Tag Archives: Girls Basketball

Nazareth Seals The Deal, Austin Soars In 3A Title Game

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NORMAL – Olivia Austin shined bright, motivated by a state championship loss last year, and led Nazareth Academy to a 63-52 Class 3A title game win Saturday evening over unbeaten Lincoln.  Austin scored 23 with 12 rebounds and 3 assists.

Coming off an IHSA state finals record of 45 points In the semis, Lincoln’s Kloe Froebe scored 19, held in-check by the attention of multiple Roadrunners at all times.

The Roadrunners ran multiple players at Froebe every time she touched the ball, just to get it away from her. 

Austin and Danielle Scully were bullies in the post, time and again forcing their ways inside to assert their will against the smaller Railsplitters. Mary Bridget Wilson and Grace Carstensen sank some time 3-pointers and the Roadrunners raced along all night long to claim the program’s first girls state basketball championship.

Froebe was active early, but the Roadrunners dictated the pace and shape of the game. 

Nazareth Academy finished 35-1, Lincoln went 36-1. 

Numbers Of Note

Enrollment: Lincoln 810, Nazareth 754

-Nazareth Academy outscored Lincoln 18-9 in the third quarter after leading by 6 at half. 

-Both teams recorded 7 assists apiece in the first half, moving the ball well, leading to 50+ percent shooting over the first two quarters for both teams. 

-The Roadrunners assisted on 14 of 24 buckets and made 24 of 41 shotsx (58.5%).

-Bridget Wilson and Carsten each scored 11 and Amalia Dray added 10.

-Bridget Wilson, Austin, Carstensen and Dray each contributed 3 assists.

-Becca Heitzig scored 12 and Taryn Stolzenberg added 9 (3 3’s).

-Froebe recorded 7 assists, Heitzig had 4 more.

-All 5 of the Railsplitter starters were juniors.

What Did They Say? 

“We understood that we had the size advantage and we wanted to really capitalize off that, especially going in and out, because we knew they’d collapse on that,” – Olivia Austin

“We’ve been playing since fifth grade, a lot of us, so we’ve been able to build a lot of chemistry between us, Grace too,” – Austin

“Nothing (changed) schematically, we did the some thing but I just told the girls, let’s go, let’s put an end this,” – Nazareth coach Ed Stritzel about halftime message

“We thought ended last year with a bitter taste in our mouths. I told them we had a great chance to win it this year, but we’re not going to let that get to us,” -Stritzel

“This is an amazing, amazing defensive effort.” – Stritzel

“I think Grace (Carstensen) really turned into a good captain this year,” – Mary Bridget Wilson

“One of the most devastating moments of my basketball career,” -Grace Carstensen said of last year’s title game loss

“We all just wanted to come back here and seal the deal,” Carstensen

“We were screaming to ‘squeeze her’ (Froebe) is what we call it, basically to get the ball out of the main girls’ hands,” -Danielle Scully

”I think I have the best teammates in the state of Illinois,” – Kloe Froebe

“They sure played hard in the last few minutes of the game, the last quarter, the last quarter and a half, it just didn’t go our way, shots didn’t fall and that’s the game,” – Lincoln coach Taylor Rohrer

First Quarter 

Froebe assisted or scored to contribute to Lincoln’s first 11 points.

Olivia Austin put Nazareth up 10-9 with an and-1 bucket and free throw. 

Nazareth played the high-low game excellently with Danielle Scully, Olivia Austin and Amalia Dray. 

Dray hit a corner 3-pointer that gave Nazareth a 15-11 lead. 


Second Quarter 

Carstensen knocked down consecutive 3-pointers in the second quarter, while Austin and Scully held down the paint for the Roadrunners on their way to a 31-25 halftime lead. 


Third Quarter 

In a relatively short stretch, Carstensen and Mary Bridget Wilson sank triples, then Amalia Dray finished a tough and-1 off a Scully assist. Then Austin dropped in a layup off a Lincoln turnover for a 42-25 Nazareth Academy lead. Dray scored in transition for a 13-2 Roadrunners’ run out of the half before the Railsplitters’ Becca Heitzig stopped the bleeding momentarily. 

The Roadrunners haggled Froebe defensively and got out in transition. Nazareth led 49-35 after 3. 

Fourth Quarter 

Lincoln pulled within 12 on a Heitzig jumper, only for Austin to score shortly following that to make it 53-39 Nazareth. 

Nazareth was doing such a good job of dictating a game, that it was hard to string together consecutive possessions where Froebe had the ball as a threat to score. 

Taryn Stolzenburg hit a pair of 3-pointers to pull Lincoln within 9 with under 2 minutes to go, but it didn’t get closer than that.

Illinois Girls Hoops Week 8 Top Performers And Grow The Game Notes 

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Illinois Girls Hoops Week 8 Top Performers And Grow The Game 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 Jan. 2-8

Grow The Game Shootout Notes 

I attended the concluding day of the Grow The game Shootout at North Central College in Naperville. I saw Stevenson-Evanston, Barrington-Montini Catholic, Alton-Hersey, Maine West-Lake Forest and Highland Park-University High.

No team was more impressive Saturday than the undefeated, 18-0 Alton Redbirds in a 63-50 win over Hersey. 

The Redbirds led by as much 19, withstood a run where the Huskies cut it to 7 in the third quarter , and looked consistent at every spot on the floor. 

“The goal was to stay disciplined, make sure we stay mentally here, don’t take mental breaks on (defense), communication, talk just play the best we had,” sophomore forward Jarius Powers said. 

The big, likely future D1 forward scored 18 points. She muscled up buckets, established good inside position for timely buckets and scored when it was most critical. Double-doubles are common occurrences for Powers, who was averaging 12.7 points and 7.7 rebounds per game through 15 games. Proctor (12.8) and Lewis (10.8) were also averaging double-digit scoring figures. 

