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Kraus And Crew Bring Okawville State Title

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NORMAL — Let there be no doubt that the dominant Okawville Rockets capped one of the more impressive seasons in Class 1A in recent years with a 56-35 state championship game victory over Christopher Bearcats Saturday.

Alayna Kraus scored 20+ (21) for the second straight day, asserting herself as arguably the best player in the class, with Bearcat forward Amiah Hargrove (19 points, 8 rebounds), making a claim as well for that distinction. Both play for the Bradley Beal Elite AAU program and are tight friends. 

Okawville finished 34-4, each of their losses coming to substantially larger schools.

Numbers of Note:

-Okawville enrollment 175.5, Christopher enrollment 252

-Megan Rennegarbe scored 17 points on 7 of 8 shooting and had 5 rebounds.

-Okawville shot 11 of 22 in the first half and 23 of 44 (52.3%) for the game. They shot at least 50% in every quarter. 

-The Rockets held the Bearcats to 15 of 41 shooting.

-Okawville’s defense was key, and the Rockets had a 27-22 rebound advantage. 

-Okawville possessed the ball cleanly and turned it over just 5 times. 

-The Rockets scored 36 points in the paint. 

-Makayla Dejear and Jessica Gordon scored 7 points apiece. 

-Briley Rhodes and Madisyn Wienstroer each had 4 assists apiece.

-McKenzie Jackson 7 rebounds for the Bearcats.  

What Did They Say? 

“We saw some people at a restaurant and we said ‘let’s all bring it back to the South,’” 1st-year Okawville coach and alum Haylee Bowers

“Our schedule is definitely a huge part of why we’re here… we played 3A and 4A, the best of the best,” – Bowers

“They had the ambition and the drive to get here and every time  I walked into the locker room, they said ‘coach, we’re ready,’” – Bowers

“Me and Amiah, we’re tight. We play AAU together. We’ve known each other for a long time. We work out together,” – Alayna Kraus

”They’re the best team. (It wasn’t) close, by 21 points. They earned it. They deserved it by far. I’m glad to see two teams from the southern region of the state play in the big game,” Christopher coach Hayden Carter

“It’s not the outcome we wanted but super grateful for the opportunity,” – Amiah Hargrove

“I was so excited to play against her (Kraus) because this was the first time we played against each other in high school,” Hargrove

“The first week we came into practice, we had it in mind, we’re going to (get here),” – Briley Rhodes

“I’m emotional because it’s the last time I’m going to step on the floor with my best friends,” – Rhodes

First Quarter 

Kraus scored 5 of first 8, including a strong take in transition over Hargrove for an 8-5 rockets lead with 2:57 left in the period. 

Coming out of the timeout, Raelyn Obermeier drilled a 3-pointer, which Hargrove answered with an and-1 bucket. 

Okawville led 13-8 after a quarter. 

Second Quarter 

The Bearcats were in full-deny against Kraus, leaving Reagan Obermeier open for her second 3 for a 16-8 Rockets advantage. 

Hargrove answered, as she does frequently, with a bucket on the other end. 

The Rockets got a quick 4-point run from Megan Rennegarbe, who scored in transition for a 22-12 lead with 4:46 lead. Christopher called timeout to stem the tide. Rennegarbe already had 11 points on 5 of 5 shooting at that point. 

Makayla Dejear scored with under 20 seconds remaining with a jumper around the free throw line. Then Kraus, who had scored her last bucket on a pick-pocket steal and layup, went up and over several defenders for a floater at the buzzer, much to the chagrin of the well-traveled Christopher fans who were seeking a charge call. 

Amiah Hargrove picked up 3 fouls in the first half. 

Okawville led 27-20 at the break. 

Third Quarter 

Rennegarbe, already having a great game, benefitted from solid passing to score twice and stretch Okawville’s lead to 40-24. The Rockets lead 44-26 after three quarters. 

Fourth Quarter 

The Rockets maintained control in the fourth.

Deejay knocked down a 3-pointer for only the second Bearcats 3-pointer of the game and Hargrove scored her 19th point, but with Christopher down 16, it was only a matter of time for the clock to go down to zero. 

Briley Rhodes scored her first bucket from the field for an and-1 bucket with 1:10 to go, and before the free throw, coach Haylee Bowers  got her subs in. After making the free throw, Rhodes went to the bench and received a heartfelt embrace from her first-year head coach, an Okawville alum herself. 

Illinois Girls Hoops Week 6 & 7 Top Performers and State Farm Classic Notes 

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Each week, I’ll be highlighting the best team and individual performances from around the state that stood out in girls basketball. It could be a state record, an amazing highlight or anything in between. Last season, I tended to base the top performers on stats from several games over the course of a week. For this season’s individual honorees I’ll be focusing on individual game performances. This will hopefully help me recognize more players and spend less time searching for statistics. 

As far as teams go, I want to highlight squads that upset highly-respected foes, put up absurd statistical performances or set new program records, things of that nature, over the course of the week, which will be focused on results over a week and not just in one game. 

Stats are critical to highlight these players and teams. Get in touch to submit a girls team or player at any point during the 2022-2023 season. You can submit stats to our Twitter, @ILL_HS_Hoops and @ill_hoop_scoops. I can also be reached at KalebCarter4256@gmail.com or on Twitter @Kaleb_M_Carter. 

Editor’s note: Not every submission is included in the top performers. Choices made at KC’s discretion. Games eligible to be considered for top performers were played Dec. 19-Jan. 1.

State Farm Holiday Classic Notes 

(Games I watched in-part or full)

Washington vs. Bloomington (Tuesday)

Against Bloomington, I watched Bradley-signee Claire McDougall be just relentless in man-to-man defense.

Was quite impressed with some of the passing I saw from Carly Vaughn, and tough rebounding around the bucket from Addie Kimler. 

Katie Barger looked like the best athlete on the floor for the Raiders. She had a game-high 18. 

https://twitter.com/StaabAlex/status/1607799388016984069

Brimfield vs. El Paso-Gridley (Tuesday)

Brimfield moves the ball very well. Ava Heinz is leading the way and her team is  doing just fine in Year 1 under coach Josh McKown. 


Adam Duvall, who does as good a job covering girls basketball as near any preps reporter in Illinois does, wrote this about Brimfield  recently. 

Rock Falls Bloomington Central Catholic (Tuesday) 

BCC made good decisions offensively and kept Rock Falls off balance with a zone press. Big senior forward Elyssa Stenger impressed in her time, and sophomore wing Lauren Emm (instant offense with steals) made big plays on both ends of the floor in the second quarter to help BCC go up. 

Rock Falls responded and between senior forward Emily Lego and junior forward Emily Bickett, Rock Falls was hard to slow down low. 


Senior guard Brooke Howard kept finding ways to make timely plays and hit a huge 3-pointer in the 4th for a Rock Falls lead, and the Rockets won 47-44. 

On another note, Daniel Herrera is probably the most vocal and animated coach I’ve seen in Illinois in a while. 

Kankakee vs. Normal West (Wednesday)

In a short stretch in the second quarter, Nikkel Johnson made some nice plays at the rim, scoring through contact and dishing off an assist to the other block.

Kankakee sited a young lineup between sophomores Taleah Turner, Benkwasha Stroud and some juniors. Freshman Morgan Baptist showcased flashes of knowing how to use her 6-0 frame. 

