Girls basketball season is back! We asked our coaches how they thought their teams would fare this season and here are their responses!
*All coaches were contacted multiple times for their exercise. Their responses are below. Don’t see your team? Reach out to Michael Wojtychiw (mmwojtychiw@cps.edu)
School: Ag. Science
Last Year’s Record: 10-11
Starters returning (Name, class, position):
Kiera Crenshaw, Guard, Senior
Keyia Dobbs, Guard, Senior
Aila Reese Crenshaw, Forward, Junior
Brigid O’Malley Crenshaw, Guard, Junior
Key non-starters returning (Name, class, position):
Lea Milenkovic, Forward, Senior
Newcomers to watch (Name, class, position):
Vanessa Spanos, Guard, Sophomore
Siobhan O’Brien, Guard, Sophomore
Tournaments/Shootouts participating in or hosting:
Bobby Bolton Classic
Coach’s season outlook: We have a team with a good mix of veterans and new players on Varsity. We should be able to compete in our conference. We will focus on growth, consistency, and teamwork and hope to improve upon our record from last year.
School: Alcott College Prep
Last Year’s Record: 0-0, Alcott did not have enough players to field a team last season.
Social media handle: @AlcottPrep
Players to watch (Name, class, position):
DeMya Madkins and Sophie Alvarenga are players to watch.
DeMya is a Senior Guard who can really shoot the 3-ball well and has shown great leadership.
Sophie is a Sophomore Guard/Forward. She’s an aggressive player who brings great energy on both sides of the court and is a great scorer.
Coach’s season outlook:
Without having a team last year, the goal is to get as many students interested in joining the Girls Basketball team to restart the program. We have a few players who have a good deal of experience despite not playing High School Basketball last year; I feel we will be a strong contender in the Blue North Conference.
School: Amundsen
Last Year’s Record: 8-20 (3-8 CPS Red Shield)
Social media handle: Instagram: @ahsvikings_gbb
College commit: Jane Belmont – Carthage College
Starters returning (Name, class, position, stats):
Jane Belmont Senior, F, 10ppg
Charlii Lopez, Junior, G, 12ppg
Key non-starters returning (Name, class, position):
Tilly Paulson, Junior, F
Amanda Moxon, Junior, G
Emily Peon, Junior, G
Elinor Ullrich, Junior, F
Newcomers to watch (Name, class, position):
Lydia Hulliberger, Junior, G
Harper Bellei, Senior, F
Tournaments/Shootouts participating in or hosting:
Latin Thanksgiving Invitational
St. Viator Blenner Classic (Winter/Holiday)
Coach’s season outlook:
Belmont and Lopez return as team leaders for Amundsen.
School: Butler College Prep
Last Year’s Record: 23-11
Social media handle: @bcpladylynx
College commits: Xyanna Walton – Northwestern University
Starters returning (Name, class, position, stats, honors):
Xyanna Walton (Captain) – Sr / SG, ESPN Top 100 / averaged double-double last year, 19.9ppg, 13.7rpg / All State 3 years in a row / Top Senior in Chicago
Kermincia Wellington – So / G, 11.3ppg, 4.3rpg
Tiona Harding (Captain) – Sr / Wing / 4.8ppg, 4.7rpg
Key non-starters returning (Name, class, position):
Yvonne Archibald – Jr / G
Jaden Deason – Jr / Wing
Newcomers to watch (Name, class, position):
Kennedy Benson – Fr / PG
Tre-Shyah Farmer – So / C
Tania Harding – So / F
Fallan White – So / G
Tournaments/Shootouts participating in or hosting:
- Insider Exposure Thanksgiving Classic – Jacksonville, FL
- Chicago Elite Classic
- Loyola Christmas Classic
- St. Louis Holiday Classic / playing vs. Ontario Christian (Nationally Ranked Team) with the #1 junior in the country / Kaleena Smith
- Warriors Classic – Detroit, MI
- MLK Showdown, Columbus, OH
Coach’s season outlook: CPS City Champs, Deep run in the State Playoffs / minimum – Super Sectionals Appearance
School: Chicago Academy High School
Last Year’s Record: 8-10
Social media handle: https://cahsbball.my.canva.site/sy26-cahs-basketball (website); cahscougars (Instagram)
Starters returning (Name, class, position):
Maya Bruno, Senior, Forward
Key non-starters returning (Name, class, position):
Sariah Arlequin, Senior, Guard
Jiselle Gonzalez, Senior, Guard
Newcomers to watch (Name, class, position):
Isis Jenrich, Sophomore, Post
Mayani Martin, Sophomore, Power Forward
Coach’s season outlook:
Having graduated five seniors — four of them starters — this year’s team enters a rebuilding phase. We’re a young group, but one with tremendous potential. Our athletes are talented, competitive, and hungry to continue building this program into a consistent winner.
