The girls basketball season has started and that means season preview capsule season is back! We asked all of our coaches to help preview their teams. Those responses are below.
*All coaches were contacted for this piece. Those who responded are below. Don’t see your school? Contact Michael Wojtychiw at mmwojtychiw@cps.edu
School: Chicago Academy High School
Last Year’s Record: 15-7, (6-3 in Conference)
Social media handle: Instagram: cahscougars
College commits: Destiny Rodriguez – Dominican University
Starters returning (Name, class, position, stats, honors):
Maribel Correa, SR, G – 6.5 PPG, 3.4 SPG
Destiny Rodriguez, SR, G – 11.2 PPG, 5.1 SPG
Lizbeth Sanchez, SR, PF – 7.6 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 3.5 SPG
Key non-starters returning (Name, class, position):
Maya Bruno, JR, PF – 5.7 RPG
Ari Perez, SR, G
Newcomers to watch (Name, class, position):
Manal Elboury, FR
Isis Jenrich, FR
Coach’s season outlook:
The Chicago Academy Cougars girls basketball team is coming off one of the most successful seasons in school history and is poised to build on that momentum. Returning all but one player from last year’s squad, the team boasts a wealth of experience, chemistry, and heart. With one player already committed to playing basketball at the collegiate level, the Cougars are hungry to solidify their legacy and leave an indelible mark on the school’s athletic program.
School name: Chicago HS of Agricultural Science (Chas)
Last Year’s Record: 11-7, 7-2 in conference
Starters returning (Name, class, position):
Corin Frain, Senior, Forward
Gianna Spanos, Senior, Forward
Key non-starters returning (Name, class, position):
Asleigh Johnson, Senior, Guard
Temia Coy, Senior, Center
Brooklyn Horkavy, Senior, Guard
Sarah Zielinski, Senior, Guard
Newcomers to watch (Name, class, position):
Aila Reese, Forward, Sophomore
Coach’s season outlook: We are expecting a lot from our seniors this year, they got a lot of playing time last year as juniors but only 2 of the juniors were starters. A lot will depend on how quickly they can adapt to being the primary options.
School: Clemente
Last Year’s Record: 5-6
Starters returning (Name, class, position, stats):
Kayla Porrata, Senior, Guard, Averaged 8 points a game last season
Jamaris Nuygen, Senior, Shooting Guard
Talina Figueroa, Senior, Guard, Averaged 3 steals per game
Newcomers to watch (Name, class, position):
Ramonda Lucas, Senior ,Wing player/Small Forward)
Coach’s season outlook:
For the season, I’m looking forward to having a good and interesting season. Although we are rebuilding the program and this year we have 5 freshman, I am mainly focused on building them up and getting them to understand the game and working on their fundamentals as a unit. We are building towards next season and as of now our freshmans are filling big shoes taking each game in and asking any and every question possible related to basketball and being a good teammate.
School: Chicago Math and Science
Starters returning (Name, class):
Abisola-Gold Popoola, Jr.
Key non-starters returning (Name, class):
Youmn Abdalla, Jr.
Jamia Johnson, Jr.
Newcomers to watch (Name, class):
Temilade Yesufu, Soph.
Nicole Olumekun, Fresh.
Aishat Tupilagova, Fresh.
Damyia McKinney, Fresh.
I.B. Odetunde, Fresh.
Jasmine Carrera, Fresh.
Momina Zahid, Fresh.
Alessandra Alicea, Fresh.
Danielle Williams, Fresh.
