Lake Zurich leads a group of experienced teams that includes Libertyville, Stevenson and Grayslake Central.
Top 10 Teams
1. Lake Zurich (25-8)
The Bears’ veteran players, including senior forward Anna Gilbertson, have 15 years of combined varsity experience. Gilbertson, a Missouri S&T recruit, is the vocal leader. Junior guard Avery Cooper, who has several Division I offers, is slated to return from a torn ACL in early December. Junior guard Molly Friesen is a player to watch.
2. Libertyville (29-5)
The Wildcats, like many area teams, lost a star when Emily Fisher graduated earlier this year but have multiple veteran players. Senior guards Kate Rule, Rachel Rule and Maddy Kopala and junior forward Madison Sears lead the way. Newcomers Avery Maddux and Paige Brafford, both sophomores, give the Wildcats size and depth in the frontcourt.
3. Stevenson (21-12)
First-year coach Regan Carmichael has a deep team with players who won a state title in 2022, led by double-double machine Emory Klatt, a senior forward who has signed with DePaul after averaging 19.3 points and 12.0 rebounds last season. Senior guard Kendell Williams, a Texas soccer commit, is an unsung two-way talent ready for a breakout season. Junior guard Nisha Musunuri is a crafty player with big-time scoring ability.
4. Grayslake Central (19-12)
The Rams have quality size and versatility, a combination that will cause problems for opponents. It begins with junior forward Madison Hoffmann, a three-sport standout with Division I offers after averaging 16.0 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists last season. Junior forward Annie Wolff averaged 9.4 points and 7.1 rebounds.
5. Warren (12-17)
Five seniors lead the way for the Blue Devils. Senior forward Nari Powers
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, among the top players in the area, is part of a one-two punch with senior guard Mariah Phelps. Senior point guard Shay Love is a three-year starter.6. Carmel (24-9)
Expectations will be tempered following the graduations of star Jordan Wood and do-it-all Mia Gillis and a possibly season-ending injury to senior guard Anna Hartman, all of whom helped the Corsairs win a state title in 2022. Senior guard Ashley Schlabowske, a Wisconsin-Whitewater commit, senior forward Keira Ackerson and sophomore guard Josie Hartman are a solid core.
7. Wauconda (12-15)
The Bulldogs have four returning starters and a solid group of young players to go with them. Sophomore point guard Alexia Manalo and senior center Helen Macey are a solid duo. Senior guard Ella Franck, junior forward Emma Wisniewski and junior guard/forward Grace Parker will be key players.
8. Lakes (9-19)
The Eagles have one of the most experienced and talented backcourts in the Northern Lake County Conference with senior guards Inclarity Turney and Janae Pullen. Senior guard Jessica Ross is healthy after playing with an ankle injury last season.
9. Mundelein (12-19)
Senior guard Rylan Foster, a four-year starter, is one of the top players in the area. Sophomore guard Casey Vyverman, who averaged 10.6 points and made 60 3-pointers last season, is a player on the rise.
10. Lake Forest (23-11)
The Scouts have five players back. Senior forward Sarah Constantine is one of the top defenders in the area and could have a breakout season. Junior guard Lauren Richards brings quickness on defense and can attack the basket.
25 Players to Watch
Makayla Campbell, Grayslake North, senior, forward
Judith Cerroblanco, Round Lake, senior, guard/forward
Sarah Constantine, Lake Forest, senior, forward
Avery Cooper, Lake Zurich, junior, guard
Elyse Davis, Vernon Hills, senior, guard/forward
Rylan Foster, Mundelein, senior, guard
Molly Friesen, Lake Zurich, junior, guard
Anna Gilbertson, Lake Zurich, senior, forward
Madison Hoffmann, Grayslake Central, junior, forward
Nevada Holm, Grant, senior, center
Emory Klatt, Stevenson, senior, forward
Helen Macey, Wauconda, senior, center
Nisha Musunuri, Stevenson, junior, guard
Grace Parker, Wauconda, junior, guard/forward
Mariah Phelps, Warren, senior, guard
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Nari Powers, Warren, senior, forward
Janae Pullen, Lakes, senior, guard
Heidi Rathmann, Antioch, sophomore, guard
Kate Rule, Libertyville, senior, guard
Rachel Rule, Libertyville, senior, guard
Ashley Schlabowske, Carmel, senior, guard
Kate Trella, Deerfield, senior, center
Inclarity Turner, Lakes, senior, guard
Casey Vyverman, Mundelein, sophomore, guard
Kendell Williams, Stevenson, senior, guard
Bobby Narang is a freelance reporter for the News-Sun.