Girls basketball season preview: Scouting Lake County
Antioch Sequoits
Coach: Jamie D’Andrea (3 rd season)
Last season’s record: 13-12, 10-4 (third Northern Lake County)
Top returning players: Heidi Rathmann, sr., Scarlett Carroll, jr., Addie Webb, sr.
Key newcomers: Evie Baronello, soph., PG, Reese Queensland, soph., PF
Worth noting: Antioch has 3 starters back in Division I Stetson University commit Rathmann, a Daily Herald All-Area pick and an IBCA all-state second-team selection a year ago after averaging 16.3 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.2 steals, all-conference performer Carroll (8.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists) and Division I Bradley University softball commit Webb (team-high 184 rebounds, 6.8 points, 2.3 steals). “I anticipate this being Heidi’s best season with us. Her skills have developed further in the offseason and as she takes on a leadership role,” D’Andrea said. “Scarlett is a natural athlete who excels in multiple sports. She is competitive and continues to study the game. Addie’s ability to watch the game unfold as a softball catcher is not lost when she steps onto the basketball court. She is one of the hardest working players in our program.” Baronello was pulled up to varsity midway through last year, while Queensland is a multisport athlete who “has a knack for being in the right place at the right time,” D’Andrea noted. D’Andrea noted Antioch has athleticism and versatility on its side. “We’ll have a bench that can seamlessly replace the starters, so there won’t be a drop off. These players have the ability to score and they play aggressive defense. We are going to push the ball and look to core quickly. We have several players who have a knack for creating offense off the dribble or off the pass. We have athletes who move quickly and have an eye for picking off passes, so I am hopeful our defense will interrupt our opponents’ offense and force them to make chances on the fly we can capitalize off of. We finished third in conference last year and I am hopeful we can top that this year. The majority of our team is returning and most of the new players joined us in the playoffs.”
Carmel Catholic Corsairs
Coach: Ben Berg (10th season)
Last season’s record: 15-17, 3-9 (tie sixth East Suburban Catholic)
Top returning players: Josie Hartman, 5-9, sr., Maron Bowes, 5-10, jr., Maliyah Mays, 5-7, jr., Gace Booher, 5-7, jr., Anna Chilcutt, 5-6, sr., Amy Keane, 5-7 jr., Lucy Lamberti, 6-0, Ayo Akingbesote, 5-9, SF
Key newcomers: Liv Johnson, 6-1, fresh., C-G, Ada Lindal, 5-9, PG
Outlook: Berg has 4 starters back from a year ago, including Hartman, an all-ESCC pick and a Daily Herald All-Area pick. “The strength of our team will be our overall team speed,” Berg said. “We will have multiple people who can score the ball in a variety of ways, including 6 good 3-point shooters. I like our speed and our ability to be versatile and play in the full court on defense.” Hartman will have the opportunity to be the sixth 1,000-point scorer in Carmel girls basketball history, while freshman Johnson has 11 college offers, including Division I Power 4 offers that span the Big Ten, SEC and Big 12, Berg noted. “She is regarded as one of the top freshman players in the state,” Berg added. Nazareth Academy, Benet Academy and Marist, Berg said, are top contenders in the ESCC. “My hope is we are somewhere in that mix of teams,” he noted.
Grant Bulldogs
Coach: Roger Lass (1st season)
Last season’s record: 6-22, 5-9 (sixth Northern Lake County)
Top returning players: Ryan Kadlec, 5-10, sr., F, Mya Clark, 5-10, sr., F, Kylie Wells, 5-5, sr., G, Allison Thomas, 5-10, sr., G, Gainele Muntu, 5-6, sr., G, Aliyah Wallace, 5-4, sr., G, Gabby Saavedra, 5-5, jr., G, Sophia Connealy, 5-8, jr., G, Sienna Enters, 5-10, soph., F
Key newcomers: Layla Horsfall, 5-10, jr., F, Anya Whiting, 5-9, jr., F, Aubrey Lehner, 5-6, fresh., G
Worth noting: New coach Lass is no stranger to Lake County girls basketball. He previously was the head coach at Grayslake North and is in his fourth year at Grant Community. He inherits a team that returns 3 starters from last year. “The strengths of our team will be our quickness and speed, which will allow us to play pressure defense and get out on the fast break, and our scoring balance and versatility,” Lass said. “Offensively, we are a very unselfish team that shares the ball, making it hard to shut down just 1 or 2 players and be successful. We can run, play inside or outside and drive to the basket. Defensively, we can pressure people with our quickness and are getting better at our help-side defense.” Kadlec, who Lass calls the team’s leader and best communicator, gets a lot of deflections and has improved her scoring immensely, he said. Enters, Lass added, has probably improved the most in all aspects of her game, while Lehner “is a talented freshman who has a great all-around game and has fit right in with the other girls,” Lass said. In terms of the NLCC, Lass said Grayslake Central is the team to beat with Wauconda close behind. “We hope to surprise some people and make a big improvement over last year,” he said.