Normal West senior guard Emily Kobel maintained control with then ball in her hands. She utilized the ball screens of  teammate Olivia Patton and Annika Wertheim sto get downhill and to the rim, finishing well. 

Normal West took a nine-point lead into the fourth quarter and won. 

Paris vs. Rockford Lutheran 

Paris is a team that knows how to move the ball against a zone defense. They don’t catch and wait, they anticipate rotating defenders and find the open player. One example that comes to mind was in the second quarter, as Lutheran continued to try and trap the Tigers, but they just kept making good passes before the second defender in the double team could come. Sophomore Taylor Clark cut opposite to the near right block and took a pass and laid it in fora 20-14 Paris advantage. I saw Kendra Young make a similarly intelligent cut soon after for another Tigers layup. 

Senior Tigers forward Deming Hawkins’ wisdom shows up on the court by how she moves away from the ball, and it leads to productive plays own the offensive end. 

Paris used a huge second quarter to take to a 33-17 halftime advantage after what was a hotly-contested first quarter. 

Notable Week 6 & 7 Team Performances

Geneva 

At the Morton College Christmas Tournament, gave Fremd its first, loss, avenging an earlier loss, as well as avenging a loss in the championship game of the same tournament last year. 

Mahomet-Seymour 

Claimed the Mattoon tourney title with a win over Galesburg, with Savannah Orgeron taking MVP honors. 

Tuscola

In a neutral court game at Monticello, came back to defeated previously-undefeated Neoga, a team that had beaten Tuscola twice last season, including ending their run in the postseason. Moved to 15-0, beating Clinton for the Monticello tourney title. 

Lincoln-Way East

Now 14-3, defeated Sandburg 53-52 to win Sandburg’s tourney. Hayven Smith was tourney MVP.

Boylan Catholic 

Maggie Schmidt averaged 13.5 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 4.75 steals, had a 17-point, 11-rebound, 10-steal, 7-assist game and teammate Lily Esparza won tourney MVP honors at the Reindeer Games as BC went 4-0. 

Maine South 

Won the Komromy tournament, besting Barrington in the finals, led by Meegan Fahy’s 19 points 6 rebounds and 5 steals per game. 


Saint Ignatius 

Won four games to take Saint Viator’s Blenner Classic as Ada Taute led the tournament in scoring with 79 points over 4 games, including 28 in the semis and 25 in the final.

Central/Southeastern

Won the small school girls title at the State Farm Classic, besting previously-undefeated Paris, 36-32. Also defeated defending state champion Brimfield, Sacred Heart-Griffin and Bishop McNamara. 

Alton 

Still undefeated, beat Okawville and O’Fallon to win Mascoutah’s tournament. 

Brown County 

Winners of 10 straight and led by the Flynn sisters (Kate and Klare) the Hornets won the Beardstown tourney, giving Havana only its second loss in winning the title.

Marian Catholic 

Wins over Butler College Prep, Orr, TF South and Thornton last week. Won the Hillcrest Holiday Classic. Madison Davis had 27 in the finals and was MVP. 

Lena-Winslow

Earned the Erie Christmas Tournament crown by beating Monmouth-Roseville, Wethersfield, Morrison and Orion. 

Nazareth 

Won the Montini tourney, led by a balanced act, as Grace Carstensen, Danielle Scully, Amalia Dray and Stella Skalds each averaged 10+ points per game. 

Normal

Undefeated. Beat Washington a second tome this season, this time 47-32, to win the large school bracket of the State Farm Holiday Classic. 

Peoria

Handed Peoria Notre Dame its first loss in winning the Peoria Manuel tourney.



Elmwood 

Improved to 14-3 by winning the Princeville Holiday Tournament. 

Willows Academy 

A 1A team, won its home tournament after beating 4A squads Hoffman Estates and Wheeling. 

Notable Week 6 & 7 Individual Performances

Zara Engledow, Marshall, So.

22 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists in a win over Dietrich. 

Taylor Smith, Belleville East, So. 

Scored 30 in a loss to East St. Louis.

Annalise Pietrzyk, Providence Catholic, Sr. 

Scored a career-high 37  in win over Downers Grove South. 

Emory Klatt, Stevenson, Jr. 

Scored a career-high 33 points and plucked 17 rebounds from the air in a win over Naperville Central. 

Lenee Beaumont, Benet, Sr. 

Beaumont scored 20 with 14 rebounds and 7 assists in heeling her team hold off York. 

Taylor Keirs, North MacArthur, So. 


Scored 24 in win over TCSV. 

Audrey Sabol, Nokomis, Sr. 

Had 31 points in a 52-27 victory vs. Lincolnwood. 

Shelby Veltrop, Morrison, Sr.

24 points on 8 of 11 shooting, 17 rebounds, 14 blocks, 3 assists in a win over Kewanee-Wethersfield. 

Nora Leadstrom, DePaul College Prep, Sr. 

23 points, 16 rebounds vs. Latin. 

Kam Porter, De La Salle, Jr.

Had 28 points as De La Salle defeated Latin. 

Roya Smith, Latin, So. 

23 points, 6 rebounds, 5 steal and 4 assists in loss to De La Salle. 

Gwen Adler, Barrington, Jr. 

 

22 points, 20 rebounds as her squad defeated Hononegah. 

Olivia Kerndt, Deerfield, Sr.

Tallied 26 points in a win over Joliet West. 

Apple Guerrero, Argo, Sr. 

32 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists in win  vs. Richards. 

Josie Canellis, Sandburg, Sr. 

Scored 22 and reached 1,000 points for her career as the Eagles thumped Oswego East.

Bella Austin, Vandalia, So. 

Scored 28 in a game and 75 at the Winterfest Holiday tourney. 

Grace Cord, Lake Park, Sr.

29 points, 18 rebounds as her team beat South Elgin

Peyton Gerdes, Grayslake North, Sr.

How about a triple-double of 37 points, 13 rebounds and 10 blocks vs. Amundsen. 

Denali Craig-Edwards, Peoria, Sr. 

25 points, 15 rebound in a win for the future Western Michigan Bronco. 

Kylee Norkus, Neuqua Valley, Jr.

Posted 28 points, 7 rebounds, 5 steals, 3 blocks and 2 assists in a game. 

Rachel Zacks, New Trier, Sr. 

Scored 24 in a win vs. Maine West. 

Madi Dolecki, Schaumburg, Jr.

Totaled 20 points, 9 rebounds in victory over Waubonsie Valley. 

Illinois Boys Hoops: Weeks 3 & 4 Top Performers

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Illinois Boys Hoops: Weeks 3 & 4 Top Performers

By Kaleb Carter

We’ll be highlighting individual performances from around the state that stood out. We’ve been mostly doing it in girls basketball so far, but wanted to get some boys players recognized. It could be a record, an amazing highlight or anything in between. We’ll be focusing on individual game performances. This will hopefully help us recognize more players and spend less time searching for statistics. 

Stats are critical to highlight these players and teams. Get in touch to submit player at any point during the 2022-2023 season. You can submit stats to our Twitter, @ILL_HS_Hoops and @ill_hoop_scores. You can reach the writer on Twitter, @Kaleb_M_Carter. Site editor and publisher Jakub Rudnik is on Twitter at @jakubrudnik. 

