Benet
ESPN ranks guard Lenee Beaumont as the 83rd-best player in the nation in the 2023 class. The Redwings (30-5), fourth in Class 4A last season, will rely heavily on her. Senior center Samantha Trimberger and twin junior guards Maggie Sularski and Emilia Sularski also are back. Senior guard Sadie Sterbenz will have a bigger role.
Metea Valley
The Mustangs (3-24) lost their best player when Khaliah Reid transferred to Waubonsie Valley. But senior forward Raina Penttila, who averaged 10 points and was an all-conference honorable mention last season, returns along with senior center Jamie Nosek and junior guard Lucy Burk. Lack of height is an issue, but the depth will be improved.
Naperville Central
The Redhawks (14-13) don’t have much size but do have a lot of athleticism with guards Megan Norkett, Ella Burke and Callie Tumilty, all of whom are soccer stars. Norkett and Burke are senior returning starters, while Tumilty shined as a freshman last season.
Naperville North
The Huskies (30-4) graduated two standouts in Kenzie Hare, the Naperville Sun’s player of the year last season, and Sarah Crossett. But North has a lot of experience with seniors Abby Drendel (McKendree), Layla Henderson (Johns Hopkins), Abby Homan (Pomona) and Peyton Fenner. Junior guard Sydni Fink (Kentucky soccer) could have a bigger role.
Neuqua Valley
The Wildcats (15-13) could make a push for a conference title behind senior center Tia Poulakidas (Rochester) and an experienced guard corps led by juniors Caitlin Washington, Kylee Norkus and Zoe Navarro. Washington has offers from Ohio State, Pitt, Illinois and Bradley, and Norkus also is drawing Division I interest. Freshmen Michayla Stone and Nalia Clifford will contribute.
Waubonsie Valley
The Warriors (16-14) hope junior forward Hannah Laub can return from a torn ACL before the end of the season. Until then, they will have to rely heavily on senior guards Taylor Curry and Khaliah Reid, a transfer from Metea Valley, to run a transition-heavy offense to offset a lack of size. Sophomore guard Lily Newton shows potential.
Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.