Grayslake Central Rams
Coach: Steve Ikenn (16th season)
Last season’s record: 28-6, 14-0 (NLCC champions), Class 3A sectional champion
Top returning players: Peyton Hoffmann, 6-1, W-F, Mosey Drevline, 5-6, G
Key newcomers: Lucy Otoo, 5-9, F-G, Samantha Guerrier, 5-8, G, Blake Pekofsky, 5-9, F
Worth noting: Hoffmann (9.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.8 steals) and Drevline (3.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 2.0 steals) are returning starters from last year’s undefeated conference-championship team with Hoffmann earning Daily Herald All-Area and IBCA all-state special mention honors. Ikenn noted Hoffmann has multiple Division I college offers “and her game is still improving,” he said. “She can score, rebounds, defend and handle the ball.” Central does have 10 players back from last year’s sectional title team. “Those players got key experience over the last 2 seasons and are ready to step into bigger roles,” Ikenn said. “We have a decent size, along with good quickness and depth. Our scoring should come from a variety of players, and as a result, our scoring will be more balanced. Since most of the players have been together for at least a year, and in some cases 3 years, we have good chemistry, too.” Ikenn noted Addison Thomas, a key reserve the last 2 seasons, is stepping into a starting role. “Addison is a good ballhandler, has a nice outside shot and is coming off a great summer,” he said. Ikenn said Wauconda and Antioch will be threats to a defense of the NLCC title. “If we can stay healthy, I would hope we come together and are in the mix to repeat,” he said. “I expect several teams to be fighting for the top spot. Wauconda and Antioch are always right there and they both return a lot of key players.”
Grayslake North Knights
Coach: Sean Crary (1st season)
Last season’s record: 10-22, 6-8 (fifth Northern Lake County)
Top returning players: Ashlyn Stoneham, 5-7, G-F, Lucy Roscoe, 5-7, G-F, Jane Pritchard, 5-4, G
Key newcomers: Anisah Lawrence, G
Worth noting: Crary takes over the Knights program after a previous 3-year stint as head coach at Rockford Auburn. Stoneham was an all-NLCC selection, while Roscoe earned All-Area honorable-mention honors last season. “Ashlyn is versatile and score in a variety of ways,” Crary said. “She is crafty and plays multiple positions. Lucy is a great inside-out player, has a quick release and is extremely well rounded both offensively and defensively.” North has 3 starters back. Crary noted versatility, ballhandling and shooting will be strengths. “We have multiple ball handlers to handle pressure and move the ball well,” he said. Crary added the Knights can play multiple defensive systems and can rebound well for their size. “We’re looking forward to proving ourselves,” he said.
Lakes Eagles
Coach: Grant Murray (3 rd season)
Last season’s record: 11-17, 6-8 (fourth Northern Lake County)
Top returning players: Wrenna Streicher, 5-5, sr., G, Ryan Horvath, 5-7,, soph., G, Olivia Lamb, 5-10, F
Key newcomers: Gianna Gray, 5-7, fresh, G
Worth noting: Streicher is the team’s top returning 3-point shooter and was voted the Eagles’ most improved player last season. Horvath is the team’s top returning leader in points, rebounds and steals. “We will be extremely young,” said Murray, who has no starters back. “Youthful energy and athleticism will be our calling card. Our speed and athletic ability will post some challenges from opponents. If we can improve on our outside shooting, that will be a good mix. On defense, we are going to take advantage of our speed and athletic ability.” Murray noted Horvath will play an increased role as the team’s point guard. She played the most minutes of any returning player, while freshman Gray plays an impressive style of game and Streicher will see her role increase from bench spark plug to a key contributor for the Eagles. Murray said Grayslake Central, Wauconda and Antioch are the teams to keep an eye on in the NLCC. “We are going to be very young,” he said. “Our goal is to compete together every night.”