Editor’s note: Not every submission is included in the top performers. Choices made at our discretion. Games eligible to be considered for top performers were played Dec. 5-18. 

Morez Johnson, St. Rita, Jr.

Scored 25 in a win over St. Laurence.

Josh Pickett, West Aurora, Jr. 

Had 29 points and drilled 6 3-pointers in a 77-67 victory over Plainfield North. 

Ian Brown, New Trier, Jr. 

Hit 12 3-pointers in a win over Rolling Meadows for all 36 of his points.

Brayden Sailing, Williamsville, So. 

Scored all 21 of his points from beyond the 3-point arc and grabbed 6 rebounds vs. Tai-City. 

JaiQuan Holman, Lanphier, So.

31 point, 4 3-pointers and 7 rebounds vs. Springfield Southeast. 

Seth Doss, Springfield Southeast, Sr.

Had 31 points, 16 rebounds and 3 steals against Lanphier. 

Yaris Irby, Niles North, So.

Netted 38 points in win over rival Niles West. 

Eman Hodzic, MCC College Prep, Jr. 

26 points, 20 rebounds, 5 blocks against Hinsdale Adventist. 

Korbin Gann, Pecatonica, Sr. 

Had 18 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals in a Pecatonica win over Scales Mound, only the second victory for an Illinois team over Scales Mound in the last two seasons. 

Ikee Brooks, Hansberry College Prep, So. 

Scored 12 points, had 15 assists, 7 rebounds and 7 steals in a win over Holder. 

Dylan Murphy, Columbia, Sr. 

A St. Leo (Florida) commit, scored 31 points 12 of 21 shooting and hit 7 3-pointers in a win over Salem. 

Luke Kincade, Neuqua Valley, Jr. 

44 points, 11 rebounds in a win over Yorkville Christian.

David Douglas Jr, Yorkville Christian, Sr. 

In the same game Kincade scored 44, Douglas had 41. 

Isaiah Cortez, Chicago Academy, Jr. 

Had 46 points as Chicago Academy beat Intrinsic 64-40. 

Camden Cerese, Lake Park, Jr. 

Scored 40 points on 15 of 24 shooting and 6 steals vs. Wheaton North.

Roderic Gatewood, Merdian, Sr. 

Totaled a new school-record 48 points in a 94-78 win over Goreville. 

Grady Thompson, Princeton, Sr. 

Scored 23 on the same night he reached 1,000 points in a dominant win over Rochelle. He also scored 36 in a win over Hall. 

Jelani Crawford, Alcott/Devry, Jr. 

Scored 44 vs. Roosevelt. 

Gianni Cobb, Perspectives, Jr. 

Had 23 points, 11 assists in a win over Butler.

Jackson Provost, Bishop McNamara, Sr. 

26 points,4 steals, 3 rebounds and 2 blocks in a 69-68 win over Timothy Christian. 

Macaleab Rich, East St. Louis, Sr. 

The had 29 points, 18 rebounds and 4 steals in a close win over Hillcrest.

Hasan Hasan, Lombard College Prep, Jr. 

Totaled 26 points, 9 rebounds in victory vs. Yeshiva.

Dylan Bazzell,  Prairie Central, Sr. 

Career-high 33 points in thrilling 96-87 win over Bloomington. That was o Dec. 5. The Hawks were 10-0 as of Sunday. 

Quovadis Temples, Manley, Sr. 

21 points, 11 assists, 9 steals in an 81-40 win over Juarez. 

Thomas Hereau, Scales Mound, Jr. 

Hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer and scored 21 wins in a victory over East Dubuque. 

Andrew Scharnowski, Burlington Central, Sr. 

Belmont commit had 24 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks in a victory over  Hinsdale South. Be on the lookout for sophomore Jason Johnson in the future. 

Bennett Briles, Nashville, Sr.

Hit 6 3-pointers and scored 26 points to beat Chester. 

Bryce Tillery, Hillcrest, Sr.

25 points, 5 assists, 5 steals in a win over Bloomington.

Daniel Sveiteris, Downers Grove South, So. 

21 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists as DGS beat Morton. 

Nick Rogers, Raby, So. 

Posted 36 points, 7 steals and 5 assists in a win over Legal Prep. 

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Illinois Girls Hoops Week 5 Top Performers And Exam Jamm Notes 

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Illinois Girls Hoops Week 5 Top Performers And Exam Jamm Notes

Each week, I’ll be highlighting the best team and individual performances from around the state that stood out in girls basketball. It could be a state record, an amazing highlight or anything in between. Last season, I tended to base the top performers on stats from several games over the course of a week. For this season’s individual honorees I’ll be focusing on individual game performances. This will hopefully help me recognize more players and spend less time searching for statistics. 

As far as teams go, I want to highlight squads that upset highly-respected foes, put up absurd statistical performances or set new program records, things of that nature, over the course of the week, which will be focused on results over a week and not just in one game. 

Stats are critical to highlight these players and teams. Get in touch to submit a girls team or player at any point during the 2022-2023 season. You can submit stats to our Twitter, @ILL_HS_Hoops and @ill_hoop_scoops. I can also be reached at KalebCarter4256@gmail.com or on Twitter @Kaleb_M_Carter. 

Editor’s note: Not every submission is included in the top performers. Choices made at KC’s discretion. Games eligible to be considered for top performers were played Dec. 12-18.

Exam Jamm Notes: 

Scores 

Fremd 53, Kenwood 47

Lake Zurich 38, York 33

Libertyville 58, Glenbrook South 35

Hersey 69, St. Charles North 39

Carmel Catholic 43, Lincoln-Way Central 36

Barrington 50, Evanston 48

Butler College Prep 54, Rolling Meadows 53

Montini 55, Deerfield 49

Vernon Hills 51, Lake Park 46

Kace and Coco Close Out 

Kenwood was up 15 at half when I arrived in the main gymnasium at Lake Zurich. I know that Missouri State commit Tasha Barnes (2023) had hit three 3’s and I was told that Kenwood was owning the glass. 

I was also told by a coach essentially, “Dave Yates is going to get the Vikings right back in this one, just watch and see.”

That’s exactly what happened. 

Kace Urlacher, an IUPUI women’s hoops signee, said that rebounding and mental toughness were keys in the halftime break. 

Maddy Fay (a 2023 NIU recruit) picked up the slack on the boards on her way to 15 rebounds. Ella Todd(2025) and Ellie Thompson (2025) got the Vikings into good sets and made plays with the ball in their hands. 

After Fremd cut its deficit to 4, Ariella Henigan scored a high-level shot off the glass to make it 39-33 going to the fourth. 

Kace Urlacher (2023) helped take charge late in the third and into the fourth and younger sister Coco (2025) helped energize the Vikings with several big plays too. 

“Overall, she’s probably going to be better than me,” Kace said of her. “So I’ve owned up to it, I’m okay with that. I want to push her…(not) tear her down. I feel like mentally she has to get over a hump sometimes and that’s what I try to help her out with.  


Kenwood’s superstar freshman Danielle Brooks — the Class of 2026 guard was scoring a team-high 16.5 points per game while shooting 39% from 3-point land — hit two huge triples for a 47-45 Kenwood lead.

