stankus, sr., F; Megan Kron, sr., G.
Key newcomers: Neda Bazys, jr., C.
Worth noting: Bartlett welcomes the return of 5-foot-6 guard Linkovich and 5-9 guard/forwards Ohm, Stankus, and Kron following last season’s 15-win campaign that included an upper-half finish in the Upstate Eight. Ryan, who takes over the helm, is in his second season with the program. Bazys, a 6-foot center, gives the Hawks additional height in the frontcourt. The Hawks earned a 46-34 regional quarterfinal victory over Glenbard North last season before falling to eventual sectional champion Batavia (74-32) in the regional semifinals. Bartlett begins its season Nov. 19 against Schaumburg at the Lady Saxons Thanksgiving Tournament.
Batavia
Coach: Kevin Jensen
Last season: 29-6 (13-1 DuKane Conference)
Top returners: Julia Arulandu, senior, guard; Natalie Warner, senior, guard; Hallie Crane, senior, forward; Kaidyn King, senior, guard
Top newcomers: Riley Bainter, senior, forward; Payton Haslett, junior, guard; Eva Holzl, junior, guard; Sam Jansey, junior, guard, Ali Thomas, junior, forward
Worth noting: Batavia is coming off one of its best seasons in program history, where they won the DuKane Conference, secured their third straight regional title, and even won a sectional title for the first time. The Bulldogs lost some key pieces to graduation, including all-time leading scorer Brooke Carlson, did return some other pieces from last season, including Crane, who finished top 3 on the team in points per game, shooting percentage and rebounds a season ago. While Jensen knows filling those voids will be tough, especially Carlson, he’s expecting one of his returners to step up in the leading role to help the Bulldogs back to where they went last season.
Burlington Central
Coach: Mike Carani
Last season: 15-16 (10-8 Fox Valley Conference)
Top returners: Audrey LaFleur, sophomore, guard; Ashley Waslo, junior, guard; Jordyn Charles, junior, guard
Top newcomers: Ali Kowall, junior, guard; Lauren Meyer, junior, forward; Julia Scheuer, sophomore, forward; Kelsey Covey, sophomore, guard; Ainsley Wilson, sophomore, center
Worth noting: After losing seven seniors to graduation, including leading scorers Emma Payton and Emersyn Fry, Burlington Central comes in as a very young and athletic team. While there may be some growing pains, especially against some of the more experienced teams in the Fox Valley Conference, Carani is excited to see the group develop into a cohesive unit throughout the season.
Cary-Grove
Coach: Tony Moretti (sixth season)
Last season’s record: 20-12, 12-6 FVC (fourth)
Top returners: Kennedy Manning, jr., PG; Malaina Kurth, jr., G; Ellie Mjaanes, sr., F; Sam Skerl, sr., G; Alivia Nielsen, sr., F; Mary Brown, sr., PG
Key newcomers: Avery Hoffman, so., G; Kenley Duvall, so., F; Holly Streit, jr., G
Worth noting: The Trojans won their first regional championship since 2018, beating Lake Forest 47-33 in the Class 3A Lakes regional final, and had an eight-win improvement from the 2022-23 season. … Mjaanes, who is committed to D-I Lehigh, averaged12.8 points and 6.4 rebounds a game to lead the team. … Manning averaged 6.2 points and a team-high 2.6 assists a game. She also led C-G with 100 steals. Skerl (6.4 ppg) had 27 3s, and Kurth averaged 5.9 points a game. … Mjaanes, Manning and grad Emily Larry (7.4 ppg) were named to the All-FVC team. … “I’m very excited for the opportunity to compete with this group of girls,” Moretti said. “They have lofty goals.”
Crystal Lake South
Coach: Mark Mucha (11th season)
Last season’s record: 3-25, 1-17 FVC (tied for ninth)
Top returners: Makena Cleary, so., G; Tessa Melhuish, so., F; Adi Schwab, sr., G; Laken LePage, jr., G; Mallory Glover, so., G
Key newcomers: Gracey LePage, so., G; Gaby Dzik, fr., G; Riley Travis, jr., F
Worth noting: The Gators are going to get a big boost with the return of Laken LePage, who missed her sophomore season with a torn ACL. As a freshman, she averaged 11.1 points a game. … Gracey LePage, Laken’s sister and a standout in soccer with 38 goals last spring, is a first-year varsity player after not playing as a freshman. Laken and Gracey’s older brother Cooper LePage, a 2023 graduate, ended his high school career with 1,288 points and is now at D-II Northern Michigan. Their father Matt LePage is the current Gators boys basketball coach. … Cleary led the team in scoring last year at 7.9 points a game with 55 3s. Melhuish was one of the area’s leading rebounders (8 rpg). … “We’re a very young team compared to last year,” Mucha said. “I’m excited for us to build on our experience and to have Laken LePage back for her junior year.”