“The attitude I approach (with) is you know you can depend on me to come through in the clutch in big games and I’m not going to disappoint you,” Powers said. “I love my teammates to death and I think they’ve got the trust in me in big games when we’re close to give me the ball.”

Sophomore point guard Kiyoko Proctor scored 15 points in the win over Hersey and led Alton’s relentless defense with 9 steals, and distributed 5 assists. She looked beyond her years in terms of composure and getting the Redbirds into their offense. 

Alyssa Lewis (2024), while often a scorer, uses her athleticism to lock up opponents. 

Laila Blakeny (2023) and Kaylea Lacey (2026), the latter already a physical match or superior physically to her elder peers, played well Saturday too. 

Talia Norman (2025) provides a great deal of size off the bench for the Redbirds.

With the absence of Megan Mrowicki for the Huskies, Natalie Alesia (2023) has had to step up and scored 20 points in earning POTG honors.

Some Takeaways

-Stevenson’s a much-improved team from what I can tell. Kate Arne (2024) has had to pick up more slack. The young guards are better. Emory Klatt (2024) reached 1,000 career points in the game. 

-Having watched Montini twice, they’re one of the more enjoyable teams to watch on both sides of the ball and you expect players to make the smart play.

-Barrington has to find more ways to get out and run. Also in half-court, keep getting touches for Molly O’Riordan (2024). Adaobe Ibe’s (2024) role seems to be growing.

-As a 2A squad, University High is going to have the potential to make another postseason run due to its size and athleticism. 

-Highland Park has a ton of size. They were able to get some good high-low looks that made a difference. 

-Start making more perimeter shots and Maine West may surprise some teams down the stretch. 

-Lake Forest’s Rachel Kaus (2023) does so much, it’s hard to keep up. Her court-vision and movement without the ball separate her from many good bigs. She’ll be a great addition to Cornell, which has Maine South 2022 grad Emily Page already succeeding. 

Here are the players who I most enjoyed watching on the floor at North Central College. 

I did this in a Twitter post recently about the Morton College tourney, so going to include this tidbit.

Stevenson – Kate Arne (2023) (Improved offensively)

Evanston – Ciara Gentile (2023)  (Defensive deterrer )

Barrington – Gwen Adler (Is everywhere all at once)

Montini – Victoria Matulevicius (2024) (high-volume scoring capabilities)

Hersey – Natalie Alesia (2023) (Picking up more responsibility)

Alton – Kiyoko Proctor (2025) (Young, skilled, feisty and in control)

Highland Park – McKenzie Reitmayer (2024) (Skilled in a number of ways)

University – Kari Merriweather  (Spark plug with super athleticism)

Lake Forest – Bella Ranallo (Highly skilled, great insticts, can tell she’s a multi-sport athlete just from watching)

Maine West – Aya Deiri (Athletic, defends, attacking on offense and plays with intensity)

Notable Week 8 Team Performances

PORTA

Incredible week with a win over previously-unbeaten Fieldcrest, 48-38. Also beat Beardstown and Havana. Was 17-0 after the week.

Byron

Macy Groharing scored 27 points in a 72-56 win over Morrison. The Tigers also defeated Rock Falls 54-44 and sit at 15-2 and unbeaten in the Big Northern.  

Stevenson


Kate Arne scored 24 vs. Hampshire. Emory Klatt also reached 1,000 career points in the Evanston win.

Sycamore

Pulled out single-digit wins over conference foes Ottawa, 46-43 and LaSalle-Peru, 58-54. 

Chester 

Won the Lady Jacket Midwinter Classic tournament with a 32-27 win over Marissa/Coulterville. Camrynn Howie was tournament MVP. Also beat Dupo and New Athens.

Lincoln

Defeated Pleasant Plains and Mahomet-Seymour by 24 and 25 points, respectively.

Parkview Christian Academy

Defeated Heritage Christian of Indiana 46-33 to improve to 16-0. Grace Lambes is averaging 17.7 points per game and Liz Griswold is contributing 16.6 points. 

Mater Dei (Breese)

Wins over Althoff Catholic, 39-35 and Benton, 43-31, have the Knights at 13-3. 

Hillsboro 

Had a 5-game win streak going at the end of last week after Riverton, Vandalia and Southwestern, allowing an average of 29.7 points during the week. 

Teutopolis 

Nabbed close wins over Mattoon, 60-57, and Rochester, 47-43. Record improve to 14-2 after the pair of wins. 

Amboy 

Wins over Somonauk-Leland, Polo and Aquin Catholic. 

Notable Week 8 Individual Performances

Janae Kent, Oak Forest, Sr. 

30 points, 9 rebounds and 5 steals in a 58-42 win over Tinley Park. 

Heidi Rathmann, Antioch, Fr. 

Put up 28 points, 10 rebounds, 6 steals and 2 blocks in a 58-51 victory vs. Wauconda. 

Trinity Jones, Naperville Central, Fr.

Totaled 29 points, 10 rebonds, 8 blocks and 4 steals as the Redhawks beat Plainfield Central 56-49. 

Abbey Schreacke, Quincy Notre Dame, Sr. 

 Scored 34 points as her team defeated 1A power Okawville 61-54.

Alayna Kraus, Okawville, Jr.

Had 24 points, 4 3-pointers, 3 assists in loss to QND.

Lauren Miller, Central/Southeastern

Scored 27 in a 50-39 win over  Lewistown. Her team is now 15-2 as of Sunday. 

Aaliyah Guyton, Peoria, Jr. 

Totaled 28 points, 9 assists, 7 rebounds and 6 steals in a win over Champaign Central. 

Lexi Sepulveda, Plainfield East, Jr.


Posted 32 points in a 70-64 victory vs. Plainfield North. 

Makenna Yeager, Glenwood, Jr. 

Scored 25 in a win over Eisenhower. 