“A great kid that has a great love and affinity forth game,” Kenwood coach Andre Lewis said of Brooks. “She’s not afraid of the moment because of the amount of work she puts into her game.”

Fremd respond with scores on consecutive possessions for the Urlachers (Kace then Coco). Fremd led 51-47 and closed out the comeback, 53-47.

“We’re playing pretty good games, putting up 70-plus points so to have a close game like that, I think that shows how good we’ll be down the stretch,” Kace Urlacher said. 

Kenwood later went on to beat Morgan Park, one of the City of Chicago’s better teams, 77-49.

Lewis was highly complementary of Fremd as a team. 

“We allowed them to dictate tempo in the second half which is something we don’t normally allow,” Lewis said. “It’s one to grow on and something to get better at. Something for me to gripe about the next week.”

 

Blacher, the Everything Player

Montini won a fun, back-and-forth affair 55-49 vs. Deerfield in which guards Shannon Blacher and Victoria Matulevicius showed what makes them a special combo.

The duo combined for 41 points and 8 3-pointers, as Blacher continually made plays all over the floor. Matuleivicus was named player of the game, while Blacher shined with her all-around playmaking.

“It’s super fun because I just want to make people know Montini is a good program and we can pull out a big win like this and I’m glad people could see us do it,” Blacher said.

A future Northern Illinois Huskie, Blacher went on to lead the Broncos to a huge conference victory over Mother McAuley, 54-36.

“Shannon’s that everything player,” Montini coach Shannon Blacher said. “She does everything for you. She gets rebounds, she runs the offense, she makes big shots, she drives to the basket. Her doing all those little things, it opens up opportunities for everyone else.”

Notable Week 4 Team Performances

Camp Point Central/Southeastern

Defeated previously-undefeated Monmouth-Roseville 43-39 and West Central to move to 7-1. 

Montini Catholic

Making its name known once more as Shannon Blacher and Victoria Matulevicius lead way to victories against Deerfield and Mother McAuley. 

Normal

Olivia Corson scored 19 in a 47-27 win against undefeated Washington.

Galena

It’s between Galena, Okawville and Neoga as to who is the state’s best 1A team. Beat Rockford Christian and Potosi/Cassville of Wisconsin. Now 12-0. 

Gracie Furlong had 16 points, 13 rebounds in a 51-43  win vs. Winnebago. 

Stillman Valley 

Sitting at 12-1 following wins over Rockford Christian and Pecatonica. 

Dixon

Now 12-0 and beat Richwoods, Moline and Knoxville last week. Could make a statement with a good performance against Naperville Central this week. 

Lincoln-Way East

Dominated this week with wins ver Andrew, Oak Forest and Providence Catholic and sit at 10-2. 

Lake Forest

Strong showings in a 25-point win against Prospect and a a 34-point victory against Saint Viator. Rachel Kaus (Cornell commit) and Bella Ranallo impressing.

T.F. South

Beat Lockport, Lemont, Romeoville and Riverside-Brookfield to improve to 12-3. 

Taylorville 

Knocked off 1-loss Rochester, also beat Pana and Mattoon. 

Herscher

Up to 14-3, wins vs. Coal City, Hoopeston and Iroquois West, 2 of 3 by single digits. 

Brownstown 

Beat Casey-Westfied 49-31 and has a 10-1 record. 

Englewood STEM

Victories against Julian, South Shore and Curie as the Panthers moved to 8-3. 

Hinsdale Adventist

9-0 after a win over Islamic Foundation. 

Rockford Jefferson

Beat Rockford Auburn and Belvedere, both by single digits, to improve to 8-3. 

Notable Week 4 Individual Performances

Marlena Miloucheva, Wheeling, So. 

Scored 48 points to help the Wildcats to their second win of the season, a victory against Streamwood. 

Cora DeSutter, Midwest Central, Sr. 

Reached 1,000 points in a 37-point scoring effort vs. South Fulton.

Hope Sebek, Downers Grove North, Jr.

Scored 30 to help her team defeat Downers Grove South 73-31.

Abby Compton, Goreville, Jr.

Posted 30 points in 3 quarters vs. Johnston City in a 66-50 win. 

Catey Carney, Glenbard East, Jr.

Stacked up 26 points, 11 rebounds in a win over Fenton.

Sanai Tyler, Kenwood, Sr.

Had 30 points, 16 rebounds in a 77-49 win over Morgan Park. 

Makenna Yeager, Glenwood, Jr. 

Scored 25 in a victory over Springfield Southeast. 

Mikayla Knake, Cissna Park, Sr. 

Knocked down 8 3-pointers and had 28 points in a win over Westville.

Kennedy Hartwig, Seneca, Sr.

Scored 29 in a 3-point win over Newark. 

Elise Ward, Marist, Sr. 

Scored 30 with 16 rebounds in a 5-point win over Plainfield East. 

Emilia Sularski, Benet, Jr. 

Hit 8 3-pointers, 24 points in a 64-54 win over Marist. Second time this season she has knocked down 8  triples. 

Lorena Awou, United Township, Jr. 

Totaled a stat line of 21/19/4/3. 

Jase Burkett, Woodlawn, Jr.

Had 27 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists in a 67-51 win over Wesclin.

Rachel Kaus, Lake Forest, Sr.

The Cornell-bound forward scored 21 with 13 rebounds and 7 assists in a win over St. Viator. 

Lily Luczkowiak, Illini Bluffs, Jr.

Scored 24 in a Monmouth-United tourney win against West Central.

Ciara McMahon, Rolling Meadows, Jr.

Totaled 29 points 7 3-pointers in a loss to Butler College Prep.

Lauren Powell, West Prairie, Sr.

Put up 38 of her team’s 43 points in a loss to Ridgewood.


Destiny Jackson, Whitney Young, So. 

Had 23 points, 8 rebounds, 8 steals and 2 assists in a win over Amundsen. 

Alex Stewart, Yorkville, Sr. 

Had 18 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists in a win over Kaneland. 

Ainsley Holthaus, Macomb, Sr. 

Hit 6 3-pointers, had 24 points vs. West Hancock. 

Jayce Privia, PORTA/A-C

Dropped 30 points in leading her team to victory vs. Midwest Central.

Apple Guerrero, Argo, Sr. 

28 points and 6 steals in a tight, 50-47 win over Hillcrest. 

Meegan Fahy, Maine South, Jr. 

Had 23 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists against Wheaton-Warrenville South.

Jocelyn Trotter, Plainfield East, Sr. 

Scored 29 in a tight loss to Marist. 

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Girls 2022-2023 High School Basketball Week 5 Rankings

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Girls 2022-2023 High School Basketball Week 5 Rankings

Kaleb Carter returns with his girls hoops rankings. Not much movement at the top this week, but plenty down the list. 

Preseason 

Week 2

Week 4

Previous rankings in parentheses. 

 

 

1. Nazareth Academy (1) 

Beat Willowbrook and Joliet Catholic and are sitting at 11-1 (unbeaten in Illinois). Roadrunners have a rotating cast of top-notch plaers who can take the lead any given day. 

2. Fremd (2)

Overcame a 15-point halftime deficit to Kenwood to remain among the unbeaten. Also defeated Hoffman Estates and are 11-0 with an intriguing game coming up against Maine South. 