Dundee-Crown
Coach: John Gonnella (third season)
Last season’s record: 7-23, 5-13 (tied for seventh)
Top returners: Charlotte Stewart, sr., PG; Olivia Rodriguez, jr., F
Key newcomers: Josie Sheldon, fr., G; Julia Jamrozik, fr., G-F
Worth noting: The Chargers were led last year by forward Monica Sierzputowski, now a freshman at Oakton Community College, at 13.5 points and 7 rebounds a game. She was the team’s lone All-FVC member. … D-C improved by one spot in the FVC standings, tying Jacobs for seventh, after taking eighth in 2022-23 with a 4-14 mark in conference. … Stewart is the team’s most experienced returner at point guard. … “We are a young team looking to improve this season and growing for seasons to come,” Gonnella said.
Elgin
Coach: Kassie Rife (first season).
Last season’s record: 9-23 overall, 4-14 in the Upstate Eight (8th place).
Top returners: Isabel Castro, sr., G; Mahitha Ratakonda, sr., C; Kelly Taruc, sr., G.
Key newcomers: Imaan Azeem, sr., G; Genesis Ortega, sr., F; Savannah Guzman, sr., F; Mayalannie Gomez, sr., G; Sara Ortiz, sr., G; Samiha Mayani, sr., F; Jasanya Flores, jr., G/F; Mennatallah Abdel Fatah, jr., C; Aaliyah Quinones, jr., G; Lilliana Carbajal, jr., G; Alexa Lara, jr., C; Angelina Espinoza, soph., G; Rose Isada, soph., G; Selena Westlund, soph., G; Trinity Riggins, frosh., G.
Worth noting: Rife, a member of Elgin’s Class of 2012, takes over the helm from Dr. Nick Bumbales, who spent 15 seasons as head coach before retiring last year. Rife has served as the Maroons’ JV coach the last 8 years. “We’re excited to showcase a team that combines experience with new potential,” said Rife. “Leading this group are three major returners — Isabel Castro, Mahita Ratakonda, and Kelly Taruc, all of whom have been key members of our varsity lineup the last three years. The chemistry these three players share on the court is something we look forward to watching evolve even further this season.” As a sophomore, the 5-foot-7 Castro set the school’s single-season record with 63 3-pointers. Elgin, which lost to Hersey in the Class 4A regional semifinals last year, opens its season against West Chicago on Nov. 21 at the IMSA Tournament. The Maroons went 0-3 against the Wildcats last season. “With a diverse group of talented upper and underclassmen, we have the potential to be a powerful force,” said Rife.
Geneva
Coach: Sarah Meadows
Last season: 23-8 (12-2 DuKane Conference)
Top returners: Peri Sweeney, senior, guard; Gabby Webb, senior, guard; Keria McCann, junior, guard
Top newcomers: Bridget Hecker, senior, center
Worth noting: After a second-place finish in the DuKane Conference and a trip to the sectional finals last season, Geneva heads into the season with a bit of a different look. The Vikings lost two seniors to graduation, including leading scorer Leah Palmer and defensive specialist Caroline Madden. Despite this, Meadows said that her girls are ready to play hard and play aggressive in the DuKane Conference once again this season.
Hampshire
Coach: Eric Samuelson (sixth season)
Last season’s record: 20-12, 15-3 FVC (second)
Top returners: Chloe Van Horn, sr., G-F; Mikala Amegasse, jr., G
Key newcomers: Autumn Kriegel, sr., G-F; Kiley Podzimek, sr., G; Morgan Trent, sr., G; Roni Dumoulin, jr., F; Jesslyn Mack, so., F; Peyton McCarthy, so., G; Jiselle Lopez, fr., G
Worth noting: The Whip-Purs finished second in the FVC behind Huntley and won 20-plus games for the second straight year. … Van Horn is a four-year varsity player and averaged 9.3 points and 5.1 rebounds with 52 steals as a junior. … Hampshire graduated eight, including top scorer Ashley Herzing (13 ppg). … The Whips also graduated Whitney Thompson (9.3 ppg, 57 3s) and Avery Cartee (5.5 ppg). … Herzing and Thompson were All-FVC selections. ... “We graduated eight seniors so we’ll have a lot of players getting their first real shot at varsity minutes,” said Samuelson, “but we absolutely love the energy, effort and enthusiasm we’ve seen from this group.”
