It was quite a busy week for Sydney Schultz.
On Wednesday, Oswego East’s 6-foot-2 senior forward signed her letter of intent with Missouri State.
Then it was back to the business of building on the best girls basketball season in her school’s history.
“I just wanted to have everything figured out so once the season started I could just worry about the season,” Schultz said.
Schultz’s signing is the latest milestone for a rising program.
Last season, the Wolves (27-3) won the program’s first outright conference and regional championships. Their finish shattered the previous school record for wins.
Schultz is the first Division I signee in program history. The second one probably isn’t far behind. Wolves senior Ty Battle took her first official visit to Indiana State in October.
“Good for Sydney, she really deserved it, she’s really worked hard the last few years progressing her game,” Oswego East coach Abe Carretto said. “She’s not just a post player now. She can go outside and handle the ball.”
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Those are nuances to Schultz’s game she’s added with an eye toward her future.
She averaged 10.6 points and 7.0 rebounds last year, both second on Oswego East to Battle’s 15.2 and 7.9.
“I’ve been working a lot on my ballhandling and stuff,” Schultz said. “I know they said down at Missouri State that I’m going to be playing a little bit more outside. I have to focus on that. Me and Ty played AAU together this summer with the Illinois Evolution, so we’re all familiar.”
The Wolves should hit the ground running.
Schultz and fellow seniors Jada Boatright and Jesinde Thomas are all in their third varsity season together. Battle, who transferred from Joliet Catholic two months before last season started, is well past the adjustment to a new school and new team.
“We have at least seven girls who really know what’s going on, and the other eight are new faces who have been with us,” Carretto said. “The main thing is to try to get them on board. We’ll see after the first game or two. I do feel we have a solid group with a lot of talent.”
That talent will be tested by a beefed-up nonconference schedule.
The Wolves will play at Homewood-Flossmoor Dec. 10 and at Montini Feb. 8.
Oswego East opens its season Tuesday at West Aurora.
“I want our girls to not get caught up in the record as much as how we’re progressing throughout the season and how everybody is fitting in,” Carretto said. “It’s more of a process than just the wins.”
The opening seems to be there for a run to state.
Two-time defending champion Benet, which beat Oswego East in last year’s sectional final, doesn’t have All-State guard Kathleen Doyle around anymore. Neuqua Valley also graduated two Division I guards.
“This is the year we want to go to state,” Schultz said. “Now that Benet doesn’t have Doyle, we definitely have a bigger chance. That goal is definitely up there for us.”
Joshua Welge is a freelance writer for The Beacon-News.
FIVE TEAMS TO WATCH
1. Oswego East (27-3 last year): The Wolves, coming off the best season in program history, are a state contender. The front line is fierce with Ty Battle (who averaged 15.2 points last season), Missouri State recruit Sydney Schultz (10.6 points) and Jada Boatright. Jesinde Thomas is in third year running the point.
2. Geneva (25-5): Few inside-outside duos can match 6-2 senior Grace Loberg (14.5 points) and junior Margaret Whitley (13.3 points). Stephanie Hart (6.8 points) is another third-year guard returning for a sectional finalist. Maddy Yelle is also back.
3. Yorkville (25-3): Kim Wensits, varsity assistant for six years, inherits a team that returns four starters. The strength starts up front with Katie Nolan (12.8 points), Lauren Daffenberg (10.8 points) and Lindsay Harrison (7.8 points). Audrey Macciomei (6.9 points) is the most experienced guard.
4. Kaneland (23-5): Jenni Weber (7.2 points), one of the area’s best shooters, and defensive stopper Morgan Weber (6.1 points) lead the Knights. Others returning include Kylie Modaff, Jamie Martens and Carley Elliott.
5. Metea Valley (8-19): Ashley Konkle (12.2 points) burst on the scene in a big way, and the 5-11 sophomore is back to lead a group of strong posts. She’s joined by seniors Bri Hall and Janiece Thomas. Others to watch include Jamairrah Woods and Aaliyah Johnson.
TOP 15 PLAYERS
Ty Battle, Oswego East, senior, forward; Jada Boatright, Oswego East, senior, forward; Lauren Daffenberg, Yorkville, junior, forward; Taylor Harazin, Aurora Central Catholic, senior, center; Tori Henning, Aurora Christian, sophomore, guard; Jenna Hernandez, Rosary, junior, guard; Ashley Konkle, Metea Valley, sophomore, forward; Grace Loberg, Geneva, senior, forward; Jasmine Mitchell, Newark, junior, forward; Katie Nolan, Yorkville, senior, forward; Gillian O’Neil, Oswego, senior, center; Sydney Schultz, Oswego East, senior, forward; MaKayli Vann, Indian Creek, sophomore, guard; Jenni Weber, Kaneland, junior, guard; Margaret Whitley, Geneva, junior, guard.