3. Hersey (3)

Handed heavy losses to St. Charles North and Wheeling, now 13-1. Unsung Kelsey Neary is averaging 6.0 assists and 3.1 steals per game. 

4. Benet (4)

Beat Marist and Saint Viator and are 8-2, unbeaten in conference play. Big showdowns with York and Naperville North this week. 

5. Kenwood (6)

Had a 15-point half-time lead against Fremd at Lake Zuric’s Exam Jamm. Coach Andre Lewis and the Broncos probably aren’t in the mood for moral victories, but to see someone do that to Fremd is eye-opening. 

6. Bolingbrook (5)

Hasn’t lost to an in-state foe, boasts a record of 14-1 after defeating Bradley-Bourbonnais, Andrew and losing to undefeated South Bend Washington (IN).

7. Lyons (7)

Victories over York (49-39) and Glenbard West. Sophomore forward Nora Ezike has impressed with her size, athleticism and improving skill. Lyons is now 11-1. 

8. Geneva (8)

The last team to beat Lake Zurich, now 8-2 after a convincing win over Batavia. 

9. Lake Zurich (9) 

First team to defeat York (38-35), doing so at the Bears’ home Exam Jamm. Also beat Warren. Now 10-2 with an upcoming test against an improved Lake Forest squad. 

10. Carmel Catholic (10)

Beat Lincoln-Way Central this past week, now 9-2. Should be challenged at the upcoming State Farm Holiday Classic.

11. Barrington (11)

Defeated Evanston and Schaumburg, now 11-4. 

12. Peoria Notre Dame (12)

Biz Daly and Kaitlin Cassidy really upping their game for the 12-0 Irish, who defeated Normal West, Bloomington and Manuel this past week, scoring 73+ in each contest. 

13. Alton (13)

Improved to 10-0. Three players, Kiyoko Proctor, Jarius Powers and Alyssa Lewis, all averaging 10+ points per game. Beat Civic Memorial and Belleville East. 

14. O’Fallon 

Beat Waterloo and Collinsville, now 10-2.

15. Whitney Young (15)

Skylar Jones leading her team in points, rebounds, steals assists and blocks. Averaged 88.5 ppg in victories against

Westinghouse and Amundsen to move to 7-3.

16. Quincy Notre Dame (16)

14-1 and handed losses to Palmyra (MO) and Mascoutah this past week. Exciting matchup against Cardinal Ritter College Prep lineup for this week. 

17. Libertyville (18)

About as hot a team as any in the state right now, have won 10 straight. 12-2 with a fun matchup coming against Loyola Academy. 

18. Loyola (19)

Wins over Evanston, Simeon and Cary-Grove by a margin of 31.3 points per game, 11-1. 

19. Montini (UR)

One of the best weeks in the state this past week, beatiing Mother McAuley and Deerfield. 

20.  York (20)

Took first two losses of the season to good teams in Lake Zurich and  Lyons. 

21. Deerfield (21)

Libertyville and Montini beat the Warriors before a Deerfield win over Highland Park. 

22. Mother McAuley (17)

Montini dealt the Mighty Macs an 18-point loss, and MM beat OPRF.

23. Peoria (24)

Defeated Normal West, now 9-2. 

24. Lincoln  (25)

Scored 69 vs. Mt. Zion, 81 vs. Effingham in a pair of wins, now 13-0. 

25. Normal 

Beat previously-ranked Washington by 20, also defeated Urbana and sit at 11-0. Excited to see how they perform at the State Farm Classic, which also features Carmel, Washington, among others. 

My eyes are also on:

Lake Forest

Maine South 

Butler College Prep 

Huntley 

Waubonsie Valley

Stevenson

LWW

Washington 

Illinois Girls Hoops Week 4 Top Performers

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Illinois Girls Hoops Week 4 Top Performers

Each week, I’ll be highlighting the best team and individual performances from around the state that stood out in girls basketball. It could be a state record, an amazing highlight or anything in between. Last season, I tended to base the top performers on stats from several games over the course of a week. For this season’s individual honorees I’ll be focusing on individual game performances. This will hopefully help me recognize more players and spend less time searching for statistics. 

As far as teams go, I want to highlight squads that upset highly-respected foes, put up absurd statistical performances or set new program records, things of that nature, over the course of the week, which will be focused on results over a week and not just in one game. 

Stats are critical to highlight these players and teams. Get in touch to submit a girls team or player at any point during the 2022-2023 season. You can submit stats to our Twitter, @ILL_HS_Hoops and @ill_hoop_scoops. I can also be reached at KalebCarter4256@gmail.com or on Twitter @Kaleb_M_Carter. 

Editor’s note: Not every submission is included in the top performers. Choices made at KC’s discretion. Games eligible to be considered for top performers were played Dec.5-Dec.11

Notable Week 4 Team Performances

Libertyville 

First team to knock off Deerfield, an emphatic 55-27 win in whichKate Rule torched the nets from 3-point land (24 points in all). The Wildcats defeated Warren, Lake Forest and Stevenson too.

DePaul College Prep

Defeated city foes Amundsen, Resurrection and cross-the-parking lot rival Lane Tech.

Huntley

Wins against Cary-Grove, Hampshire and Stevenson, the latter at NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates. 

Monmouth-Roseville 

Wins over East Peoria and Morrison kept them unbeaten. 

Kaneland 

Ended Sycamore’s conference winning streak that dated back to 2018 with a 61-53 victory. Kendra Brown scored 29 in the Knights’ win. Also beat Plano and Sandwich during the week. 

 

Maine South 

Handed Glenbrook South its first loss, defeated Lincoln-Way West and Niles West. Megan Fahy had 18 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists in the win over GBS. 

Downers Grove North

During the week knocked off Glenbard West 45-40 and OPRF 60-30.

Dunlap 

Moved to 8-1 after a 58-32 win over Waterloo, also beat Limestone during the week.

Normal

Smallest margin of victory over three games (Rock Island, Champaign Centra and Pekin) was 28. Big game coming up against Washington. 

Glenbard South

Wins against West Chicago (49-34) and Fenton (49-31) put the Raiders at 8-0.

Alton

They keep winning, edged out wins over East St. Louis and O’Fallon,as well as St. Peters Lutheran (MO.) Improved to 8-0 after the week and has since beaten Civic Memorial. 

Havana

Started 9-0, beat Elmwood and West Central last week (have since lost to defending 2A champ Quincy Notre Dame). 

Hononegah 

Grabbed W’s against Boylan and Rockford East. 

Father McGivney 

Victories against Metro East-Lutheran, Granite City and Maquette Catholic to follow up a week in which they defeated Carlyle. 

Parkview Christian Academy 

Defeated Christian Life, Somonauk-Leland and Chesterton Academy of the Holy Family. 

 

Butler College Prep

Nabbed two tight, out-of-state wins over Salem and Arbor Prep, both Michigan teams. Also defeated Comer and Pritzker. 

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Amboy 

A win over Forreston (35-31) and improved to 7-1. 

Gibault Catholic 

Victories vs. Red Bud, Maryville Christian and EAWR to move to 10-0. 

Notable Week 4 Individual Performances

Grace Nelson, Altamont, Jr.

Scored a state-high 56 points in a 76-73 loss to unbeaten St. Anthony and also broke the school record, boys or girls, for all-time points later in the week (up to 1,699).  

