Scouting DuPage County girls basketball teams
Addison Trail
Coach: Rob Schader (second year).
Last season: 2-26, 1-11 in the West Suburban Gold; lost to York 60-50 in the Class AA Addison Trail regional quarterfinals.
Top players: G Erika Spear, sr.; G Val Dini, sr.; G Jen Schulmeister, sr.; G Megan Crotty, sr.; G Jasmine Little, fr.; F/C Annie Costabile, jr.; F/C Daisy Murillo, so.
Outlook: Things are changing -- slowly but surely -- at Addison Trail. "The kids are more positive and having fun at practice," Schader said. "We're trying to change that (negative) attitude, and so far it's working out pretty good. The biggest thing with girls is just realizing they should have confidence in themselves. We're trying to give them a little bit of an attitude." The Blazers put in a lot of time over the summer, and it's beginning to show. "They got so much better as they went along," Schader added. "They know so much more than they did last year." The Blazers will go with a motion offense and man-to-man defense, perfect for a team with a strong work ethic. "That's what I love about this team. They all work so hard," Schader said.
Benet
Coach: Peter Paul (23rd year, 479-185).
Last season: 13-17, 5-4 (fifth) in the East Suburban Catholic Conference; lost to Waubonsie Valley 37-28 in the Class AA Benet regional final.
Top players: G Katie Dunn, sr.; G Annie Doyle, jr.; F/C Nikki Bell, so.; C Milo Inga, sr.; F Kristin Stein, sr.; C Kelly Guess, sr.; G Colleen O'Shea, jr.; G/F Annie Gallagher, jr.; C Mary Schuessler, jr.; G Brianne Riley, so.
Outlook: The Redwings look similar to last season. "Like last year, we're going to be small," Paul said. "We're going to have to scramble as much as we possibly can." Dunn and point guard Doyle return to the backcourt after averaging 7.7 and 7.6 points, respectively. Normally, the 5-foot-9 Bell, the only other player who received regular time last season, would be a small forward, but she'll be at power forward and maybe even center. Starting junior center Jess Pavlinec did not go out for the team, electing to concentrate on volleyball. Paul said Fenwick, Marist and Marian are "the big three" in the ESCC with everyone else fighting for fourth.
Downers Grove North
Coach: Darrin Travillian (second year).
Last season: 18-9, 7-5 (third) in the West Suburban Silver; lost to Plainfield Central 61-54 in the Class AA Lockport regional semifinals.
Top players: F Missy Blazej, jr.; G Sammi Swatek, jr.; C Sarah Latshaw, sr.; F Kristi Koszewski, sr.; G Niki Sebo, fr.; F Amelia Echmann, fr.; G Paige Thompson, sr.; C Ali Shuester, fr.; G/F Marissa Koszewski, fr.
Outlook: Three all-conference players who helped "lay the blueprint for winning" have graduated. But Blazej and Swatek, the two sophs who started, will carry last year's success into this season. Prized freshman Echmann will give Blazej the freedom to move to forward and better utilize her outside shooting skills. Swatek is a savvy point guard who can lead the offense and play strong defense.. "Our strength will be our versatility," Travillian said. "We have the potential to play quick and small, and with some of our new players we can go very big." The Trojans are a young team, but they got a taste of winning and they like it. Look for them to finish in the top three in the conference and then really arrive next year.
Downers Grove South
Coach: Mike McGinnis (first year).
Last season: 18-10, 10-2 (second) in the West Suburban Gold; lost to Benet 45-38 in the Class AA Benet regional semifinals.
Top players: G Lyn Mueller, sr.; G Annie Brashaw, sr.; F Jennifer Smazil, sr.; G Danielle Janowiak, sr.; G Jessi Liss, sr.; G Gianna Pecora, jr.; F Lauren Lisauskas, jr.; G DeeDee Scalzetti, jr.