Lake Zurich Bears
Coach: Chris Bennett (22nd season)
Last season’s record: 24-8, 11-3 (tie second North Suburban)
Top returning players: Alex Nowak-Tice, 6-2, sr., F, Leah Gilbertson, 6-1, sr., G, Layne Nordstrom, 5-6, sr., G
Key newcomers: Mikaela Cooper, 5-6, soph., G
Worth noting: The Bears have 3 starters back, 5 of its Top 8 and 13 of 14 rostered players from a year ago, headlined by Winona State recruit Nowak-Tice and Ferris State pledge Gilbertson, both all-conference and All-Area selections. Nordstrom, also an all-area pick, earned all-state honors in flag football this fall after slinging 58 touchdown passes. Nowak-Tice, Gilbertson and Nordstrom are 4-year varsity players. Cooper is the sister of former Bears standout Avery Cooper, who is playing at Creighton. “We are experienced,” Bennett said. “We have solid play inside and outside and should be able to score in multiple ways. We have experience on defense. We are further along in our prep this year and look forward to being a top team defensively as we normally are.” Junior Addie Leonard is back after missing last season due to injury. Bennett noted she had a huge AAU summer and then was injured in flag football. She is back Dec. 1. Junior Kate Wahlund (6-0, F) is a 3-year varsity member and moves from sixth man to the starting lineup. “Kate can score inside and out. She should have a good year,” Bennett said. In the North Suburban, Bennett said Libertyville is a top contender again. “Always the champs until someone can knock them out,” he said. After that, it’s lots of teams fighting for second. My pick to click is Mundelein. They should have a great year. Casey Vyverman is unguardable.”
Libertyville Wildcats
Coach: Greg Pedersen (14th season, 265-126)
Last season’s record: 28-6, 14-0 (North Suburban champions)
Top returning players: Lily Fisher, 6-1, jr., G, Ella Pawelczyk, 5-5, sr., G, Caitlyn Griffith, 5-11, sr., F, KateRyan Castro, 5-8, jr., G, Elle Knight, 6-1, jr., F
Key newcomers: Jenna Stowe, 5-4, soph., G, Charlotte Harrison, 5-4, jr., G, Addie Casey, 5-11, fresh., F, Nellie Dajka, 5-8, fresh., G
Outlook: Fisher (12.5 points, 6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.9 steals) is the reigning North Suburban player of the year, while Pawelczyk (4.3 points, 1.6 assists), Griffith (1.5 rebounds), Castro (3.1 points, .413 shooting) and Knight (1.8 points, 2 rebounds) all saw time last season. “Lily is in line for a great season,” Pedersen said. “Ella has a nice balance of outside shooting and aggressive takes to the paint. Lily and Ella will provide veteran leadership for the team, but most everybody else is new to varsity playing time and we’ll be looking for our younger players to seize the opportunity presented to them.” Libertyville will be without Sophia Swanson, a Daily Herald All-Area honorable mention pick, for the season. She was injured during flag football season. “Losing Sophia is really a team-altering occurrence,” Pedersen said. “There’s opportunity there now for other players on the roster and we’re having a November of open competition for spots in the rotation.” Freshman Grace Rassussen, a projected varsity player, and junior Rylie Danforth also are out with season-ending injuries. Pedersen said the Wildcats move the ball pretty well for a team that has little on-court time together. “We have some kids who can shoot from the outside,” he said. “We have kids who can attack the paint. We need all our kids, guards and forwards, to provide the necessary muscle it takes to win competitive games against good teams.” Defensively, Pedersen added depending on how players perform, Libertyville has the potential to go bigger with a lot of size “or we can go smaller with a fast, athletic bunch,” he explained.
Mundelein Mustangs
Coach: Sarah Teipel (4th season)
Last season’s record: 19-13, 6-8 (fifth North Suburban)
Top returning players: Casey Vyverman, 5-10, sr., Grace Dunigan, 5-8, jr., G, Madelyn Gardner, G
Key newcomers: Anahya Castro, 6-1, sr., G, Dulce Hernandez, sr., Gabby Macapinlack, 5-3, fresh., G
Worth noting: Vyerman, headed to Division I Western Michigan University, is one of the top players in the area. She averaged 17.6 points, 5.7 rebounds, shot 93% from the foul line (102 attempts) and made 78 threes during an all-state special-mention season. Dunigan (7 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.4 steals) and Gardner (3.7 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals) also will be key cogs for the Mustangs. Teipel calls Gardner “an amazing defender and leader.” Teipel added Castro is a great addition to the team with a strong work ethic and offensive and defensive presence, while Hernandez put in a lot of work in the offseason “and will have great leadership on both sides of the floor, and newcomer Macapinlac is a hard worker, scrappy defender and confident scorer,” she said. Teipel noted team strengths will be hustle, leadership and toughness on both sides of the floor, while speed and confidence will help offensively and scrappiness, teamwork and grit will propel the Mundelein defense. Teipel said the North Suburban will be strong once again. “I believe we will be contender and it will always be a battle, especially with Libertyville and Lake Zurich,” she said. “Waukegan also will be tough and Stevenson will always battle.”