Amiah Hargrove, Christopher, Jr. 

Posted a school-record 55 points of her team’s 90 in a win vs. Cobden. 

Peyton Gerdes, Grayslake Central, Sr.

The High Point commit scored 35 in a win over Wauconda and passed Sidney Lovitsch’s girls program scoring record of 1,445. 

Clair Hulke, Alleman Catholic, Jr. 

Totaled 33 points in leading her team to a 60-52 victory over Rock Island. 

Blair Eftink,  Quincy Notre Dame, Sr.

Totaled 20 points, 15 in the first quarter of a 44-32 win over Breese Central and reached 1,000 points. 

 

 

 

 

Kylie Moeller, East Peoria, So. 

Racked up a stat line of 29 points, 6 steals, 4 rebounds, 3 assists in leading her team to a win over Manual. 

Aria Mazza, Conant, So.

22 points, 10 rebounds and 5 steals as the Cougars defeated Hoffman Estates.

Elise Ward, Marist, Sr. 

Had 26 points, 11 rebounds, 4 blocks in an overtime loss to Mother McAuley. 

Kiara Kilgore, Galesburg, Jr.

The Class of 2024 guard had 22 points and 14 rebounds in a win over Rock Island. 

Lauryn Jackson, TF North, Fr. 

Posted 23 points and 3 assists in a 54-50 win vs. Tinley Park. 

Katy Eidle, Hersey, Sr. 

A future Michigan Wolverine, the senior guard scored 36 and tossed in a Huskie record 9 three-pointers in a blowout of Rolling Meadows. 

Riley Cwinski, Aurora Central Catholic, So. 

26 points, 10 rebounds in a win vs. Elmwood Park.

Katy Ramage, Metamora, Sr. 

Put up 25 points and 10 rebounds in a win over Prairie Central. A future NIU softball player. 

Annalise Piętrzyk, Providence Catholic, Sr. 

Scored 27 as PC defeated St. Laurence 68-36.

Natalie Loy, LeRoy, So. 

Set a school record with 21 rebounds vs. Fisher. 

Bella Kedryna, Lemont, Sr. 

Had 31 points in a Lemont win over Richards. 

Rose Savaglio, Oak Lawn, Sr.

Had 20 points and 9 steals in a win over Bremen. 

Reagan Sipla, St. Charles North, Jr.

Had 31 points in a 60-25 win over Wheaton North. 

Skylar Jones, Whitney Young, Sr. 

Had 30 points, 10 steals, 9 rebounds,8 assists and 2 blocks in a 43-point win over Taft. 

Camryn Veltrop, Morrison, So. 

22 points on 11 of 11 shooting, 14 rebounds, 7 blocks, 4 assists vs. Warren. 

Ellie Thompson, Fremd, So. 

Scored 21 points with 4 rebounds, 3 assists in a win over Barrington.

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Illinois Boys Hoops: Week 2 Top Performers

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Illinois Boys Hoops: Week 2 Top Performers

We’ll be highlighting individual performances from around the state that stood out. We’ve been mostly doing it in girls basketball so far, but wanted to get some boys players recognized. It could be a record, an amazing highlight or anything in between. We’ll be focusing on individual game performances. This will hopefully help us recognize more players and spend less time searching for statistics. 

Stats are critical to highlight these players and teams. Get in touch to submit player at any point during the 2022-2023 season. You can submit stats to our Twitter, @ILL_HS_Hoops and @ill_hoop_scores. You can reach the writer on Twitter, @Kaleb_M_Carter. Site editor and publisher Jakub Rudnik is on Twitter at @jakubrudnik. 

Editor’s note: Not every submission is included in the top performers. Choices made at our discretion. Games eligible to be considered for top performers were played Nov. 28-Dec. 4

David Douglas Jr, Yorkville Christian, Sr. 

Set a new school record with 51 points in an 85-77 loss to Lake Forest Academy. 

Nathan La Plant, Andrew, Sr.

Knocked down a school record 11 three-pointers, and second record with 45 points, in an Andrew win over Argo. 

Wesely Shats, Reed-Custer, Sr. 

22 points, 9 rebounds in a 62-46 win over Herscher. 

Max Johnson, Oak Park And River Forest, Jr.

Scored 29 points as the Huskies defeated Orr Academy. 

Quentin Jones, Marian Catholic, Sr. 

The Cal Poly recruit had 25 points in a 64-49 win over Carmel Catholic.

Martin Ledbetter, Hinckley-Big Rock

23 points, 14  rebounds vs. Elgin in a 54-26 win.

Melvin Holder, Von Steuben, Sr.

Totaled 24 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists in a 61-19 win over North Grand. 

Chris Bush, Champaign Central, So.

Scored 21 points with 8 rebounds vs. Peoria.

Brett Gomez, Kennedy, Sr.

Had 27 points, 10 assists, 7 rebounds Saturday vs. Leyden in a loss. 

Jack Hiveley, Byron, Jr.


Made 8 of his team’s 16 3-pointers and scored 32 points in a 78-59 win over Mendota.

Nathan Young, Antioch, Sr. 

19 point, 5 rebounds, 2 steals in a win over Lift For Life (MO.)

James Stevenson Jr., Momence, Sr. 

In a tight 53-52 win over St. Anne scored 32 points and had 14 rebonds, 6 steals and 6 blocks. 

Dai Dai Ames, Kenwood, Sr. 

30 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds in an 87-58 win over Lindblom. 

Calvin Robins, Kenwood, Jr. 

Scored 21 points in a huge 72-66 win over Joliet West at the Chicago Elite Classic.

Lucas Whittington, West Frankfort, Sr. 

Put up 22 points in an 80-46 win over Cairo. 

Caleb David, Francis W. Parker, Sr.

The senior scored 27 points, added 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals. 

Angelo Ciaravino, Mt. Carmel, Jr. 


Scored 26 in a win over North Lawndale. 

Ethan Samuels, Jones College Prep, Jr.

In an 76-61 victory over Northside Prep, scored 35. 

Adyn McGinley, Beecher, Jr. 

Produced 27 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds and 4 steals as Beecher beat Donovan by 95-40. 

Arion Johnson, Hubbard, Sr. 

Scored 40 points on 14-of-21 shooting (9 3’s), had 7 steals and 5 rebounds vs. Englewood STEM. 

Wyatt Lipcaman, Griggsville-Perry, Jr.

30 points as his team beat Carrollton by 27. 

Luke Williams, Naperville North, Jr.
 

Posted 27 points, including 4 three-pointers as the Huskies beat King 55-34. 

Josue Valdemar, Lake County Baptist, Sr. 

Scored 42 points in a 48-37 win over Westfair Christian.

Malachi Persinger, Peoria Christian, So. 

Totaled 25 points, 7 assists in a win vs. Illinois Valley Central. 

Simon Krugliakovas, Napervillle Central, Sr. 

Boasted a 40-point performance after a 96-88 win over Glenbard East. 

Logan Morse, Farmington, Sr.

The senior had 33 points in a 76-71 victory over Tremont.

Mekhi Cooper, Bolingbrook, Sr. 

The Miami signee put up 30 in a win vs. St. Charles North.

Sean Reynolds, DeKalb, So. 

