Expect another strong bunch

MID-SUBURBAN EASTBuffalo GroveCoach: Steve Kolodziej (fourth season)

Last year's record: 22-11, 3-7

Graduated Players: Julie Jambrone, Brianna Kolbus, Maddy Callahan, Teagan Hutchings, Sarah O'Connor and Molly Gamber

Returning Players: Sammy Stejskal (5-10 Sr. G), Maddie Welter (5-9 Sr. G), Natali Dimitrova (5-11 Sr. F), Amanda Kowalski (5-7 Sr. G), Jenna Cardaras (5-9 Sr. F), Megan Gamber (5-8 Jr. G), Georgette Topalis (5-8 Jr. G), Hannah Cole (5-6 Jr. G)

Newcomers: Cassie Berman (5-7 Sr. G), Kendall Prochaska (5-9 Jr. G/F), Alyssa Floro (5-7 So. G), Sammy Fanella (5-8, So. G)

Outlook: As he begins his fourth season directing the Bison, coach Steve Kolodziej returns eight players from a group that has won back-to-back regional championships. Included in that group are Stejskal and Welter, all-area selections during last year's campaign in which the Bison began the season at 12-1. Stejskal averaged 12.1 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals as a junior while classmate Welter averaged 12.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4 assists. Welter led the MSL East in 3-point field goals and she advance to the state final of the 3-point shooting contest. The St. Xavier College (Chicago) recruit also led the East with her 91 percent free throw percentage. “Some of our team strengths should be speed and athleticism,” said Kolodziej, whose guided BG to its first 20-win season since 2008. “Our goals are to improve each and every day in practice.”

Elk Grove Coach: Jen Guth (second season)

Last year's record: 9-20, 0-10

Graduated players: Amber Lindfors, O'Rayn McAvoy, Marjorie Sloan, Sara Engler

Returning players: Alex Masnica (5-5 Sr. G), Abbey Sloan (5-4 Sr, PG), Mackenzie Flannery (5-1 Sr. G), Taylor Matos (5-1 Sr. PG), Alyson Czyzewski (5-3 Sr. G), Brandy Richardson (5-3 Sr. G), Carly Crothers (5-9 Sr. F), Sarah Pauscher (5-8 Sr. F)

Newcomers: Leilani Rivera (5-6 Jr. F), Jenny Banak (5-4 Jr. G), Isabel Michniak (5-7 Jr. F), Zoe Blomquist (5-8 So. G/F), Bailey Smola (5-8 So, F), Rachel Kandefer (5-11 Fr. G/F)

Outlook: Defense will be the strength of coach Jen Guth's second team at Elk Grove. “We have a lot of girls who love to play a high-intensity defense,” said the former Buffalo Grove standout forward. “And that is the tempo of game we are looking to play.” Masnica, Pauscher and Matos all scored in double figures at least once last winter. “We lost our height with the graduating seniors but we have a lot of athletic girls who can get up and down the floor,” Guth said. “We are looking to play an up-tempo game and get a lot of girls on the floor.” The Grenadiers' goal is to continue to improve. “With the tough teams we play against in the MSL East, we want to cause some havoc,” Guth said. “And play exciting basketball.”

HerseyCoach: Mary Fendley (18th season)

Last year's record: 24-7, 8-2

Graduated players: Juliette Vainisi, Annie Korff, Kristen Jackson, Emma Slosar, Halle Lyon

Returning players: Delaney Parker (5-5 Sr. G), Erin McGrath (5-11 So. F), Carly Cooper (5-6 Jr. G), Claire Gritt (5-10 Jr. G), Gina Miklasz (5-7 Jr. G), Claire Niemczyk (5-9 Sr. F), Kelly Weyhrich (5-4 Jr. G), Susan Lindstrom (5-6 Sr. G), Maggie Berigan (6-0 Sr. F)

Newcomers: Katie McGrath (6-0 So. F), Kendall Palmer (5-10 Jr. F), Carly Silva (5-5 Jr. G), Andrea Cannon (5-9 Jr. G), Maesyn Benjamin (5-7 So. G)

