Top 10 Teams: #1 Seed Edition (1-5)
So much talent is in these programs and they’ve shown dominance throughout their entire season. Below are my choices for top teams that finished their season with the #1 seed in their section. 1) Stevenson Going 14-0 in league play and…
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Continue ReadingSo much talent is in these programs and they’ve shown dominance throughout their entire season. Below are my choices for top teams that finished their season with the #1 seed in their section.
1) Stevenson
Going 14-0 in league play and 29-2 for the season. Stevenson is one of the most well-built and complete teams in their conference and the state. The Big 3 play just as well individually as they do together. Senior guard, Ava Bardic Ava Bardic 5'8" | CG Stevenson | 2022 State IL ( University of Illinois-Springfield commit) is a threat on both sides of the ball. From the three, she’s uber-confident. On the attack… she’s aggressive and fearless. Emory Klatt Emory Klatt 6'2" | SF Stevenson | 2024 State IL is a top-notch forward, walking double double and possesses a motor like nothing I’ve ever seen, while being the clear heart and muscle for this team. Penn U commit Simone Sawyer Simone Sawyer 5'10" | CG Stevenson | 2022 State IL is a talented, athletic, and highly skilled guard that can score from all 3 levels and cause disruption for any type of defense. The Big 3 is rounded out with some solid role players who play their roles to the tee. Stevenson will be on the hunt to capture a trip downstate, they’ve shown up in big games and they don’t seem like they’re going to slow up.
2) Benet
With only 3 losses in the season and 0 for their conference, the Redwings are a dangerous team to play in both home and away environments. The team is constructed with mostly upperclassmen, and two dominant players in the post and the perimeter. The paint is held down by the 6’2 US Naval Academy commit, Morgan Demos Morgan Demos 6'2" | C Benet Academy | 2022 State IL . An absolute problem on the offensive block and a baseline blanket for their defense. Junior Lenee Beaumont Lenee Beaumont 6'0" | SG Benet Academy | 2023 State IL is a defense disruptor and has the ability to get going at any moment. Offensively, her game has no flaws, on the defensive side… she’s agile, active, and has the length to defend multiple positions. The team has a roster of shooters, high motored players, hard workers, and girls who play with complete effort from start to finish.
3) Nazareth
A team whose defense will hurt you before their offense gets going. Nazareth is built to defend any style of play. They’re lengthy, strong, and tough. To even compete with this squad, your team’s FG% has to be 40% and up. Offensively, the team has weapons at every position. Senior & UChicago Commit, Caroline Workman Caroline Workman 6'1" | SF Nazareth Academy | 2022 State IL , can do everything you need her to. She’s a 5’11 point center with tons of skill and a high IQ, that’s a nightmare for any offense and defense. Junior guard, Grace Carstensen Grace Carstensen 5'11" | SG Nazareth Academy | 2023 State IL is the team’s elite shooter, and she has no limit on her range. She can bring down boards at a high level and also defends with physicality and toughness. Sophomore Dani Scully is a versatile, playmaking point forward. Great vision, high IQ and has the strength to play down low and the skillset to stretch the floor. Sophomores Amalia Dray Amalia Dray 5'9" | CG Nazareth Academy | 2024 IL & Olivia Austin Olivia Austin 6'0" | PF Nazareth Academy | 2024 State IL add tons of contributions as well.
4) Loyola Academy
Height doesn’t matter when you have a team full of defensive specialists. Loyola has been a hard team to compete against in every game. They play rugged, tough, and smart defense which causes most offenses to break down and that’s when Loyola’s offense comes kicking. Rambler’s senior leader Angelina Giordano Angelina Giordano 5'9" | SG Loyola Academy | 2022 State IL is the team’s playstyle in a player form. High IQ, a tough on-ball defender, and a complete disruptor on the defensive side. Offensively, she can hurt defenses at all levels, hard drives, quick threes, and precise pullups. Senior Morgan Van Horn, is the team’s hustle and muscle. Sophomores Kelsey Langston and Paige Engels Paige Engels 5'8" | CG Loyola Academy | 2024 State IL , are the offensive buckets that every team loves to have. Only three losses total on the year, and 1 in conference. Loyola is built for a deep playoff run.
5) Sycamore
The Spartans started off the season on a 23 game winning streak before taking their first loss at the end of January and their second loss in their last game of the regular season. In conference play, they went 14-0. This team has studs and talent all over the court. Senior Faith Feuerbach Faith Feuerbach 6'0" | SG Sycamore | 2022 State IL (University of St. Thomas commit) & Sophmore Lexi Carlsen Lexi Carlsen 5'8" | CG Sycamore | 2024 State IL are at the top of that list. Both players are versatile, electric, and can dominate on both sides of the ball with ease. Senior and the single-game assists record holder Ella Shipley is the X-factor for this team. She makes plays, plays hard, and hustles no matter the situation. Junior forward Evyn Carrier Evyn Carrier 6'4" | PF Sycamore | 2023 State IL , whos been inactive for some time is another problem to be dealt with if she makes a return in this postseason. She’s a 6’4 skilled forward who can score on anyone at any time. Carrier has great footwork, touch, and a back-to-the-basket game. This Sycamore team will try to continue their dominance and post-season play, and go off for another win streak.