Girls Basketball Top Performances: Week 2

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By Kaleb Carter

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. You can also DM our site @ILL_HS_Hoops.

Notable Week 2 Team Performances

Spotlight: Peoria Lions

With wins over Dunlap (55-34) and Peoria Notre Dame (64-52) last week, the Lions cemented themselves as a team to be reckoned with in the state. A mighty matchup with Nazareth looms at Fremd’s Chicagoland Invite on Saturday, Dec. 4. 

Junior Denali Craig-Edwards led the undefeated Lions with a triple double of 13 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists in defeating Dunlap. She scored 17 points with 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals and 3 blocks in the win over Peoria Notre Dame. Additionally, Aaliyah Guyton continues to be one of the better Class of 2024 guards in the state.

Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond

Moved to 6-0 after wins over Shelbyville (62-33) and Salt Fork (51-24). 

Claire Seal had 25 points and 19 rebounds in the win over Salt Fork, according to the Champaign News-Gazette.

Effingham

Meredith Schaeffer averaged 17.3 points per game over four games in the Bob Kerans Tournament at Newton, per the Effingham Daily News’ Alex Wallner. The Flaming Hearts defeated Newton (62-16), Vandalia (59-20), Flora (38-30), and Altamont (54-41) last week.

Quincy Notre Dame

Abbey Schreacke (who recently went over 1,000 career points) and Blair Eftink have been leading the way. Last week, Notre Dame defeated Warrenton (Missouri), Althoff Catholic (72-31) and Keokuk (IA, 60-49).

Hamilton County

Won five games during the week to stay unbeaten, with wins over Wayne City (59-14), Herrin (43-37), Edwards County (56-28), Lawrenceville (49-13) and Gallatin County (54-22) to win the Lady Foxes Invitational Tournament. Jayce Wellen led a balanced Foxes team in scoring at 11 points per game (as of Monday), while Carson Belangee and Sydney Downen have been the other steady contributors for the defensive-minded squad. 

Naperville North

Rolled through Oswego (64-21) and West Aurora (66-32). Kenzie Hare scored 20 points in the first half alone of the Oswego win.

Hersey

Finished undefeated in the Bison Classic, winning games last week against Mother McAuley (60-55), Maine South (62-51) and Barrington (51-47). Michigan commit and junior Katy Eidle is leading the way.

Loyola Academy

Defeated Stevenson (56-50) and New Trier (43-25). Defeated the Trevians to win the New Trier/Loyola Thanksgiving Tournament, thanks in large part to Ramblers senior Angelina Giordano’s 17 points. 

Mendon Unity

Cruised through wins over Beardstown (65-27) and Hamilton (67-27), and held off Brown County (57-46). 

Northside (Chicago)

Defeated Ridgewood (42-30) and Niles West (44-37) to improve to 7-0. The Mustangs are surrendering just 21 points per game. 

Notable Week 2 Player Performances

Mia Moore, East Aurora, Jr.

With an uncanny ability to finish with both hands around the bucket, Moore recorded a 43-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double in a 62-43 win over Plainfield East.

Emily Pape, Maine South, Sr.

Scored 24 points, had 12 rebounds and 3 steals in a 53-44 win over Buffalo Grove. 

Scored 21 with 11 rebounds in 48-30 loss to Mother McAuley.

Scored 23 in 62-51 loss to Hersey.

Averaged 20 points, 9 rebounds per game in being named Bison Classic All-Tournament Team.

A’Coria Phillips, Meridian (Mounds), Sr.

Scored 33 points on 9-of-19 shooting, including 5 three-pointers, 5 rebounds, 5 steals and 4 assists in a 51-45 win over Webber. 

Jamilah Jackson, Westinghouse, Fr.

22 points, 6 steals, 4 assists in a 50-18 win over Bulls Prep. 

Named MVP of The Perspectives Turkey Tip-off after averaging 25 ppg.

Amiah Hargrove, Christopher, So.

Scored 25 points in a 55-33 win over Elverado/Zeigler-Royalton.

Was coming off an MVP performance in the Du Quoin Lady Indian Tip-Off Tournament. Was also recently named Orthopedic Center of Southern Illinois Player of the Week for Nov. 15-to-20. 

Eleanor Monyek, Hinsdale Central, Sr.

Put up 23 points in a 46-35 win over St. Ignatius.

Scored a game-high 22 points in a 60-48 loss to Neuqua Valley.

Lauren Miller, Trinity, So.

Scored 21 points with 7 rebounds in a win over Walther Christian.

Had 16 points, 8 rebounds in win against Timothy Christian.

Scored 25 with 15 rebounds versus Thornwood.

Had eight points and eight rebounds vs. Marian Catholic. 

Sara Balli, Lake Park, Sr.

Had a school-record 15-assist game, and tallied 16.4 points, 5.4 assists 3.2 rebounds and 2.8 steals per game to lead the Lancers to the Hoffman Estates tourney title.

Was named MVP of the Salem Thanksgiving Tournament.

Taylor Curry, Waubonsie Valley, Jr.

Had 31 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, 3 steals and made 15-of-18 free throws in an 83-70 win over Romeoville. Made the All-Tournament team for the War-Hawk Tournament. 

Grace Nelson, Altamont, So.

Scored 31 in a loss to Effingham in the Bob Kerans Tournament at Newton, her third 30-plus point game of the season.

Averaged 31.5 points, 7 rebounds, 8 steals per game during the tournament. 

Has a 42-point, 8-rebound, 7-steal game to her name this season.

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