Outlook: Hersey coach Mary Fendley, who sports one of the winningest records in the state at 353-161 in 17 seasons, welcomes back three all-area starters from a team that handed Class 4A state runner-up Fremd one of its five losses. The trio consists of Gritt, Berigan and Weyhrich. Despite often seeing the other team's best defensive player, Gritt led the Huskies with 13.1 ppg. last winter. She also had the most steals on the team. Berigan had a breakout junior season as she was among the top ten scorers (10.4 ppg) in the tough MSL East. She led the Huskies with 6.3 rebounds. Weyhrich, in addition to her scrappy defense, led the Huskies in assists, 3-pointers and 3-point percentage. All three, as well as Miklasz (season-high 11 vs. Libertyville), had double-figure scoring games. “Once again, the MSL East will be very competitive,” said Fendley, whose 14-player roster includes 12 multi-sport athletes. “Four teams have most of their starters back. No game will be easy for anyone.” Fendley said the Huskies loaded their schedule with as many competitive teams as they could find (Fremd Showcase tourney, New Trier, Glenbrook South, Montini tournament and McDonald's Shootout). “We hope to be very competitive in the league and at the state level,” Fendley said.

ProspectCoach: Gabrielle Lovin (first season)

Last year's record: 26-3, 10-0

Graduated players: Taylor Will, Catherine Sherwood, Hannah Grott, Katie Olson

Returning players: Haley Will (5-10 Jr. G), Emily Frasco (6-0 Jr. G), Brenda Kendziera (5-9 Sr. F/G), Clare O'Carroll (5-10 Sr. F), Angela Roman (5-9, Sr. F), Nikki Matters (5-6 Sr. G), Angelina Villasin (5-3 Sr G), Olivia Sykes (5-9, Sr. G)

Newcomers: Kendra Gancarz (5-6 Jr. G), Mary McKenna (5-9 Jr. F), Maggie Determann (5-6 Jr. F/G), Eileen Donohue (5-7 Jr. G), Margherite Pettenuzzo (5-6 So. G)

Outlook: Gabrielle Cottrell-Lovin, the third all-time leading scorer (1,304) in Prospect girls basketball history, takes over the program after directing the girls volleyball program a year ago. Lovin welcomes back three starters from last year's squad which set numerous records en route to a 26-3 season (two losses to Class 4A state runner-up Fremd and one to Hersey in the sectional semifinal). The Knights graduated two 1,000-point scorers in Sherwood and (Marquette for track and field) and Taylor Will (Brown), who became the school's all-time leading scorer with 1,746 points). Haley Will returns as an all-area selection. The junior guard averaged 6.7 points, 2.2 assists and 2 rebounds as Prospect's floor leader a year ago. Matters and Kendziera also had multiple double-figure scoring games. “Our defense is going to be the biggest strength on our team this year and that will carry over to the offensive side,” Lovin said. “We limited our opponents to a low average and are looking to continue to do the same this year. Haley Will (sidelined to start the season with illnesss) and Angelina Villasin will be the conductors for us on offense and defense. Angela (Roman), Brenda (Kendziera) and Clare (O'Carroll) will be our dominant forces underneath. They bring a smart defensive game and aggressive offense attack.” Lovin said the outside game will be highlighted by Matters and Frasco. “Obviously one of our goals is to defend our title as East champions,” Lovin added. “The task will not be easy with our conference being so strong but we are determined to fight for it. I expect us to hold teams to a low score and have a balanced game offensively. We have a lot of players who can make an impact on our success. It is up to us to push ourselves to the point where we are reaching for greatness and expect to grasp it by the end of the season.”