Sophia Remmel, Dunlap, Sr. 

Tallied 17 points 6 rebounds and 4 assists in a 59-38 win over Morton. 

Page Erickson, Central (Burlington), Sr. 

In a win vs. Cary-Grove, had 23 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals. 

Aubrey Galvan, Deerfield, So. 

Totaled 22 points 12 steals and 6 assists in a win over Marist. 

Elise Ward, Marist, Sr. 

In same game as Galvan’s performance, the lengthy forward put up 29 points, 10 rebounds, 5 steals and 4 assists. 

Catey Carney, Glenbard East, Jr. 

Had 21 points, 6 rebounds and 4 steals vs. Elgin.

Maeve Hassett, Oak Lawn, Jr. 

Knocked down 9 3-pointers and scored 34 points vs. Eisenhower.

Bella Kedryna, Lemont, Sr.

Had 30 in a 37-30 win over Argo.

Iyanah Crosby, Richards, Jr.

Scored 30 as her team beat De La Salle 60-43

Payton Toussaint, Johnsburg, Sr.

Had 22 points, 7 3-pointers in a 52-27 win over North Boone.

Amelie Flowers, Hinsdale South, Jr. 

Totaled 23 points, 8 rebounds in a tight, 43-40 victory against Glenbard South.


Sophia Loden, Mascoutah, Sr.

Scored 23 points and had 18 rebounds in a win over Civic Memorial.

Tessa Crawford, Jerseyville, Jr.

20 points, 10 rebounds, 5 steals, 5 assists vs. Carrollton. 

Grace Wilke, Highland, Sr.

Had 24 points, 6 rebounds, 6 steals and 4 assists in a win over Waterloo.


Abby Compton, Goreville, Jr.

Tallied 23 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists in a win over Johnston City. 

Girls 2022-23 High School Basketball Week 4 Rankings

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Girls 2022-23 High School Basketball Week 4 Rankings

After two weeks, Kaleb Carter returns with the statewide girls basketball rankings. 

 

Previous rankings:

Preseason

Week 2

 

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1. Nazareth Academy (1) 

Nazareth has done its part of a bonafide No. 1, but I’m very much thinking my mind could change when I watch Fremd vs. Kenwood on Tuesday at Lake Zurich’s Exam Jamm. We’ll see! 

2. Fremd (3)

You can make a strong case that the Vikings are  the best, and the most balanced team in the state. It’s no coincidence that the state’s top two ranked teams go so deep into their lineup with success. 

3. Hersey (5)

Some combination of Kelsey Neary, Megan Mwrowicki and others have missed time this season due to injury. This hasn’t stopped the Huskies from gelling, including in a 68-67 win over Benet . The Huskies beat New Trier, Rolling Meadows and Palatine this week. In the Rolling Meadows win, Katy Eidle hit a school-record 9 three-pointers and had 36 points, 3 assists. 

4. Benet (2)

Beat Marian Catholic this past week and lost a close game to Hersey the previous Saturday. Has a win over ranked Lyons since the last rankings. 

5. Bolingbrook (6)

Now 12-0 and firing on all cylinders, the Raiders return from a trip to Michigan gearing up for more holiday tournament season. 

6. Kenwood (17)

I’m hearing Danielle Brooks is knocking down tons of three-pointers. The freshman has grabbed a lot of attention fr a team that was already loaded with returning talent. Planning to see Kenwood vs. Fremd on Tuesday at Lake Zurich’s Exam Jamm. Beat a good Afrocentric team from Columbus, OH at the Hyde Park, Showcase In The Park event. 

7. Lyons (8)

A recent, close loss to Benet, but unbeaten since. An upcoming test against Lyons will call for plenty of attention. 

8. Geneva (7)

What a conundrum spots 9 through 12 were. The triumvirate of Barrington, Geneva and Lake Zurich have taken turns besting one another with Barrington losing decisively to lake Zurich, Geneva beating Lake Zurich and Barrington beating Geneva. The only thing I felt I could really use to determine this grouping was that Barrington has 4 losses, including to Libertyville, which is lower on these rankings than the teams Lake Zurich and Geneva have their (2 losses each) against. 

9. Lake Zurich (24)

Stock going way up since the last rankings. Beat Barrington by 16. I may see them at Exam Jamm.

10. Carmel Catholic (4)

Getting roughed up in conference play is just part of it for the Corsairs, who were humbled by Nazareth Academy, but are 8-2 and won at the Showcase In The Park. 

11. Barrington (11)

Has 4 losses despite having the talent to beat anyone in the state. This seems to be careening toward what the Fillies did last season, when they hit their stride around this time. 

12. Peoria Notre Dame (25)

Since the past rankings, the they’ve beaten Peoria on the road. It may be a bit before the unbeaten Irish are really tested again. 

13. Alton (20)

Was in a game that it’s hard to discern much from due to a matter of injury and suspensions. For more on that, read Greg Shashack’s story on the game. Redbirds still undefeated. 

 

14. O’Fallon (15)

Panthers are still playing good basketball, have only lost to conference rival Alton. Those two will likely battle for a super-sectional type run later this season. 

15. Whitney Young (16) 

Skylar Jones has been putting up some monster numbers and the Dolphins went to Michigan and won two games against out-of-state competition. 

16. Quincy Notre Dame (19)

Blair Eftink recently reached 1,000 points, and just like I commended Butler College Prep’s duo last week, it’s a nice reminder that Abbey Schreacke and Eftink are among the state’s best pairs as well. Only 1 loss, to Rock Bridge (MO.)

 

17. Mother McAuley (UR)

Don’t look now, but the Mighty Macs are scorching. The ball movement, the transition game and the press defense are suffocating south. 

18. Libertyville (18)

Handed Deerfield its first loss of the season in a home stomping of the Warriors. Kate Rule showcased why she is one of Chicagoland’s top spot-up shooters. 

