Girls basketball season preview: Scouting the Fox Valley
Aurora Central Catholic
Coach: LeVada Smith, eighth season.
Last season’s record: 27-5 overall, 6-0 in the GCAC White (first place).
Top returners: Ashley Watter, sr., F; Sofia Orozco, jr., G/F; Gina Dutkanych, sr., G; Annalyse McCarty, jr., G; Nora Schwartz, jr., G/F.
Key newcomers: Reese Schramka, fresh., G; Haylee Schramka, jr., G; Maddie Berry, jr., G; Angelina Prado, jr., G/F.
Worth noting: It was a season of winning streaks for the Chargers a year ago, as they opened with 6 consecutive victories and later compiled an 11-game victory streak on the way to a 27-win campaign. ACC will be a short-handed this season, however. “Unfortunately, losing two players that were heading into their fourth years on varsity – Grace Grunloh and Ella Oester – to season-ending knee injuries this past summer has hampered our overall depth,” said Smith. Grunloh will play at UW-Stevens Point next season. “I believe we still have the pieces in place to have a solid season,” said the coach. “We should see players like Sofia (Orozco) and Ashley (Watter) take big steps forward.” Watter, a 5-foot-10 forward, will play at Cornell College next season.
Aurora Christian
Coach: Matt Ulrich, first season.
Last season’s record: 9-16 overall, 0-7 in the Chicagoland Christian (eighth place).
Top returners: Makenzie Jensen, sr., G; Payton Jewell, sr., G; Grace Kendall, sr., F; Grace Knight, sr., G; Anna Beaumont, jr., F; Evelyn Klimek, soph., G; Jada Vizcaya, soph., G.
Key newcomers: Andrea Bustamante, jr., C; Kia Jewell, jr., F; Mary Kendall, jr., G.
Worth noting: Beaumont, a junior forward, returns to lead the Eagles after earning all-Chicagoland Christian Conference honors as a sophomore. Klimek and Vizcaya both started many games last season as freshmen. Jensen is drawing college interest at the NCAA Division III, NAIA, and junior college levels, according to Ulrich. “The team is expected to be significantly improved from last year after returning the core of last year’s team, while adding strong freshmen and sophomore classes,” said the coach.
Bartlett
Coach: Patrick Ryan, second season.
Last season’s record: 6-25 overall, 3-9 in the Upstate Eight West (fifth place).
Top returners: Neda Bazys, sr., C.
Key newcomers: Dasia Birmingham, jr., G; Kalli Stark, soph., G; Joss Parkinson, soph., G; Ella Kettinger, soph., F; Jazzy Clark, soph., G.
Worth noting: The Hawks’ top player back is also the team’s tallest in 6-foot-1 center Bazys. Thanks in part to a strong group of newcomers, headed by 5-8 guard Birmingham, Bartlett hopes to improve upon last season’s 6-win campaign. “I think we will be an improved team from where we were a year ago,” said Ryan. “We are hoping to compete to be in the top three of the conference (standings).” The Hawks open their season against Schaumburg on Nov. 18 at the Saxons’ annual tournament.
Batavia
Coach: Kevin Jensen, 15th season
Last season’s record: 24-10, 11-3 DuKane (second place)
Top returners: Ali Thomas, sr., forward; Payton Haslett, sr., guard; Eva Holzl, sr., guard; Harper Haren, jr., guard
Key newcomers: Marin Schwab, jr., guard; Sidnee Justice, fr., guard; Sammie Donahue, so., forward; Ingrid Wit, so., forward
Worth noting: The Bulldogs won their fourth consecutive regional title and made their third straight appearance in a sectional title game last season, and are hoping to extend both of those streaks this season. Thomas, who became a starter midway through last season, is the lone starter returning to the roster, and will look to be a more prominent scorer this season, especially after losing their top 6 scorers from last season either to graduation or just not returning to the team. Haslett and Holzl also return after playing key roles off of the bench. Jensen said he also expects big things from Justice early in the season. “This year Batavia will look for development from returning reserve players as well as first year underclassmen to move into much larger roles this season,” he said.