Rolling MeadowsCoach: Ryan Kirkorsky (fourth season)

Last year's record: 19-10, 3-7

Graduated players: Jamie Berry, Nora Rasche

Returning players: Megan King (5-6 Sr., G), Hannah Mickey (6-0 Sr. F), Meghan Slowik (5-8 Sr. G),

Morgan Campagna (5-11 Jr. G/F), Kelsey Nallon (5-8 Jr. G), Katherine Nolan (6-1 Jr. F/C), Clare Preissing (5-4 Jr. G), Kyra Spiwak (5-8 Jr. G), Hannah Ungurian (5-10 Jr. G).

Newcomers: Caili Hosler (5-9 So. G/F), Melissa Spiwak (5-5 So. G)

Outlook: The Mustangs began last season with very little varsity experience but coach Ryan Kirkorsky said his players responded to every challenge and ended up just one win shy of 20 despite the youth. Meadows was 6-1 to start last season with their only loss to Class 4A state runner-up Fremd. “As we enter this season, we're hoping that year of varsity experience will lead us to even more success,” said Kirkorsky, whose first two teams at Meadows were Class AA state runners-up in 2013 and 2014. “Everyone on our roster can contribute in different ways, and our kids love playing with each other.” All-area guard Spiwak returns for her junior season after leading the Mustangs in scoring (12.4 ppg) and rebounding (3.7). She also handed out 2.8 assists per game. King reached double figures ten times, including a career-best 21 against Wheeling when she converted seven 3-pointers. Mickey (all-area volleyball), Nolan, Campagna and Nallon also reached double figures in scoring at least once last winter. “We have a demanding schedule this year, and as always, every night in the MSL is a challenge,” Kirkorsky said. “Although we have team goals, we're most concerned with the day-to-day controllables and how our players shape the culture of our program.”

WheelingCoach: Matt Weber (second season)

Last year's record: 21-8, 5-5

Graduated players: Hannah Dobrowski, Deanna Kuzmanic, Hailey Dammeier, Imani Evans, Nicole Zlotnikova, Lani Greenberg, Domenica Chism-Montesinos

Returning players: Nicole Yoshino (5-6 Jr. G), Michaela Vasey (5-8 Sr. F/C), Daniella Pierini (5-3 Sr. G), Melissa Claver (5-10 Jr. F), Shannon Kennedy (5-6. Jr. G)

Newcomers: Ayana Blair (5-4 Jr. G/F), Brianna Gray (5-4 Jr. F) Nosawaru Igiehon (5-11, Fr. F/C), Christina Pierini (5-6 Fr. G), Kylie Richards (5-8 Jr. F/C), Kourtney Schuetz (5-7 Jr. G/F), Sydney Straub (5-7 So. F), Nansy Velev (5-7 So. G), Olivia Walker (5-4 So. G), Kari Webber (5-10 Fr. F/C)

Outlook: With the graduation of seven players, including four-year standout Deanna Kuzmanic (Alabama-Birmingham) from his first team at Wheeling, coach Matt Weber will feature one of the younger teams in the league. “But our core players have a lot of varsity experience,” said Weber, whose team was led by Kuzmanic's 20 points per game last winter. Claver (8 ppg, 6 rebounds) and Vasey (special mention all-area volleyball this fall) were starters last season. Claver scored a career-high 14 points against Warren while Vasey had a personal-best 9 vs. Grayslake Central. Yoshino and Kennedy saw a lot of varsity minutes. “The key for this team is to play as a complete team and use each other's strengths,” Weber said. “We have to be patient on offense and work for high-percentage shots. On defense, we need to outwork our opponent. If we are willing to work harder and smarter than our opponent for four quarters, good things can happen.”

