Annika Gustafson developed her hard-nosed approach on the court by playing against her two older brothers.
The Warren senior center credits them — and several cousins — for instilling that toughness in her.
“I definitely like to play a physical game,” she said. “I grew up around a lot of boys — my two brothers and a lot of male cousins. They didn’t care what gender I was. I knew that if I didn’t punch back, I would be crying. … I played other sports when I was younger, but no other sport could contain my aggressiveness. With basketball, I could play with boys or girls, and the rules would stay the same.”
Gustafson also is quite vocal when she plays.
“I love to talk on the court,” she said. “Anyone who knows me is aware that I literally won’t shut up on the court.”
A three-year varsity player, Gustafson is one of the positives in a topsy-turvy season for the Blue Devils (12-9). The Wisconsin-La Crosse recruit has been a consistent performer all season and earned a spot on the all-tournament team at the Grant Holiday Tournament in late December.
“I felt my season has started slow on the offensive end, but I think my defense has always been there,” she said. “As the season has progressed, I’ve started to see myself as a more valuable player, more than in previous years.”
Gustafson is looking forward to playing in the Division III Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference next season.
“I can’t wait to go to college next year,” she said. “The conference is really competitive, and I know that I can really grow as a person and player at Wisconsin-La Crosse.”
Shootout showdowns: Stevenson, ranked No. 1 in the most Class 4A poll by The Associated Press, topped No. 5 Kenwood 65-51 in the Midwest Hoops Spotlight Invitational at Trinity High School on Saturday.
The Patriots (26-1) erased Kenwood’s eight-point lead in the third quarter behind Penn recruit Simone Sawyer. The senior guard scored a career-high 34 points, outshining Kenwood guard Brianna McDaniel, a Texas A&M commit.
“Simone just shows up in these big moments,” Stevenson coach Ashley Graham said. “She wants to prove something every time she steps between those lines. She proved a lot in this game. She was diving for loose balls, getting rebounds, holding onto jump balls, and finishing her free throws and attacking the basket. I couldn’t be more proud.”
Kenwood coach Andre Lewis said he estimates eight of his 12 players will continue their careers in college.
“Kenwood is a really good team with a lot of really good players, so I’m really proud we proved something with this win, a city team or not,” Sawyer said. “It was a team effort. Basketball is a team game, and everyone stepped up to get this win.”
More Top Picks Best Wall Mounted Cable Machines For Small Spaces
Graham agreed, noting the defensive play of sophomore guard Kendell Williams. Sophomore forward Emory Klatt had 10 points and 20 rebounds.
“Kendall did a great job on Brianna McDaniel, and we all know how talented and such a wonderful player that she is,” Graham said. “Our kids just dug in. It goes with belief. They believe they can play with anyone. They want these moments and games. That’s really special.”
Meanwhile, Libertyville suffered a tough 61-45 loss to Barrington in the shootout, ending a five-game winning streak. Wildcats coach Greg Pedersen said his young team learned from the loss.
“We’re on a good roll, and it’s all about building momentum for February,” he said. “Our sophomores have gotten so much better from where they were in November. Our freshman, Madison Sears, has improved. No one will want to play us in the regionals. That’s the spot we love to be in with a young team.”
Ranallo to the rescue: Lake Forest junior guard Bella Ranallo is quietly having a very productive season.
A three-year varsity player, Ranallo nearly carried the Scouts (14-10) to a comeback win against Prospect on Jan. 26. She scored a game-high 20 points in the 47-45 loss, raising her season average to 12.0 points. She also is averaging 4.0 rebounds and 3.0 steals.
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.