1. Lake Forest
After winning the state title two years ago, Lake Forest dropped . . . all the way to second. With its top three players returning, including title contender Elizabeth Burden, Lake Forest has to be the favorite. Nancy Taubensee and Kristina Lazos would be the top player on most teams.
2. St. Charles
If St. Charles doesn’t beat out Lake Forest, it’s likely nobody will. Sarah Johnston provides the star power, and Stacy Springer and Melissa Dickens provide the depth. Springer, a sophomore, was critical to St. Charles’ third-place finish last year, and she is playing even better now.
3. Naperville North
Andrea Williams, one of the top players in the state, leads the way but Naperville North’s chances could rest with Kristin Sullivan and Jenny Lymangood. Coach Ed Rosenthal isn’t convinced that his team can beat Lake Forest or St. Charles. “We’d be there in the next group,” he said.
4. Naperville Central
Before it can worry about being the best in the state, Naperville Central has to think about being the best in Naperville. Cassandra Pollard is a threat to medal at the state tournament.
5. Homewood-Flossmoor
The defending state champs are supposed to be down, but most teams would love to be down like this. “We’re not going to be as good as last year, but we’re not (exactly) rebuilding,” coach Horace Howard said. “We should be competitive.” Katie Ladowicz is one of the best in the state.
TOP GOLFERS
Elizabeth Burden, sr., Lake Forest; Tyra Frederick, sr., Rich East; Sarah Johnston, sr., St. Charles; Heather Knepper, sr., Barrington; Katie Ladowicz, sr., Homewood-Flossmoor; Kristina Lazos, sr., Lake Forest; Chantelle Mika, sr., Lemont; Gail Nelson, sr., Lincoln-Way; Cassandra Pollard, sr., Naperville Central; Stacy Springer, so., St. Charles; Kristin Sullivan, sr., Naperville North; Nancy Taubensee, sr., Lake Forest; Andrea Williams, sr., Naperville North.