Outlook: Heavy graduation losses leave the Mustangs short in size but with a solid group of veterans led by Mueller, Brashaw and Pecora, who will set the tone for a team that will be hustling from the opening tipoff. The development of Smazil and Lisauskas, both about 5-foot-10, is essential to give the Mustangs an inside presence. Brashaw is an outstanding shooter, and Pecora is a skilled point guard. The team's depth is good and allows McGinnis to play a pressure defense and an open motion offense with lots of players in the rotation. The Mustangs hope to compete near the top of the conference and do well in the regional. "We have good chemistry," McGinnis said, "and we work hard."
Driscoll
Coach: Steve McCuiston (fifth year, 38-68).
Last season: 15-13, 6-8 in the Suburban Catholic Conference; lost to Wheaton North 48-26 in the Class AA West Chicago regional semifinals.
Top players: G Gigi DiGrazia, jr.; F Taylor Reaber, so.; C Courtney Lindfors, so.; F Bridget DelBoccio, sr.; G Kasey Reaber, fr.; G Allie Divito, fr.
Outlook: The Highlanders lost all-area forward Stacey Arlis and her 19.6 points a game to graduation, yet this still could be one of the best Driscoll teams in a long time. The Highlanders hope to finish near the top of the SCC and could go far in the Class 2A tournament. "We'll certainly be different," McCuiston said. "This year we have to have more balance." For one thing it'll be harder to come up with a game plan against the Highlanders. Instead of keying on Arlis, opponents will have to pick their poison. Any of the Highlanders starters are capable of having a big night offensively. Still, at 6-foot-4 Lindfors figures to attract plenty of attention. "She's looking really good. She's going to score points for us. Last year she was good defensively, but she can score for us this year," McCuiston said.
Fenton
Coach: Tim Anderson (21st year, 268-303).
Last season: 13-18, 7-2 (second) in the Metro Suburban Conference; lost to St. Charles East 41-32 in the Class AA Hoffman Estates regional semifinals.
Top players: F Samantha Rubright, jr.; G Tricia Chiamas, sr.; F Stephanie Pingel, sr.; G Mia Sansone, sr.; C Brittany Potenza, sr.; C Jayme Biagi, sr.; G Jessica Komlo, jr.
Outlook: The Bison return their starting lineup, giving hope that this could be their year. "I've got a nice group," Anderson said. "These kids are battlers." Look for Rubright to take another step up after averaging 10 points last season. Chiamas will run the point again. While this experienced group figures to feature great chemistry, it doesn't have much size. Look for the Bison to continue to play trapping defense and shoot a lot of 3-pointers. Pingel made 43 and Sansone hit 37 from beyond the arc last year. Not only do the Bison want to dethrone Riverside-Brookfield in the Metro Suburban Conference, but they'd like to reach sectionals for the first time since 1987. "That would be nice," Anderson said.
Glenbard East
Coach: Nicole Miller (eighth year, 76-122).
Last season: 12-15, 6-8 (tied for fifth) in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost to Rosary 52-22 in the Class AA Rosary regional semifinals.
Top players: G Jackie Foreman, jr.; G Kelsey Taylor, jr.; F Elizabeth Erb, jr.; F Erin Holden, sr.; C Ashley Farrell, sr.; F Maggie Brust, sr.; G Michelle Graham, so.; F Olivia Trefilek, so.; G Jamie Klepetka, so.; G BobbiAnn Auer, sr.; F Jackie Musser, sr.
Outlook: The Rams bring back the bulk of their players. "With a year under their belt they should be more consistent," Miller said. "This group has a year of experience with six seniors. I think they will definitely make their mark this year." Once again they will try to get the job done with a balanced attack. Foreman averaged a team-high 7.9 points a game with Taylor right behind at 7.7 as sophomores last season. The Rams play 18 games before Christmas, then hope to buckle down and contend in the conference. "We definitely would like to improve over last year and do better in our tournaments, both the one we host and at Oswego, and be in the top three in the DVC," Miller said. "I think the DVC is wide open."
Glenbard North
Coach: Mark Glenn (second season).
Last season: 7-21, 4-10 (tied for sixth) in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost to Geneva 68-47 in the Class AA Rosary regional semifinals.
