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.
Stats are critical to highlight these players and teams. Get in touch to submit a girls team or player at any point during the 2021-22 season. I can be reached at KalebCarter4256@gmail.com or on Twitter @Kaleb_M_Carter.
Editor’s note: Records are accurate through Sunday, January 9, unless otherwise noted.
The Flynn twins — Klare and Katey — put on plenty enough of a show for Brown County girls basketball, but it hardly stops there for the 18-3 Hornets (undefeated in conference play).
The Hornets harass and sting defensively, helping Brown County to find itself frequently scoring 60, 70 and even 80-plus points.
“We’re an up-tempo sort of team,” coach David Phelps said. “We want to put pressure on you both in the full court and the half court. When we’re playing tight, we’re pretty tough. We emphasize ball pressure. That makes everything more difficult.”
The Hornets have ridden their brand of run-and-jump as well as man-press to strong wins, including a recent 53-43 in over Havana.
“I think we’re unique where we have a chance we can modify our presses, even modifying our man presses, who we’re guarding, where we can double out of bounds or have a person guarding the ball come and guard and double somebody, play behind,” Phelps said. “It’s a nice luxury to have the kind of girls who can adapt.”
This past week, Klare Flynn scored 24 twice and 12 once as Brown County (18-2) defeated Calhoun (66-49), Lewistown (72-35) and Liberty (61-13)and hit seven 3-pointers during the week.
Phelps said Klare Flynn was averaging about 17 points per game, and has hit her stride after injury issues slowed her early in her varsity career.
‘We’ve got her sister: Katey is averaging about 13 (point), we’ve got three other girls averaging around 9 points per game,” Phelps said. “We have some ability to score in different manners rather than relying on just one girl, but Katey (or Klare) is that, if we need one bucket, they’re the ones we’re looking to.
”The Hornets ended up losing a close game with Illini West on Tuesday, 45-44. Another game with Illini West and a third game with Mendon Unity is still on the schedule.
Seized control of the NIC-10 with a 60-46 win over Guilford to break one-loss knot at the top of the conference. Boylan is now 6-1 in conference and 10-3 after starting the season 0-2.
Stayed undefeated (16-0) after beating East Dubuque (50-28), Warren (51-31) and Benton (Wisconsin, 55-27).
Now 14-2 and undefeated in the Vermillion Valley after handing out losses to Chrisman (60-28), Scharlman (60-5) and Fisher (53-32).
Knocked off two good teams — Montini (58-45) and Saint Viator (53-36) — in convincing fashion to move to 14-1. Grace Carstensen scored 16 with 10 rebounds in the win over Saint Viator.
Improved its mark to 19-3 after wins over Carlyle (53-26) and Highland (48-29).
Handed Quincy Notre Dame its first loss of the season in a 72-42 beatdown, led by Klaire Keel’s 21 points on seven treys. Handed Belleville East a 56-22 defeat and is now 13-3.
Lady Panthers come roaring out of the gate and win vs previously unbeaten Quincy Notre Dame 73-42. MVP honors goes to @klairekeel going 7-7 from 3 for 21pts! #good 🤟🏽🤟🏻 pic.twitter.com/zQtdIbaL9G
— OTHS Girls Basketball (@OTHSGirlsBball) January 8, 2022
Defense and methodical offense continues to be the name of the game for the Panthers. Washington defeated Metamora 33-32 and Canton 38-28. Washington moved to 14-4 and is in the thick of the Mid-Illini race.
Won in comeback fashion over Indian Creek, 48-47. Gwyneth O’Connell sank the game-winning three-pointer in overtime. Also defeated Rosary 53-38 to move to 9-5.
Sophomore Gwyneth O'Connell hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer in OT, as @NewarkNorsemen rallied from 14 points down to beat @ictwolves in a 48-47 thriller. @CRW154Walker's story and VIDEO of the game-winning shot.https://t.co/9f5D7khagX. @newarkhs
— Kendall County Preps - Shaw Local (@KCNpreps) January 7, 2022
Jessie Pakaski is leading her team to a strong run in the Northern Lake County Conference. She scored 21 in a 50-38 win over Grayslake North with 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. Kenna Wisniewski and Grace Parker are contributing steadily as Wauconda moved to 10-5.
The Northern Illinois signee finished the week with a stat line of 33 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 blocks in a 56-51 win over Buffalo Grove.
Put up 18 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals in a loss to Glenbrook South.
Spartans improve to 8-5 after win over BG 56-51 on 1/8/2022
— GBN Girls Varsity Basketball (@GBNGirlsBball) January 10, 2022
🏀Blumenfeld 33p/8r/5a/2b
🏀Myers 8p/9r/4a/3s
🏀Burnham 7p/8r/2a
🏀Wolf 5p/6r/4s
🏀Ryan 3p/6r/2a@BoosterGbn @GBN_Athletics
Her team is still undefeated and she’s still scoring in bunches. Scored 28 with 4 rebounds in a 69-52 win over North Scott (Iowa) at the IHMVCU Shootout.
Scored 14 versus Moline, and teammate Annie Wirth also had a big game in the 56-26 win.
23 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals in a 55-48 win over Butler College Prep.
17 points in a 72-24 win over Payton.
Scored 26 versus Morris and also posted scoring totals of 18 and 23 as H-BR defeated Westmont, DePue and Morris.
Dropped 40 points in a 54-47 loss to Centralia.
Recently broke program record for shots blocked in a season (54), career (103) and all-time rebounds (515 as of Jan. 3).
Big 68-26 win against North Chicago tonight! Peyton Gerdes led the way with 23 and some nice passing, Reagan Kuzynowski with a career high 15 and Emily Hansen with a career high 13 and some great assists! Wauconda next on Friday!
— GNHS Girls Basketball (@GNHSHoops) January 5, 2022
Scored 23 in a win over Highland Park and 23 in a 68-26 win vs. North Chicago.
The Illini signee continues to be the facilitator. Had 22 points, 10 assists, 4 steals and 3 rebounds in a win against Bulls Prep.
Posted 16 points, 4 assists and 2 steals in a 55-48 loss to Whitney Young.
22 points, 5 assists and 5 steals in a 63-31 win over Elk Grove.
Put up a robust statline of 34 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals in a 67-48 victory over Glenbrook South.
Scored 24 versus Proviso West and 21 against Lyons Township.
Was the News-Sun Player of the Week after averaging 17.5 points, 4.5 steals, and 3.5 steals in wins over Antioch and Grant.