19. Loyola (10)

Only loss is to Mother McAuley. A game against  Libertyville on Dec. 12 is an intriguing matchup.

20. York (23)

Undefeated and tests against Lake Zurich and Lyons loom this week.

21. Deerfield (14)

Sustained their first loss on an off shooting day against Libertyville. Can’t imagine the Warriors will lose another game by 20 this year, barring unforeseen circumstances. 

22. Washington (UR)

The Panthers are just always there, doing the work without much fanfare. Games against Normal and Dunlap should prove a challenge. 

23. St. Charles North (22)

Don’t know quite how to feel about the North Stars, but know they can really score it when they get out and run. They have a chance to make a name for themselves soon with games vs. Hersey and St.Charles East. 

24. Peoria (12)

Bounced back from consecutive losses to two top 15 teams wit consecutive wins. 

25. Lincoln  (UR)

They’re 11-0 and Khloe Froebe is scoring with the best of them. 

 

Girls Notebook: Top Perfomers & Loyola Academy, Benet Academy Notes

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Girls Notebook: Top Perfomers & Loyola Academy, Benet Academy Notes

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. 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. 21-27.

Notable Week 2 Team Performances

Loyola 

Paige Engels is in control and with that in mind, it may make sense why a Loyola Academy team with youngsters at multiple key spots is thriving to start the season. 

At 4-0 after a 36-26 win over rivals New Trier on Wednesday, the Ramblers are looking ahead at some upcoming games that should continue to test them. 

Engels, who possessed the ball when things needed to get in order, scored early buckets as Loyola Academy took the lead that it held onto all game against the Trevians. But where Engels and the Ramblers continue to succeed is in owning the pace of the game, maintaining patience and absolutely stifling opponents with whatever zone, man or press look they trot out on defense. 

“It’s always intense at the end, we know we’ve got to keep getting stops and trying to put the ball in the basket,” Engels said. “It’s a lot of fun at the end when they’re close. It keeps us really invested in the game throughout.”

At one point in the fourth wth the Trevians within 6, Engels swiped away the ball from a Trevians player, quickly found freshman teammate Clare Weasler for a tear drop floater and a 31-23 Ramblers advantage. 

Grace Bronski was critical with 13 points in the New Trier win, making the timely plays needed.

The Ramblers have gotten contributions from all over the place, notably so in a 44-42 win over defending state champions Stevenson. The Ramblers also defeated the Patriots early last season, a loss that Stevenson later avenged in a super-sectional victory.

“It was nice to win that game, but we can hang with a lot of people in the state of Illinois,” Ramblers coach Jeremy Schoenecker said. “For such a young group to prove they can win that type of game, (Emory) Klatt is an absolute monster on the glass and I thought it showed our young kids if we keep grinding for 32 minutes, usually good things happen.”

An upcoming test at home against Montini on Dec. 7 should be a fun glimpse into a postseason-like atmosphere for both team. 

“Last year after getting all the way to the super-sectional, we knew what we needed to get there,” Loyola Academy’s Kelsey Langston said. “Only having 3 returners, we took that as we need to do everything to be able to get back there.”

Benet Academy

Class of 2023 Indiana commit Lenee Beaumont looked the part of a prospective state Player of The Year in a 61-44 home win over Carmel Catholic, a top 5 matchup in the state per our rankings here at Illinois-Basketball.com

“Last year they gave us some trouble throughout the year,” Beaumont said. “They have Jordan Wood. I’m a very good friend of hers, she’s a great player. Every game they’re going to be ready, they’re very well coached. They’re always prepared… Coach (Joe) Kilbride said before the game it’s not really any strategy we’ve got to go by, we’ve just go to go out there and be “dawgs” is what he says. It’s who wants to play harder, who wants to.. do the things to win.”

From the tip, Beaumont was visibly locked in. She hit a hanging jumper in the lane, one of several of those buckets she tossed in during the game. Senior forward Samantha Trimberger made early plays playing off the attention Carmel paid Beaumont. 

“She’s done a fantastic job offensively and defensively,” Beaumont said of Trimberger. “Obviously with the loss of (Morgan) Demos that’s a huge refunding and scoring loss we had but she’s been killing t this year. It’s awesome to see her. Every year she has a new role and she’s doing awesome at stepping into it.”

The junior super guard came off a screen and knocked down a 3-pointer as Wood, a senior Michigan State commit, looked at her coach (Ben Berg) and seemingly asked, “what do I do on that?”

Later in the half, while sitting in the stands and watching another absurd Beaumont finish around the rim, an observer just began laughing at how easy the Redwing star had made a difficult play look.He wasn’t the only one with similar reactions. Making such plays has come from a more focused effort to have body control in the paint. 

“Coming with patience, change of speed type of thing, last year if someone got to me full-court, I probably would have had a few more turnovers,” Beaumont said. “But this year I also worked on my balance, strength  that the of stuff so I feel like all the stuff is coming together.”

The Redwings actually sustained their first loss of the season several days later, when Beaumont did not play due to illness against Naperville Central and top Illinois player in the class of 2026, Trinity Jones. Emilia Sularski stepped up with 27 points and 8 three-pointers in the loss. For more on that, find details on Jones below in the top individuals section. 

Hersey

Defeated Barrington, led by a combined 50 points from seniors Katy Eidle and Natalie Alesia. 

Okawville

Alayna Kraus is averaging 18 points and 2.8 steals per game as Okawville won the Nashville tourney and moved to 4-0.

Hamilton County

 Went 5-0 at its home tournament to win the title. Carson Belangee, Desirae Dockery, Sydney Downen and Kaelee Karcher were all-tournament. 

Altamont

Now 5-0 and won Newton’s tournament title after beating Effingham 52-50, Newton 50-46 and Flora 50-46.