Top players: F Megan Ney, sr.; C Nicolette Rini, jr.; G Brooke Stronsky, sr.; G Kathleen Hernandez, jr.; F Amoni Reynolds, so.; G Bri DiGioia, jr.; F Jennifer Petrosky, sr.
Outlook: The Panthers have a little more size, depth, speed and experience than last year, but Glenn knows the season will depend on overcoming the ballhandling errors that led to several losses last year. Ney, who will play college ball at Elmhurst, is a threat both around the basket and on the perimeter. Rini's development will give Ney the room to further utilize her outside shooting touch. Hernandez and Reynolds are both threats from the arc, and Petrosky can fill several roles capably. The point is in good hands with either Stronsky or DiGioia running the team. "We learned a lot of hard lessons last year," Glenn said. "Our court sense has really improved and we should be a threat to finish in the top half of the DVC."
Glenbard South
Coach: Julie Fonda (third year, 24-32).
Last season: 14-14, 7-7 (fifth) in the Western Sun Conference; lost to Willowbrook 58-57 in the Class AA Addison Trail regional semifinals.
Top players: G Nikki Simpson, sr.; G Danielle Pipal, sr.; G Jess Muniz, jr.; F Alicia Engelhardt, jr.; C Maja Despot, jr.; G Meghan Pipal, jr.; F Jasmine Simpson, jr.; F Grace Squires, sr.; G Niah Jessie, sr.
Outlook: The Raiders return their starting five, including Simpson, who averaged a team-high 9.3 points last season. Big things are expected out of Danielle Pipal, a four-year starter who averaged 8.6 points and pocketed 55 steals a year ago. Muniz begins her third year starting at the point. Despot, who finished strong last year, and Engelhardt supply an inside presence at 6-foot-1 and 5-11, respectively. "It should be a good year for us considering I get everybody back and the starting five are in place," Fonda said. "We'll go as they go, I guess." The feisty coach expects her quick Raiders to make a run at the Western Sun Conference title with DeKalb and defending champion Geneva. "I think we have a shot at it," Fonda said.
Glenbard West
Coach: Mike Hofland (fifth year, 69-52).
Last season: 5-23, 1-11 in the West Suburban Silver; lost to Glenbard North 33-14 in the Class AA Rosary regional quarterfinals.
Top players: F Kathryn Lux, jr.; F Nicole Hazemi, so.; F Abby Hastings, so.; G Victoria Noland, sr.; G Rachel Folan, sr.; G Kara Stack, sr.; G Kaitlin Aubrey, sr.; G Abby McBride, jr.
Outlook: Most teams are set in the backcourt but lack height. The reverse is true at Glenbard West, where the Hilltoppers are counting on sophomore 6-footers Hazemi and Hastings for scoring and rebounding and post defense. "Pound it inside," Hofland said of his offensive strategy. "I plan on owning the boards and getting the ball into them inside." He also has the 5-foot-10 Lux back from a knee injury that cost her all but three games last year. But, he said, "we've gone from having a bunch of experienced guards to now having a lot of height and not being set at guard." He hopes White, another sophomore, can loosen things up inside with her 3-point shooting. He's looking to McBride and seniors Stack, Folan, Aubrey and Noland to provide ballhandling. "We're going to be a lot stronger once we figure everything out," he said. "By the end of the year, we should be playing pretty good."
Hinsdale Central
Coach: Steve Gross (14th year, 309-83).
Last season: 28-3, 12-0 (first) in the West Suburban Silver; lost to Bolingbrook 40-26 in the Class AA Neuqua Valley sectional final.
Top players: G Toni Kokenis, so.; C Molly Kinsella, sr.; G/F Madison Whitley, jr.; G/F Allison Pilcher, sr.; G Anne Mullen, so.; F Katie Delaney, jr.; F Suzanne Cooper, jr.
Outlook: The Red Devils are in good shape with four of their top five scorers back. However, they'll miss graduated all-area forward Lindsey Williams, their leading scorer and a defensive force. Additionally, starting junior guard Ally Nicholas suffered a torn ACL in volleyball and will miss the entire season. But point guard Kokenis returns after averaging 11.3 points during an all-area season as a freshman, and the 6-foot-2 Kinsella is back, too, to anchor the front line. This squad looks primed to defend its WSS title and make another run in the playoffs. "We've got a good group, and everybody that came back has improved," Gross said. "It's always fun, but we should be a good team. Obviously, the goal is to go further in the state tournament."
