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Scouting Tri-Cities area girls basketball

Aurora Central Catholic Chargers

Coach: Mark Fitzgerald (7th season, 85-85).

Last year: 11-15. Lost 55-34 in first round of Class 3A Aurora Central Catholic regional.

Top players: Gabi Alfaro, sr. G; Kalie Soris, sr., G; Jordyn Sundberg, sr. G; Alex Horton, sr. F; Taylor Harazin, so. C; Natalie Droeske, sr. F/C; Alex Johnston, so. G; Sabrina Ganofsky, so. F/C.

Scouting report: The Chargers are fielding the tallest and one of the most experienced teams in their history. Alfaro and Soris are both four-year varsity players, while Harazin stands 6-foot-3 and will be joined up front by the 6-foot Droeske and 6-2 Ganofsky, a transfer from St. Charles North. She isn't the only transfer the Chargers welcome; Johnston is new after starting all last year at Wheaton Academy. Johnston will be joined on the wing by shooters like Sundberg, Horton and LaVia. "We will rely on an up-tempo style of play this year that includes both an inside and outside game," Fitzgerald said. "Our depth will allow us to frequently substitute enabling us to keep the tempo and defensive pressure at a very high level." Fitzgerald is looking forward to seeing how the team fares in a new Metro Suburban Conference Division with Glenbard South, Riverside-Brookfield, Fenton, IC Catholic Prep, Wheaton Academy and St. Edward. "We are encouraged by our strong showing this summer. We feel that challenging our kids with this level of competition will really help us in the coming season," Fitzgerald said of playing the likes of Batavia, York, Waubonsie Valley, Naperville Central among other bigger schools.

Aurora Christian Eagles

Coach: Burney Wilkie (first year).

Last year: 15-14, 4-6 in the SCC Gold. Defeated Seenca 53-49 to win Class 2A Ottawa Marquette regional championship. Lost 62-26 to Byron in Class 2A Aurora Christian sectional semifinal.

Top players: Natasha Brown, sr., F; Kirsten Madsen, sr., G; Gabby Galbato, jr., F/C; Sami Hultine, jr., G; Ashley Hochsprung, jr., F; Carey Tokars, jr., G; Alyssa Hernandez, sr., G; Paris Chaney, fr., G/F; Emily Ward, fr., F.

Scouting report: The Eagles turn to a new coach to try to continue the recent tradition under Jerry Tokars that saw the program win two straight regional titles. Wilkie is a 2001 graduate from Aurora Christian who started coaching his senior year of high school when athletic director Don Davidson asked him to coach the school's seventh grade team. He coached both boys and girls junior high teams at Aurora Christian and Simmons Middle School until taking over the Aurora Christian sophomore girls team five years ago. "This is what I would consider to be my dream job," Wilkie said of coaching the Eagles varsity. Wilkie calls Brown "one of the state's best rebounders," and anyone who has seen Brown relentlessly attack the glass knows it is not an exaggeration. Madsen is the team's other returning starter and will provide scoring. "We will be an up-tempo style of team offensively and will play mostly man defensively," Wilkie said. "I have four guards all that can run the point - Sami Hultine, Kirsten Madsen, Carey Tokars and Alyssa Hernandez - and all four of them like to push the ball. Gabby Galbato, Natasha Brown and Ashley Hochsprung will be an inside presence for us." Galbato and Hochsprung both averaged 13 points a game at the sophomore level last year. "We expect them to be scorers this year," Wilkie said. "Our strengths are definitely great team chemistry, up-tempo style of play and both guards and bigs that can score. Our two biggest weaknesses are depth and size." The Eagles' conference now consists of Montini, Rosary, St. Francis and Aurora Christian. "This conference will be tough to navigate through," Wilkie said. "We have a very young team that is looking to build on back-to-back regional championships."

Batavia Bulldogs

Coach: Kevin Jensen (4th season, 52-34).

Last year: 21-10, 10-2 in the Upstate Eight Conference River Division (tied Geneva for first). Beat Willowbrook 63-42 to win Class 4A Batavia regional. Lost to Geneva 48-24 in Class 4A Addison Trail sectional championship game.

Top players: Hannah Frazier, jr., F; Bethany Orman, jr., G; Shea Bayram, jr., F; Mackenzie Foster, so., G; Jessica Koch, jr., F; Stephanie Rodriguez, so., F; Morgan Erickson, so., G; Katie Weber, jr., G; Madeline Slater, jr., F; Emily Lasse, jr., F.