Huntley
Coach: Steve Raethz (26th season)
Last season’s record: 24-7, 17-1 FVC (first)
Top returners: Anna Campanelli, sr., G; Ava McFadden, sr., G; Paula Strzelecki, sr., F; Madison Diaz, sr., G-F; Aubrina Adamik, jr., G; Isabella Boskey, sr., F; Luca Garlin, jr., G; Gwen Campbell, jr., F; Alyssa Borzych, so., G
Key newcomers: Lana Hobday, so., G; Avery Seuss, so., F; Evelyn Freundt, fr., G; Kenzie Oates, fr., F
Worth noting: Huntley won its third FVC title in a row and is 52-1 in conference play since the start of 2021-22. The Red Raiders lost a heartbreaker to Guilford 33-32 in a Class 4A Guilford regional final, with the Vikings overtaking Huntley on two free throws. Raethz is 446-288 entering his 26th season. … Campanelli averaged 14.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.5 steals as a junior. She is committed to D-I Kent State. … Strzelecki averaged 7.7 points and 6.7 rebounds a game. … Adamik averaged 5.6 points a game and hit 32 3s. McFadden sank 20 3s… Campanelli, Strzelecki and grad Cassidy Serpe (5.5 ppg) earned All-FVC honors. . … Huntley returns nine players. … “We have a lot of players competing for opportunities on the floor and working to contribute to our team’s success,” Raethz said. “We look forward to the opportunity and challenge of contending for a conference title. We have a group of players who work extremely hard, compete every day and are very coachable.”
Jacobs
Coach: Jonathon Reibel (seventh season)
Last season’s record: 9-20, 5-13 FVC (tied for seventh)
Top returners: Sophia Acot, sr., G; Olivia Schuldt, sr., F; Amber Rasool, sr., F; Mallory Fessler, jr., G; Zara Lewis, jr., G-F; Olivia Schuster, so., F
Key newcomers: Sarina Acheatel, jr., F; Elisa Delgado, jr., G; Bri Ramsey, jr., G; Sienna Ryan, fr., G
Worth noting: Jacobs showed improvement last season, going from three to nine wins. They also won four more conference games than in 2022-23. The Golden Eagles, though, have to replace the scoring of grad Cam Cook, who led the team at 9 points a game and 6 rebounds a game. … Schuster averaged 6 points and 5 rebounds a game in her first year. … Reibel said the team will have a new look. … “We have a good mix of experienced players and young players,” Reibel said. “We’re excited to play a different style of basketball that differs from previous years — and this is due to the depth, skill and knowledge of this year’s group.”
Kaneland
Coach: Brian Claesson
Last season: 25-10 (8-2 Interstate 8 Conference)
Top returners: Kendra Brown, senior, guard; Sam Kerry, senior, guard/forward; Charlotte Krage, senior, forward; Kyra Lilly, junior, guard; Amani Meeks, sophomore, guard
Top newcomers: Grace Brunscheen, freshman, guard
Worth noting: While the loss of Lexi Schueler is a big blow, Kaneland is still coming into the season with confidence after making an appearance in the sectional championship a season ago. Claesson is expecting the trio of Brown, Kerry and Krage to be important leaders for the Knights, especially with Brown leading the Knights with 13.9 points per game last season on her way to being a special mention All-Stater. While Claesson is confident Kaneland can make a run at the Interstate 8 Conference title after finishing second last year, he also knows that there might be some early struggles due to the youth on the team.
Larkin
Coach: Stephen Knapp (10th season).
Last season’s record: 17-14 overall, 11-7 in the Upstate Eight (4th place).
Top returners: Mia Carter, jr., G/F; Sanaii McPherson, jr., G/F; Yesi Escobar, jr., G; Kenzie Wemken, jr., G; Chloe Potter, sr., G; Mackenzie Leaver, soph., G.
Key newcomers: Kenira Johnson, jr., G; Alizeya Moya, jr., G; McKayla Preuss, jr., F; Mariah Chandler, jr., G.