Burlington Central
Coach: Mike Carani (third season)
Last season’s record: 12-20, 9-9 FVC (sixth)
Top returners: Audrey LaFleur, jr., G; Ashley Waslo, sr., G; Julia Scheuer, jr., F; Jordyn Charles, sr., F; Kelsey Covey, jr., G; Ali Kowal, sr., F
Key newcomers: Scarlett LaFleur, fr., F; Kendall Zierk, fr., G
Worth noting: The Rockets lost to Crystal Lake Central (54-38) in a Class 3A regional final for the second year in a row. … Audrey LaFleur surpassed 500 career points as a sophomore, leading the team in scoring at 11.9 points a game and hitting 51 3-pointers. She earned the team’s lone All-FVC selection. … Scheuer averaged 9.7 points and 6 rebounds a game. Waslo (5.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.7 apg), Charles (3.9 ppg, 35 3s) and Covey (3.8 ppg) also were among the Rockets’ top contributors. … “We have a core group with a few years of varsity experience and an overall athletic group that likes to compete,” Carani said.
Cary-Grove
Coach: Bryan Stortz (first season)
Last season’s record: 25-8, 16-2 FVC (second)
Top returners: Kennedy Manning, sr., G; Malaina Kurth, sr., G; Aria Stanton, sr., F; Olivia Leuze, sr., C; Avery Hoffman, jr., F
Key newcomers: Ava Santucci, jr., G; Grace Gitzke, jr., G; Hannah McFaul, jr., F; Claire Williams, jr., F
Worth noting: The Trojans won back-to-back Class 3A regional titles and came within a 33-31 loss in overtime to Grayslake Central of their first sectional title since 1989. Stortz takes over for Tony Moretti, who stepped down after six seasons, including four winning seasons. … C-G graduated top scorer Ellie Mjanees (15.5 ppg, 6 rpg), who was named to the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association’s Class 3A All-State third team. … Manning was an All-FVC choice after averaging 7.4 points, 4.4 assists and 3.7 steals a game, along with 33 3s. … Kurth averaged 6.8 points a game with 28 3s. … “We have a competitive group that’s eager to grow every day,” Stortz said. “Like any team early in the year, we’re still working on consistency, especially in our fundamentals and decision making under pressure. But the effort and attitude have been great.”
Crystal Lake South
Coach: Mark Mucha (12th season)
Last season’s record: 17-15, 10-8 FVC (tied for fourth)
Top returners: Laken LePage, sr., G; Riley Travis, sr., F; Makena Cleary, jr., G-F; Gracey LePage, jr., G; Tessa Melhuish, jr., F; Mallory Glover, jr., G-F; Gaby Dzik, so., G-F
Key newcomers: Cara Schroeder, so., G-F; Kiera O’Leary, so., G-F
Worth noting: The Gators fell to Kaneland 60-47 in a Class 3A regional final and will enter the season in search of its first regional title 2016. … South had a 14-win improvement after a 3-25 season in 2023-24. The team’s 17 wins were its most since 2016 (23). … Laken LePage, an All-FVC pick, returned from ACL surgery after missing her sophomore season and earned IBCA Class 3A All-State special mention, averaging 15.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.8 steals a game with 61 3s. She enters her final year with 816 career points and is committed to NAIA Saint Xavier University. ... Dzik shined as a freshman and was second on South at 13.5 points a game, along with 57 3s. She earned All-FVC honors. … Melhuish (4.2 ppg) was among the top rebounders in the conference at 9.3 rebounds a game. Cleary averaged 8.3 points a game and hit 51 3s. Gracey LePage missed most of last season after undergoing ACL surgery. ... “Looking to see us take another step forward this year,” Mucha said. “Still need to take the next step when it comes to big games.”
Dundee-Crown
Coach: Charles Fed (first season)
Last season’s record: 4-28, 2-15 FVC (ninth)
Top returners: Cecilia Ochs, sr.; Olivia Rodriguez, sr.; Ashling Otte, sr.; Alicia Cruz, sr.
Key newcomers: Mia Vietmeier, jr.; Clara Meier, so.; Kate Graham, so.
Worth noting: The Chargers will look to turn things around under first-year coach Charles Fed, who takes over for John Gonnella. ... D-C, which went from seventh to ninth in the FVC last year, graduated its most experienced player in point guard Charlotte Stewart. ... Fed said his team has demonstrated a great work ethic. “We have a great group of girls program-wide that work hard for each other,” Fed said.