Coach’s season outlook:
Development..development..development. This will be a young team but it is eager to learn. There will be some growing pains but the volume of new and motivated players is very encouraging. I am hopeful we can be scrappy, tough, and a handful to play against. We may lack scoring experience and a lot of the fundamentals but there will be a lot of progress and if we remain together, we will surely surprise some teams. With no seniors at this time, this team will only get better and build toward a bright future
School: Crane Medical Prep
Social Media Handles : @chicagocrane_ladycougars (IG), @chicagocrane (X), Chicago Crane Lady Cougars Basketball (FB)
Starters Returning:
Sariah Allen, Sophomore, Guard; 15.1ppg, 4.7spg, 2.2rpg, 1.6apg; All-State Honorable Mention
Taniya Reynolds, Sophomore, Point Guard; 9.4ppg, 3.7rpg, 3.1apg, 3.0spg
Za’Nylah Moaton, Sophomore, Guard; 11.1ppg, 2.8apg, 5.5rpg, 4.3spg
Shauntee Turner, Sophomore, Shooting Guard; 7.1ppg, 1.1apg, 4.9rpg, 1.1spg
Key Non Starters:
Deonna Winston, Junior, Forward
Newcomers:
Ramiyah Puckett, Freshman, Shooting Guard
Tiana Simmons, Sophomore, Forward
Chrishawnda Wright, Junior, Guard
Tatiana Feliciano, Junior, Forward
Serenity James, Senior, Guard
Tournaments/Shootouts:
Kenner Classic– vs. Plainfield East at Whitney Young (11/30)
Kenwood Showcase in the Park- vs DePaul College Prep at Kenwood (12/14)
Hillcrest Holiday Classic – TBA (12/26-12/28)
MLK Dream Classic – TBA 1/19 at Marshall
Coaches season outlook: The ladies have worked hard this offseason. They capitalized on team camps, summer league, and fall league We are still a young varsity team. Only one senior again this year. My sophomore group returns with a few more pieces. We have a challenging non-conference schedule this season. The goal is to always be better than the year before. The Bar is set.
School: Disney II
Last Year’s Record: 5-11
Starters returning (Name, class, position, stats, honors):
Mairead Keating, JR, G/F
Ari Williams, JR, Center
Key non-starters returning (Name, class, position):
Japliana Allen, JR, Guard
Dazjha Moore, SO, G/F
Faith Wright, JR, Guard
Denise Hemadje, JR, Forward
Newcomers to watch (Name, class, position):
Sadaria Morris, FR, F/C
Coach’s season outlook:
We are a young team trying, but are returning 2 starters and are hoping to build on some late season momentum.
School: Dyett
Last year’s record: 6-15
Starters Returning:
Keyana Sanderson, PG, Sr.
Rajeh Gardner, SG, Jr.
Janiha Robinson, F, Sr.
Jakaya Caldwell, G, Jr.
Key Non-Starters Returning
Kenya Acree, G/F, Jr.
Dahzaria Spears, F, Jr.
Aaliyah Johnson, G, Sr.
Destiny Jones, G, So.
Newcomers to watch:
Destiny Fields, Pg, Fr.
Laniyah Mondie, F, So.
Zeniah Hodo, F, Jr.
Coaches Season Outlook:
This is first-year head coach Ronald Thomas, and staff first year at the helm. The Eagles have a good mix of experience and youth. With one of the most underrated backcourts Sanderson (sr) and Gardner (jr) with a good trio upfront of Hodo (jr), Mondie (so) and Robinson (sr), this Lady Eagles team looks to stand strong in the Red Star Conference. This year sky is limit for this group they should be a lot of fun to watch.
