TOP 10 TEAMS
1. Deerfield (26-6): The Warriors have one of the top guard trios in the state with senior Lexi Kerstein (Vermont) and sophomores Nikki Kerstein and Aubrey Galvan. A solid frontcourt includes seniors Olivia Kerndt (Wisconsin-Whitewater) and Morgan Kerndt, junior Kate Trella and senior Brenna Burns. Deerfield returns all but one player and should be among the top teams in Class 3A.
2. Carmel (28-7): The defending Class 3A state champion Corsairs should be in the hunt again with the return of Michigan State recruit Jordan Wood. Wisconsin-Whitewater recruit Mia Gillis, a senior forward, should benefit from more shots. Junior guard Anna Hartman was a steady player last season, and junior guard Ashley Schlabowske was clutch in the 3A final.
3. Stevenson (36-2): The defending Class 4A state champion Patriots return three starters, so expectations remain high. Junior forward Emory Klatt was a double-double machine, and senior center Kate Arne turned into a force in the paint. Junior guard Kendell Williams is an excellent defender. Sophomore guard Nisha Musunuri showed she wasn’t intimidated playing in big games.
4. Lake Zurich (20-12): Five players are back for the Bears, who reached a Class 4A sectional final last season. Guard Baylie Parks and forward Brooke Wahlund are fourth-year varsity players and are joined by junior forward Anna Gilbertson, sophomore guard/forward Avery Cooper and sophomore guard/forward Molly Friesen.
5. Libertyville (23-11): Senior guard Emily Fisher, a fourth-year starter who has signed with Maryland, is one of the top players in the state. Junior guards Kate Rule and Rachel Rule are also returning starters, and sophomore forward Madison Sears and junior forward Talya Tillman will split time in the middle anchoring the defense.
6. Lake Forest (19-14): Talented senior guards Rachel Kaus, a Cornell recruit, and Bella Ranallo lead the Scouts. Sophomore guard Lauren Richards and junior guard Sarah Constantine are slated to play bigger roles.
7. Vernon Hills (13-15): The Cougars finished second in the Central Suburban North and are looking to move up. Senior guard Alexa Cieslinski, senior center Grace Koepke (American) and senior forward Ava Barszcz will pose problems with their size. Keep an eye on freshman Anahya Castro.
More Top Picks Recliner
8. Warren (15-12): You can’t ever count out John Stanczykiewicz’s Blue Devils. Senior forward Gianna Black and junior guards Mariah Phelps and Shay Love are the top returnees.
9. Grayslake North (12-18): Is this the season the Knights beat Grayslake Central? Four starters are back, including senior guard/forward Peyton Gerdes. The High Point recruit, one of the top players in program history, is joined by senior guard Dani Hanson, senior guard Reagan Kuzynowski and junior forward Makayla Campbell.
10. Lakes (11-19): The Eagles love to run and put up 3-point shots, making them one of the more exciting teams to watch. Junior guard Inclarity Turney, junior guard Janae Pullen, senior guard Kendall Phelan and senior guard Jessica Oman have plenty of experience. Turney set the single-season program record for steals. Pullen set the single-season program record for 3-pointers.
25 PLAYERS TO WATCH
Lilli Burton, Round Lake, senior, guard; Alexa Cieslinski, Vernon Hills, senior, guard; Ashley Derrick, Waukegan, senior, guard; Emily Fisher, Libertyville, senior, guard; Rylan Foster, Mundelein, junior, forward; Aubrey Galvan, Deerfield, sophomore, guard; Peyton Gerdes, Grayslake North, senior, guard/forward; Mia Gillis, Carmel, senior, forward; Madison Hoffmann, Grayslake Central, sophomore, forward; Rachel Kaus, Lake Forest, senior, guard; Lexi Kerstein, Deerfield, senior, guard; Nikki Kerstein, Deerfield, sophomore, guard; Emory Klatt, Stevenson, junior, forward; Grace Koepke, Vernon Hills, senior, center; Kayla McCarthy, Wauconda, senior, guard; Baylie Parks, Lake Zurich, senior, guard; Mariah Phelps, Warren, junior, guard; Bella Ranallo, Lake Forest, senior, guard; Kate Rule, Libertyville, junior, guard; Jaliece Russell, Zion-Benton, senior, guard; Ashley Schlabowske, Carmel, junior, guard; Inclarity Turney, Lakes, junior, guard; Brooke Wahlund, Lake Zurich, senior, forward; Kendell Williams, Stevenson, junior, guard; Jordan Wood, Carmel, senior, guard/forward.
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.