Hinsdale South
Coach: Brenda Whitesell (27th year, 522-292).
Last season: 14-16, 6-6, fourth in the West Suburban Gold; lost to Lemont 38-30 in the Class AA Hinsdale Central regional semifinals.
Top players: F Chloe Harris, sr.; C Anjylla Foster, sr.; G Jessica Carlson, sr.; F/C Kim Goss, sr.; F Jazmine Harris, jr.; G Kelly Payne, jr.; F/C Joanna Giampoli, sr.; G Teresa McDonald, jr.; G Bobbie Patel, jr.; G Jackie Alyinovich, fr.; G Sam Schimmel, jr.
Outlook: A solid core of lettermen is bolstered by the return of volleyball player Giampoli, who hasn't played varsity basketball for two years, and the graduates of an outstanding JV squad. The Hornets have tremendous depth and balance. They're two-deep at every position and have many options with players who can fill multiple roles. They also have good quickness and size. Whitesell said that all-conference Harris "has put more into the game than any player I've had for a long, long time." The only Hornets question mark is outside shooting, which is untested, but Payne, Patel, McDonald and Jazmine Harris can all hit from the perimeter. The goal is to get off on a winning track and take conference back from Proviso East.
Immaculate Conception
Coach: Dan Murray (eighth year, 112-82).
Last season: 24-6, 10-4 in the Suburban Catholic Conference; lost to Timothy Christian 36-34 in the Class A Lisle sectional semifinals.
Top players: G Erin Hayes, sr.; F Cori Larry, sr.; G Maggie Ryan, so.; G Mary Kate Manion, jr.; F Erin Dunne, so.; G Katie Heidorn, jr.
Outlook: It's a little bit hard to figure out the Knights right now. After losing six seniors to graduation, including all-area player Christine Randick, there are a lot of holes to fill, and the volleyball team's run to the supersectional means some players just joined the basketball team. "It's early," Murray said. "It's a little bit of a process right now." Here's what he knows: Hayes, who averaged 11.2 points a game in 2006-07, will be the leader. "We're expecting a lot of good things from her," Murray said. He also has high hopes for Larry. "She's really improved. She's looked good this first week." Lacking in size, the Knights plan to spread the floor and try to use their speed.
Lake Park
Coach: Lisa Smith (12th year, 171-154).
Last season: 22-10, 8-2 (tied for first) in the Upstate Eight Conference; lost to Maine West 53-39 in the Class AA Elgin sectional semifinals.
Top players: F Samantha Arnold, jr.; F Devin Johnston, jr.; G Lynsey Ciezki, sr.; G Carly Willert, so.; G Jenna Aloia, jr.; F Alyssa Stacy, sr.; F Marissa Pasquini, sr.; F Sarah Drozdowski, so.; F Katie Mueller, sr.; F Chelsea Gieske, so.; G Adrienne Ryba, jr.
Outlook: The Lancers enjoyed a fine season last year when they finished in a four-way tie atop the UEC with Neuqua Valley, St. Charles East and Waubonsie Valley. Now they want more. "Getting conference by ourselves is definitely our first goal," Smith said. "Then we need to win a regional championship and we need to win a sectional championship." Eight of the team's top nine scorers from a year ago return. Arnold is one of the state's best who's receiving lots of attention Division I recruiters. The 6-foot-4 pure shooter is being asked to expand her game after averaging 18.6 points as a sophomore. A key for the Lancers will be providing Arnold with consistent help. "That'll be the difference," Smith said. "We need other people to step up."
Lisle
Coach: Jeff Javior (third year, 35-22).
Last season: 18-11, 9-2 (third) in the Interstate Eight North; lost to Walther Lutheran 45-43 in the Class A Walther Lutheran regional final.