Goals this Year:
FINISH AT THE TOP OF Conference
COMPETE EVERYNIGHT
REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
CPL PLAYOFFS
School: Foreman
Last Year’s Record: 11-8
Social media handle: @Athleti1Foreman
Starters returning (Name, class, position, honors):
Ashley Guzman, Senior, Forward, Captain
Amaria Reyes, Junior, Guard
Azariya Williams, Forward/Center
Key non-starters returning (Name, class, position):
Dana Velazquez, Senior, Guard, returning from injury mid-season
Newcomers to watch (Name, class, position):
Lupita Camacho-Luna, Senior, Guard
Jenayah Garcia, Freshman, Forward
Natalie Sanchez, Senior, Forward
Coach’s season outlook:
Foreman College & Career Academy looks to build on last season’s success in 2024-25. Coming off their first winning season in decades, the Hornets will look to place an emphasis on sharing the ball, strong defense, and offensive patience. This year’s team will be led by senior captain Ashley Guzman, a defensive specialist and excellent all-around player. Azariya Williams, who was 2nd on the team in both rebounds per game and field goal % last season, projects to be a major force in the conference. Amaria Reyes, a shooting specialist, looks to make a big jump in her first year as starting point guard. Also playing major roles this season will be creative shooting guard Lupita Camacho-Luna, talented forward Natalie Sanchez, and promising freshman forward Jenayah Garcia. The Hornets will get a major boost mid-season when Dana Velazquez, senior guard and 3-year captain, returns from injury. Rounding out the roster are a group of extremely hard-playing newcomers to the team whose impact will be especially felt on the defensive side of the ball. This group is comprised of senior Karol Rodriguez Cespedes, sophomores Camilla Aleman, Isabella Suarez Flores, and London Robinson, and freshman Angel Gantt. Head coach Ben Pedersen is in his 3rd year at the helm of the team and will be joined by new assistant coach and former Foreman Hornet player Dulce Jasso.
School name: Kelly College Prep
Last season’s record: 10-13
Social media handle: https://twitter.com/GirlsKcp
Starters Returning:
Delilah Lopez, Center, Senior
Sasha Arriaga-Morales, Guard, Senior
Luz Escudero, Guard, Senior
Daeja West, Forward, Senior
Key Non-Starters Returning:
Imani Jackson, Guard/Forward, Sophomore
Amy Lora, Forward, Junior
Alexandra Zaldivar, Guard, Senior
Dulce Paredes Alonso, Guard, Senior
Amaranth Rincon, Center, Junior
Newcomers:
Irma Salinas, Guard, Sophomore
Tournaments: Willows Academy Holiday Tournament
Coach’s Season Outlook:
The Kelly girls basketball team will be looking to compete in the new Red Star Conference. The team enters this season with nine players returning, and will be bolstered by the addition of a new talented guard. Captain Sasha Arriaga-Morales will lead a balanced offensive and defensive attack. Captain Delilah Lopez and junior Amarainy Rincon will look to control the paint with rebounding and scoring. Look for some big games from sophomores Imani Jackson and Irma Salinas, three-point shooting from senior Luz Escudero, and strong guard play from senior Dulse Paredes Alonso and Alexandra Zaldivar.
School: Kelvyn Park High School
Last Year’s Record: 9-7
Social media handle: Instagram: KPH basketball
College commits: Marlett Patino (Wilbur Wright College)
Starters returning: none
Key non-starters returning (Name, class, position):
Amya Peterson Sophomore Forward
Guadalupe Cebrero Junior Point Guard
Newcomers to watch (Name, class, position):
Nephateri Rowe Sophomore Guard
Anaelia Harris Freshman Guard
Coach’s season outlook:
The Panthers lost 7 seniors from last seasons record breaking season. They come in very young but eager to establish a winning brand of girls basketball at KP. Panthers will look to be competitive and improve each game.