Elgin
Coach: Kassie Rife, second season.
Last season’s record: 7-26 overall, 2-10 in the Upstate Eight West (sixth place).
Top returners: Aaliyah Quinones, sr., G; Lilly Carbajal, sr., G; Alexa Lara, sr., C; Mennatallah Abdel Fatah, sr., C; Selena Westlund, jr., G; Rose Isada, jr., G; Angie Espinoza, jr., G; Trinity Riggins, soph., G.
Key newcomers: Ana Teren, sr., C; Risha Lakkadi, jr., G; Alani Landry, soph., G; Mariah Ortega, fresh., F; Carolina Salinas Castaneda, fresh., G.
Worth noting: The Maroons graduated 10 seniors last year but return eight varsity players who have shown improvement since last season, according to Rife. “These girls are ready to take the court full force,” said the coach. Elgin, which begins its season against West Chicago on Nov. 17, opens the Upstate Eight West campaign on Dec. 4 against Streamwood. “Entering the season with a completely new starting lineup, our expectations are centered on growth, determination, and teamwork,” said the coach. “We’re excited to watch these athletes grow together, push their limits, and compete with heart. Every practice, every game, every challenge is a chance to get better, and our team is ready for it.”
Geneva
Coach: Sarah Meadows, 15th season
Last season’s record: 8-21, 4-10 DuKane (seventh place)
Top returners: Keira McCann, sr., guard; Linnea Popp, jr., guard; Emma Peterson, so., forward; Ella Wilkison, sr., guard/forward
Key newcomers: Nora Hatton, so., guard
Worth noting: The Vikings are coming off their first true down season in awhile, finishing with a losing record for the first time since 2004, while also not winning a regional title for the first time since 2007. Peterson is the only starter returning this season, while girls like McCann, Popp and Wilkison all came off of the bench regularly last year. “We are athletic, we will play fast and be physical,” Meadows said. “I am excited to see the development of this group from Day 1 to the end. They will be a fun group to work with and be a part of.”
Hampshire
Coach: Eric Samuelson (seventh season)
Last season’s record: 14-17, 10-8 FVC (tied for fourth)
Top returners: Mikala Amegasse, sr., G; Roni Dumoulin, sr., G-F; Jesslyn Mack, jr., F; Peyton McCarthy, jr., G; Jiselle Lopez, so., G-F
Key newcomers: Sydney Bennick, jr., G; J’Myra McRoy, jr., G; Lexie Mosakowski, jr., G; Malina Masakowski, jr., G-F; Sloan Sutton, jr., G; Sadie Van Horn, jr., F; Aubrey Fudala, fr., F
Worth noting: The Whip-Purs went from second to fourth in the FVC after a 20-win season in 2023-24. … Amegasse is the team’s top returning scorer after averaging 11.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.2 steals a game, netting her All-FVC honors. … The team graduated top scorer Chloe Van Horn (11.3 ppg, 6.9 rpg), who was named the school’s Female Athlete of the Year. … Lopez averaged 5.2 points and 3.2 rebounds a game as a freshman. … “We’ve been really happy with the commitment shown by this group,” Samuelson said. “They built great chemistry during June. If they stay committed to our team’s core values, this group has the potential to get after it on the defensive end and play fast.”
Harvest-Westminster Christian
Coach: Bridgette Gray.
Last season’s record: Harvest Christian, 21-8 overall, 8-0 in the Northeastern (first place); Westminster Christian, 2-15 overall, 0-7 in the Northeastern (seventh place).
Top returners: Paige Nestrick, sr., F/C; Lily Johnson, soph., G; Lizzy McLoughlin, sr., G.
Key newcomers: Adyson Nelson, fresh., G; Kayla Dagamac, fresh., G; Colbie Canning, soph., F; Ashley Burke, fresh., G/F; Ariana Luck, fresh., G/F; Caroline Dinapoli, soph., G.
