Girls Underclassmen to Watch: Big Twelve Conference
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 Twelve Conference.
Big Twelve Conference Girls Underclassmen
DENALI CRAIG-EDWARDS | PEORIA
WING | So. | 6-0
17.5 PPG | 11 RPG | 3 APG | 2 SPG
COACH'S COMMENTS
“Exceptional understanding for the game, athletic, strong, creates numerous mismatches with her versatility, size, and tremendous 3-point shooting. She is also an Exceptional Student with a 4.0 GPA.” – Coach Meeche Edwards
AWARDS
AALIYAH GUYTON | PEORIA
GUARD | FR. | 5-7
17 PPG | 3 RPG | 4 APG | 3 SPG
First team all-Big Twelve
COACH'S COMMENTS
“Point guard/Shooting guard with phenomenal understanding for the game. Ability to finish around the bucket and create opportunities for her players. An excellent shooter and slasher, with tremendous work ethic on and off the floor. She is another exceptional student with a 3.9 GPA.” – Coach Meechie Edwards
AWARDS
COLLEGE OFFERS
Vanderbilt
JA'KIYA JORDAN | PEORIA
GUARD | Fr. | 5-10
6 PPG | 2 RPG
COACH'S COMMENTS
“Exceptional ability to finish around the bucket, and create mismatches as well with her ability to shoot from beyond the 3-point line and standing at a strong 5’10”. Great room for growth and the hunger to get better everyday. For her age, understands the game well, works hard, and is another exceptional student with a 4.0 GPA. – Coach Meechie Edwards
MYA WARDLE | PEORIA NOTRE DAME
GUARD | Fr. | 5-7
12.6 PPG
IBCA Class 3A All-State Special Mention
First team All-Big Twelve
AWARDS
COLLEGE OFFERS
Eastern Illinois
ELIZABETH DALY | PEORIA NOTRE DAME
FORWARD | So. | 6-0
5.6 RPG
- First team All-Big Twelve
AWARDS
SOPHIA FEENEY | NORMAL COMMUNITY
GUARD | So. | 5-4
14.8 PPG | 5.3 RPG
- First team All-Big Twelve
AWARDS
KAMRYN HEIDER | RICHWOODS
GUARD | Fr. | 5-7
First team all-Big Twelve
Had a 22-point, 6 3-pointer, 6-steal, 8-assist game
AWARDS
Tuff night for the Lady Knights of Richwoods. 2024 PG Kamryn Heider continues to improve her overall floor game by setting up teammates. What's even more exciting is her intense focus on the defensive end!!!
— 309 Sports™ 🇺🇸 FOUNDER CHRIS O. DAVIS (@sports309) March 9, 2021
[🏀♥️📚Sports4daGirls📚♥️🏀] pic.twitter.com/x5YgjIBS4o
ASHLEY WILCOX | NORMAL WEST
GUARD | So. | 5-8
- First team All-Big Twelve
AWARDS
‘23 Normal West Ashley Wilcox with 10 PTS in a win last week!
Ashley used the extended training period in the gym to get stronger and faster in preparation for her first season on varsity and it’s paying off!#AFAthlete pic.twitter.com/xFpOMuoK7O— BN Athlete Factory (@bnafactory) February 23, 2021
KATIE BARGER | BLOOMINGTON
POINT GUARD | So. | 5-8
- Honorable mention All-Big Twelve
- 12-points, 13-rebound, 4-assist game vs. Manual
- 16-point, 8-rebound game against Champaign Central.
- Hudl profile
AWARDS
— 309 Sports™ 🇺🇸 FOUNDER CHRIS O. DAVIS (@sports309) April 14, 2021
AVERY LOSCHEN | CENTENNIAL
GUARD | So. | 5-6
Honorable mention All-Big Twelve
- Hudl Profile
AWARDS
ADDY MCLEOD | CENTRAL
GUARD | So. | 5-5
Honorable mention All-Big Twelve
Champaign News-Gazette honorable mention
Scored 19 in a win over Manual, 16 in a loss to Peoria Notre Dame
AWARDS
Second Game Highlights.
Centennial – 55 , Manual – 27
Points – 21
Assists – 3
Rebounds – 2
Steals – 2
* played first 3 quarters * pic.twitter.com/jeFaLKPBOa— avery loschen (@averyzaye) February 25, 2021
MCKENZIE SPRAGUE | URBANA
GUARD | So.
- Honorable mention All-Big Twelve
AWARDS