School: Kenwood
Last Year’s Record: 25-9
Social media handle: @BleedGbb (X), @5015GBB (IG), Kenwood Bleed (FB)
College commits: Ariella Henigan (Howard University), Diann Jackson (University of Buffalo), Jade Hamilton-Gill (Chicago State University), London Walker-George (UIC)
Starters returning (Name, class, position, stats, honors):
Ariella Henigan, Senior, Guard (18.2ppg/5.5rpg/4.0apg/2.3spg; IBCA 2nd Team All-State, 1st Team CPLBCA All-City)
Danielle Brooks, Junior, Guard (12.3ppg/2.0rpg/2.3apg/2.0spg; IBCA 3rd Team All-State, 1st Team CPLBCA All-City)
Diann Jackson, Senior, Center/Forward (8.8ppg/7.6rpg)
Icesis Thomas, Senior, Wing (6.2 ppg/3.7rpg)
Key non-starters returning (Name, class, position):
Jade Hamilton-Gill, Senior, Center
Shalia Poole, Senior, Forward/Center
Makayla Triplett, Junior, Guard
Newcomers to watch (Name, class, position):
London Walker-George, Senior, Wing
Amillya Henigan, Junior, Guard
Tournaments/Shootouts:
Nov. 22-30: Naperville Central Tipoff Tournament
Dec. 8: Chicago Elite Classic vs. St. Laurence, 4 p.m. (at Malcolm X College)
Dec. 10: Exam Jamm vs. Fremd, 7:40 p.m. (at Lake Zurich High School)
Dec. 14: Showcase In The Park vs. Lift For Life Academy (MO), 7:30 p.m. (at Kenwood)
Dec. 27-30: National Title IX Classic (Washington, DC)
Jan. 18: MLK Dream Invitational vs. Bolingbrook, 11 a.m. (at Homewood Flossmoor)
Jan. 19-20: Classic In The City Shootout vs. Western Reserve Academy (OH), 7:30 p.m. (at Pickerington Central HS); vs. Crestwood Prep (CAN), 10:30 a.m. (at Pickerington Central HS)
Coach’s season outlook:
This is the most experienced team we’ve ever had. They’ve seen just about everything. Our schedule features multiple state champions and state finalists. Hopefully, it will lead to great success at the end of the season! We just need to execute and play for each other!!
School: Lane Tech
Last Year’s Record: 18-13
Social media handle:
Instagram @lanetechbasketball
Twitter/X: @LTGirlsHoops
College commits (if any):
Grace Bush (Sr.) – Olivet Nazarene
Starters returning (Name, class, position, stats, honors):
Melanie Blanco (Sr.) – PG – 10.6 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 3.6 APG – All Conference, All-City
Grace Bush (Sr.) – SG – 9.8 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.4 APG – All Conference, All-City
Key non-starters returning (Name, class, position):
Lucy Mehlis (So.) – F
Sophia Lamperis (Sr.) – SG
Yanna Bakritzes (Sr.) – SG
Emily Rue (Sr.) – C
Newcomers to watch (Name, class, position):
Amalia Rojas (So.) – SG
Ella Bush (So.) – F
Anais Harris (Fr.) – F
Vega Ransom-Marks (Fr.) – G
Tournaments/Shootouts participating in or hosting:
Lyons Township Thanksgiving Tournament
Chicago Elite Classic Shootout
Team Rose Shootout @ Mt. Carmel
Loyola Academy Christmas Tournament
Lane Tech – National Girls and Women in Sports Day Shootout (Hosting)
Sha Hopson Memorial Shootout
Coach’s season outlook:
After finishing last year’s campaign with a solid 18-13 record, the Lane Tech Champions hope to solidify themselves as perennial contenders in the newly formed Red Shield Conference of CPS. There will be no “easy” games this year as the schedule is packed with difficult opponents after CPS restructured their conferences to have all the best teams in the Red Shield Division. Losing only 3 seniors last year also means that Lane will bring back experienced, All-Conference players and add to that a very talented group of underclassmen. If Lane Tech can continue their gains from last season and grab a couple of upset victories this year, look for Lane to make some noise in their conference playoffs and IHSA playoffs.
School: Lincoln Park High School
Last Year’s Record: 11-20
Social Media handle: IG: lplionsgirlsbball
Newcomers to Watch:
– Gisselle Orr, 2026, Guard
– Krishelle Orr, 2026, Guard
Tournaments
– Thanksgiving at Zion-Benton
– Holiday at Perspectives Girls Holiday Hoop Classic
Coach’s season Outlook
– We have 9 seniors on this squad. With that experience and leadership, there is a chance for a really special season. We have been working hard and optimistic on what this season can bring. We will be playing with a chip on our shoulder as we dropped a conference from last year.
