Waubonsie Valley slots into the top spot, but watch out for St. Charles North and St. Charles East.
Top 10 Teams
1. Waubonsie Valley (31-2)
Illinois State recruit Danyella Mporokoso, one of the best players in the state, returns to put the finishing touches on an incredible career. Arie Garcia-Evans, Maya Cobb and Maya Pereda return to complement her. Warriors also get big boost from West Aurora transfer Syncere Williams.
2. St. Charles North (23-9)
The North Stars only graduated one player, so they’re loaded to make a run under first-year coach Grant Oler. Senior guard Sydney Johnson is the top returnee. Junior forward Bronwyn How looks to take another big step with several Division I offers in hand.
3. St. Charles East (26-7)
Schilb sisters return to lead Saints. Addie, a senior who averaged 10.3 points, and Brooklyn, a sophomore who averaged 12 points, look to overcome the graduation of Corinne Reed, now at Akron. Kathlyn Bainbridge also returns as starter for defending DuKane Conference champs.
4. St. Edward (26-12)
Junior guard Savannah Lynch, a two-time all-state selection, returns for a team that finished fourth last season in Class 1A. The Green Wave also have five other returning contributors and welcome in senior forward Sanaii McPherson, a transfer from Larkin, to beef up the frontcourt.
5. Oswego East (17-11)
Wolves did lose Maggie Lewandowski to graduation but bring back Aubrey Lamberti, a two-time co-conference player of the year. Desiree Merritt also returns and will handle more of ball-handling duties at the point without Lewandowski.
6. Yorkville Christian (20-9)
Mustangs return one of the area’s leading scorers in Payton Wallin, who averaged 16 points last winter and has an offer from Southern Illinois Edwardsville. Paige Gillman also returns for a team coming off first regional title. Watch out for freshman point guard Riley Herron.
7. Kaneland (24-10)
The Knights graduated top two scorers off conference and regional championship team. All-conference junior guard Amani Meeks steps into a starring role this season along with senior guard Kyra Lilly to bolster young roster featuring bevy of juniors and sophomores.
8. Batavia (24-10)
The Bulldogs are on streak of four straight regional titles but only return one starter and two bench players from last season. Senior forward Ali Thomas looks to take a step forward. They also welcome freshman guard Sidnee Justice off a big summer.
9. Aurora Central Catholic (27-5)
Chargers were already looking to replace graduated program legends Sofia Corral and Riley Cwinski. Then Grace Grunloh and Ella Oester, who would be entering their fourth year on varsity, suffered season-ending knee injuries. Sofia Orozco and Ashley Watter step into the spotlight.
10. Yorkville (19-11)
The Foxes graduated the vast majority of scoring from last season but there’s still optimism. Senior point guard Macie Jones led the team in minutes and is lone returning starter. Sydney McCabe joins lineup after being top bench option last winter.
The 25 Players to Watch
- Mikala Amegasse, Hampshire, senior, guard.
- Riley Barber, St. Charles North, senior, forward.
- Mia Carter, Larkin, senior, guard.
- Izzie Castro, Elgin, senior, guard.
- Maya Cobb, Waubonsie Valley, senior, guard.
- Brianna Coffey, Streamwood, senior, guard.
- Arie Garcia-Evans, Waubonsie Valley, senior, guard.
- Paige Gillman, Yorkville Christian, senior, guard.
- Kendall Grant, Oswego, senior, forward.
- Alayla Harris, Sandwich, junior, forward.
- Anna Herrmann, Hinckley-Big Rock, senior, guard.
- Bronwyn How, St. Charles North, junior, forward.
- Sydney Johnson, St. Charles North, senior, guard.
- Audrey LaFleur, Burlington Central, junior, guard.
- Aubrey Lamberti, Oswego East, senior, guard.
- Savannah Lynch, St. Edward, junior, guard.
- Sanaii McPherson, St. Edward, senior, forward.
- Amani Meeks, Kaneland, junior, guard.
- Desiree Merritt, Oswego East, senior, guard.
- Danyella Mporokoso, Waubonsie Valley, senior, guard.
- Lelanie Posada, St. Charles North, junior, guard.
- Addie Schilb, St. Charles East, senior, guard.
- Brooklyn Schilb, St. Charles East, sophomore, guard.
- Payton Wallin, Yorkville Christian, senior, guard/forward.
- Syncere Williams, Waubonsie Valley, junior, guard.
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