Lake Forest

Now 5-0 after winning the Vernon Hills Thanksgiving tourney, Rachel Kaus scored 17 with 9 rebounds and 4 assists in the 59-32 title game victory over Vernon Hills.

St. Anthony

Out to a 6-0 start, scored 81 points vs. Robinson, also defeated Fairfield, Marshall and Mt. Carmel this past week. 

Bolingbrook

Defeated Mother McAuley (55-51) and Columbus East (IN). Persais Williams emerging as a strong performer for the Raiders. 

Lincoln 

Took it to a good Pana team, 61-28 and is now 5-0. Has scored at least 61 points in each of its last 4 games. 

Byron

Won the Dakota tourney with a 53-41 victory over River Ridge/Scales Mound. Also beat Aquin Catholic, Dakota and Pearl City during the week. 

Elmwood

Claimed the Brimfield Turkey Championship with a 42-33 victory over Brimfield. 

Highland

They’re  5-0, with wins over Breese Central (45-39) and Alton Marquette (56-23).

Lombard College Prep

Won their first game since 2017, defeating Horizon Science Academy McKinley Park, 44-18. 

Tuscola

Moved to 4-0 with wins against Urbana University (50-14) and Tri County (44-43).

Notable Week 2 Individual Performances 

Trinity Jones, Naperville Central, Fr.

Scored 23 points with 14 rebounds, 6 assists as Naperville Central defeated Benet Academy.

Caitlin Washington, Neuqua Valley, Jr. 

Posted 29 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals as the Wildcats defeated Sandburg 74-65.

Emory Klatt, Stevenson, Jr. 

Posted 34 points, school-record 23 rebounds in a 54-26 victory against Phillips.

Carly Foster, Gallatin County, Sr.

Scored 33 in a 45-32 win over Wayne City. 

Janae Kent, Oak Forest, Sr. 

Posted a robust stat line of 37 points, 7 made three-pointers and 12 rebounds as the Bengals defeated Chicago Christian. 

Kate Rule, Libertyville Jr.

Netted 24 points as the Wildcats handed Barrington its first loss, 63-61.

Xamiya Walton, Butler College Prep, Jr. 

31 points, 5 assists, 5 steals and 4 rebounds in a loss to Pattonville (MO.).

Denver Anderson, Mt. Zion, Jr. 

2 triple doubles during the week, including 22 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists in one game. 

Heidi Rathmann, Antioch, Fr. 

Scored 42 points in a win over Lake Forest Academy.

LaKeeyah Barnes, Morgan Park, Jr. 

Scored 36 on 13-of-18 shooting in a win over Perspectives/Leadership, including 5-of-5 on three-pointers. Added 4 steals. 

 

Aaliyah Guyton, Peoria, Jr. 

26 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists as the Lions beat Eisenhower 100-27.

Lenee Beaumont, Benet, Sr. 

26 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals as the Redwings bested Carmel Catholic by 17. 

Abbey Schreacke, Quincy Notre Dame, Sr. 

35 points in a comeback home win over Butler College Prep. 

Kaitlyn Hoffing, Fenton, Sr.

Hit 7 3-pointers in a half, scored 26, with 5 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 assists vs. Parkview Christian. 

Mya Wardle, Peoria Notre Dame, Jr. 

Posted 30 points, 10 assists in an 81-37 win vs. United Township. 

Cami Hurt, Routt Catholic

Scored 31 in a win over Pittsfield.

Kameron Adams, Harrisburg, Jr. 

26 points in a win over Frankfort. 

Emily Maple, Mattoon, Jr. 

23 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists vs. Pana. 

Lauren Miller, Trinity, Jr. 

31 points, 14 rebounds as the Blazers beat Rosary 54-36.

Jadea Johnson, Romeoville, Jr.

21 points, 12 rebounds, 4 steals, 4 assists in one game. 

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Benet’s Morgan Demos, A Navy Commit, Has Demeanor For Service

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Benet's Morgan Demos, a Navy Recruit, Has Demeanor for Service

In summing up Benet Academy senior forward Morgan Demos, coach Joe Kilbride called Demos “high-caliber, high-character.”

He noted that Demos is one of the only players he’s ever coached where opposing team’s parents will reach out to compliment Demos’ demeanor. 

“She’ll go and fist-bump the kid that was beating the hell out of her all game,” Kilbride said. 

Those are the types of attributes that lend themselves to a high-potential future at the Naval Academy, where Demos, a 6-2 standout, verbally committed on Friday, July 30. 

Demos talked on and off with Navy’s coaches for over a year and creating a rolling list of her top 10 programs with Kilbride. She widened Navy’s eyes further with strong play with IL Lady Lightning this July.

After a trip to Annapolis while at a Nike event, things fell in line. She said everything about the trip and the campus enthralled her. 

“Everything about that trip felt right,” Demos said. “I met some of the players on the team. I saw the court. I saw what they had to offer with the campus.

“Currently, they’re in their plebe summer,” she continued. “So all of the incoming freshmen have to do this six-week boot camp, and so we got to see some of them in action while they were doing it. You get to see in-person what you have to go through when you go there, and I was all for it.”

Demos’ sister Madison, a Benet graduate that Morgan saw some time on the floor with, is in a service academy basketball program, playing for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. 

As the younger sister, Morgan learned quickly to soak in the information Madison was sharing at home during her own recruiting process and in talking about her time with the school.

“I would hear what she’s going through absentmindedly and I would (take) it in,” Morgan Demos said. “When I was thinking about college, I would ask a question and she would give me all the information about it, like what you can do when you’re serving after college, what you experience, you don’t have to force yourself. She was very supportive, ‘If it’s not your thing, don’t do it, you’re going to know though.’”

Demos had her sister to battle against growing up, and things got even more challenging when joined Benet Academy. She consistently found herself competing against bigger, more experienced players despite playing competitive travel ball herself. Though she’s now a Division I commit, Morgan Demos was not a starter as a freshman. 