Worth noting: The Royals bring back a young but experienced squad with 5-foot-9 Carter and 5-8 McPherson leading the way as all-conference players from last season. Wemken and Escobar both have 2 years of varsity experience, while Leaver played last year as a freshman. Knapp expects Potter to get some minutes to help the team this season. Larkin will compete in the newly formed Upstate Eight West. “We are looking to win our side of the conference this year with West Aurora and South Elgin in the mix,” said the coach. “We will have this team for two years so it is looking good for the future. Sanaii (McPherson) and Mia (Carter) are both getting looks from colleges and are waiting to see what is offered in the next year.” Larkin opens its season against Sycamore on Nov. 19 at the Burlington Central Thanksgiving Tournament. The Royals’ home debut is Nov. 25 against Harvest Christian.
Rosary
Coach: John Rutter (4th season).
Last season’s record: 9-22 overall, 0-7 in the GCAC.
Top returners: Maddie Stumm, sr., G; Karyna Brol, sr., G.
Key newcomers: Clara Bello, soph., G; Olivia Figueras, sr., G; Kayla Garcia, soph., G.
Worth noting: Rutter returns for his 4th season following two years away from the program. The Royals return just 2 players — 5-foot-10 Stumm and 5-6 Brol, and will include 4 freshmen — guards Kaelyn Rudow, Zoe Mesner, Elizabeth Tolentino, and forward Kayla Shimp. “We will look to our seniors to step up and lead this very young and inexperienced team,” said the coach. Rosary tips off its season on Nov. 18 against Grant Park at the Reed-Custer Thanksgiving Tournament. The Royals’ home opener is on Dec. 3 against DeLaSalle.
South Elgin
Coach: Emily Driessen (second season).
Last season’s record: 9-22 overall, 7-11 in the Upstate Eight.
Top returners: Lexi Lopez, sr., G; Molly Stahl, jr., G; Taleah Banner, jr., F; Liv Miller, soph., C.
Key newcomers: Mackenzie Prince, soph., G; Izzy Fernandez, frosh., G.
Worth noting: The Storm look to rebound this season, thanks to the return of 5-foot-8 backcourt leader Lopez, 5-6 fellow guard Stahl, and young interior players Banner and Miller. Prince and Fernandez hope to add depth at the guard position. South Elgin begins its season at home against Jacobs on Nov. 18 before taking on Dundee-Crown, Rockton Hononegah, and Rockford Boylan No. 20-23. “We are a young group looking to grow and build from last year,” said Driessen.
St. Charles East
Coach: Kate Claussner
Last season: 19-13 (6-8 DuKane Conference)
Top returners: Corinne Reed, senior, guard; Sofia O’Sullivan, senior, guard; Alyse Price, senior, center; Addie Schilb, junior, guard
Top newcomers: Brooklyn Schilb, freshman; Kathlyn Bainbridge, freshman
Worth noting: St. Charles East boasts a roster filled with experienced seniors heading into the season. Expected to lead the way once again is Reed, a University of Akron commit who was top-3 on the team in every major category besides offensive rebounds a season ago. Along with the group, Claussner is expecting the freshman duo of Bainbridge and Brooklyn Schlib to make an immediate impact on the team, and hopefully help them improve on their fifth-place finish in the DuKane Conference last season.
St. Charles North
Coach: Mike Tomczak
Last season: 27-5 (11-3 DuKane Conference)
Top returners: Riley Barber, junior, forward; Hannah Ganser, senior, forward; Sydney Johnson, junior, guard/forward; Elle Fuhr, junior, forward; Lelanie Posada, sophomore, guard; Brianna Buono, junior, guard
Top newcomers: Bronwyn How, sophomore, forward; Ella Heimbuch, sophomore, guard; Kaelie Tomalak, sophomore, guard; Keira Connolly, sophomore, guard
Worth noting: After graduating a big senior class last season, which included Reagan Sipla and Laney Stark, St. Charles North will be bringing in a young group into the year. However, Tomczak feels the group has already gotten extremely close very quickly thanks to some of the role players from last season stepping into the leadership roles. He hopes that the North Stars can play complimentary, unselfish basketball and hopefully be competitive for the DuKane Conference title once again.
St. Edward
Coach: Michelle Dawson (21st season).