Round Lake Panthers
Coach: Molly Hennig (8th season)
Last season’s record: 10-23, 3-11 (seventh Northern Lake County)
Top returning players: Emma Franks, 5-9, soph., G-F, Kaleigh Skowronski, 5-10, sr., G-F, Brianna Arteaga, 5-5, jr., G, Piper Berry, 5-5, soph., G
Key newcomers: Jennifer Perez, 5-9, jr., F, Aria Randolph, 5-6, soph., G
Worth noting: Franks earned all-NLCC honors as a freshman after averaging 9.3 points and 6 rebounds. “Emma is a strong 2-way player who is only getting better,” Hennig said. “She gained confidence as a freshman starter and now comes in as a versatile sophomore who can score in a variety of ways.” Skowronski (5 points, 6 rebounds) is steady, experienced and ready for a bigger role, Hennig noted. “Kaleigh brings leadership and toughness every day,” she said. Arteaga is a 3-year varsity player and continues to grow as a confident floor leader, Hennig added, while Berry has a year of varsity experience under her belt “and has looked great early,” she said. “She’s vocal, competitive and finding her scoring rhythm.” Franks, Skowronski and Arteaga all started last season. Perez played a few varsity games last season, while Randolph’s energy and athleticism is expected to add a spark early on, Hennig said. “We’re athletic, young and already showing great chemistry,” Hennig noted. “A lot of our girls are coming off a flag football regional championship, so there is a strong competitive edge and believe in what we can do together.” Offensively, Hennig said the Panthers are unselfish on offense, always looking to make the extra pass and create good shots. “That team-first attitude showed up all summer and has carried into practice,” she said. Hennig noted defense is the team’s bread and butter. “We have tweaked things to give opponents a few different looks and take advantage of our quickness,” she said. “The girls are buying in and taking pride.” Berry also has drawn Hennig’s praise because of her stronger voice and leadership skills. “I expect her to make plays and set the tone for us,” she said. Hennig said Grayslake Central should still be the team to beat, even after graduating key players. “We’re looking to be right in the mix,” she said. “Competitive night in and night out and continuing to build momentum as the season goes on.”
Stevenson Patriots
Coach: Regan Carmichael (3 rd season)
Last season’s record: 20-12, 11-3 (tie second North Suburban)
Top returning players: Alexa Karcz, 6-1, C, Reese McLelland, 6-1, G
Key newcomers: Isabella Do, 5-5, G, Laila Nunez, 5-7, G, Grace Harper, 5-7, G
Worth noting: Karcz and McLelland are returning starters for the Patriots. Karcz averaged 8 points and 3 rebounds and brings a strong interior presence with the ability to stretch the floor, Carmichael noted. McLelland averaged 9 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists and is a skilled guard who creates matchup problems with her size and vision, Carmichael added. “Reece has elevated her confidence and consistency, setting the tone as a 2-way leader,” Carmichael said. “Alexa is poised for a breakout year as a reliable post option and interior defender.” Carmichael noted the group’s biggest strengths are its conditioning, coachability and collective buy-in. “The players have fully embraced competing in the present moment, staying focused in the next play and holding each other to a high standard,” she said. Carmichael noted Stevenson can score from all 5 positions and does “an excellent job sharing the ball,” she said. “With balanced scoring threats and unselfish play, we’ll look to keep defenses guessing and push the pace when opportunities arise.” Carmichael added Stevenson will show multiple looks on defense and rely on its versatile guards who can pressure the ball and guard multiple positions. “The emphasis will be on intensity, communication and making opponents uncomfortable.” In terms of newcomers, Do is a dynamic playmaker who brings energy and creativity to the backcourt, Nunez has a high basketball IQ, reads the game well and makes smart decisions, while Harper is extremely athletic and one of the team’s best on-ball defenders, Carmichael noted. Leila Markicic, Carmichael said, is a steady captain “and emotional leader who brings toughness and composure every day,” she said.