MID-SUBURBAN WESTBarringtonCoach: Babbi Barreiro (23rd season)

Last year's record: 11-17, 4-6

Graduated players: Bailee McDonald, Lauren Pector, Tamara Zivak

Returning players: Megan Talbot 6-2 Sr F), Auri Grayson (5-9 Sr. G), Kelly Katis (5-5 Sr. PG), Abigail Elo (5-6 Sr. G), Brianna Stryczek (5-7 Sr. G), Kayla Besthoff (5-6 Sr. G), Caira Callanan (5-9 Sr. G), Alex Van Ryne (6-0 Jr. F), Claire Collier (6-2 Jr. F), Maggie O' Donnell (5-8 Jr. G), Rachel Mori (5-8 So. G),

Newcomers: Ce Ce Stack (6-1 Jr. F), Taylor Barnett (5-9 Jr. G), Tori Meyer (5-6 Fr. G)

Outlook: Babbi Barreiro, the dean of Mid-Suburban League coaches, begins her 23rd season with a very experienced team. Eleven girls are back from a year ago, including five who started the majority of games. “I have loved the intensity and focused attitude the kids have had thus far in practice.” said Barreiro who has won 374 games. “From a goal perspective, we are taking one game at a time and trying to put all the pieces together as a team.” There are seven seniors on the roster, including Illinois State recruit Talbot, who averaged 10 points and 10 rebounds last winter. “The seniors are anxious to make the most of their last year together,” Barreiro said. “We have quite a few returning players as well as some key newcomers who will complement them nicely. That senior leadership and experience will be pivotal.” Elo, Katis, Grayson and Van Ryne all enjoyed double-figure scoring games last winter. “The team as a whole have a great deal of respect for each other which has been clear by the level of hard work and camaraderie these first couple of weeks,” Barreiro added. “Each player is ready to put the team and our team goals first. From a coaching perspective the group has been a blast so far and we are anxious to get started playing games and competing.” The MSL has featured some of the top teams in the area for severals years and Barreiro doesn't expect that to change this season. “I love the attitude of our kids and certainly expect them to be right in the thick of things this season,” she said. “I love where they are at and where they are capable of going. I am really looking forward to working with them.”

ConantCoach: Deirdre Naughton (second season)

Last year's record: 23-6, 8-2

Graduated players: Katie Lomas, Dani Engelbriet, Haley Anderson Alissa Wachal, Lexi Zades, Dee Dee Durr

Returning players: Jorie Wachal (5-9 Jr. G), Karli Heneghan (5-8 Sr. G)

Newcomers: Michelle Benson (5-8 Jr. G), Brittany Laskero (5-7 Jr. G), Cate Fitzgerald (5-7 So. G), Amanda Klingsporn (5-7 So. G), Cam Rosas (6-0 Jr. F), Aishling Benson (5-7 Jr. G), Allie Robak (5-8 Jr. G), Megan Kasabian (5-8 Jr. G), Christie Dizono (5-7 Jr. G), Sam Jacobson (5-7 Jr. G), Gianna Cimo (5-7 Jr. G)

Outlook: With a senior-laden roster, coach Deirdre Naughton steered the Cougars to a stellar 2014-15 season. It was Naughton's first year in charge at Conant and the Cougars charged out to a 12-2 record, competing with the best teams in the state. The Cougars were hoping to return two talented all-area guards this winter. Unfortunately, after scoring 14 points in the Cougars' season-opener, two-time all-area selection Dhillon (9 ppg, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 steals) will have to miss the rest of this season. She was scheduled to undergo surgery for a fractured patella. Wachal (10 ppg., 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals) has led Conant in scoring its first two games with 16 and 13 points. Naughton, a former standout player at New Trier and DePaul, said it was tough emotionally for her players when they got the news about Dhillon. But she was pleased with Cougars' attitude and effort in their first game without Dhillon on Wednesday (44-28 loss to Prospect). Heneghan is expected to take on a bigger role in her senior campaign. “Karli is a strong vocal leader for us who got a lot of experience competing against teammates in practice better last year,” Naughton said. “We have a lot of young players who have a big learning curve and are really coachable. So we are looking forward to see who will fill out the roles of this team.” The Cougars are looking to contend in their Thanksgiving (York) and Christman (Mundelein) tournaments. “And we want to compete to remain at the top of our conference (second to Class 4A state runner-up Fremd last year),” Naughton said. “We want to put ourselves in a good position to be most successful in the postseason.”