Scouting report: Fresh off a conference championship and just the second regional championship in school history, Batavia will have a different look this year. For the first time in four years the Bulldogs won't have a pair of Division I players in their lineup - Erin Bayram inside and the program's all-time leading scorer Liza Fruendt. They do have some important pieces returning, including the player who likely will be their next Division I player in Frazier, an All-Area player a year ago and nightly double-double threat who already has offers from Southern Illinois and Valparaiso. She averaged 13 points and 8.5 rebounds last year and has started every game since her freshman season. Orman also has played major minutes her first two years, the team's first player off the bench as a freshman and a starter in the backcourt last year. She will take over as the team's point guard this year. Bayram also started all last year, and Jensen is looking for her to "increase her role this season from a defensive-minded player to a threat on both sides of the floor." Foster could move into the starting lineup after providing a spark off the bench on last year's regional champs. Lasse moved to Batavia last season and was on the team but ineligible to participate in any games due to the transfer. "She will be a key addition to the rotation this upcoming season," Jensen said. This group is determined to keep the momentum moving forward for a Batavia program this has been on the upswing the past three years. "We expect to be very competitive once again this year," Jensen said. "It all hinges on our ability to accept new roles this year. We have new captains for the first time in two years, and we will need new each person on the team to step up the ranks as a leader and contributor to our team. We lost some top-end talent last season, but this is as deep as our program has been in a long time. Our goal is to put ourselves in position to compete for a conference title and regional title again this year."

Geneva Vikings

Coach: Sarah Meadows (4th season, 69-24).

Last year: 26-7, 10-2 in the Upstate Eight Conference River Division (tied for first). Beat Wheaton North 75-63 to win Class 4A Wheaton North regional, beat Batavia 48-24 to win Class 4A Addison Trail sectional championship, beat Rockford Boylan 60-41 to win Class 4A Judson supersectional. Lost 51-43 to Rolling Meadows and 45-34 to Marian to finish fourth in the Class 4A state tournament.

Top players: Abby Novak, sr., F/G; Janie McCloughan, sr., F; Grace Loberg, so., C; Courtney Reynolds, sr., G; Kate Rogers, sr., G; Ashley Shogren, jr., PG; Margaret Whitley, fr., PG; Stephanie Hart, fr., G.

Scouting report: There's probably Big Ten teams with a front line that can't match Geneva's size. The Vikings return Novak, McCloughan and the 6-2 Loberg from last year's team that knocked off No. 1 seed Wheaton Warrenville South as part of a memorable postseason run that ended with the school's second trip to Redbird Arena for the state tournament. While Geneva returns all that size up front, the question for this year's squad will be how their new guards replace the production of Michaela Loebel, Sidney Santos and Morgan Seberger. Meadows certainly doesn't lack confidence in her team. "We are reloading this year," Meadows said. "We have kids who can play and they are ready to step up and continue our basketball tradition here. It will be an exciting year of basketball for us." Novak has been playing varsity basketball four years. "We are looking for Abby to play a huge part of our success this year," Meadows said. "She is a great kid with a lot of talent. She is going to have a great senior year." Meadows said McCloughan, a Southern Indiana recruit, "brings energy and plays with so much passion." The only player to average more points than McCloughan last year was Loberg, already committed to Wisconsin for volleyball but an elite basketball player as well. "We are very excited to have Grace," Meadows said. "She played a major role for us last year and we expect her to do the same this year. She brings so much for us inside. Very excited to coach her and see all that she brings this year." Turning to the backcourt, Reynolds will be counted on to provide a lot of the outside shooting. "She can shoot the ball," Meadows said. "We are looking for her to score. She is a very smart basketball player. Her role has changed a lot from her junior year." Rogers is one of the team's most improved players. "She has put work in over the summer and has started this year with something to prove," Meadows said. "She has had a great start." Meadows also is expecting big things from Shogren. "She will step in and play our point guard," Meadows said. "We are asking Ashley to step in as a junior and run the show from the point." Joining that group are two freshmen, Hart and Whitley - the later whose older sisters Taylor and Kelly were two of the best in school history in basketball and cross country, respectively. Her oldest sister Caty is Geneva's freshman A coach. "Margaret loves the game of basketball and works extremely hard. She will come in with something to prove. Will only help our team," Meadows said. "Stephanie has great ball skills, understands the game of basketball."

Kaneland Knights

Coach: Ernie Colombe (ninth year).

Last year: 14-14, 5-5, third in the Northern Illinois Big XII East. Lost 40-20 to Sycamore in Class 3A Plano regional championship game.