Last season’s record: 18-14 overall, 5-2 in the Chicagoland Christian.
Top returners: Amelia Davis, sr., F; Maggie Jarzemsky, sr., F; Elizabeth Leadley, sr., G; Madeline Sasis, sr., G; Alaina Nolan, jr., G; Jordin Sauls, jr., F; Layne Dawson, soph., G; Taylor Dawson, soph., G; Sarah Gurley, soph., G; Savannah Lynch, soph., G.
Key newcomers: Sara Gonzalez, sr., G; Ginger Younger, jr., G.
Worth noting: The Lady Wave enjoyed a turnaround season last year, improving from a 7-25 record in 2022-23 to finish 18-14 in 2023-24. Led by then-freshman Lynch, who made the Oregon Tip-Off and Lisle Holiday Classic all-tournament teams and recognized for all-state honors, St. Edward captured their fifth regional championship since 2005 before falling to Serena (55-44) in the sectional semifinals. Losing just 1 senior, the Lady Wave look forward to a successful season. Lynch is expected to be the team leader, supported by a cast of talented role players. “From what we saw this summer, everyone, including transfer student Ginger Younger, will be able to contribute on the court,” said Dawson. Alma College-bound Jarzemsky is expected to return from a knee injury in late December. Sasis has committed to play at Lakeland College. St. Edward begins its season at the Oregon Tip-Off Classic Nov. 21-23 and opens the home campaign against Woodstock on Nov. 26.
Streamwood
Coach: Samuel Kruel (first season).
Last season’s record: 13-15 overall, 7-11 in the Upstate Eight (7th place).
Top returners: Brianna Coffey, jr., F; Ayumi Ishikawa, soph., G; Kailey Pawlikowski, sr., F.
Key newcomers: Hannah Christiansen, soph., F; Karen Mendez, soph., G.
Worth noting: Kruel begins his debut season at the helm for the Sabres, led by 5-8 Coffey, 5-4 backcourt leader Ishikawa, and 5-11 frontline player Pawlikowski. At 5-10, Christiansen gives the Sabres additional size in the front court. “We only graduated one starter from last year’s team,” said Kruel. Streamwood opens the season at home against Buffalo Grove on Nov. 19.
West Aurora
Coach: Teresa Waldinger (seventh season).
Last season’s record: 10-19 overall, 7-7 in the Southwest Prairie West (3rd place).
Top returners: Brooklynn Johnson, sr., G; Shaine Johnson, sr., G/F; Serenity Evans., Sr., F; Syncere Williams, soph., G.
Key newcomers: Maya Rabadan, jr., F.
Worth noting: Last season, the Blackhawks suffered several narrow defeats, including 5 losses decided by 1 or 2 points. They will look to turn that number around with the return of 5-foot-7 guard Brooklynn Johnson, 5-7 Shaine Johnson, 5-9 Evans, and 5-5 Williams. West Aurora also competed to the wire against Neuqua Valley (62-57 loss), Naperville North (37-31), and St. Charles East (43-36). The Blackhawks’ season ended with a 57-34 Class 4A regional semifinal loss to Benet Academy. This year, West Aurora heads to the newly formed Upstate Eight West. The Blackhawks open their season at home against Glenbard West on Nov. 21.
Westminster Christian
Coach: Bridgette Gray (first season).
Last season’s record: 8-19 overall, 3-5 in the Northeastern (7th place).
Top returners: Abby Rizzo, jr., G; Beyah Richardson, sr., G; Brooke Jacobs, jr., G/F; Coralyn Lewis, jr., G; Elliette Fuelling, jr., G; Esther Miller, sr., G.
Key newcomers: Evia Fuelling, frosh., G; Kalli Lewis, frosh., G; Kayla Brokke, frosh., G; Mia Craig, frosh., G; Vera Kelly, frosh., G.
Worth noting: The Warriors look to improve upon last year’s 7th-place conference finish with a pair of new coaches — head coach Gray, who was a member of Wheeling’s Class 4A 3rd-place state finisher (33-2 in 2008-2009) before playing 4 years collegiately at North Park, and assistant Nick Williams, who was a 4-year college basketball player at North Park. Williams is the all-time leading scorer at Niles North. Westminster, which last captured a Class 1A regional title in 2013, opens its season against Rochelle Zell Jewish on Nov. 19.
— Joel Boenitz and Alex Kantecki from Shaw Local News Network contributed to this preview