FremdCoach: Dave Yates (season)

Last year's record: 29-5, 10-0

Graduated players: Haley Gorecki (Duke), Caroline Macius (St. Mary's College, Notre Dame, In), Emily Bieda, Megan Chernich

Returning players: Bryana Hopkins (6-2 Sr. F), Brianna Lewis (5-3 Sr, G), Erin Lenahan (5-10 Sr. G), Lauren Glaser (5-4 Sr. G), Amanda McCartney (5-7 Sr. G), Julia Wacker (6-2 Sr. F/C), Jenna Simios (5-9 Sr. F), Grace Tworek (6-2 Jr. F), Missy Adrian (5-10 Jr. G/F), Hayley Williams (5-6 Jr. G)

Newcomers: Midori Williams (5-8 Jr. G/F), Natalie Connors (5-9 Jr. F), Anna LaValle (5-4 Jr. G0

Outlook: For of the five starters return the 2015 Class 4A state runner-up team. Nine players are back who played in state tournament games at Redbird Arena last March. The big graduation loss is Gorecki, the school's second all-time leading scorer who is now a freshman at Duke. “What people might not realize is that after Haley, we played a bunch of young players (juniors and sophomores),” said Fremd coach Dave Yates. “They are all a year older and excited to use the experiences of the past year to continue the legacy created by past Fremd teams. I think they all benefitted playing alongside Haley, but are also excited to show everyone there are good in their own right. It will take some time to settle into roles, but I think this group has the chance to be very good come tournament time.” Hopkins (Northwestern), Lewis (Texas Southern), Tworek (Harvard) and Lenahan (Maryville) are returning starters while Wacker, Glaser, McCartney all saw action downstate. “Grace has made huge strides in her game,” Yates said. “She might be the most improved player. I am excited to see her take the next step.” Wacker scored 8 points (3-for-3 from the field) and grabbed 2 rebounds in 12 minutes of action in the state semifinal win over New Trier last year. “Julia had a very strong finish to her season last year,” Yates said. “Not many people realize she tore her ACL at the end of her soph year and missed the entire summer that followed. Her combination of size and athletic ability has had several D1 schools interested in her services.” McCartney and Glaser are also potential collegiate players. “Amanda is a tireless worker and one of the best shooters in our program,” Yates said. “She is being recruited by several Division II and III schools. Lauren played some very important minutes for us last year. She is a glue kid who does whatever it takes to win. She's had several D III schools interested in her.” Height is also a strength for the Vikes, who could feature three 6-foot-2 players on the court at the same time. This is the deepest team I have had at Fremd,” said Yates who has led Fremd to six straight MSL West crowns and three straight MSL titles. “Our practices have been extremely competitive.”

Hoffman EstatesCoach: Mike Koester (second season)

Last year's record: 6-23, 0-10

Graduated players: Mary Saitta, Heaven Robinson, Caitlyn Farina

Returning players: Mynk Richardson-Clerk (5-11 Sr. F), Jenny Nailor (5-9 Sr. G), Erin Hanson (5-5 Sr. G), Alexis Fuentes (5-8 Sr. F), Mya Johnson (5-3 Sr. G), Monraia Wilson (5-6 Jr. G), Tayler Williams (5-5 So. G)

Newcomers: Kate Mongold (5-9 Fr. G), Katie Pielmeier (5-8, Sr. F), Miracle Nettles (5-6 Sr. G), Mia Jackson (5-11 Sr. F), Janiah Fowler (5-11 So. D)

Outlook: As he begins his second season directing the Hoffman program, coach Mike Koester welcomes back four starters from his first team. Included in that group is Wilson, a talented junior who tossed home a career-high 30 points in the Hawks' second game last season against Lake Park. Wilson also had 25 points against Maine West as she reached double figures in 17 games. Also scoring in double figures in at least one game last winter were Hanson, Williams, Nailor and Richardson-Clerk. “We have strong leadership with many returning players and some newcomers that are looking to contribute right away,” Koester said. “Our speed and athleticism should help us compete with taller teams. I expect our team to be very competitive in the MSL West and make big steps forward as a program this season.”