Hit 8 three-pointers and put up 28 points in handing Glenbard West its first in-state loss since the shortened covid season in 2021. 

Larenz Walters, Kankakee, Jr. 

Dominated with a 35-point, 6-rebound, 6-steal and 5 assists game in a 97-45 win over Butler College Prep. 

Gerardo Alanis, Arcola, Jr.

Scored 26 points in a win over University High. 

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Illinois Girls Hoops Week 3 Girls Top Performers

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Illinois Girls Hoops Week 3 Top Performers

incoln's Kloe Froebe, photo via Kari Froebe

Each week, I’ll be highlighting the best team and individual performances from around the state that stood out in girls basketball. It could be a state record, an amazing highlight or anything in between. Last season, I tended to base the top performers on stats from several games over the course of a week. For this season’s individual honorees I’ll be focusing on individual game performances. This will hopefully help me recognize more players and spend less time searching for statistics. 

As far as teams go, I want to highlight squads that upset highly-respected foes, put up absurd statistical performances or set new program records, things of that nature, over the course of the week, which will be focused on results over a week and not just in one game. 

Stats are critical to highlight these players and teams. Get in touch to submit a girls team or player at any point during the 2022-2023 season. You can submit stats to our Twitter, @ILL_HS_Hoops and @ill_hoop_scoops. I can also be reached at KalebCarter4256@gmail.com or on Twitter @Kaleb_M_Carter. 

Editor’s note: Not every submission is included in the top performers. Choices made at KC’s discretion. Games eligible to be considered for top performers were played Nov. 28-Dec.4

Notable Week 3 Team Performances

Alton

Ended a 55-game losing streak vs. Edwardsville with an emphatic 55-42 victory. Kiyoko Proctor and Jarius Powers combined for 35 points and 21 in the historic win and the Redbirds moved 5-0 after a win over a strong Mt. Vernon team. 

Oak Forest

Defeated Richards (64-51) and Simeon (48-47) the latter in the Chicago Elite Classic. 

Janae Kent totaled 60 points, 18 rebounds total over the wins vs. Richards and Simeon.

Thornwood

With wins over Perspectives Charter/Leadership, Thornridge, Crete-Monee and Marist, the squad improved to 9-1. 

Per the Chicago Tribune/Daily Southtown’s Tony Baranek, junior Trinity Cheers scored 22 in the win over Crete-Monee. 

Butler College Prep

Victoria over UIC College Prep, Simeon, DRW College Prep, Naperville North and Lincoln-Way Central have the Lynx at 7-2. 

Sister duo Xamiya Walton and Xyanna Walton may just be the best pair in 2A. 

Sherrard

Some nice wins, defeating Morrison, Rockridge and Knoxville to improve to 4-1. 

Peotone 

Still unbeaten after rolling past Streator and Coal City by an average of 44 points.

Fremd 

The Vikings beat Rolling Meadows, Schaumburg and Stevenson. 

Sophomore Coco Urlacher had 16 points, 8 rebounds and 5 steals in the 27-point Vikings win over defending state champion Stevenson. 

Mother McAuley

Two consecutive wins after a close loss to Bolingbrook, beating Rosary, Loyola Academy.

Paris

Moved to 6-0 by beating Newton 51-25.

Princeton 

Downed Sandwich 38-29 and Hall 42-41 to remain undefeated. 

Washington 


Beat Metamora 54-43 to stay unbeaten (6-0 as of Sunday). 

Hersey

Handed losses to Conant, Buffalo Grove and Benet (68-67). 

Barrington 


Defeated Conant, Geneva and Whitney Young in the same week, the latter two at Fremd’s Chicagoland Invitational and the Chiago Elite Classic, respectively.

Sophie Swanson knocked down an absurd 8 three-pointers from beyond the college 3-point arc and had 36 points overall. 

Gwen Adler broke the school record for rebounds with 23 in the game. 

Newark

Victories over Newark, Hinckley-Big Rock and Lisle by an average of 18.7. Norsemen are 6-1. 

Stillman Valley 

Now 8-0 as of Sunday after victories against Genoa-Kingston and Marengo. 

Notable Week 3 Individual Performances

Kloe Froebe, Lincoln, Jr. 

Dropped a cool 49 points in a victory over Bloomington.

Alivia Hootman, Lewistown, Sr.,

24 points, 6 rebounds in leading her team to a 60-42 victory vs. Midwest Central. 

Addison Tarr, Taylorville, So.

Scored 23 added 4 rebounds and 4 assists in a loss to Effingham.

Danielle Brooks, Kenwood, Fr.

21 points, 6 three-pointers as the Broncos took it to St. Ignatius, 76-44. 

Shannon Dowell, O’Fallon, Sr. 

Scored 25 and moved into third place in program history in points in a victory vs. Freeburg. Also scored 36 in a win over Belleville West.

Jailah Pelly, O’Fallon, Sr.

Pelly posted 25 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists in win over previously-unbeaten Peoria. 

Azyah Newson-Cole, Lincoln-Way Central, Sr.

Has 25 points, 4 rebounds in a 55-47 win over Lockport

Mya Wardle, Peoria Notre Dame, Jr. 

Had 13 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists and 3 steals as the Irish knocked off Peoria on the road.

Kaylee Niebrugge, Teutopolis, Sr.

Totaled 29 points, 9 rebounds and 2 steals in a win over Benton. 

Mia Gaines, Hyde Park, Jr.

Was player of the game in a Sha Hopson Girls Memorial Classic win over Niles North with 18 points, 19 rebounds. 

Helen Macey, Wauconda, Jr. 

Had 17 points, 19 rebounds as Wauconda defeated Woodstock North 46-33. 

Katelyn Shoemaker, Cumberland, Jr.

Scored 21 points, added 6 rebounds, 4 steals as the Pirates beat Casey-Westfield.

Katy Ramage, Metamora, Sr. 

Scored 22 in a loss to Washington, including 13 point in the first quarter. 

Abbey Schreacke, Quincy Notre Dame, Sr. 

Scored 32 in a 65-58 loss to Rock Bridge and broke the school record (1,907) points previous held by Jordan Frericks. 

Cate Uhren, Bloomington Central Catholic, Jr. 

Had 20 points, 5 steals and 5 assists in a win at Bishop McNamara. 

Gracie Heckert, CHBC, Sr.

26 points, 10 steals, 7 rebounds, 6 assists as her team beat Martinsville 77-27. 

Lily Esparza, Boylan Catholic, Jr. 

Scored 17 with 10 rebounds, 5 steals, 4 assists and 4 blocks as the Titans beat Auburn. 

Mia Bergstrom, Saint Viator, Jr. 

In a 62-54 win over Vernon Hills, Bergstrom tallied 29 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks and 2 steals. 

Ava Heinz, Brimfield, So.

Put up 30 points, 13 rebounds in a 64-60 Brimfield victory against Annawan. 

Maziah Shelton, Joliet West, Jr. 

Totaled 28 points in a 60-50 win vs. Romeoville.

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Clemson Commit Asa Thomas Approaches 4th Year of Varsity For Lake Forest With High Expectations

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Clemson Commit Asa Thomas Approaches 4th Year of Varsity For Lake Forest With High Expectations

By Kaleb Carter

Lake Forest boys basketball coach Phil LaScala remembers when it really hit him just how much upside there was in Asa Thomas. 