Kilbride noted that right from the outset of her varsity career, she sat behind and battled fellow post player Ashley Konkle every day. Kilbride said that Konkle, now at Western Michigan, was understandably stronger and more physical than Demos, who he said now is strong like “a horse in the post.”

“She’s just a very responsible, hard-working, focused (player),” Kilbride said. “The colleges love the fact that she’s … a worker. She’s gotten better every year really since fifth grade. She’s gotten better every year at Benet. She’s one of those kids who’s going to keep getting better in college, and that’s important to them. They want kids where we’re not looking at their ceiling, we’re looking at where they’re starting from.”

Competing against the likes of Konkle and 2021 graduate Kendall Moriarty (now at Nebraska) helped Demos learn to adapt on the court. As Kilbride has told his players plenty of times, “Champions adjust.”

“I learned there’s different types of games for each player, and I adjusted to each type, so it was very beneficial,” Demos said. “In the post, Ashley Konkle, was a lot stronger than I was, so I had to learn to battle with that strength. She taught me very good habits that I have today.”

And while the effects have COVID-19 hindered recruiting for class of 2022 players, Kilbride felt that Demos was the type of player who was particularly affected by  colleges’ inability to see her play in-person in the summer of 2020 and this past winter. 

“She’s incredibly strong,” Kilbride said. “I’ve told coaches, ‘You can put her in a Division I practice right now and she’s not going to get broken or beaten up.’ She’s going to hold her own.”

“She’d have games where she only scored 8 points, but she got double-teamed on every catch,” Kilbride said. “So she’s creating wide-open shots for teammates on kickouts and dives and stuff. She’d have 10 rebounds and 5 blocks and she’d dominate the game having single-digit scoring.”

Benet heads into the coming school year with talent in waves. Class of 2023 guard Lenee Beaumont comes back on the heels of a summer that has yielded her over 20 college offers. Demos said Margaret Temple is a good shooter on a team full of them. Others like Emma Webb and several other underclassmen guards have given the Hawks reason to be excited. 

“We have new players and I’m excited to help them get the handle of the ropes and everything,” Demos said. “Everyone has put in so much effort when I played with them in June.”

Demos also had a parting message about the recruiting process, which has been extra stressful for many since the pandemic began. 

“Whoever has committed or hasn’t committed, they should just enjoy the process as they’re going along with it because COVID,” Demos said. “It was a bit unfortunate because it slowed the process down, but everything will work out.”

See All Girls 2022 Commitments

Girls Underclassmen to Watch: Big Northern Conference

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With the shortened 2020-21 hoops season in the books, Illinois-Basketball.com is on a mission this offseason to make note of some of the best returning players in the state.

We’ve been tracking all-conference honors and other awards since the season ended, and have reached out to every coach in the conference for statistics and other info.

Below are the top-performing underclassmen from the Big Northern Conference.

ELLA GOVIG | DIXON

FORWARD | So. | 5-11

10.1 PPG | 7.8 RPG | 1.5 APG | 1.1 BPG 

  • Second team all-BNC
  • Sauk Valley media honorable mention all-area
  • Eight double-doubles in sophomore season

AWARDS

COACH'S COMMENTS

“Ella is a gifted post scorer and finisher but is also incredibly smart and plays with amazing heart, competes hard on every play. Even as a sophomore she was a tremendous leader for us and brought energy to everything she did, and she did that while guarding everyone’s top option in the post. Had big scoring games in several big wins, including at Byron (17) and vs Bago (12).” – Luke Ravlin

AVA KULTGEN | BYRON

WING | So.

18.0 PPG

AWARDS

CAMPBELL SCHRANK | WINNEBAGO

GUARD | So. | 5-9

AWARDS

ELLA GRUNDSTROM | BYRON

GUARD | So.

AWARDS

SYDNEY CARLSON | ROCKFORD LUTHERAN

So.

  • Honorable mention All-BNC

AWARDS

HADLEY LUTZ | OREGON

WING | So.

10.3 PPG | 4.9 RPG  | 2.6 APG | 1.9 SPG

AWARDS

COURTNEY PARK | ROCKFORD CHRISTIAN

FORWARD | So. | 5-11

7.2 PPG | 5.1 RPG | 1.2 BPG | 1.1 SPG

  • Honorable mention All-BNC
  • Shot 53-of-112 from the field (47.3%)

AWARDS

KAITLYN PARK | ROCKFORD CHRISTIAN

FORWARD | Fr.

7.4 PPG | 3.3 RPG | 1.2 SPG

  • Team-high 18 3-pointers on 36.7% shooting

Illinois High School Basketball Top Performers: Feb. 15-21

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Illinois High School Basketball Players Honored

Illinois-Basketball.com sends emails to the vast majority of coaches in the state of Illinois looking for the some of the top performances from players in the state.

An email was sent to every coach with an email listed on the IHSA website. Any emails omitted can be pointed out to the writer at kalebcarter4256@gmail.com to be added to our database.

We’ve identified nearly 50 deserving athletes between boys and girls basketball. We’ve also included a list of milestones and accomplishments from the past week. Click here to see the top performers from Week 2.

