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2025-26

Daily Journal Basketball Preview

Kankakee’s Myair Thompson maneuvers around a defender during the Kays’ 74-60 victory over Mahomet-Seymour this season.

Watseka/ Milford’s Christa Holohan, right, takes a shot as Bishop McNamara’s Jaide Burse defends during last season’s IHSA Class 2A Herscher Sectional championship.

Cissna Park’s Lauryn Hamrick hits a layup during the Timberwolves’ 47-35 victory over St. Teresa in the IHSA Class 1A Blue Ridge Super-Sectional on Monday, March 3.

Manteno’s Lila Prindeville gets a shot off over Seneca’s Evelyn O’Connor in last year’s IHSA Class 2A Beecher Regional championship.

Watseka/Milford’s Christa Holohan, right, takes a shot as Bishop McNamara’s Jaide Burse defends during last season’s IHSA Class 2A Herscher Sectional championship.

Watseka/Milford’sChristaHolohan,right, takesashotasBishopMcNamara’sJaide Bursedefendsduringlastseason’sIHSA Class2AHerscherSectionalchampionship.

GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON!

ALL-CITY BOYS BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Bishop McNamara Fightin’ Irish

Coach: Adrian Provost (14th season)

Last season: 26-8, 5-3 Chicagoland Christian

Top returners: Callaghan O’Connor, sr., F; Richie Darr, sr., F; Karter Krutsinger, sr., F; Coen Demack, sr., G; Teddy Fogel, sr., G

Top newcomers: Gavin Antons, sr., G; Cale Hamilton, sr., F; Ian Irps, sr., F

Worth noting: Coming off their fourth straight 20-win season and second regional title in the last three years, the Fightin’ Irish bring a lot of experience back. Third-team All-State guard Willie Felton graduated, but the lengthy duo of O’Connor (10.9 ppg, 6 rpg in 2024-25) and Darr (5.9 ppg, 3.6 rpg) give the Irish a pair of reliable options around the basket. Krutsinger (9.9 ppg, 3.4 rpg) brings back his valuable experience while Demack and Fogel are stepping into heightened roles after mostly coming off the bench. Antons and Hamilton will also be looked to more as seniors while the newcomer Irps provides more size for the Irish. With many multi-sport athletes, it may take a while to ramp things up after a long football season. But Provost said he expects the pieces to come together. “We’ll be starting slowly and looking to progress weekly both with our quality of play and physical health,” he said. “We have a tough first semester with four tournaments and a home bout vs. Class 1A state champs Hope Academy. The goal is to be healthy, know our roles and have a defined team identity going into January.”

Bradley-Bourbonnais’ Kobe Lawrence passes out of an Andrew double team during a game at Bradley-Bourbonnais last season.

Kankakee Kays

Coach: Chris Pickett (9th season)

Last season: 25-6, 10-2 Southland Athletic

Bradley-Bourbonnais

Coach: Eric Long (1st season)

Boilermakers

Last season: 21-8, 12-4 Southwest Suburban

Top returners: Kobe Lawrence, jr., G; Rontez Smith, jr., G

Bishop McNamara’s Callaghan O’Connor shoots over Bismarck-Henning’s Chaz Dubois during last season’s IHSA Class 2A Peotone Sectional championship.

Top newcomers: Dajuan Brown, fr. G; Jakobi Pierce, fr., G; Trey Lawrence, so., G; Julian Gonzalez, jr., F; Tate Marcotte, sr., F

Worth noting: Gone are all-time leading scorer Nick Allen and his 1,596 career points, but Long, who was an assistant at Bradley-Bourbonnais the last two seasons and brings extensive college and high school coaching experience to the table, is ready to lead the Boilermakers into a new era. “We are extremely quick, fast and athletic,” he said. “Our ability to pressure the ball, create pace and scoring opportunities will be one of our strengths. The key to our success on the offensive end will be to find consistent parameter shooting. Defensively, rebounding with physicality will be essential.” With All-SWSC guard Gavin Kohl also graduated, and Liam Martin (8 ppg) not playing this season, Lawrence (4 ppg) and Smith (5 ppg) are the only varsity returners, but both have extensive starting experience. They’re joined by the promising freshman duo of Brown and Pierce.

Top returners: Lincoln Williams, sr., G; Myair Thompson, sr., G; Kenaz Jackson, sr., G; Cedric Terrell III, sr., G

Top newcomers: EJ Hazelett, sr., F

Worth noting: Few teams in the state boast as much talent as Kankakee does for the 2025-26 season. Williams, the consensus top-ranked player in the state, is coming off a junior season in which he averaged 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists per game and was a first-team All-State selection and Daily Journal Co-Player of the Year. He will be joined by Hazelett, one of Indiana’s top players a season ago who heads into his first season with the Kays as the 11th-ranked player in 247Sports’ class of 2026 rankings. With honorable mention All-State pick Thompson and the versatile and athletic Jackson and Terrell back as well, this year is as good a year as any for the Kays to make their firstever trip to state. “Experience is the key for us,” Pickett said. “We have guys who’ve been through the battles and that experience should help us navigate through one of the toughest schedules in the state. We didn’t develop this schedule to have a perfect season. We created this schedule to get us prepared for late February and early to mid-March.”

Kenaz Jackson, left, drives past Thornton’s Jeremy Blanco-Rios during last season’s game at Kankakee.

Kankakee’s

GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON!

Coal City Coalers

Coach: Joe Micetich (3rd season)

Last season: 20-11, 8-6 Illinois Central Eight

Top returners: Julian Micetich, sr., F; Carter Nicholson, jr., G/F; Dane Noffsinger, sr., G; Braden Walker, jr., G

Top newcomers: N/A

Worth noting: Coming off their first 20-win season in five years, and just the second such season since 2003, the Coalers will look stay in the top half of the conference standings after a fourth-place finish a season ago. The All-ICE duo of Dylan Young (11.1 ppg, 6.4 rpg) and Gabe McHugh (10.3 ppg, 7.4 rpg) are gone, but a solid number of returners are back to try and keep the Coalers above the .500 mark for the second straight season. Julian Micetich, Nicholson and Noffsinger are part of a group coming off a third-place finish at the Class 1A State Finals for soccer in the fall, and bring athleticism and experience back to the hardwood while Walker looks to take another step forward as a scoring option. Another winning season would be just the third for the Coalers since 2014, and should they make a run at the ICE title, would claim their first conference crown since they won the Interstate Eight Conference in the 2018-19 season.