Top players: Aly Van Bogaert, sr., F; Camri Conley, jr., G; Vanessa Gould, jr., F; Morgan Weber, so., G; Bailey Crimmins, jr., C; Taylor Eaves, sr., F; Emily Grams, sr., F; Jenni Weber, fr., G; Kylie Modaff, so., F; Maddie Edwards, jr., C; Nicole Koczka, jr., G; Meg Cohrs, jr., F; Destiny Coswert, jr., G; Rachel Gros, jr. F.

Scouting report: Van Bogaert returns, a 6-footer who made honorable mention all-conference last season - a conference that should be a challenge. "We think the conference will be strong again," Colombe said. "We feel like if we stay healthy we will be tough. There are no easy nights in this conference." Crimmins is 6-2 and will provide height and rebounding inside with Van Bogaert while the Knights have a mix of veterans and newcomers like the freshman Weber who will help handle the guard spots. "We are looking forward to working with this group," Colombe said. "We have some weapons and need to see if we can get them to jell on the court. The young ladies we have all play hard and have great attitudes. We will be young with only three seniors ... but we think can do some damage if we play as a team."

Rosary Royals

Coach: Jessie Wilcox (third year, 29-27).

Last year: 14-15, tied for third in the Suburban Christian Conference. Lost 60-35 to St. Edward in Class 3A Aurora Central Catholic regional semifinals.

Top players: Quincy Kellett, sr., PG; Megan Conlin, sr., F; Krystal Cortes, fr., G; Jenna Hernandez, fr., G. Adrienne Winkel, sr., F/C; Priscilla Betzelos, sr., G.

Scouting report: Wilcox begins her third season coaching the Royals with a couple building blocks any coach would want - her leading scorer and point guard are both back. That would be one and the same - Kellett - who Wilcox calls "a team leader." Conlin was off to a fabulous start last year when her junior season was cut short after nine games with a torn ACL. She was leading the Royals in scoring, steals and rebounds when she went down. "She has made a full recovery and is excited to be back on the basketball court," Wilcox said. Overall this is a young Rosary team with two freshmen and three sophomores nearly matching the three juniors and four seniors on the roster. "This season we are going to be very young," Wilcox said. "All of (our young players) will get minutes for us. It may take us a little while to gain experience, however we have a lot of talent that can be very dangerous once it is developed." The Royals will join the Chicago Catholic League next year with Montini, Aurora Christian and St. Francis.

St. Charles East Saints

Coach: Lori Drumtra (10th year, 136-127)

Last year: 13-14, 6-6 in the Upstate Eight (tied with Streamwood for 4th). Lost 58-56 to Willowbrook in Class 4A Batavia regional semifinals.

Top players: Kyra Washington, sr., G/F; Katie Claussner, sr., G; Chole John, sr., F; Kelly Rinker, jr., G; Hannah Vitkus, jr., G/F; Maryn Cheney, sr., F; Sara Rosenfeldt, fr. F; Samantha Munroe, so., PG; Kathleen Townsend, jr., C; Gabby Butkute, jr., C.

Scouting report: The Saints return one of the most experienced teams starting with four-year starter Washington, who will play in college at SIU-Edwardsville. "Offensively, we look to her to be a major scorer for us," Drumtra said. "At 6-foot she can score inside and is also our best shooter from the 3-point arc. Kyra is also a great passer and does a great job of setting up her teammates. Defensively, she uses her height and length to disrupt offenses and alter opponents' shots. She is playing with a lot of confidence and will be a difference-maker this year." Claussner shined in the second half of last season putting up some big scoring games and running the team after Amanda Hilton went down with an injury. "We look to Katie to also be a top scorer," Drumtra said. "Katie does a great job of breaking down defenses by penetrating. She can score in so many ways. She struggled a bit last season with her outside shot but seems to have corrected whatever was wrong. Is shooting the ball real well." John is the team's top returner inside who also can hit a midrange jumper. "Chloe is going to be the player most teams overlook," Drumtra said. "She may not be as flashy as Katie or Kyra but is one of our most solid all-around players. She also can score from several areas on the floor." Drumtra calls Rinker "a very good defender who will take on some tough defensive assignments." Vitkus can play several different positions with a "nice outside shot and has improved tremendously on the defensive side of the floor," according to Drumtra. The coach praised Cheney's effort on the boards, and Drumtra also expects freshman Rosenfeldt to help with rebounding. Munroe can play both guard spots while Drumtra is excited about having more height on the team from Townsend and Butkute - the former possessing "a very nice outside shot" and the later aggressive on the boards, according to her coach. "We look to take advantage of our strength on the perimeter," Drumtra said. "Offensively, that means we are going to set up our 3-point shooters; defensively, we are going to try to create a lot of pressure on our opponents. We have the depth needed to play a fast-paced game both offensively and defensively." The UEC River has been quite competitive in recent years including last season when Geneva and Batavia tied for the title, and Drumtra expects more of the same. "I think we will be in the thick of the conference race," Drumtra said. "Both Geneva and (St. Charles) North have a lot returning and will be very strong. Don't overlook Batavia - they may have lost a big-time scorer, but they have some very nice players returning and they had a nice sophomore team last year. I expect these games to be very exciting."