“The second game of his career (as a freshman) we played St. Ignatius and he had like (22) points, 14 in the second half in clutch time,” LaScala said. “It’s one of those things like ‘wow, we have something special here.’”

Thomas was reeling in big offer after big offer in the summer of 2021 following his sophomore year, with DePaul, Illinois, Iowa, Marquette, Minnesota, Northwestern, Oklahoma, Virginia Tech and Wisconsin all all extending official offers. 

Thursday, Thomas (Class of 2023) made his commitment to the ACC’s Clemson Tigers and coach Brad Brownell. 

“I love the coaching staff there,” Thomas said. “Coach Brownell and Coach (Billy) Donlon are two outstanding coaches and I know my game can expand under their wing. And on top of all that, I get the chance to play in one of the best conferences in the country every night. Also Clemson’s strong academic reputation was also a big factor in my decision.  It’s an ideal combination of academics and athletics for me.

His trip to Clemson, South Carolina, a college town of under 17,000 souls, was pleasant one.

Lemont would be the closest Illinois city by population in comparison. 

“The visit was great,” Thomas said. “I was able to meet some of the guys and get a feel for how life is as a player. It just felt right when I was walking around the facilities and the campus. It was a great time.”

Last season, the then-junior guard/wing was dropping big scoring totals, scoring 40 vs. Bulls College Prep and compiling stat lines often consisting of a handful of rebounds and assists. He reached the 1,000 career points mark in early February. Thomas was an IBCA first team all-state honoree and a Chicago Sun-Times 3A all-state first team pick a season ago.  He led the Scouts to a 27-7 overall, 13-1 record in the North Suburban Conference to claim the NSC title. He also earned conference player of the year honors. 

“We’ve had some good offensive players the past couple years that have also been solid contributors and I think this year he’s really going to have to step it up a notch and be that lead guy all the time,” LaScala said.

Thomas also hones his skills playing travel ball with well-known AAU club Illinois Wolves. 

“He’s 6-8 now and he can shoot from long range and he gets his shot off really quick,” LaScala said. “He sees the court really well. He passes really well and he’s skilled. When you’re 6-8 and skilled those are hard to come by.”

“He’s a great communicator too. When they (college coaches) come in to watch practices and stuff like that, they watch how he communicates with his teammates and he’s an unbelievable leader.”

Thomas seems well aware how much will be on his shoulders heading into the season. 

“I just want to go out there and get better everyday with my high school teammates,” Thomas said. “We have a great squad this year and my goal is to go out and win a state championship.”

“I think the best is yet to come for him as far as the things he can do and I think this year,” LaScala said. “He’s… he’s really going to start to take over and dominate.”hm

Summer Notebook: Mia Bergstrom’s Time To Shine; Suburban Notables from Stevenson Summer League

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By Kaleb Carter

Mia Bergstrom has some catching up to do, and she knows it. It’s a focal point to get her team moving forward. 

“We’re still kind of young, so I’ve got to lead the (underclassmen) up to what we’ve been doing the last year and the year before,” Bergstrom said. 

A Class of 2024 shooting guard, Bergstrom leads a retooling Saint Viator through the summer months as the Lions make adjustments following the loos of two Division I basketball recruits. Joy Bergstrom (now at South Dakota) and Nora Ahram (UIC) were both guards for a squad that went 20-13 (3-4 in East Suburban Catholic League). 

Three of those losses came to Class 3A state champs Carmel Catholic, another team that the Lions saw in competetion at the summer league at Stevenson High School.

Coach Jason Raymond said he expects continued growth from Bergstrom.

“It’s the first time really for her playing without her sister, she played AAU with her sister her whole life, the last two years at Saint Viator she played with her sister, so this is the first time she’s stepped out on her own,” Raymond said “So she’s trying to adapt to that new role as being the No. 1 scoring option for her team whereas before, with her AAU team, and even with us, she’s probably either the three number or four scoring option for us in years’ past. It’s a little bit of an adjustment for her, but it’s not going to take long for her to figure it out with her skill-set.”

While the No. 1 option for Saint Viator, she is more flexible in what she provides travel team Wolverinas, where she can be a 3-point specialist or all-around scorer wherever needed. 

This summer, Bergstrom has began to hear from a flurry of college coaches, picking up offers from Division I programs Murray State, St. Thomas, Cleveland State, Northern Illinois, UIC, Omaha, Valparaiso and most recently Saint Louis. She was offered by Bradley before her sophomore season even began. 

“It’s very exciting,” Bergstrom said. “I appreciate them reaching out and giving me offers, but we’ll see how this year goes, this summer.”

Bergstrom and Class of 2025 guard Allia Von schlegell will lead the backcourt while the Lions look for emerging skills from a relatively young group across the roster. 

“We’ve got a lot of good offensive players so, we’ve got to gel on defense and if we get that done, we’ll be tough,” Bergstrom said.

Other Notes From Teams at Stevenson’s Summer League

Stevenson’s young guards showed potential, but the frontcourt of highly-recruited Emory Klatt (2024)  and Kate Arne (Class of 2023) showed that they’ll provide the firepower needed to make the Patriots one of the state’s best again as they defend a 4A title. 

Reigning 3A champs Carmel Catholic was the best looking team overall in the two days of games I watched on June 16 and June 23. The Corsairs finished the summer league with a convincing win over Stevenson. Michigan State commit Jordan Wood (Class of 2024) has added to and improved her arsenal and a more confident Mia Gillis (2024) will pick up much of the slack lost by Bucknell recruit Grace Sullivan. 

Libertyville has the potential to launch itself into the upper echelon of the state’s teams this season. Maryland commit Emily Fisher (2023) leads the way, while burgeoning talent (see 6-0 forward Talya Tillman, 2025) is beginning to open eyes for the Wildcats. The Rule sister’s (Kate and Rachel, Class of 2024) are improved shooters this offseason too.

Sophie Swanson was rolling through the league, but coach Babbi Barreiro clearly had a plan of testing her less experienced players in the tough summer league, as young Fillies are getting their chance to grow and make mistakes. All that said, don’t be surprised if Swanson, the reigning Illinois-Basketball Girls 4A Player of The Year erupts for a 50-burger and a handful of 40-point barrages this year. She’s even more of a versatile scorer now from the looks of things. With DI offers in-tow, Molly O’Riordan (2024) should be a big riser in the frontcourt for the Fillies. 

Deerfield is still up to its entertaining ways this summer with the Kerndt and Kerstein sisters. Meanwhile, the recruitment of guard Aubrey Galvan (2025), who played a big role on Deerfield’s third-place state soccer finish, is picking up. Galvan recently secured offers from Minnesota, Wisconsin and SIUE. 

Hersey looked predicably good, and should be battling Barrington for Mid Suburban League supremacy this season. Some new faces will be asked to take bigger roles, while some like Natalie Alesia (2024 guard) and Annika Manthy (6-3 2024 forward) should factor in a great deal to the team’s success. 

Other standouts I saw included sharp-shooting guard Kate Saccaro (New Trier, 2024), Rachel Kaus (Lake Forest, 2023). Kaus recently picked up an offer from Cornell. Never did get to see Prospect at the league. Warren and Vernon Hills showed some intriguing flashes I may follow up on in the coming season. 

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