Herscher Tigers

Coach: Drew Boudreau (2nd season)

Last season: 12-19, 4-10 Illinois Central Eight

ILLINOIS CENTRAL EIGHT CONFERENCE BOYS BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Top returners: Austin Buckley, sr., G; Tanner Jones, sr., G/F; Gavin Hull, sr., F; Alek Draper, sr., G

Top newcomers: Tyler Lundberg, jr., G; Mason Zirkle, jr., F

Worth noting: While last season may have been the Tigers’ third season in a row with a sub-.500 record, it also saw them increase their win total by four over the previous season and the Tigers bring back a lot of solid experience as they looks to take another step forward in year two for Boudreau. “With leading scorer Austin Buckley returning to anchor the offense, the Tigers bring back valuable experience and leadership on the perimeter,” he said. “Having our strong returning core gives us solid depth and balance. With better ball movement, pace, and continued growth from our returners, we expect to be a tougher, more consistent group capable of competing to win the ICE and chase a regional title.” Buckley (12.7 ppg) is joined by fellow returners Jones (8 ppg, 6 rpg), Hull (3 ppg, 2.5 rpg) and Draper (3.5 ppg, 2.3 apg) to make up that core. Zirkle should be able to combine with Hull to give the Tigers some size and strength inside with Lundberg bringing versatility to the defensive end.

Manteno Panthers

Coach: Zack Myers (8th season)

Last season: 21-12, 11-3 Illinois Central Eight

Top returners: Braden Campbell, sr., F; Eric Eldridge, sr., G; Mitchell Boyd, sr., C

Top newcomers: Dylan Polito, so., F; Ramsey Owens, so., G

Worth noting: The Panthers reached 20 wins last season for the second year in a row, but have a large senior core to replace. Gone are four starters, including Ray Lee (19.4 ppg), the program’s all-time leading scorer and IBCA Class 2A All-State special mention pick. With just one starter back, some fresh faces will look to step up. “We will be led by returning senior starter Braden Campbell,” Myers said. “We’re slightly young and inexperienced, however we expect to compete at a high level and bring an exciting brand of basketball to the floor.” Campbell (9 ppg, 5 rpg) is stepping into a heightened role and is surrounded by a cast with varying levels of experience. Eldridge moves into a starting role as Boyd looks to bring an interior presence. With six sophomores up on varsity, the young Panthers will bank lots of experience this season.

Coal City’s Julian Micetich, right, looks to drive around Dwight’s Evan Cox during a game at Coal City last season.

Herscher’s Tyler Lundberg, left, controls the ball as Reed-Custer’s Chase Isaac, right, defends in a game at the Herscher Thanksgiving Tournament last month.

Manteno’s Eric Eldridge, left, and Beecher’s Gavin Van Ness battle for a loose ball during a game at the Manteno Thanksgiving Tournament last month.

GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON!

Peotone Blue Devils

Coach: Ron Oloffson (5th season)

Last season: 16-14, 7-7 Illinois Central Eight

Top returners: Alex Chenoweth, jr., G; Nick Cronin, jr., G; Chase Becker, sr., F; Ethan McNeill, sr., F

Top newcomers: Nate Wehrmann, sr., G; Lincoln Tierney, sr., G; Adam Murray, jr., F

Worth noting: Peotone started slowly last season, but the Blue Devils finished as hot as any team in the area, going 12-3 down the stretch. They have to replace 44 points per game and 21 rebounds per game from last season’s rotation, but Oloffson said the team has to pieces to compete again. “Just like last season, I do think we will surprise some people before it is all over, and be a very good basketball team,” Oloffson said. “I believe this team will improve a ton over the course of the season. Our schedule is very tough, especially at the beginning, but by the end of the year, when things really matter, we will be right where we want to be and will look to compete for a regional championship.” Chenoweth is back as a threeyear starter and is surrounded by players with a solid amount of varsity experience. An athletic group, Oloffson said he expects the Blue Devils to be an active team on defense, which will help as the offense picks up steam early on.

Wilmington Wildcats

Coach: Doug Krop (4th season)

Last season: 19-11, 8-6 Illinois Central Eight

ILLINOIS CENTRAL EIGHT CONFERENCE BOYS BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Reed-Custer Comets

Coach: Tyler Schoonover (3rd season)

Last season: 11-20, 4-10 Illinois Central Eight

Top returners: Matthew Kuban, so.; Colton Waldvogel, sr.

Top newcomers: Kaiden Klein, so.; Jesse Tresouthick, jr.; Chase Isaac, so.; Orion Bergmann, jr.; Eddie Bryan, so.

Worth noting: There will be quite a few new faces on the floor for the Comets this season. Last season’s seven seniors are gone, including Class 2A third-team All-State star Jacob Reardon (20 ppg, 14 rpg). A group of young players is ready to step up and fill those gaps, some with a little varsity under their belts and some with none. “We will be a very young team with four sophomores, two juniors and one senior playing heavy minutes,” Schoonover said. Kuban was the team’s second-leading scorer (10 ppg) as a freshman last season and figures to be a big contributor once again. Waldvogel is one of two seniors on the roster, and the only experienced one, and will look to provide some of that interior presence that Reardon provided. Bergmann is also poised to contribute inside with Tresouthick providing a scoring punch as a junior.

Top returners: Ryan Kettman, sr., F; Brysen Meents, jr., G; Declan Moran, jr., F/C

Top newcomers: Hunter Kaitschuk, so., G; Walter Gross, sr., G; Travis Van Duyne, jr., G

Worth noting: With the football team winning the Class 2A State Championship, Wilmington will get a bit of a late start to the basketball season. Once they hit the hardwood, they will be looking to follow up back-to-back 19 win seasons. A third straight 19-win season would be a first for the program since the mid 1950s. The versatile Kettman (9.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.6 apg, 2 spg) will look to take another step forward in his senior season. Meents (8.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg) is back after finishing fourth on the team in scoring last season while Moran (3.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg) is poised for a strong rebounding season. Kaitschuk was the sophomore team MVP last season, and along with the sharpshooting Gross and defensive-minded Van Duyne, leads a promising group of newcomers. “Our expectations as a team are to challenge for conference and a regional title this season,” Krop said. “We have a good group of returners and new players with a lot to prove. I feel like we have players that will play hard and a have a chip on their shoulder.”

Peotone’s Alex Chenoweth, left, elevates for a shot against IC Catholic in the Thanksgiving tournament at Manteno High School last month.

Reed-Custer’s Chase Isaac, right, elevates for a shot as Herscher’s Gavin Hull defends in a game at the Herscher Thanksgiving Tournament last month.

Wilmington’s Ryan Kettman (11) shoots a short jumper during last year’s game at Morris.

GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON!