Vernon Hills Cougars
Coach: Paul Brettner (26th season)
Last season’s record: 20-12, 8-2 (second, Central Suburban North)
Top returning players: Emma Jocson, 5-3, PG, Keira Thomas, 5-8, G, Emily Ochieng, 5-9, F, Madison Mays, 5-9, F
Key newcomers: Eve Engler, 5-10, G, Ella Nowacki, 5-6, G, Reagan Brettner, 5-9, F
Outlook: Jocson (10.6 points, 3 rebounds, 2.6 assists) and Thomas (12.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists) are returning all-CSL North picks. Jocson also was an All-Area selection and earned player of the game honors at 2 shootouts. Ochieng (5.1 points, 5.7 rebounds) and Mays (5.3 points, 7 rebounds) also are back among the 4 returning starters. “We bring back several experienced players who play well together,” Brettner said. “On offense, we should have a good mix of outside shooting and inside play and on defense we have competitive defenders who will finish plays.” Thomas is about 200 points shy of 1,000 career points. Brettner said Jocson will run the Vernon Hills offense “very well,” he said, while Engler “will be fitting in with us and giving us great 3-point shooting,” Brettner added. Looking at the CSL North, Brettner said Vernon Hills should compete for the title with other contenders being defending champion Highland Park and Maine East, who returns the reigning player of the year.
Warren Township Blue Devils
Coach: Jennifer Swanson
Last year’s record: 4-27 (seventh North Suburban)
Top returning players: Kamaria Anderson, 5-9, jr., G, Jackie Amezquita, 5-4, jr., PG, Faith Ohlsen, 5-4, sr., G
Key newcomers: Jassy Molinaro, 5-4, soph., G, Ella Volante, 5-5, soph., G, Peyton Nissen, 5-4, fresh., G, Ella Chand, 5-10, fresh., F, Kenaya Ebole, 6-1, fresh., F
Worth noting: “Our strengths will be our defensive intensity that translates into our fast-break offense,” said Swanson, who has 3 starters back. “Also, our overall toughness will help us be successful.” Anderson averaged a team-high 8 points a year ago and led the team in steals and rebounds per game. “Kamaria has worked hard to improve all aspects of her game,” Swanson said. “She should be a threat offensively and defensively, and will be one of our leaders for our team.” Swanson said offensively, Warren will be a quick and athletic team that can take the ball to the basket and finish at the rim. “We will prioritize pushing the ball and getting as many layups as we can,” she said. “We are a quick and athletic team that will prioritize defense and getting as many tips and steals as possible to get out in transition. Intensity and toughness is our priority on defense.” Amezquita also is back after starting at point guard as a sophomore. “Jackie has improved in all aspects offensively and defensively and is looking to be more of a scorer this season,” Swanson said. “Jackie is a great all-around player and someone we will really rely on this year.”
Wauconda Bulldogs
Coach: Jaime Dennis (17th season)
Last season’s record: 24-4 (second Northern Lake County)
Top returning players: Sarah Palmer, 5-8, G, Alexia Manalo, 5-1, PG, Kelsey Piehl, 6-1, C, Alessandra Rodriguez, 5-11, F, Avery Geoghan, 5-2, G
Key newcomers: Sophia Giles, 5-8, G-F
Worth noting: The Bulldogs have plenty of firepower back, including Palmer, who averaged 8.4 points and 3.7 rebounds and was an all-NLCC pick. Manalo (4,1 points, 3.9 assists, 2.9 steals), Piehl (6.1 points, 44% shooting, 3.8 rebounds), Rodriguez (4.3 points, 4.3 rebounds) and Geoghan (5.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.3 steals) also contributed. Palmer, Manalo and Piehl are returning starters. “Experience is a strength,” Dennis said. “We have 3 seniors who have been up with us since they were freshmen and 2 juniors who have been on varsity since they were freshmen.” Offensively, Dennis said anybody can be a leading scorer each night. “We have a good balance of shooters,” she said. Quickness and length will help the Bulldogs on defense, Dennis noted. Rodriguez has 2 varsity seasons under her belt and is looking for her breakout year,” Dennis said. “It is her time,” she said. “She can be a shutdown defender and an offensive asset.” Dennis said Giles is a freshman who will make an immediate impact “as soon as she can adjust to the speed and mental demand of varsity basketball,” she said. “She is versatile and sees the floor well.” Dennis said Antioch and Grayslake Central will be teams to watch in the conference. “We always look to compete for the top spot,” she said. “We have a good core returning from our regional-championship team last year. The NLCC coaches do a great job preparing their teams to battle. Any one of the team can cause problems if we aren’t ready to play.”