Top players: F Sarah Urban, sr.; G Megan Hannan, sr.; F Danielle Fernette, sr.; C Elizabeth Todd, sr.; G Alison Petkovsek, jr.; F Jackie Todd, so.; F/C Colleen Drennan, so.; G Nicole Urban, fr. ; G/F Amy Carrabine, jr.
Outlook: Javior hopes that the Lions' quickness and hustle will help cover for the team's relative lack of height and experience. "Our people are all about the same size," he said. "They can all dribble and run the fastbreak. We're going to have to get up and down the court as quickly as possible. The problem will be against the taller teams who are strong inside." Sarah Urban and 3-point shooter Fernette have the most experience, while Drennan will battle bigger opponents on the boards. It will be a learning experience early for the Lions, but at the end they hope to be challenging for the conference championship again. "These kids have a great attitude and they want to win," Javior said.
Montini
Coach: Jason Nichols (fifth year, 101-26).
Last season: 25-8, 13-1 (first) in the Suburban Catholic Conference; lost to Bolingbrook 72-31 in the Class AA UIC 1 supersectional.
Top players: C Michala Johnson, so.; F Chrissy Fletcher, jr.; G Cootie Leeberg, sr.; G Alison Seberger, so.; G Whitney Holloway, fr.; G Mallory Sosnovich, so.; G Sharon Lenert, jr.; G Kiki Wilson, fr.; F Whitney Adams, fr.; G Shannon Prince, sr.
Outlook: The Broncos should be the best team in DuPage County and look to be a serious Class 3A state title contender. They return their top six scorers led by Johnson, who averaged an area-high 19.6 points and shot 68 percent from the field as a freshman. Fletcher can not only score but is a good passer in the high post. Holloway will start at the point, allowing Leeberg to move to shooting guard. Seberger made 60 3-pointers as a freshman. Lenert should make an impact after missing last season with an ACL injury. "I think we'll shoot the ball better because we're going to use more kids and we're going to have fresher legs late in the game," Nichols said. "I think minutes will be dispersed pretty evenly."
Naperville Central
Coach: Andy Nussbaum (20th year, 407-162).
Last season: 15-17, 8-6 (tied for third) in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost to Bolingbrook 62-31 in the Class AA Oswego regional final.
Top players: G Kelley Hendrick, jr.; C Lisa Lawrence, sr.; F Jessica Carter, sr.; G/F Katie Atwood, sr.; F Catherine Tanck, so.; G Emma Ondik, fr.
Outlook: The Redhawks return their two top scorers in Hendrick and Lawrence, who averaged 11.7 points and 8.2 points, respectively, a year ago. Carter is back after missing last season with an ACL injury. She had surgery in February and Nussbaum estimates the Eastern Illinois-bound forward is at 80 percent. "She's still recovering a little bit," Nussbaum said, "but it looks like at some point during the season she's going to be 100 percent and we're going to get some solid minutes from her." Coming off their first losing season in 10 years, the Redhawks are eager to get back on the winning track and contend for the DVC title. "We're certainly making it our goal to win it," Nussbaum said. "I don't think there's a clear-cut favorite as there has been."
Naperville North
Coach: Jay Wachtel (second year).
Last season: 5-25, 1-13, (eighth) in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost to Bolingbrook 86-40 in the Class AA Oswego regional semifinals.
Top players: F Haley Krentz, jr.; F Lauren Quinn, sr.; C Danielle Witkowski, sr.; G Kelly Gibson, sr.; G Erin Gibson, sr.; C Courtney Cheatham, sr.; C Kate Petersen, sr.; F Erica Shertz, sr.; G Martinice Price, jr.; G Kaelyn Witkowski, jr.; G Sammi Lenert, fr.
Outlook: The Huskies took their lumps last year mostly because of their size and inexperience. They're a year older and more familiar with both the offensive and defensive systems, so they'll utilize quickness and shooting to compete for a first-division spot in the DVC. Krentz is a good defender and she can get to the basket. She's also an outstanding athlete who will be a Division I college soccer player. Veterans Quinn, Danielle Witkowski and Kelly Gibson are all a year older and better. Petersen will be able to take up some of the rebounding slack, and transfer Price can handle the point and let Kelly Gibson to move to the more comfortable two-guard. The defense and shooting are the keys to the Huskies' improvement.