RIVER VALLEY CONFERENCE BOYS BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Beecher Bobcats

Coach: Tyler Shireman (12th season)

Last season: 19-13, 7-2 River Valley

Top returners: Dominick DeFrank, sr., G; Wences Baumgartner, sr., G

Top newcomers: Brian Oldenburg, jr., C; Gavin Van Ness, fr., G; Duke Doran, so., G

Worth noting: It may take a little time for some of the pieces to fall into place for the Bobcats this season, but once they do, veteran head coach Shireman said he expects to the to stay in its familiar spot near the top of the conference. “The 20-win mark is in reach with our starting backcourt returning,” he said. “Our goals are to compete for an RVC and Regional title. We have a team that is built on speed and should be able to play fast. Upwards of five freshman/sophomores are in the mix to play. It might take until Christmas to figure out the exact rotation.” DeFrank (11.3 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.8 apg) and Baumgartner (8.4 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 2.7 apg) bring back valuable experience and will look to anchor an emerging young core. Oldenburg will be looked on to provide physicality and rebounding inside while the promising Van Ness will have a chance to showcase a basketball IQ that Shireman said is uncharacteristically high for such a young player.

Clifton Central Comets

Coach: Brandon Schoon (1st season)

Last season: 17-13, 8-1 River Valley

Top returners: Blake Chandler, sr., G; Jake Thompson, jr., F; Connor Unger, jr., F; Derek Meier, jr., G

Top newcomers: Mayson Mitchell, jr., G; Kaden Neveu, jr., G; Andrew Rohlwing, jr., G; Brady Shule, sr., F

Worth noting: The Comets will be without three starters from last season’s second-place RVC squad, but have a strong returning class back led by Chandler (12 ppg), a first team All-RVC pick a season ago. Shule will take to the court for his senior season after a football injury cost him his junior year, and a large junior class will fill in just about everywhere else. Thompson and the 6-foot-8 Unger provide plenty of size with a big group of guards, including returner Meier and newcomers like Mitchell and Neveu, man the perimeter. “We will be junior heavy this year, but I don’t expect us to take a step back because of it,” Schoon said. “Senior Blake Chandler will lead the way for us with his scoring and experience, and the mix of juniors that played last year and that are coming up this year will contribute and bring plenty to the table. If we can play tough defense, and rebound the ball, the rest will take care of itself.”

Beecher’s Dominick DeFrank goes for a layup under pressure from St. Anne’s Brandon Schoth during last season’s River Valley Conference Tournament championship.

Donovan Wildcats

Coach: Trevor Schultz (5th season)

Last season: 7-25, 2-7 River Valley

Top returners: Preston Harrington-DeWitt, sr.; Joel Tiffany, jr.

Top newcomers: Collin Carlson, jr.

Worth noting: After winning just four games in Schultz’s first season as head coach in 2021-22, the Wildcats saw their win total increase the next two seasons with 11 wins in his second season and 13 in his third. After a bit of a down year last season, Schultz said the program is looking to take a step forward and reclaim some of the forward momentum the program was building. “I expect us to continue strengthening our culture and elevating our program,” he said.

“We’re aiming for more wins and more competitive performances than last season, and we believe this is the year we finally secure that long-awaited regional victory. We also fully intend to compete with teams many wouldn’t have predicted us to challenge. Our group is hungry, focused, and ready to take that next step.” The team has some production to make up for with last season’s seniors gone. The versatile Harrington-DeWitt (5.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.6 apg) is back and the team’s lone senior this season. Tiffany (6.7 ppg, 2.2 rpg) is the team’s top returning scorer and leads an eight-player junior class, which also includes the promising Carlson.

GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON!

RIVER VALLEY CONFERENCE BOYS BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Gardner-South Wilmington Panthers

Coach: Allan Wills (8th season)

Last season: 6-26, 4-5 River Valley

Top returners: Leondre Kemp, jr., F; Holden Grimes, jr., F/C; Cameron Gray, so., G

Top newcomers: Stanley Buchanan, jr., G

Worth noting: Despite the loss of seven seniors from last season’s team, Gardner-South Wilmington brings back lots of varsity experience for the 2025-26 campaign. Kemp (4.5 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.2 bpg) has improved each season so far, and paired with Grimes (6.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg), gives the Panthers a couple of reliable options in the frontcourt to make up for the graduated second-team All-RVC center Cole Hampson (9.5 ppg, 7.8 rpg). In the backcourt, Gray (4.7 ppg, 1.7 apg) and the newcomer Buchanan will look to stabilize the guard position now that the team is without special mention All-RVC pick Jarrek Hirsch (6.3 ppg) and Logan Conger (8.1 ppg, 1.9 spg) “We return nine players that gained varsity experience last year,” Wills said. “With them and a few new players, we will have better depth this year and should be able to compete much better.” The Panthers will look to reach double-digit wins for the first time in the last three seasons.

Grace Christian Crusaders

Coach: Doyle Owens (1st season)

Last season: 15-13, 5-4 River Valley

Top returners: Jonah Clyden, so., G/F

Top newcomers: Thiele Jamison, fr., F; Landon Dandurand, fr., F; Luke Peters, fr., G

Worth noting: The Crusaders have nearly doubled their number of players from last season, with 13 players on the roster compared to last year’s seven. Six of those seven players were seniors last season, and they lead the program to its winningest season in 10 years and best season by far in its five years as an IHSA member. Without Ethan Reynolds (19.6 ppg) and Sam Marquardt (13.9 ppg), a lot of production will need to be made up. Clyden, who appeared in 22 games, is the only player on the team with any varsity experience. He will be surrounded by a sizable freshman class looking to gain experience as the team aims to build for the future under a new head coach. “The emphasis will be on teaching and developing physical skills and concepts under game conditions,” Owens said. “The staff has high expectations for a large freshmen class, who will see considerable playing time throughout the season. Everyone will have to be patient as coaches and players establish their identity within a new system.”

Grant Park Dragons

Coach: Joe Smuskiewicz (1st season)

Last season: 10-20, 5-9 River Valley

Top returners: Luis Maldonado, jr., G; Ian Hamann, jr., F

Top newcomers: Ka’Shawn Sherrod, sr., G; Cameron Becker, sr., F; Shawn Kveck, fr., C

Worth noting: The top six scorers on last season’s team were all seniors, including the school’s all-time leading scorer Blake Brown (23.3 ppg). Those six players accounted for over 81% of the team’s points. They have a new head coach in Smuskiewicz, who was the JV coach at Grant Park the last two seasons. “We have limited varsity experience, but we are motivated to compete in games with our defense and rebounding,” he said. “Ian Hamann is poised for a strong season, as he played in some varsity games last year as a reserve, and was the leading scorer of the JV team.” In a very positive turn of events, Maldonado is working his way back after missing most of last season while battling cancer and will join Hamann among players with some varsity minutes under their belt. The team’s seven seniors may not have much varsity experience, but their presence means the Dragons are not as young as their inexperience would indicate.

Momence

Coach: Kevin Ecker (12th season)

Last season: 10-17, 4-5 River Valley

Top returners: Erick Castillo, sr.; D’Angelo Hundley, sr.; Tommy Rounds, sr.

Top newcomers: Eddie Ferreira, sr.; Jackson Ford, sr.; Sam Fitzgerald, sr.