Worth noting: This season is unique as Westminster Christian and Harvest Christian are in transition to become one school. “We are starting with our athletics program,” said Gray, who coached at Westminster last season. Nestrick is committed to play basketball at Loras College next season, while McLoughlin played her freshman year and returns to finish her senior year. “Our expectations are simple – play hard, play together, and honor God in everything we do,” said the coach. “We’re building a gritty, defensive-minded team that competes every possession. We’re not focused on predictions. We’re focused on growth, toughness, and doing the little things right every day.”
Huntley
Coach: Steve Raethz (27th season)
Last season’s record: 35-1, 18-0 FVC (first)
Top returners: Luca Garlin, sr., G; Aubrina Adamik, sr., G; Alyssa Borzych, jr., G; Avery Suess, jr., G-F; Lana Hobday, jr., G; Evie Freundt, so., G-F; Cece Romano, sr., G; Kenzie Oates, so., F
Key newcomers: Katelyn Diaz, jr., G; Kara Giordano, jr., G; Sara Bruns, jr., G; Lainey Flaws, jr., F; Maya Mangan, jr., F
Worth noting: The Red Raiders won their first 35 games last year, setting the program record for wins in a season, before losing their only game to Loyola in a Class 4A supersectional. They won their 12th regional title and fourth sectional title (first since 2016). Huntley won the FVC title for the fourth straight year and is 70-2 in the FVC since the start of the 2021-22 season. The team graduated five seniors, including starters in Anna Campanelli, Paula Strzelecki (11.6 ppg, 8 rpg) and Ava McFadden (5.2 ppg, 50 3s). Campanelli (16.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 3.4 apg, 3 spg) became the team’s first four-time FVC champion. ... Adamik earned All-FVC honors and is the team’s top returning scorer at 5.4 points a game. She hit 35 3s. … Garlin, Adamik and Borzych are three-year varsity players. Adamik and Garlin started last year. … “We have a lot of players competing for opportunities on the floor and working to contribute to our team’s success,” Raethz said. “They have been working extremely hard to build cohesiveness and chemistry, and we are looking forward to the opportunity and challenge of contending for a conference title.”
Jacobs
Coach: Jonathon Reibel (eighth season)
Last season’s record: 9-22, 4-13 FVC (eighth)
Top returners: Zara Lewis, sr., G-F; Mallory Fessler, sr., G; Bri Ramsey, sr., G; Olivia Schuster, jr., C; Sienna Ryan, so., G; Sarina Acheatel, sr., F-C
Key newcomers: Maggie Body, sr., G-F; Jordyn Dillard, jr., G; Brie VerBurg, jr., G; Isa Saez, sr., G
Worth noting: The Golden Eagles have been stuck under 10 wins since going 15-18 in 2021-22. … Schuster (6-foot-2) was the team’s top scorer (11 ppg) and rebounder (8 rpg) as a sophomore. Lewis (6 ppg, 6 rpg) also was among the Eagles’ top contributors. … Reibel sees big possibilities for this year’s team. “With a good balance of varsity experience, speed and height, this team has a chance to win the most games since 2021-22,” Reibel said. “We’ll be able to pick up full court on defense and apply a lot of pressure on teams due to our speed and athleticism.”
Kaneland
Coach: Brian Claesson, fourth season
Last season’s record: 24-10, 9-1 Interstate 8 (first place)
Top returners: Amani Meeks, jr., guard; Kyra Lilly, sr., guard; Grace Brunscheen, so., forward; Kalie Brown, jr. forward; Sophia Rosati, jr., guard; Dani Ridolfi, jr. guard
Key newcomers: Ansley Ruh, jr., guard/forward; Lillyana Crawford, so., guard
Worth noting: The Knights are coming off winning back-to-back regional championships, as well as winning their first Interstate 8 title a season ago. Kaneland lost its two top scorers from a season ago in Kendra Brown and Sam Kerry. While the Knights do have plenty of returners, led by starters Meeks and Lilly, Claesson expects for some switch-ups in terms of roles to play. “ It helps to have so many returning players from last year,” Claesson said. “A lot of girls are battling for playing time, which has made practice extremely competitive. Probably the most competitive practices in the 4 years I’ve been coaching.”
Larkin
Coach: Deryn Carter, first season.
Last season’s record: 12-18 overall, 6-6 in the Upstate Eight West (fourth place).