Neuqua Valley
Coach: Mike Williams (10th year, 231-76).
Last season: 22-7, 8-2 (co-champion) Upstate Eight Conference; lost to Lockport 45-35 in the Class AA Lockport regional semifinals.
Top players: G Beth Goldberg sr.; F Raquel Davis, sr.; C Katie Medvec, sr.; SF/G Viv Kindt, sr.; PG Megan Rice, jr.; G Danielle Davis, fr.; C McKenzie Hughes, fr. ; F Erica Gittens, sr.; C Colleen Homan, so.; G Danielle Carroll, jr.; G Courtney Palicka, jr.
Outlook: A fine season was marred by the Wildcats' first opening-round playoff loss. Only Goldberg returns from the rotation, but there are a number of reinforcements who could make Neuqua one of the dark-horse teams in DuPage County. Raquel Davis, Medvec, Rice, Kindt all starred on a conference-champion JV team, while softball pitcher Homan is one of three Wildcats over 6-feet tall. Outstanding freshmen Hughes and Danielle Davis are giving Williams thoughts that a new Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton-type era could be emerging at Neuqua Valley. "I have a positive feeling about this year," Williams said. "We have the talent to do great things. And these girls push themselves. They never take it easy. Our big thing is to mature quickly. "
St. Francis
Coach: Leslie Fay-Dehn (first year).
Last season: 23-5, 10-4 in the Suburban Catholic Conference; lost to Wheaton Warrenville South 60-52 in the Class AA Wheaton Warrenville South regional final.
Top players: G Catherine Culligan, sr.; F Shannon Phillips, sr.; F Chrissy Belniak, sr.; F Jenny Eldridge, jr.; F/G Maggie O'Toole, jr.; C Jaime Stefely, jr.
Outlook: There will be changes this season at St. Francis, but not wholesale changes. After all Fay-Dehn is moving up from the sophomore squad and knows many of the players and their abilities well. "I think they're adjusting well," Fay-Dehn said. "We're going to implement a positive program, stress fundamentals and get back to basics." The team will continue mainly with a man-to-man defense but will mix things up a little. Offensively, the team will try to use its quickness to get out and run, then get into a motion offense that's a little bit different from last year's. The offense will be in familiar hands. "Catherine Culligan's our all-area player, and she's going to have the ball in her hands a lot," Fay-Dehn said. But not until after Culligan finishes the volleyball season this weekend.
Timothy Christian
Coach: Ryan DeKoekkoek (first year).
Last season: 15-16, 5-3 (fourth) in the Private School League; lost to Walther Lutheran 44-34 in the Class A Lisle sectional final.
Top players: G/F Lindsay VanderBrug, sr.; G Shannon McNeil, jr.; G Meghan Leach, jr.; F Anneke Stremler, jr.; F Candace Wieringa, sr.; G Courtney Bobko, sr.; G Katie Dirkse, jr.; F Lauren Couture, fr.; F Kelly Buma, sr.; G Kelsey Kazynski, jr.
Outlook: DeKoekkoek's plan is to play a more uptempo style of game, and he has the athletes to accomplish that. There isn't a lot of height, but most of the players are athletic, competing in either soccer, track or cross country. They'll be able to run and they're aggressive. Co-captains VanderBrug and McNeil are potential all-area players who should take up the scoring slack left by the graduated Kim Howard. The Trojans welcome back Buma, who missed last year with an injury. She's not afraid to mix it up underneath. Dirkse's ability to handle the point will free McNeil for wing duty. The Trojans expect to challenge Walther Lutheran for conference supremacy and believe they can surprise in the playoffs.
Waubonsie Valley
Coach: Kris Kalivas (fifth year, 77-37).
Last season: 22-7, 8-2 (tied for first) in the Upstate Eight Conference; lost to Hinsdale Central 35-23 in the Class AA Neuqua Valley sectional semifinals.