Worth noting : Momence finished below .500 for the second straight season in 2024-25 after finishing above .500 the two seasons before that. With plenty of experience back in the fold, the team has its sights back on taking a step forward this season. “Our goal is to be playing our best basketball come February,” Ecker said. “To do that, we need to play faster than in years past and we need to play team basketball. Our early practices have helped move us in that direction but we need to continue to play that way in order to reach our goals of competing for a RVC and regional championship.” Castillo (10 ppg), the team’s primary ball handler since midway through his freshman year, is back for his senior year. Hundley (9.5 ppg) brings more scoring back with Rounds looking to bounce back after an injury-filled junior campaign. Ferreira, Ford and Fitzgerald will all step into heightened roles for their senior seasons after seeing limited time in the past.

GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON!

St. Anne Cardinals

Coach: Rick Schoon

Last season: 22-7, 9-0 River Valley

RIVER VALLEY CONFERENCE BOYS BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Top returners: Matthew Langellier, sr., G; Grant Pomaranski, sr., G; Brandon Schoth, sr., G/F; Jason Blyle, sr., F

Top newcomers: Trevor Van Pelt, sr., G/F; Jackson Hawkins, jr., F; Raleigh Hayes, fr., G; Solomon Israel, so., C; Brigham Hayes, sr., G

Worth noting: After winning their first RVC title last season for the first time in five years, the Cardinals have no plans on surrendering that title this season. Last season’s leading scorer and rebounder Chris Link (19 ppg, 7.9 rpg) has graduated, but St. Anne’s next three scorers and rebounders are all back as seniors this season to spearhead an experienced group. Pomaranski (9.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.8 apg) will look to keep filling up the stat sheet with Langellier (8.1 ppg, 3.9 apg, 2.6 spg) giving the team a strong starting backcourt. Schoth (4.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg) will be leaned on as a reliable presence while Blyle (8 ppg, 4.4 rpg) looks to take another step as a senior. “We have an experienced group with a mixture of talented young players,” Schoon said. “We should be competitive each and every night.” Brigham Hayes should bring defensive intensity to the table, Raleigh Hayes will look to make the most of his first high school season and Israel gives the Cardinals another underclassmen that can make an impact.

Trinity Eagles

Coach: Scott Williams (4th season)

Last season: 23-11

Top returners: Akira Hori, sr.; Vinny Hendrix, sr.; Cory Hathaway, so.; Johnny Bayarra, sr.; Corey Hathaway Jr., sr.

Top newcomers: N/A

Worth noting: Heading into last season, Williams did not quite know what to expect from his team. But without a senior on the roster, the 2024-25 Eagles picked up their third straight 20-win season and wrapped the year with a third-place finish at the National Christian School Athletic Association Tournament. Coming off that successful campaign, Trinity has that entire team back and ready to try and make it four straight 20-win seasons. Hori (18.5 ppg, 3.1 apg, 2.8 spg) and Hendrix (18.1 ppg, 8.2 rpg) are back to give the Eagles a formidable and high-scoring guard/forward duo. Cory Hathaway (14 ppg, 4.9 rpg) is looking to follow up his breakout freshman season while Bayarra (5.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg) and Corey Hathaway Jr. (5.6 ppg, 3.6 rpg) figure to be productive again.

St. Anne’s Grant Pomaranski, left, makes a break toward the net past Bishop McNamara’s Callaghan O’Connor in a game at the Herscher Thanksgiving Tournament last month.

GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON!

VERMILION VALLEY CONFERENCE/TRINITY BOYS BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Cissna Park Timberwolves

Coach: Josh Marquez (2nd season)

Last season: 9-24, 2-8 Vermilion Valley

Top returners: Seth Walder, sr., G; Dierks Neukomm, jr., F; Skyler Estay, jr., G; Joe Ivers, jr., F

Top newcomers: N/A

Worth noting: The Timberwolves were one of the area’s youngest teams last season, with no seniors and just three juniors on the roster. Last offseason was also not the smoothest, with Marquez being a bit of a late hire and leaving the inexperienced team limited summer preparation. But with a full offseason under their belts and an experienced roster ready to lead the way, the Timberwolves are poised to make a leap in the VVC. Walder (17.2 ppg, 4.2 apg) is back after earning IBCA Class 1A honorable mention All-State status, first-team All-Iroquois County and second-team All-VVC honors as a junior, bringing his reliable scoring and tough defense with him. Neukomm (21.7 ppg, 5.8 rpg), a career 1,400-point scorer, has the school scoring record in his crosshairs coming off a junior season in which he was an first-team selection for both the All-VVC and All-Iroquois County squads. The Timberwolves will aim for their first winning season since 2019-20, which came a year after they finished second at state.

Iroquois West Raiders

Coach: Zach Monk (9th season)

Last season: 13-18, 6-6 Vermilion Valley

Top returners: Christian Gaytan, sr., F; Wyatt Breen, sr., G; Owen Hartke, jr., G; Ivan Ontiveros, sr., F

Top newcomers: Drew Talbert, jr., F; Caleb Fauser, so., G

Worth noting: Gone is a talented senior class that featured top scorer Garret Tammen, honorable mention All-VVC selection Rylan Pheiffer and a pair of All-Iroquois County players in Beau Howe and Kobie Hendershot. The Raiders have promising players back as well as they look to build things up early on in the season. “With the graduation of our top six statistical contributors from last season, nearly every role on the team will need to be redefined,” Monk said. “While we return limited varsity experience, we have high character players that will work hard every night to compete to the best of their abilities. Each player brings something unique to the team, so it will be up to the staff to figure out what rotations early in the season.” Breen, the team’s top returning scorer, will be joined by players like Hartke that are expected to step up as reliable scorers while Gaytan’s strong defense and Ontiveros’ senior leadership help provide a solid foundation for the team. Talbert’s rebounding ability and Fauser’s ball handling should allow them to contribute as well.

Cissna Park’s Seth Walder goes up for a layup against Lexington’s Cooper Meints during last season’s IHSA Class 1A Milford Regional semifinals.

GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON!

Watseka Warriors

Milford Bearcats

Coach: Wade Fox (1st season)

Last season: 8-24, 2-10 Vermilion Valley

Top returners: Hixon Lafond, sr., G; Aiden Frerichs, sr., F; Isaac Schaumburg, so., G

Top newcomers: N/A

Worth noting : Milford legend and IBCA Hall of Famer Dave Caldwell will no longer be manning the sidelines for the Bearcats, having retiring after last season. That brought and end to his second stint as Bearcat head coach, and those stints combined gave him a record of 449-228 over 24 total seasons. Fox will take over the program, that despite losing four key seniors, including All-Iroquois County star and team MVP Caleb Clutteur (18 ppg, 6 rpg), brings back solid experience up and down the roster. Lafond and Schaumburg give the Bearcats some solid backcourt experience with players like Frerichs set to contribute inside. Last season was the program’s first time posting single-digit wins since the 2011-2012 campaign, and they will look to head back toward the .500 mark this year.