Top returners: Mia Carter, sr., G; Yesi Escobar, sr., G; Kenira Johnson, sr., G; Mackenzie Wemken, sr., G; Makayla Pruess, sr., F; Mackenzie Leaver, jr., G.
Key newcomers: Ava Mayoral, jr., G; Briana Mayoral, jr., G; Alizeya Moya, sr., G.
Worth noting: Larkin will have a familiar face in charge, as longtime boys coach Deryn Carter, who guided the Royals to 240 victories, including a fourth-place state finish (Class 4A) in 2018, takes over the girls program. “This is my 17th season at Larkin, but my first as the head girls coach,” said Carter. Mia Carter, a 5-foot-10 guard – and daughter of the head coach – returns as the team’s leading scorer. She has signed to play D1 basketball at Chicago State next season. Leaver, a 5-4 guard, returns from a torn ACL injury. “I believe we can surprise some people in our conference – we hope to compete for a conference championship,” said the coach. “We are returning a lot of players, including one of the best players in the area, while also adding several pieces from the JV team last year.”
Rosary
Coach: John Rutter, seventh season.
Last season’s record: 6-25 overall, 0-7 in the GCAC White (seventh place).
Top returners: Kayla Garcia, jr., G; Clara Bello, jr., F; Zoe Mesner, soph., G; Kaelyn Rudow, soph., G.
Key newcomers: Aleah Luna, fresh., G; Grace Bergeron, fresh., F.
Worth noting: Last season, the youthful Royals won six games while gaining valuable varsity experience. Expect more of the same this time around, according to Rutter. “We are still very young – no seniors – but hope to be more competitive this season,” said the coach. “Our schedule will challenge that expectation.” Garcia, a 5-foot-1 guard, and 5-5 Bello are the most experienced players as juniors. Mesner (5-4) and Rudow (5-1) are sophomore backcourt players, while 5-foot guard Luna and 5-9 forward Bergeron begin their high school careers. Rosary begins its season against Kankakee on Nov. 17.
South Elgin
Coach: Emily Driessen, third season.
Last season’s record: 19-11 overall, 10-2 in the Upstate Eight West (second place).
Top returners: Molly Stahl, sr., G; Izzy Fernandez, soph., G; Taleah Banner, sr., F; Liv Miller, jr., F.
Key newcomers: Anevay Hernandez, sr., F; Nikhitha Ilango, jr., G; Kylie Germano Finn, soph., F.
Worth noting: The Storm enjoyed a 10-game turnaround last season, turning a 9-22 mark from 2023-2024 into a 19-11 record a year ago. South Elgin got on a roll midway through last season, winning 8 of 9 games to become a contender in the Upstate Eight West. This season, the Storm returns 5-foot-6 guard Stahl, 5-5 guard Fernandez, 5-7 small forward Banner, and 5-11 forward Miller. Stahl, Fernandez, and Banner combined for 48 points during the team’s 58-28 victory over Bartlett last season. South Elgin opens its season against Jacobs on Nov. 17.
St. Charles East
Coach: Katie Claussner, third season
Last season’s record: 26-7, 14-0 DuKane (first place)
Top returners: Addie Schilb, sr., guard; Brooklyn Schilb, so., guard; Kathryn Bainbridge, so., guard
Key newcomers: Ari Bigda, jr., forward; Stella Trask, junior, forward
Worth noting: The Saints are coming off of one of their best seasons in program history, tying the record for most wins in a season while also clinching their first DuKane Conference title with a clean sweep of league play while making it to their second consecutive sectional final. The Saints lost three of their starting five to graduation, including Corinne Reed, who now plays at the University of Akron, and Sofia O’Sullivan, who’s at DePauw. The sister duo of Addie Schilb and Brooklyn Schilb will be expected to lead the way after finishing in the top 3 of the team across multiple stat categories a season ago, while Bainbridge, their cousin, will step into a starting role after being the first off the bench last season. “We still remain posed for a strong campaign,” Claussner said. “We will look to returning standouts Addie Schilb, Brooklyn Schilb, and Kathryn Bainbridge to lead the way as we aim to defend our conference crown and make another deep postseason run.”