School: Marshall
Last season’s record: 20-9
Returning starters:
Janiyah Green, Jr. 2G; 14ppg
Alysha Murphy, Jr. SF; 10ppg, 7rpg
Anabel Robinson, Jr., F; 7ppg
Key Returnees:
Lashawnda Gilbert, Soph., G
Chamarre Scott, Soph, F
Newcomer to watch:
Kayla Augustyn, Freshman, Guard
Coaches outlook:
Looking to move up in every category this season.
School: Mather Rangers
Last Year’s Record: 13-8 (7-2)
Social media handle X: @mather_gbb Insta: @mather_girls_basketball_ Youtube: @MatherGirlsBasketball
Starters returning (Name, class, position):
Janelle Eliot, PG, SG, Jr
Anita Shokoya, PG, Jr
Kayrhianna Jackson, SF, Jr
Key non-starters returning (Name, class, position):
Lejla Bennett, SG, Jr
A’Mya Brooks, C, Jr
Johanna Eliot, SF, So
Newcomers to watch (Name, class, position):
Madison Tillett, C, Sr
Lauren Adolfo, PG, SG, Sr
Tournaments/Shootouts:
Zion-Benton Thanksgiving Tournament
Mather High School MLK Shootout
Coach’s season outlook: After securing the second-best record in school history and being one free throw away from our city division city championship, which turned into a heartbreaking overtime loss, the Rangers return this season looking to bring hardware back home to Mather. Moving up to the White Northwest this season from the Blue Division, the Rangers know that competition will be tough, but are ready for the fight. Mather lost 2 starters, one to graduation and one to an unfortunate transfer, but returning is the core group that made the team so strong a season before. This team is still so young, yet has so much experience too. The Rangers look to make another strong run into their city playoffs, as well as looking to break the school record in wins.
School: North Grand
Last Year’s Record: 5 – 9
Starters returning (Name, class, position):
Tyajeonna Bell, Senior, G
Milagros Bolanos, Junior, G
Coach’s season outlook: We are a young developmental team looking to make progress on last season.
School: Orr Academy
Last Year’s Record: 10-15
Starters Returning:
Neshaun Williams, SR, Forward
Nia Crawford, SR, Guard
Carmani Sharkey, JR, Guard
Key Non-Starters Returning:
Katrina Leflore, SR, Forward
Newcomers to Watch:
Ja’Una Williams, JR, Point Guard
Tournaments/Shootouts participating in or hosting:
Hope Academy: Thanksgiving Tournament November 18-26th
Hillcrest HS: Christmas Tournament December 26-30th
Mather HS: MLK Shootout January 17-20, 2025
Coach’s Season Outlook:
This season is all about growth and determination as we rebuild our team with a mix of experienced players and fresh talent. With four key returning players leading the way, we’re focusing on teamwork, fundamentals, and building a strong foundation for success. Our ultimate goal is clear—compete fiercely and make it downstate.
School: Payton College Prep
Last Year’s Record: 14-12
Social media handle: Instagram: payton_girls_basketball
Starters returning (Name, class, position):
Asha Lulla, junior, guard
Maggie Tryggestad, junior, guard
Lyla Hamilton, junior, guard
Key non-starters returning (Name, class):
Sou Lynn Beneteau, senior
Sariyah Thomas, senior
Newcomers to watch (Name, class, position):
Charlie Porter, sophomore, forward
Tournaments/Shootouts participating in or hosting:
Richards Thanksgiving Tournament
Regina Holiday Tournament
Coach’s season outlook:
We are excited to begin this new season. We graduated a large number of seniors, but have many players who emerged as key 5th and 6th players last season who are looking to contribute a lot to the team this year! We are in a new and highly competitive super conference this season and are looking forward to the new alignment and competition.