St. Charles North North Stars

Coach: Sean Masconcup (second season, 15-12).

Last year: 15-12, 8-4 in the Upstate Eight Conference River Division (third). Lost 60-38 to Bartlett in Class 4A Glenbard East regional semifinals.

Top players: Nicole Davidson, sr., F; Morgan Rosencrants, jr., F; Claire Jakaitis, jr., F; Ashling Davern, sr., G; Kyla Helsel, jr., PG; Sam Novak, sr., SG; Sam Sample, so., G.

Scouting report: The North Stars closed out last season on a roll, winning 8 of their final 10 in the regular season with both losses to Geneva. Davidson is the area's leading returning scorer after averaging 17.9 points and 8 rebounds a game. "She has added a few more things to her arsenal this year and we are looking forward to her having a great senior year," Masconcup said. Rosencrants is a double-double threat each night after averaging 12 points and 9 rebounds as a sophomore. "She has really worked on her ballhandling and outside shot this off-season," Masconcup said. Masconcup calls Davern, a three-year varsity player, "one of the best defenders in the state." Helsel handles point guard. "Kyla makes us go," Masconcup said. "She is going to have a breakout year." Novak is a four-year shooting guard on the varsity while Sample is on track for that same distinction as well after some solid moments as a freshman last year. "She was a big part as a freshman," Masconcup said. "She is looking to build on a nice first year on varsity." Jakaitis transferred from Montini and should make an immediate impact. "Fans will see a fun team to watch because we will work extremely hard and play a pace that makes the game fun," Masconcup said. Masconcup expects an intriguing battle at the top of the Upstate Eight River. "Geneva has got to be the favorite with their awesome run last year and returning three Division I athletes to their squad," Masconcup said. "Also Coach (Sarah) Meadows does a tremendous job with her program so I think they are the school to beat. I also see St. Charles East as a very strong contender with three senior starters returning that have all committed to play at the next level. Batavia is going to be very good after their Sweet 16 berth last year and they have some key returners that are back."

West Aurora Blackhawks

Coach: Connie Siljendahl (10th year, 101-118).

Last year: 19-9. Lost 56-51 to Oswego in Class 4A Plainfield North regional championship game.

Top players: Carley Frauenhoff, jr., G; Ashley Williams, jr., G; Alexis Perez, jr., F; JeMaya McClendon, so., G; Lauren Harris Williams, jr., G; Nicole Baldwin, jr., G; Bailey Ziman, so., G; Mellisa Fidler, jr., G; Skylar Doby, fr., G; Kiyaanna Rodgers, fr., F; Selene Martinez, so., F; Kayla Battle, so., F; Teryn Griffin, so., F.

Scouting report: The returnees are few and far between for the Blackhawks - they are the only area team without a single senior on the roster. That's the bad news. The good news is there's plenty of potential among the newcomers. "We are loaded with talent but very young," Siljendahl said. Frauenhoff is one of the few who played consistent minutes on last year's varsity. She "brings leadership, energy and shooting," according to Siljendahl. Ashley Williams will be one of the team's best at rebounding and penetrating, while Perez and McClendon are both coming back from ACL injuries. "We are very small and young but very, very fast," Siljendahl said. "We will be running, pushing the ball with a lot of subbing. We are very excited about this season and by far the most talented group of players."

  Bethany Orman is one of three returning starters for a Batavia team coming off a 21-win season. Laura Stoecker/lstoecker@dailyherald.com
  Vanessa Gould, pictured grabbing a rebound for Kaneland last year, will be one of the returnees on a team that also has several new players. Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com
  Carley Frauenhoff promises to be one of the keys this winter on a young but promising West Aurora team that has to replace all five starters. Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com
Rick West/rwest@dailyherald.com ¬ St. Charles East's Katie Claussner scores against Geneva during Thursday's regional championship game in St. Charles.
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