St. Charles North
Coach: Grant Oler, first season
Record in 2024: 23-9, 8-6 DuKane (third place)
Top returners: Sydney Johnson, sr., forward; Riley Barber, sr., forward; Bronwyn How, jr., forward; Lelanie Posada, jr., guard; Brianna Buono, sr., guard; Elle Fuhr, sr., forward
Key newcomers: Keira Connolly, jr., guard; Kaelie Tomalak, jr., guard; Aubrey Evanoff, sr., guard; Mia Nowak, sr., guard; Addie Shook, jr., guard
Worth noting: The North Stars only graduated one senior after falling in the regional final last season and come into this year boasting tons of experience and playing time. The North Stars return six girls who played meaningful minutes from last season, including Johnson and Posada, who led the team in scoring last season. North will be under new management this season, with Oler taking over after spending 12 seasons as an assistant. “Bringing the entirety of the roster back with the exception of one graduated senior, we’re looking to capitalize on our returning experience,” Oler said. “We believe we have all the pieces we need to make this a memorable season.”
St. Edward
Coach: Michelle Dawson, 22nd season.
Last season’s record: 26-12 overall, 6-1 in the Chicagoland Christian (second place), 4th place in Class 1A.
Top returners: Jordin Sauls, sr., F; Ginger Younger, sr., G; Layne Dawson, jr., G; Taylor Dawson, jr., F; Sarah Gurley, jr., F; Savannah Lynch, jr., G.
Key newcomers: Sanaii McPherson, sr., F; Allison Lazzar, soph., F.
Worth noting: St. Edward enjoyed a superb season a year ago, capturing its second supersectional title since 2017 (third-place Class 2A state finish) with a 56-43 victory over Willows Academy on the way to a fourth-place Class 1A state showing. Led by junior all-state guard Lynch, the Green Wave welcome back several returning players with added state tournament experience, including Sauls, Younger, Gurley, and the Dawson twins. Adding Larkin transfer McPherson and sophomore Lazzar to the mix fuels the optimism in Elgin. “We are entering the season with confidence and experience, returning a core group of players, including two-time IBCA all-state guard Savannah Lynch,” said coach Michelle Dawson, who has guided the program to 333 victories. “Our versatility on both ends of the court makes us a tough matchup for any opponent. With strong leadership and depth across the roster, our team has set high standards.”
Streamwood
Coach: Sam Kruel, second season.
Last season’s record: 19-10 overall, 8-4 in the Upstate Eight West (third place).
Top returners: Bri Coffey, sr., F; Ayumi Ishikawa, jr., G.
Key newcomers: Diamond Romo-Solis, jr., G; Karen Mendez, jr., G.
Worth noting: While graduating three starters from last season, the Sabres return a pair of valuable starters in 5-foot-8 guard Coffey and 5-4 point guard Ishikawa, who both earned all-Upstate Eight accolades a year ago. Kruel believes his team has a chance to improve upon last season’s 19-win accomplishment. “This team is deeper than the 19-win team from a year ago,” said the coach. “The Upstate Eight West will be very competitive this year; however, I think we can improve on our third-place finish. The move to Class 3A will be new for us, but it gives us a nice opportunity to make a good run come playoff time.”
West Aurora
Coach: Teresa Waldinger, eighth season
Record in 2024: 21-5, 14-1 Upstate 8 (first place)
Top returners: Maya Rabadan, sr., forward; Aniyah Stewart, jr., forward
Key newcomers: Eva Acevedo, fr., guard; Dynasty Logan, jr., guard
Worth noting: The Blackhawks made an instant impact in their first season back in the Upstate 8 conference, only losing to Larkin in league play for their first conference title since winning the Southwest Prairie in 2019. It’ll be a bit different this season for West Aurora, which lost three of last year’s starters to graduation and point guard Syncere Williams, who transferred to Waubonsie Valley. Despite the lack of experience, Waldinger is confident that the Blackhawks can still make an impact. “This year is about proving that our program’s strength runs deeper than one season or one lineup,” Waldinger said. “We have hungry, hard-working athletes ready to step into new roles and embrace challenges. I’m excited to see our leadership emerge and to build on the culture of effort, unity and resilience that defines our team.”
– Joel Boenitz and Alex Kantecki from Shaw Local News Network contributed to this preview.