Top players: G Jessica Morice, jr.; C Rachel Bostick, jr.; F Brittany Upshaw, jr.; G Anna Gault, sr.; F Danielle Brown, sr.; F Emily Collins, sr.; G Erin Decker, sr.; G Lauren Brownridge, sr.; F Alexis Delgado, sr.; G Rebecca Scupin, sr.; F Catherin McClellan, jr.; C LaTisha Morgan, sr.
Outlook: Expectations are high. The Warriors return everybody from last year's squad, which finished in a four-way tie with Lake Park, Neuqua Valley and St. Charles East for first place in the UEC. After an off-season of playing together on the AAU Warriors Elite team, this group should be ready from the tipoff of the season opener. Morice was an all-area selection last season, but look for a balanced offensive attack once again. Last year nobody averaged as much as 9 points, but the Warriors won with teamwork, hustle and defense. While a postseason run is a possibility, the Warriors don't want to get ahead of themselves. "Obviously, one of our goals is to finish at the top of the Upstate Eight," Kalivas said. "Right now that's our main focus."
West Chicago
Coach: Kim Wallner (22nd year, 323-262).
Last season: 23-7, 12-2 (second) in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost to Montini 56-41 in the Class AA Glenbard West sectional semifinals.
Top players: G Kayla Radloff, sr.; F Megan Peterson, sr.; G Rachel Jefferson, sr.; F Lindsey Johnston, jr.; F Jessica Baids, so.; C Chrissie Rovtar, jr.; F Melanie Fischer, jr.
Outlook: The first order of business for Wallner at the start of practice was to learn some names. Other than Radloff, this is basically a whole new group of Wildcats from last year's sectional semifinalist. "I don't recognize anyone," she joked. "That's what happens when you lose seven seniors." Radloff will be counted on for leadership and scoring, and if anyone can handle the load it's her. "She can shoot the 3 and she's actually driving a little bit better than she has," said Wallner, who has plenty of praise for Radloff, the person and the player. "She's very composed, poised and doesn't panic." So who can play besides Radloff? "I really don't know yet, to be honest," Wallner said. "I'm opening it up and letting some kids show me some things." This she does know: the Wildcats are smaller and faster than last year and will run more. "We'll be all right," Wallner said. "We're not going to win 23 games like last year, but we're going to see if we can be competitive."
Wheaton Academy
Coach: Beth Mitchell (first year).
Last season: 16-13, 4-4 (fifth) in the Private School League; lost to Wheaton Warrenville South 46-33 in the Class AA Wheaton Warrenville South regional semifinals.
Top players: G Alexa Sharkey, so.; G Jenn Lee, jr.; F/C Kristine Egebrecht, so.; F/C Meghan Grant, so.; F Becca Streets, fr.; G Leah Fortune, jr.
Outlook: Mitchell takes over after 15 years coaching the College of DuPage women's basketball team, where the Chaparrals made postseason success commonplace. "The biggest adjustment for me will be getting used to not having a shot clock," Mitchell said. "Otherwise it's the status quo." The Warriors lost some skilled players to graduation, but there is talent left, especially in the backcourt, where Lee and Sharkey will control the action. If there's a weakness it's the Warriors' lack of experience, with no seniors on the roster. Still, even the sophomores played varsity ball last year. "It's exciting in a sense not to have seniors because you can build these kids toward their senior year," Mitchell said. Mitchell will count on her juniors for leadership, especially Lee, whom she calls one of the smarter players around who always hustles.
Wheaton North
Coach: David Eaton (fourth year, 26-56).
Last season: 16-12, 9-5 in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost to West Chicago 48-32 in the Class AA West Chicago regional final.
Top players: G Allie Cerone, sr.; F Michelle Scandora, sr.; F Brooke Olson, jr.; G Jamei Shin, sr.; G Madison Goudy, jr.; G Sarah Carlson, jr.; G Lauren Hoffman, jr.; C Lauren Graham, fr.; F Brittany Nelson, sr.