Illinois Girls Player of the Week Nominees

  • Lexie Sinclair, Bartlett (4A): Sinclair put together an unconventional triple-double with a 16-point, 11 assist, 12-steal game in a win over South Elgin; Scored 16 points against Streamwood, 18 vs. Elgin, and 20 against Neuqua Valley, all victories; Also, MacKenzie Hare put up scoring totals of 32, 39, 29 and 24.
  • Trinity Wade, Shelbyville (2A): Scored 44 points in a win over Cerro Gordo/Bement, a school record.
  • Emily White, Sullivan (2A): Scored a career-high 35, had 13 rebounds and shot 7 of 9 on 3-point attempts as Sullivan beat state top 10-ranked Clinton.
  • Gracen Haska, Fenton (3A): The freshman recorded 17 points, 12 rebounds and 3 blocks in the Bison’s first win of the season; Also, Sophia Haska: scored 13 points, grabbed 17 rebounds and had 3 blocks in a win over East Aurora.
  • Tyler Butler, Belleville East (4A): The senior forward keeps stacking up double-doubles. Butler had 19 points and 19 rebounds in a 49-47 loss to Belleville West Thursday; Scored 20 points and plucked 9 rebounds off the glass in a 54-46 win over Collinsville; Butler as of Sunday was averaging 19 ppg and 15.8 rpg through five contests.
  • Apple Guerrero, Argo (4A): Averaged 21 points and 10 rebounds during the week, shooting 48% from the floor with 11 total assists and 12 steals.
  • Thaya Luse, Aurora Christian (1A): Posted 29 points, 16 rebounds in a win over Rosary on Monday, Feb. 15; Tallied 21 points, 18 rebounds, 7 assists and 8 steals in a win over Elmwood Park Thursday. Had 6 consecutive double-doubles as of Sunday.
  • Tyrah Taylor, Hope Academy (Chicago) (1A): Had 17 points, 10 rebounds, 4 steals in 79-7 win over Rochelle Zell on Tuesday, Feb. 16.
  • Kamryn Sturdy, Tri-City/Sangamon Valley (2A): Freshman had 17 points, 3 assists and 3 steals in a win over rival Riverton; Also, sophomore Sarah Finley averaged 16 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks in games against South Fork and Riverton, while shooting 13 of 24 (54%).
  • Riley Mount, West Aurora (4A): In three games, averaged 26 pppg, 8 rpg, 1.7 apg, 4 spg; Averaging 26 ppg this season overall.
  • Natalie Iberg, Greenville (2A): 23 points, and five 3-pointers in a win over Vandalia on Friday.
  • Jase Burkett, Woodlawn (1A): Freshman sank four 3-pointers and scored 14 points to lead Woodlawn back from a 9-point deficit to beat Goreville 42-40 Saturday.
  • Sophia Harris, Putnam County (1A): Scored 24 points, added 12 rebounds, 5 steals and 3 blocks in a 57-35 win over Dwight Saturday; Had 11 points and 13 rebounds Thursday against Marquette; put up 14 points, 9 rebounds against Roanoke-Benson Wednesday, Feb. 17.
  • Laura Strenk, Regina Dominican (2A): 15 points, 6 assists, 3 steals and a charge in a loss.
  • Claire McDougall, Washington (3A): Posted two double-doubles, averaged 14 ppg and 10.5 rpg over two games against Pekin.
  • Tiffany Bargmann, LeRoy (1A): Bargmann scored 17 points, had 5 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 blocks in a 64-27 win at Flanagan on Monday, Feb. 15; Scored 19 points, added 4 rebounds, 3 blocks and 2 assists in a 38-33 win over Lexington on Thursday, Feb. 18; Set school single-game block record with 8, adding 17 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists in a 44-41 overtime win over El Paso-Gridley on Saturday Feb. 20.
  • Kammie Ludwig, Geneseo (3A): Scored 25 points in less than a half of basketball in a win over United Township.
  • Erin Henry, Plainfield North (4A): Put up 17 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals in a win over Yorkville as the Tigers moved to 5-0 in the Southern Prairie; Also, Jayln Patterson scored 17 points and collected 14 rebounds in a win over West Aurora.
  • Jessie Pakaski, Wauconda (4A): Led her squad to wins of 63-31 over Grant and 51-26 against Round Lake, combining for 21 points, 21 rebounds, 9 blocks and 5 assists in those games.
  • Claire Roberts, Sandwich (3A): Scored 18 points, added 5 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists in a 40-25 win over Somonauk Monday, Feb 15; Hit two 3-pointers on her way to 14 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals in a 42-34 win over Rochelle on Wednesday, Feb. 17; Hit all 8 free throw attempts scored 10 points, added 7 rebounds and 2 steals in a Friday loss to Sycamore.
  • Gabi Burgess, Lake Park (3A): Scored 25 points and had three steals in road win over Wheaton North.
  • Sydney Affolter, Marist (4A): an Iowa signee, put up scoring totals of 33, 20 (w/16 rebounds), 13 (w/8 rebounds) and was nominated for the McDonald’s All-American Game.
  • Erin Houpt, Danville (3A): Had scoring totals of 35 and 20.
  • Lauren McDonald, Saint Ignatius: Scored 17 points, had 7 rebounds and 4 assists in a win over Mother McAuley Saturday; Scored 32 in a win over Mother McAuley Friday.
  • KayLee Hohlbauch, Arcola (1A): 23 rebounds, 16 points in a 48-41 win over Okaw Valley on Thursday.
  • Lexi Kerstein had a triple-double of 16 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists and a near triple-double of 17 points, 11 assists and 8 rebounds.
  • Carsyn Todd, Salt Fork (1A): Scored 31 and hit 4 treys in a win.
  • Maya Osborn, Marshall (2A): 20 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists in a 56-27 win over Olney.
  • Charlotte Trunk, Sandburg (4A): Averaging 12 points, 10 rebounds per game; Erin O’Connor is averaging 10 pts, 10 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals a game; Also sophhomore guard Claire Calaghan is averaging 9 points, 4 assists and 4 steals per game.