PREVIEW

Coach: Eric Starkey (1st season)

Last season: 12-19, 4-7 Vermilion Valley

Top returners: Payton Schaumburg, sr., G; Austin Morris, sr., G

Top newcomers: Tyler Waugh, sr., F; Jack Hutchinson, jr., G

Worth noting: After a decade as an assistant with the Warriors, Starkey steps into the head coaching role for a Watseka team that replaces five seniors from last year. “It’s a great group, love being their coach,” Starkey said. “We have the physical skills to be competitive every time we step on the floor. That being said, how will we handle adversity and can we commit to making the easy, fundamental plays? Those are the challenges that will ultimately dictate how competitive we are this season.” Schaumburg (10.8 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.3 apg), the team’s most-experienced returner and will be their top scoring option, while also being able to distribute effectively. Morris, the team’s captain, will be leaned on for his defensive expertise. Waugh will bring scoring potential both inside and outside and provide a physical presence while Hutchinson figures to be the Warriors’ primary ball handler.

Watseka’s Payton Schaumburg, left, keeps the ball out of reach of Iroquois West’s Rylan Pheifer during the IHSA Class 2A Hoopeston Regional quarterfinals last season.

GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON!

ALL-CITY GIRLS BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Bishop McNamara Fightin’ Irish

Coach: Khadaizha Sanders (3rd season)

Last season: 27-8 overall, 7-0 Chicagoland Christian; Class 2A Sectional champions

Top returners: Trinitee Thompson, jr., F; Jaide Burse, jr., F; Eliana Isom, sr., G; Layla Lafayette, so., G; Kaneyce Davis, sr., F

Top newcomers: Hailey Jackson, jr., G; Mahlyia Johnson, fr.,

Worth noting: Bishop McNamara has gotten back to the state scene as Sanders, a former state champion point guard with the Fightin’ Irish, has returned to town after her college career at Rutgers. They graduated a ton, namely IBCA All-State second-teamer and Daily Journal Player of the Year Trinity Davis. But with Thompson (10 points per game, 6.7 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block per game in 202425) and Isom (6.2 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.7 spg in 2024-25), they return a pair of Daily Journal All-Area honorable mentions and a third returning All-Chicagoland Christian talent in Burse. Through two years of the CCC, the Fightin’ Irish have yet to lose a conference game. “Although we are a bit short handed this season, the expectation remains the same,” Sanders said. “We are going to play hard and compete every game, while trusting the process and getting better everyday. Ultimately the goal is to play our best basketball at the right time of the year, which is in February and hopefully March.”

Bradley-Bourbonnais’ Nat Coday dribbles during a game at Lockport last season.

Kankakee Kays

Coach: Kurt Weigt (5th season)

Last season: 18-13 overall, 10-2 Southland Athletic

Bradley-Bourbonnais Boilermakers

Coach: Kevin Maciejewski (2nd season)

Last season: 4-23 overall, 1-15 Southwest Suburban

Top returners: Abby Bonilla, jr., G; Naturel Coday, sr., G; Nia Lawrence, sr., F; Leila Middlebrook, jr., C

Top newcomers: N/A

Worth noting: A young Bradley-Bourbonnais squad saw some growing pains last season, and while still relatively reliant on youth with seven juniors, the Boilermakers are eager to see how much they’ve grown in a year. Bonilla (10.8 ppg 5.1 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.8 spg in 2024-25) was a second-team KDJ All-Area selection a year ago and Coday (10 ppg, 1.4 spg in 2024-25) and Middlebrook (5.9 ppg, 5.1 rpg in 2024-25) were honorable mentions. One of five seniors, Lawrence is perhaps the top source of leadership in her fourth varsity season. The grind is anything but easy in a Southwest Suburban Conference that’s as talented as any, but in his second year leading the program, Maciejewski knows that the Boilers are starting this season off at a much higher point than last year. “We are looking to improve upon our win total from a year ago in which we were the youngest team in the conference,” Maciejewski said. “With four returning starters (two seniors and two juniors) we are now a much more experienced team. Every game is tough in the SWSC but we are looking to be much more competitive and jumpstart this season into immediate and future success.”

Top returners: Ava Johnson, jr., F; Malea Harrison, jr., G; Shania Johnson, jr., G; Ki’Asia Wilson, jr., G

Top newcomers: LaMarayah Smith, jr., F; London Stroud, jr., G; Jasiya Wesby, fr., G

Worth noting: Kankakee looks to maintain its respected relevancy during a 2025-26 season in which the Kays are uniquely young and experienced. They don’t have a senior on the roster, but they do return a deep junior class led by Johnson (15.4 ppg, 8 rpg in 2024-25), an IBCA Class 3A All-State special mention and first-team KDJ All-Area selection, and Harrison, a KDJ honorable mention. Both are in their third year starting at the varsity level, with Johnson coming over from Bradley-Bourbonnais last year. Wilson and Johnson are also back in the fold, and while Smith and Stroud logged varsity action last year, Weigt thinks the leaps they’ve made in the offseason make them like new players. Wesby, a freshman, will play a vital role off the jump. “We will compete for a Southland Athletic Conference championship in a much improved conference,“ Weigt said. ”We have the potential to be one of the better teams in the south suburbs and hope to vie for a sectional championship. We have a very hard working group that has accepted the challenges in front of them.”

Kankakee’s Malea Harrison, left, takes a shot against Wilmington in the title game of the Comet Classic at Reed-Custer High School this season.

Bishop McNamara: Bishop McNamara’s Eliana Isom, left, drives past Coal City’s Sydney Larson during

game at Bishop McNamara this season.

GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON!

Coal City Coalers

Coach: Brad Schmitt (23rd season)

Last season: 21-10 overall, 12-2 Illinois Central Eight

Top returners: Sydney Larson, sr., G; Jori Tucker, sr., F; Becca Hall, sr., G; Laura Christopher, sr., G; Riley Walker, sr., G

Top newcomers: N/A

Worth noting: In the two-plus decades that Schmitt’s led the program, Coal City has been a consistent conference contender, a goal the Coalers look to carry into 2025-26 after finishing a game back of Manteno for last year’s Illinois Central Eight crown. They’ve got double-digit scorers to replace in Kylee Kennell and Emma Rodriguez, the former of whom was second-team KDJ All-Area and the latter an honorable mention. They do return a boatload of experienced seniors, including an All-ICE guard in Larson, who’s 6 ppg average last year tops all returning players. If the Coalers are able to make it four straight seasons of 20-plus wins, Schmitt thinks it will come from an all-hands-on-deck approach. “We are looking to replace some very productive seniors with some girls that need to step up and play at a high level,” Schmitt said. “We will not rely on one or two girls each game, but we think we can get a little bit from a lot of girls each night. Hopefully, they understand that as well and can carry out their role each night.”