PalatineCoach: Mark Johnson (third season)

Last year's record: 13-14, 4-6 R

Graduated players: Monica Masini, Maria Charlier, Katie Conklin (50+ 3 pointers), Gracie Grana, Anna Wozniak

Returning players: Ashley Shapiro (5-10 Sr. F), Geena Eliades (5-6 Sr. G), Sydney Rzepka (5-11 So. F), Tiana Henderson (5-5 So. G), Michala Leber (5-3 Sr. G), Carrissa Multon (5-9 Sr. F), Cora Jacobsen (5-5, Sr. G), Sarah Udoni (5-11, Sr. C)

Newcomers: Elena Porrata (5-4 Fr. G), Corey Rinella (5-8, Jr. F), Kendall Kane (5-9, Jr. F) Reggie Much (5-8 Jr. G), Brittany Shapiro (5-8, Jr. G)

Outlook: Coach Mark Johnson says he has “excellent senior leadership” as he begins his third season directing the Palatine program. The senior group consists of Shapiro, Eliades, Leber, Multon, Jacobsen and Udoni, who was an all-area special mention selection for the Pirates' MSL West championship girls volleyball team this fall. One senior who graduated is all-area center Monica Masini, a freshman on the Carthage women's team. The 6-foot-2 Masini led the Pirates in scoring (10.5 points) and rebounding (6.1) last winter. Shapiro reached double figures in scoring 12 times last season, including a season-high 23 against Huntley. Rzepka and Eliades also reached double figures at least once last winter. “We have a pretty quick bunch of girls who are getting better at defense and they play very well together,” Johnson said. “What we don't have in height, we will make up for with heart and determination. This is a great group of girls who come to practice every day ready to challenge each other.” Johnson said team goals include winning the Dundee-Crown tourney and challenge for the MSL West championship. “I hope to see us as a top eight seed in our sectional at the end of the season,” he added. “We have excellent senior leadership this year and coupled with some talented underclassmen it will make for an exciting season.”

SchaumburgCoach: Curtis Goodwin (third season)

Last year's record: 13-14, 4-6

Graduated players: Tatiana Doroskin, Jada Blackwell, Brittany Reinhart, Kelsey Hill, Lilly Chavarria, Jessica Harberts, Taylor Helton

Returning players: Paige Alt (5-9 Sr. G), Lexi Ross (5-6 Sr. G/F), Jessica Cleator (5-7 Sr. G), Serena Carson (5-6, Sr. G), Becca Kasner (5-8 Sr. G), Mallory Gerber (5-11 Jr. G), Laura O'Connell (5-11 Jr. G/F)

Newcomers: Maya Bowens (5-11 Jr. F), Gina D'Orazio (5-3 Jr. G), Abbey Paolicchi (5-6 Jr. G/F), Kayla Gepp (5-5 Jr. G), Jacqueline Argueta (5-3 Jr. G), Emma Rutherford (5-10 Jr. F), Kayla Patterson (5-4 So. G),

Outlook: Saxons coach Curtis Goodwin will have a mix of experienced returners along with a talented group of players up from a sophomore team that won the conference. Alt, Gerber and O'Connell are all beginning their third year on varsity while it is second for Ross, who was an all-area middle blocker for the Saxon's regional championship team this fall. “All four girls have either started or saw valuable minutes over the past one to two years,” Goodwin said. “They have the necessary experience and knowledge to be great leaders for this group of girls.” O'Connell recorded a career-high 20 against Wheaton Warrenville South last season while Alt, an all-area softball pitcher committed to Georgia Coastal, scored a personal-best 17 points vs. Wheaton North. Gerber, a special mention all-area volleyball selection, had 23 points vs. Rockford Boylan. “One of our biggest strengths this year will be our versatility, with several players able to play multiple positions at both ends of the court,” Goodwin said. “With our combination of new and returning talent along with our experience and leadership, we hope to push into the top half of the MSL West division and put ourselves in a position to make a strong playoff run.”