School: Phillips
Last Year’s Record: 19-14 overall, 7-1 (2nd) Red South Conference.
Social Media Handle: Facebook: Wendell PhillipsAcademy LadyWildcats Basketball, Instagram: Wildcatsgirlsbb_ and Twitter: WILDCATSGIRLSBB
Starters Returning:
Kamaria Sephus, Junior, SG, 13ppg, Red South All-Conference 2023-24
Nakiyah Williams, Senior ,PG, 6.7ppg, Red South All-Conference 2023-24
Nila Wills, Senior, PF/C, 6.3ppg
Key Non-Starters Returning:
Makeemah Byrd, Senior ,SG/SF
Akyla Williams, Sophomore, C
Newcomers to Watch:
Dajia Cohen, Senior, PG
Makiya Horbrook, Senior, PG,
Kiera Wilson, Senior, SF/PF
Tournaments/Shootouts: New Trier Thanksgiving Tournament, Crete Monee Showcase, Kenner Klassic, Chicago Elite Classic, Kenwood Showcase In The Park “25”, Trinity MLK Shootout, Dorthy Gators MLK Shootout
Coach’s Season Outlook: Coach Larry Stokes’ goal and message has always been the same, “if you are not here to be a student first, then an athlete and try to compete for a city championship and/or state championship, then this is not the program for you!” Living up to having one of the toughest and best schedules in the CPL Red, coach has always prepared his Lady Wildcats for a deep city playoff and state run. Going 7-1 in conference, taking second only to Kenwood, the goal is to get back to the CPL Final 4 where Phillips fell to a great, well-coached Whitney Young team. State goal, we were the last CPL girls team fighting to go downstate, we appreciate the way the city came out to support us in that final game, we fell just short! Regina Dominican advanced, that loss has taunted our players since the ball stopped bouncing that day. Our players want to get back to that game, Phillips feels it has that this year!
School: Senn
Last Year’s Record: 7-15
Social Media Handle: Lady.bulldog.basketball (Instagram)
Starters Returning:
Ella Shanley, guard, senior
Feyikemi Komolafe, forward, senior
Layiah Asif, guard, senior
Thais Fahmy, guard, junior
Lila Hughes, forward, senior
Key non-starters:
Shanti Perez, forward, junior
Mya Reed, guard, senior
Sierra Allen, forward, senior
Khadijatou Sohna, forward, senior
Dalilah Calderon-Chavez, guard, senior
Katie Sliva- Bello, guard, senior
Aminata Borborh, guard, sophomore
Kaniyah Antonio, guard, senior
Azul Villa, guard, junior
Nevaeh Coleman guard, sophomore
Crystal Ephraim, forward, senior
Newcomers to watch for:
Nevaeh Coleman
Shanti Perez
Tournaments:
Zion-Benton Turkey –Tip off @ Zion-Benton High School
Coaches’ season outlook: We have a young group of student-athletes that are surrounded by good senior leadership. Our goal as basketball program is to get better and continue to develop every practice, every game and every tournament. We’ve created a tough schedule that will hopefully build our confidence as the season goes on. Our team goal is to “Believe in ourselves” be competitive in conference, and push for city and state playoffs! One day at a time.
School: Taft
Last Year’s Record: 18-13
Social media handle: TaftChicago_GBB
Starters returning (Name, class, position, stats, honors):
Gabriela Gonzalez, 2026, G; 9 ppg, 3 ast, 4 reb; CPS All-City
Elena Gonzalez, 2025, F; 7 ppg, 7rebs, 5 ast
Key non-starters returning (Name, class, position):
Abigal Vancil, 2026, C
Jalisa Ross, 2026, G/F
Newcomers to watch (Name, class, position):
Sehvyn Foster, 2028, G
Gabriela Camacho, 2027, G/F
Tournaments/Shootouts:
Maine East Thanksgiving Tournament
Showcase In the Park
Loyola Holiday Tournament
Trinity MLK Shootout
Coach’s season outlook:
We’re a very inexperienced group. Our goal is to compete and grow gradually as the season progresses.