Manteno Panthers

Herscher Tigers

Coach: Tim McElroy (2nd season)

Last season: 14-14 overall, 7-7 Illinois Central Eight

ILLINOIS CENTRAL EIGHT CONFERENCE GIRLS BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Top returners: Leia Haubner, jr., G/F; Pippa Dunhill, sr., G; Audrey Hoffman, sr., G/F

Top newcomers: Abby Coutant, jr., F; Laney Mohler, sr., G/F; Addie Wilkins, jr., G/F; Lily Tucek, jr., G

Worth noting: Not many teams around town have as much fun as Herscher does under fun-loving coach McElroy, and after a .500 season during his first year moving from assistant to head coach, the Tigers will look to find some on-court improvement this winter. Haubner burst onto the scene with her tremendous potential on full display last winter and enters her junior year as one of the ICE’s most intriguing prospects. Graduated double-double machine Anistin Hackley leaves a lot to be replaced in the front court, but the Tigers are oozing talent in the backcourt and on the wings. Dunhill (5.7 ppg in 2024-25) averaged 1.5 3-pointers a game last year and joins Hoffman to give the Tigers a pair of experienced senior guards. “This team is full of high-character girls who love to play hard for each other,” McElroy said. “I expect the girls to improve as teammates, people, and players. I strongly believe that they have the ability to surprise a lot of teams this season”

Coach: Bethany Stritar (9th season)

Last season: 24-5, 13-1 Illinois Central Eight (conference champions)

Top returners: Lila Prindeville, sr., G; Emily Horath, sr., F; Alyssa Singleton, sr., G; Sophie Peterson, sr., G; Brooke Peterson, sr., G; Maddie Gesky, jr., C

Top newcomers: Emily Johnson, jr., F; Kendall Blanchette, so., G; Peyton Boros, so., G; Hannah Stritar, fr., G

Worth noting: After snapping a 33-year regional championship drought two years ago, Manteno set a new single-season program mark in wins last year, and with a healthy chunk of its core back, will look to keep that success rolling. Gesky (11,7 ppg, 12.2 rpg, 2.5 bpg, 1.7 spg in 2024-25), a KDJ All-Area second-teamer last year, is perhaps the top returning talent in the ICE this winter. Horath (9.9 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 3.1 spg) and Prindeville (9.6 ppg, 2.4 spg) give the Panthers their top three leading scorers back from last year’s historic season while Singleton provides an athletic, defensive spark and Peterson is back after an injury-plagued junior year. With several youngsters joining the fold, coach Stritar and her squad hope they can defend their conference crown and get an opportunity to win the program’s first sectional title. “We lost some really great players to graduation, but we’ve kept a solid group returning, which makes us excited for another successful season. Our numbers for the program are down this year, but there are a lot of talented, competitive players coming to practices, and we know they are capable of doing big things for us.”

Manteno’s Maddie Gesky, center, puts up a shot under the net against Bradley-Bourbonnais in the Beecher Fall Classic this season.

Coal City’s Jori Tucker looks to drive past Bishop McNamara’s Jaide Burse during a game at McNamara this season.

Herscher’s Leia Haubner shoots the ball during a game at Coal City last season.

GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON!

ILLINOIS CENTRAL EIGHT CONFERENCE GIRLS BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Peotone Blue Devils

Coach: Shawn Bean (2nd season)

Last season: 6-24 overall, 3-11 Illinois Central Eight

Top returners: Peyton Bisping, sr., G; Mal Schroeder, sr., G; Olivia Moe, jr., F; Addison Brandau, sr. F

Top newcomers: Payton Pape, fr., G; Giana Pagliarulo, fr., F

Worth noting: After going 1-14 over the first half of last season, a young Peotone team made some progress with a 5-10 second half, progress that veteran coach Bean is hoping to see continue in his second year as the Blue Devils coach. Bisping, Schroeder, Moe and Brandau each averaged between 4-6 ppg last season and Pape and Pagliarulo look to provide a jolt as freshmen. With the pieces in place, Bean has set out a couple of goals for this year’s Blue Devils group to strive for. “This year we’re hoping to build off the progress we made the second half of last season and double our win record, as well as compete in the top half of our conference,” Bean said. “If everyone can accept their roles, we’ll be a tough matchup that can run 10-12 deep every game and play at a high tempo.”

Reed-Custer Comets

Coach: Shelby Zwolinski (6th season)

Last season: 15-16 overall, 5-9 Illinois Central Eight; Class 2A Regional champions

Peotone’s Peyton Bisping looks up the floor as she dribbles during a game at Bishop McNamara last season.

Top returners: Alyssa Wollenzein, jr. G; Gwen Stewart, sr., G; Harlie Liebermann, jr., G/F; Morgan Toler, sr., F

Top newcomers: Ana Smith, sr., F; Skylar Wilkins, sr., F; Atiana Hood, jr., G; Brooklyn Gonzalez, jr., F; Isabel Toller, jr., G; Kamryn Wilkey, soph., G

Worth noting: After snapping a 19-year regional title drought last winter, Reed-Custer returns four starters from that magical run as the Comets look to continue their ascension with a deeper roster in 2025-26. “After winning a regional title for the first time in 19 years, we are looking forward to what our 25-26 season brings,” Zwolinski said. “Our program numbers have doubled after last season, so we are very optimistic with our progress in years to come.” Wollenzein (11.8 ppg, 4 rpg, 2.8 spg in 2024-25) and Stewart (5.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1 apg, 3.4 spg) were Daily Journal All-Area honorable mentions and All-ICE picks while Liebermann (5 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.3 spg) and Toler (3.5 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 1.5 spg) are also back as starters. A deep cast of upperclassmen will find bigger roles as well as the Comets look to find themselves in the battle for the ICE.

Reed-Custer’s Alyssa Wollenzein drives to the basket during an IHSA Class 2A Coal City Regional semifinal against Coal City last season.

Wilmington Wildcats

Coach: Eric Dillon (9th season)

Last season: 20-10, 9-5 Illinois Central Eight

Top returners: Sami Liaromatis, jr., G; Taylor Stefancic, sr. G; Melia Hincherick, sr., C

Top newcomers: Keeley Walsh, jr., G; Nina Egizio, jr., G

Worth noting: Wilmington reached the 20-win mark for the first time in 45 years last season, and look to build on that this season with plenty of production back in the fold. Liaromatis is back after a stellar sophomore campaign that saw her lead the team in several key categories (12 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 4 spg) and earned first-team All-ICE honors. Hincherick (5.7 ppg, 3.8 rpg) is also back to anchor the post with Stefancic (4 ppg) bringing more experience to the guard position. With Walsh and Egizio stepping into bigger roles, Dillon said he expects to see the Wildcats compete for the ICE and finish above-.500 for the second year in a row, something the team hasn’t done in over 20 years. “We are looking to build off our year last year in terms of scoring,” he said. “We feel that we have more options to put the ball in the basket and in different ways. If we can stay healthy, our goal is to compete for a top spot in the conference.”