Illinois Boys Player of the Week Nominees

  • Bryce Moore, Carmel Catholic (3A): 18 ppg, 9 rpg, 3 apg, 2 spg and led his team to a 2-1 record ast week.
  • Chase White, Lebanon (1A): Senior point guard missed who missed his entire junior season with an ACL tear and after three games this season he is averaging 17 ppg, 4 apg, 4 spg and 4 rbps a game. His coach called him “a silky point guard who can facilitate, pass and score.”
  • Jenson Whiteman, Rockridge (2A): Coming off a team quarantine, Whiteman scored 35 points had 6 rebounds and 4 assists in a win over Orion. Whiteman was an all-Three Rivers Area Conference performer a season ago.
  • Tommy Zimmer, Illinois Lutheran (1A): The junior, who already has a 31-point game this season, recorded a 20-point, 10-rebound game against Donovan Friday and a 20-point, 9-rebound game against Grant Park Saturday.
  • Devion Blake, Egyptian (1A): The 6 foot, 5 inch junior post player put up two strong performances, 22 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 blocks and 3 steals in a win over Elvarado; Blake also posted 30 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 steals in a loss to Cobden.
  • Blake Kimball, Unity (Tolono) (2A): A junior point guard, Kimball scored 22 points in a loss to St. Joseph Ogden; Kimball responded after the loss with 30 points on 8 of 15 shooting, (6 of 13 on 3-point attempts) in a win over Paxton-Buckley-Loda.
  • Dylan Singleton, Lincoln (3A): Scored 38 in a win over 2A #1 Sacred- Heart-Griffin.
  • Manny Garcia, Notre Dame La Sallete: Put up a stat line of 21 points, 12 rebounds and five assists in a 57-47 win over Springfield Sabers.
  • Robbie Avila, Oak Forest (3A): The big, spectacled junior post had 23 points and 12 rebounds in a win over Bremen Wednesday; Avila, who recently picked up an offer from Division I Richmond; Scored 30 points and collected 11 rebounds in a loss against Lemont on Friday; Avila also crossed 1,000 points for his career.
  • Jacob Shoven, Clifton Central (2A): Scored 22 points and recorded 6 rebounds, 4 steals against Momence on Friday, reaching 1000 points in the process.
  • Jack Haynes, Streator (3A): Scored 27 points and grabbed 14 rebounds (7 offensive, 7 defensive) against Peotone.
  • Bryce Anderson, Carterville (2A): hit the game-winning bucket with 2.3 seconds remaining to defeat previously unbeaten Centralia.
  • Ben Randall, Hersey (4A): Posted 15 points, 14 rebounds in one game, 12 points, 7 rebounds in another.
  • Nick Martinelli, Glenbard South (4A): Scoring in bunches for undefeated GBS, Scored 34 in a win over New Trier, and 21 in a win over Highland Park.
  • Kentucky signee Bryce Hopkins, earned a McDonald’s All-American Game nomination, had 25 points, 18 rebounds and two blocks in an 84-54 win over Montini; Scored 22 points in an overtime, 71-68 loss to Nile Notre Dame; Scored 19 in a win over Providence Catholic.
  • Ty Pence, St. Joseph-Ogden (2A): Scored 40 points and had 19 rebounds in a 66-52 win over Oakwood Wednesday Feb. 17 Scored 16 in a win over Robinson Saturday; Posted a 20-point, 16-rebound performance in a 58-51 win over Unity Friday.
  • Robert Roszkiewicz, Addison Trail (4A): Scored 37 in a loss to Willowbrook.
  • DaJuan Bates, De La Salle: scored 40 in a 66-51 win over Leo.
  • Jaxson Provost, Bishop McNamara: scored 23, had 10 assists, 6 rebounds, 5 deflections 3 steals over 2 games. s

Milestones, Game-Winners and More

We’re on the lookout for records and milestones, monster performances and game-winners. You can find more info like this by subscribing to the Illinois High School Basketball News Newsletter.

It’ll be hard to top a three-quarter court buzzer-beater to knock off a ranked team in overtime:

  • Coach Lee Bennett won his 300th game at Centralia. As of Wednesday Feb. 17 he held a record of 300-102.
  • Evanston graduate Eliyah Williams went over 1,000 points for Farleigh Dickinson.
  • Ashley Raymer reached 1,000 points for Providence Catholic.
  • Danny Grieves went over a quarter of a ton of wins, or as it’s easier to say, 500 for Metamora boys basketball.
  • Mendon Unity coach Brad Begeman reached 200 victories in a win over Quincy Notre Dame.
  • Greta Kampschroeder was honored as the lone Illinois girls preps player to be selected for the McDonald’s All-American Game and also hit this ridiculous shot.
  • Marengo’s Matt Volkening scored 33 points in the same game as he crossed the 1,000 points threshold in a 64-33 victory.
  • Conor Enright scored 21 points had 12 assists and 4 rebounds in a 70-48 win over Round Lake and also reached 1,000 points last week. He also scored 15 had 5 assists and 5 rebounds in a win over Libertyville.
  • Rochelle broke a school record when the Hubs drilled 18 3-pointers in a 90-56 victory.
  • Quincy Notre Dame reached 1,500 wins as a program, per Matt Schuckman.
  • Genoa-Kingston grad Julie Galauner scored 41 points had 11 rebounds, and broke the Augustana University and NACC career records for 3-pointers.
  • Josh Harris crossed 1,000 points for Timothy Christian.
  • Heritage’s Corey White won his 100th game.
  • Illinois Valley Central’s Kamden Wollard reached the 1,000 points mark.
  • Evanston girls basketball coach Brittanny Johnson recorded her 100th win as the coach of the Wildkits.
  • Decatur MacArthur’s Quincenia Jackson became the program’s all-time leader in points.
  • Kayla Kodat, Dwight (1A): Hit 1,000 points for her career.
  • Aurora Christian’s Lexi Lamanna, already the program record-holder for assists, broke the steals record as she neared 300 steals last week.
  • Sandburg’s Josie Canellis set the program record for most 3’s in a half with 7 aainst Bolingbrook.
  • Annawan’s Emily Miller is now over 1,000 career points after scoring 21 in a 64-48 win over West Central.