School: Victoria Soto Wolves
Last Year’s Record: 15-7 (9-1 White Central Conference)
Starters returning (Name, class, position):
Senior F – Ariana Gonzalez
Senior G – Minerva Rojas
Key non-starters returning (Name, class, position):
Senior F – Haneen Rabah
Sophomore G – Dennice Herrera
Junior G – Yahaira Zepeda
Newcomers to watch (Name, class, position):
Junior G – Fabiola Torres
Junior F – Yahaira Moreno
Coach’s season outlook:
Our team is a balance of seniors and sophomores. We graduated some key seniors but we are returning with our leading scorer from last season and a cast of motivated and hardworking teammates, we look to compete in the newly realigned conference. The season will have highs and lows but we are ready to give it our all.
School: Wells High School
Last Year’s Record: 4-7
Starters returning (Name, class, position:
Ryniaa’ Williams – Senior – Small Forward/Point Guard
Tamyra Davis – Sophomore – Power Forward
Ana Melo Freire – Forward
Key non-starters returning (Name, class):
London Knox – Sophomore
Naysa Davidson – Sophomore
Briya Robinson – Senior
Newcomers to watch (Name, class, position):
Ashanti Clark – Freshman – Point Guard
Jevae Brunson – Sophomore – Shooting Guard
Gabrielle Marshall – Freshman – Forward
Coach’s season outlook:
This is the culmination of young talent and experienced players all meeting together. We have a lot of carryover for the 2023 season which helped in the 2024 offseason. Wells got a group of first time varsity players that are gonna being a joy to see and watch their maturation over the course of the season.
School: Westinghouse College Prep HS
Last year’s record– 23-5 Overall (6-2 CPL Red North-West)
Social Media Handles: @GWCP_GirlsBBall (Twitter/X); @gwcpathletics (Instagram)
College commits: Jamilah Jackson- Columbus State University
Starters Returning:
Jamilah Jackson, Senior, PG- 17.5ppg, 5.4ast, 6.8 reb, 5.0st (All Conference Red North-West, CPLBCA 1st Team All City & IBCA 3rd Team All State)
Key non-starters returning:
Amariyae Ervin, G/F, Jr
Tiara Harris, G/F, Sr
Newcomer to watch:
Amaris Castro, G/F, Jr
Tournaments/Shootouts:
Ridgewood Thanksgiving Tournament
Perspectives Holiday Hoops Classic
Lane Tech Women History Shootout vs. St Ignatius
Trinity MLK Shootout vs. OPRF
Coach’s Season Outlook:
Our team will be very young this season. We lost 4 starters and 3 additional seniors to graduation last year. We will need several of our young players to step up and play a big role with the development of our team’s progress throughout the season. We also hope that our tough schedule will have us ready to compete come February when city and state playoffs start.
School name: Whitney Young
Twitter: @ladydolphinsgbb
Top returners:
Destiny Jackson, Senior, Guard: ESPN #25 committed to Illinois Avg 16pts a game
Kiaya Johnson, Senior, Guard: Recovering from ACL surgery, should be back in action by late December; averaged 15pt
Alana Shields, Senior, Guard: Brings defense and now is a scorer.
Gabby Domercant, Sophomore, Guard: A pure shooter and will help with scoring.
Chelise Jones, Junior and Amaya Henderson, Senior, Forwards: Top rebounders will be primed for a big season.
Top Newcomers:
Jordyn Ellis, Freshman, UTL: Will play a big part offensively and defensively who can play several positions at 6’2.
Yanni Smith: Will be a major contributor to the team.
Coach’s season outlook: The Dolphins will go in the season with a tough schedule traveling to Washington D.C., Florida, and Missouri to compete against top teams. The Dolphins will be going for a fourth city championship and the goal is to get down state.