Wilmington’s Sami Liaromatis, left, controls the ball as Kankakee’s Ki’Asia Wilson, right, attempts a steal in the title game of the Comet Classic at Reed-Custer High School.

GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON!

Beecher Bobcats

Coach: Adam Keen (14th season)

Last season: 14-17, 11-6 River Valley

Top returners: Aubrey Tiltges, sr., G; Molly Vladika, sr., C; Madison Smith, so., G

Top newcomers: Gianna Bonomo, so., G; Carmela Irwin, so., G

Worth noting: Coming off their second straight third-place RVC finish, the Bobcats are undergoing a bit of a youth movement in 2025-26. But despite a roster consisting of eight sophomores and just three seniors, Keen said he expects the team to be able to finish near the top of the conference standings once again. “Typically (such a young roster) would be a sign of a ‘rebuild,’ but I’m not sure that will be the case with this group,” he said. “They have a lot of drive in them and confidence of what they are capable of, and even though our experience may hinder us at times, our depth, athleticism and determination should make up for it and allow us to compete for a conference title this season.” Vladika (3.7 ppg, 3.8 rpg) will be relied on as an experienced presence around the basket with Tiltges (4.5 ppg) looking to showcase scoring potential she showed late last season and through the summer. Time will tell how much the large sophomore group will improve as they bank varsity experience.

RIVER VALLEY CONFERENCE GIRLS BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Clifton Central Comets

Coach: Henry Hines (13th season)

Last season: 24-11 overall, 14-2 River Valley

Beecher’s Molly Vladika, center, turns and takes a shot against TF North in the Beecher Fall Classic this season.

Top returners: Alexis Prisock, so., F; Eriannah Martinez, sr., G; Emma Koch, sr., F; Lia Prairie, jr., G/F; Maddie Webb, jr., F; Mia Perzee, jr., G/F

Top newcomers: Kaitlyn Balthazor, sr. F

Worth noting: After 11 years away, Hines is back after guiding Clifton Central for a dozen years in his first stint. He re-inherits a Comets program in great shape with a lot of their core back, even if they do have to replace a trio of program pillars in Gracie Schroeder, Myah Martinez and Anna Winkel. Eriannah Martinez (4.1 ppg, 6 rpg, 3 spg in 2024-25) has spent her high school career in the backcourt and serves with Koch as the senior leaders for a deep junior class that gained great sophomore experience last year. Balthazar adds a senior spark and presence in the post. Eriannah Martinez leading the team in rebounding last year is a perfect example of the versatility the team has that leaves Hines intrigued. “We’regoing to be a team with plug-in players at all five positions, that should be able to adapt to any style of play,” Hines said. “The versatility and depth will be our strength for this season. Our motto is ‘play free and loose.’”

Central’s Eriannah Martinez goes to the hoop during a home game against Tri-Point last season.

GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON!

RIVER VALLEY CONFERENCE GIRLS BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Donovan/St. Anne WildCards

Coach: Megan Winterrowd (1st season)

Last season: 14-15, 8-8 River Valley

Top returners: Brisa Ortiz, jr., G; Deven Walwer, so., F

Top newcomers: Estefania Garcia, sr., C; Alexis Hedges, jr., G; Lillian Courville, fr., G

Gardner-South Wilmington Panthers

Coach: Kevin Ward (1st season)

Last season: 7-24 overall, 4-12 River Valley

Top returners: Maddie Simms, sr., F; Madison Wright, sr., C

Top newcomers: N/A

Worth noting: Combining Donovan’s Wildcats and St. Anne’s Cardinals for their WildCards nickname, behind a relatively young roster full of fresh faces, Donovan/St. Anne may look to be a bit of a wildcard in the RVC. The team will be without its five leading scorers from a season ago, putting the load on Walwer (1.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg) to follow up a strong freshman campaign and Ortiz (1.1 ppg, 2.3 rpg) to emerge as a leader on the young team. Garcia is the team’s lone senior with five freshmen bringing raw talent to the table. The WildCards have a new head coach in Winterrowd, who said she is excited to see what the team can do. “Despite having a young team with several newcomers, the team has already stood out thanks to (Ortiz’s) steady leadership, (Walwer’s) aggressiveness around the rim, and (Hedges’) ability to stretch the floor with her shooting, all supported by a promising freshman class that brings energy and talent,” she said. “This season is about growth, competing with purpose and laying the groundwork for a strong future for the program.”

Worth noting: Gardner-South Wilmington welcomes a familiar face as its new head coach, with Ward moving a spot over from his longtime assistant role. He’s got a talented duo to lead the team in Simms (11.6 ppg, 11.7 rpg), a returning All-RVC and KDJ All-Area honorable mention who broke her own single-season rebounding record last year (364), and Wright (5.8 ppg, 5.2 rpg), but aside from them and junior forward Jayde Schweitzer, the Panthers will be relying on a handful of freshman on their eight-deep roster. Ward knows it will take time for his youngsters to get up to speed, but he also knows they have great seniors to look up to. “We are going to be an extremely young team with strong leadership from our two seniors,” Ward said. “I expect growing pains in the first part of the year as we get acclimated to the speed of the high school game, but we have a lot of athleticism and upside and I’m excited to see this team come together over the course of the season.”

Gardner-South Wilmington’s Maddie Simms hits a layup past Judah Christian defenders during a game at last year’s Iroquois West Holiday Hoops Tournament.

GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON!

Grace Christian Crusaders

Coach: Jonathan Chappell (2nd season)

Last season: 5-22, 4-12 River Valley

RIVER VALLEY CONFERENCE GIRLS BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Top returners: Abby St. John, sr.; Lanie St. John, jr.; Zoey Baldridge, so.; Analiese Jorgensen, jr.; Kaitlyn Jorgensen, jr. Top newcomers: N/A

Worth noting: The Crusaders had a brand new starting five last season after losing the all five starters from the season prior. They now have all five of those starters back with a full season of starting experience under their belts. Baldridge was the team’s leading scorer (11 ppg, 2.1 apg, 3.3 spg) last season as a freshman and looks to build on that in year two. Kaitlyn Jorgensen (6.7 ppg) and Analiese Jorgensen (3.3 ppg) look to follow up their strong sophomore seasons while senior captain Abby At. John (2.5 ppg, 2.6 rpg) and junior Lanie St. John (5.2 rpg) bring back their experience as well. They may be a bit undersized, but Chappell said this year’s team is ready to play with confidence as they look to keep growing. “We’re still in the process at Grace of building a program, getting things installed and moving in the direction that we would like it to go,” Chappell said. “We are not a tall or big team by any stretch of the imagination. We are going to be outsized all year, but they play bigger than they actually are.”

Grace Christian’s Lanie St. John shoots the ball during a game against Reed-Custer at the Comet Classic this season.