Outlook: Eaton never has to say anything to his players about their work ethic, except maybe to suggest they're working too hard. "We tried to do a walk-through today and we kept having to stop it because we wanted to walk through it and they just don't. They go full tilt," he said earlier in the week. That plays well with the Wheaton North game plan. "We like to play uptempo, and the girls love it," Eaton said. "We have to slow them down all the time in practice. They like to get out and run." Last year's Falcons squad was the best in recent years, and they only lost all-area forward Annie Bowen to graduation. Back are Cerone and Scandora to lead the way, a pair Eaton calls Batman and Robin, though there's a debate over which player gets to be the Caped Crusader. The other girls also are capable of playing like superheroes. "The nice thing about this team is any day of the week any of them could have 15-20 (points in a game)," Eaton said. "We really don't have a go-to person, and I think that's going to be something that works well for us."
Wheaton Warrenville South
Coach: Rob Kroehnke (seventh year, 99-83).
Last season: 23-9, 13-1 in the DuPage Valley Conference; lost to Montini 42-39 in the Class AA Glenbard West sectional final.
Top players: F Sarah Langlas, sr.; G Taylor Nieling, sr.; F Maddy Close, sr.; F Taylor Owens, sr.; G Hannah Credille, fr.
Outlook: If you're Kroehnke, how do you replace Keilani Moeaki and Grace Delaney? He's still trying to figure that out, an expected problem for high school coaches who lose an all-area captain and the area's leading 3-point shooter, respectively. "We've got three starters returning," he said, "and we've got to find some other kids." Those other kids include two freshmen, three sophomores and "a handful of juniors." The issue is that other than the returning starters -- Langlas, Nieling and Close -- nobody got much playing time last year because the Tigers didn't go deep into their bench. This year they will. "Kids surprise you all the time," Kroehnke said. "By Christmastime I'm sure there'll be a couple that surprise me." One he's hoping won't surprise him is Langlas, who will have to fill a new role, especially as a leader. "Now she's going to be feeling all that pressure. We're hoping she continues to improve," Kroehnke said.
Willowbrook
Coach: Troy Nelson (16th year, 266-165)
Last season: 18-13, 7-5 (third) in the West Suburban Gold; lost to Montini 57-47 in the Class AA Addison Trail regional final.
Top players: G Angela Domin, jr.; G Colette Williams, sr.; G Ashley Kanelos, sr.; F Katie Seccombe, jr.; G Taylor Nelson, so.; C Danielle Malena, so.; G Alex Zabel, jr.; G/F Mary Flood, so.
Outlook: Domin, one of the area's top perimeter shooters, leads an experienced cast that still must learn how to be consistent on defense and in rebounding. "We have a lot of varsity experience and we shoot the ball well," Nelson said. "The big question is if we can get inside scoring." That could come from Malena, who's a good athlete, a shot blocker who goes after everything. If she can play under control, this team can challenge for second place, according to Nelson. "I don't know if Proviso East is beatable," he said. "The rest of the conference is even. Our team is aggressive, but we'll need to get better on defense and on the glass. And we'll have to play with the same intensity every night."
York
Coach: Ken Dowdy (second year).
Last season: 9-21, 4-8 (fifth) in the West Suburban Silver; lost to Montini 65-38 in the Class AA Addison Trail regional semifinals.
Top players: C Courtney Owens, jr.; F Amanda Heuser, jr.; F Brianne Graunke, jr.; G Stefanie Matsas, jr.; G Meryl Cripe, fr.; F Maggie Yarbrough, jr.; G Erin Kilgore, sr.; F Evan Semmelhack, so.
Outlook: The Dukes appear headed in the right direction. They started four sophomores a year ago and look to parlay that experience into more victories. Heuser and Owens topped the team in scoring last year, averaging 11.0 and 10.8 points, respectively. Matsas will run the point, though promising freshman Cripe could see some time there as well when she's not the shooting guard. The Dukes believe they can place in the top two in the West Suburban Silver and even challenge for the title. "When I took over, I tried to infuse some youth and tried to get them to have a winning mentality," Dowdy said. "Since last year, even this summer, we've started to expect to win instead of going on the court and trying not to lose."
-- Dave Miller, Orrin Schwarz, Neil Shalin