Scouting DuPage County local college women's basketball
Top teams: College of DuPage, Elmhurst.
Top players: Benedictine: Lidia Arias, g, jr.; Jenn Bren, fr, jr.; Monika Krozel, f, sr.; College of DuPage: Jamie Ashley Campos, g, so.; Emily Collins (Waubonsie Valley), f, so.; Danielle Muhlena (Willowbrook), c, fr.; Martinice Price (Naperville North), g, so; Elmhurst: Lyndsie Long, f, sr.; Meghan Merklein, f, so.; Kelsey Monroe (West Chicago), g, jr.; Megan Ney (Glenbard North), c/f, so.; North Central: Erin Decker, g, so. Jackie Errico, f, jr.; Brittany James (York), g, sr.; Kaelyn Witkowski (Naperville North), g, fr.; Wheaton: Annie Bowen (Wheaton North), jr.; Jennifer Lee (Wheaton Academy), fr. Shannon McNeil (Timothy Christian), g, fr.
Outlook: The Elmhurst Bluejays had trouble closing out games last year, losing a lot of close ones and missing out on the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin playoffs. This time around the Bluejays, who are long on talent and experience, intend to complete their unfinished business and challenge for the conference title. Three-time all-conference player Long, who averaged 18.6 points a game, again leads the way. Merklein, Ney and Monroe are also capable of garnering postseason honors. Returning point guard Claire Gentry and transfer Rashida Joiner will be the field generals. "Not making the conference tournament left a bitter taste in our mouths," said Elmhurst coach Tethnie Werner. "We don't want to experience that again."
Wheaton finished second in the conference but loses its three leading scorers. However, Beth Baker, who has guided the Thunder to 6 CCIW titles and 7 NCAA appearances in her 23 years at the helm, is going with a handful of returnees and some promising newcomers "We'll be relying heavily on our underclassmen," Baker said. "We need them to avoid a lot of the ups and downs that young players typically have."
North Central has been chosen to finish seventh in the CCIW after closing out last year with a 7-7 conference mark. Coach Kendra Martin is counting on Errico and James to provide the leadership to help the Cardinals challenge for the top half of conference. Expect the Cardinals to play more of an up-tempo game to take advantage of the speed and quickness of many of their key players.
Though his team was only 13-17 last season, College of DuPage coach Chris Cotton believes this year's Chaparrals can win the N4C title and make some noise in the post-season. "Last year wasn't a typical DuPage season," Cotton said. "This team has talent and depth and some size and they're getting better every day. We want to get over .500 and also go for conference and regional championships."
Benedictine, another team that was under .500 at 12-14, has three starters returning. The Eagles are picked to finish fourth in the Northern Athletics Conference, but if some strong freshmen develop as the season goes on, the Eagles can do better. Arias, Benn and Krozel are all smart veterans who can compete with anyone in the conference.
Important games: Nov. 24, Benedictine at North Central; Jan. 19, Illinois Wesleyan at Wheaton; Jan. 23, Elmhurst at Wheaton; Jan. 26, Madison Area Tech at College of DuPage; Aurora at Benedictine; Jan 29, Rock Valley at College of DuPage; Feb.9, Carthage at Elmhurst; Feb. 16, Elmhurst at North Central.
- Neil Shalin