Momence

Grant Park Dragons

Coach: Nancy Marcotte (3rd season)

Last season: 10-15, 6-10 River Valley

Top returners: Abi Roberts, sr., F; Claire Sluis, sr., G; Emily Voigt, sr., F; Taylor Panozzo, so., C

Top newcomers: Kaylie Meherg, jr., G

Worth noting: After a down season in 2023-24, the Dragons doubled their win total last season to get back in double digits. With plenty of experience back, including last season’s top three scorers and two of the top three rebounders, Marcotte said the team will look to take another jump. “I’m excited and very optimistic about this season coming up,” she said. “The three starting seniors have been playing varsity since their sophomore year and I look for Panozzo to add some strong inside presence and to be more confident. We are a very well rounded team and look forward to watching these ladies play this season.” Panozzo led the team in rebounding (7.9 rpg) and was third in scoring (6.5 ppg) as a freshman last season. Roberts (7 ppg) and Sluis (6.8 ppg) return to give the Dragons a solid scoring trio while Voigt (1.9 rpg) brings senior defensive leadership to the floor

Coach: Tim Bleyle (3rd season)

Last season: 12-14, 10-7 River Valley

Top returners: Adyki Gunn, sr., F; Lexie Berns, sr., G; A’Miracle Johnson, sr., G

Top newcomers: Mikah Hill-Hutchins, sr., F; Alexis Cook, sr., G; Jaesyn Walk, Fr., G

Worth noting: Momence had a winning season in RVC play last year, a trend the squad hopes translates to getting over that .500 mark for the entirety of 2025-26. Gunn was a second-team all-conference selection, with Berns and Johnson giving Bleyle a trio of experienced senior starters to go along with Hill-Hutchins and Cook for a formidable senior core. Walk may just be a freshman, but has caught her coach’s attention for her basketball IQ. The team hopes that senior leadership and young potential can combine to keep Momence’s arrow pointing upward. “After losing three of the five starters from last year, that’s in the past as we look forward to having a few girls step up and contribute right away,” Bleyle said. “We have had a great few weeks of practice, and we hope to be one of the top teams in the conference. We have a saying this year of ‘raise the standard,’ and that’s what we hope to do on the court.”

GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON!

Cissna Park Timberwolves

Coach: Anthony Videka (11th season)

Last season: 31-6, 11-0 Vermilion Valley; Class 1A State third place

Top returners: Addison Lucht, sr., G; Lauryn Hamrick, sr., F; Josie Neukomm, sr., G; Sophie Duis, sr., F

Top newcomers: Macy Sinn, sr., G

Worth noting: The basketball season got underway for the Timberwolves just two days after many of those same players celebrated a state title in volleyball at CEFCU Arena in Normal, where their 202425 basketball season also ended with a third-place finish. The Timberwolves will look to play at CEFCU for the second straight basketball season come early March. Led by their four senior All-Area selections, including the first team IBCA All-State selection Lucht (16.4 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 3.9 spg) and All-State special mention Hamrick (14.6 ppg, 5.3 rpg), the Timberwolves bring back all but two players this season. Neukomm (5.7 ppg, 4.9 rpg) and Duis (4.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg) bring back their senior skillsets while Sinn will step into a heightened role as one of the players looking to fill the gap left by team captain and standout defender Julia Edelman. While basketball season got off to a bit of a late start once again, Videka said he expects to team’s experience to carry them. “Coming off of a successful season, we are looking to repeat that success,” he said. “With little practice due to our volleyball team making it to state, we know there is rust to shake off. We will rely on our seniors to lead us all season.”

Iroquois West Raiders

Coach: Kristy Arie (15th season)

Last season: 12-18, 6-5 Vermilion Valley

VERMILION VALLEY CONFERENCE/TRINITY GIRLS BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Cissna Park’s Addison Lucht eyes the hoop over St. Edward’s Jordin Sauls during the third-place game of last year’s IHSA Class 1A State Finals at CEFCU Arena in Normal.

Coach: Barry Bauer (12th season)

Top returners: Amelia Scharp, sr., G; Phylicity Leonard, soph., C; Kenleigh Hendershot, sr., F

Top newcomers: Emma Hargett, jr., F; Payton Howe, soph., F/C; Tessa Pankey, fr., G

Worth noting: There’s plenty of cause for excitement at Iroquois West, as the Raiders return an intriguing trio in Scharp (11.6 ppg, 3.3 rpg in 2024-25), a KDJ All-Area honorable mention last year; Leonard (10.4 ppg, 5.3 rpg), whose brothers Clayton (Illinois) and Cannon (Iowa) play Big Ten football; and Hendershot, a senior leader and gritty rebounder. With Hargett, Howe and Pankey leading a new crop if incoming, versatile talent, Arie sees plenty of potential. “I go into every season expecting my team to be a top competitor in our area and within our conference,” arie said. “That is no different this year. We have a talented group of hard-working kids that I have big expectations for and am excited to see how well we will jump out of the gate.”

Watseka/Milford Warriors

Last season: 28-5, 9-2 Vermilion Valley; Class 2A Regional champions

Top returners: Christa Holohan, sr., G/F; Kami Muehling, jr., G; Noelle Schroeder, sr., G/F; Rennah Barrett, jr., G/F; Thayren Rigsby, sr., F/C; Kyah Westerfield, sr., G/F

Top newcomers: Taylor Chattic, jr., F/C; Addi Ulitzsch, jr., G

Worth noting: Sure, the dominant post pair of Megan Martin and Lauren Tegtmeyer, the former a KDJ All-Area first-teamer and IBCA Class 2A All-State third-teamer, has graduated. But Watseka has anything but a bare cupboard of talent back from last year’s Sweet 16 team. Holohan (10 ppg) is the team’s leading returning scorer and is part of a four-headed perimeter defense monster with Muehling, Schroeder and Barrett. Rigsby flourished in support of the senior standouts and will be the main post star now, with Chattic back in the fold after missing last year with a knee injury. Bauer has won seven regionals as the girls coach, including four in a row, a streak they look to continue. “We have many returning players from last year, but they will all have different roles than a year ago,” Bauer said. “The quicker we embrace these new roles, the better we will be. Everyone will have to rebound better, play defense better and look to create more offense than a year ago.”

Watseka/Milford’s Christa Holohan, right, takes a shot as Bishop McNamara’s Jaide Burse defends during last season’s IHSA Class 2A Herscher Sectional championship.

Trinity Eagles

Coach: Ashley Seyden (1st season)

Last season: 1-19

Top returners: Elise Boerema, jr., Charlotte Hasik, so., Abigail Stalnos, so.

Worth noting : Seyden will take the reigns in addition to her athletic director duties, filling another responsibility once held by her mentor, the late Mike Lawrence. The Eagles have a youth movement unfolding this winter, with Dakota Drotts the lone senior on the roster. Boerema (5.7 ppg) is the team’s leading returning scorer, one of just three players back from last season.

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