School: Crane Medical Prep
Social Media Handles : @chicagocrane_ladycougars (IG), @chicagocrane (X), Chicago Crane Lady Cougars Basketball (FB)
Starters Returning:
Sariah Allen, Junior Guard
9.5ppg, 3.4spg, 3.7rpg, 1.4apg. Total career points 648. On track for a 1000 pt high school career.
Taniya Reynolds, Junior Point Guard
6.8ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.6apg, 1.6spg. Total career 415pts, and 155ast.
Za’Nylah Moaton, Junior Guard
7.1ppg, 4.5rpg, 3.0spg, 1.7apg. Total career 479pts, and 267rebs
Tiana Simmons, Junior Forward
9.4ppg, 7rpg, 1.3spg, 1.2bpg
Chrishawnda Wright, Senior Guard
8.7ppg, 5.5rpg,
Key Non Starters:
Shauntee Turner, Junior Guard
Essence Hale, Sophomore Forward
Destiny Speight, Sophomore Forward
Tatiana Feliciano, Senior Forward
Newcomers:
Nylah Reed, Senior Guard
Maliyah Green, Junior Forward
Andrea Coakley, Freshman Guard
Tournaments/Shootouts participating in or hosting.
Kenner Classic- vs. Plainfield East at Whitney Young (11/29 @ 1:30pm)
Latin Thanksgiving Tournament – 11/20 vs Amundsen @ 6:30pm, 11/24 vs Southland College Prep @ 6:30pm, and 11/25 vs TBA @ 5pm
Kenwood Showcase in the Park– vs Hammond Central at Kenwood (12/14 @ 10:45 am)
Adidas Legacy Showdown – vs Southwest Dekalb, GA at Crane Med Prep – 12/19
Montini Christmas Tournament – TBA 12/22-12/23 – 12/26-12/27
Warriors Classic, MI – 1/02 vs Renaissance @ 7:30pm, 1/03 vs Waverly @ 6pm
MLK Dream Classic – vs Westfield Prep 1/17 @ Malcolm X College
Coaches season outlook: The ladies have worked hard this offseason. They capitalized on team camps and summer league. We are a maturing varsity team with all starters returning. With 4 seniors this year, we are looking for their leadership. We return with a few more pieces that can help get this team over the hump. We have a challenging non-conference schedule this season just like last season. To reach our goals that are set, we must play and compete against the best around the city. The goal is to always be better than the year before. The Bar is set.
School: Disney II Magnet HS
Last Year’s Record: 3-10
Social media handle: disneyiigirlsbasketball
Starters returning (Name, class, position):
Mairead Keating, senior, shooting guard
Dazjha Moore, junior, shooting guard
Arianna WIlliams, senior, center
Key non-starters returning (Name, class, position):
Faith Wright, senior, guard
Newcomers to watch (Name, class, position):
Ailany Galvez, freshman, point guard
Namari Horton, junior, power forward/ guard
Coach’s season outlook:
New players have shifted the game plan for the team. We are looking to make consistent progress throughout this season and continue to grow our program. With new players, a new head coach, a new assistant coach, and more opportunities, the team is eager to compete.
School: Hancock
Last Year’s Record: 14-11
Starters returning (Name, position, class):
Nina Olvera, Guard, Senior
Chloe Dougherty, forward, Sophomore
Key non-starters returning (Name, position, class):
Sophie Rojas, Forward, Junior
Newcomers to watch (Name, position, class):
Layla Perez, Center, Sophomore
Coach’s season outlook: We are a young varsity team that will need some newcomers to step up and lead the team. Some tough games ahead but the girls are excited for the challenge.
School: Kelly College Prep
Last Year’s Record: 11-14
Social media handle: https://twitter.com/GirlsKcp
Starters returning (Name, class, position, stats):
Amairany Rincon, SR, C/F, 6.3 ppg, 8.9 rpg
Amy Lora, SR, F, 3.8 ppg, 5.9 rpg
Imani Jackson, JR, G/F, 1.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg
Key non-starters returning (Name, class, position):
Alyssa Amador, SO, G
Yasmin Juarez, SO, F
Newcomers to watch (Name, class, position):
Razlyn Rubio, JR, F
Uguenyerli Fuentes Belisario, FR, G
Tournaments/Shootouts participating in or hosting:
Battle of 47th St Basketball Tournament
Coach’s season outlook:
Young team with only 2 returning Seniors. Many Sophomores will be playing at the Varsity level. Hope to survive the Red again and watch the young team grow throughout the year.
School: Kelvyn Park
Last Season Record: 7-8
Key Returners: Guadalupe Cebrero, Amya Peterson, Dulce Arroyo and Brianna Garcia Moreno
Key New Additions: Anaelia Harris, Germaiony Camila Garcia Martinez, Arianna’s Annunziata-Lovera and Nojoha Morales Vielma
Season Outlook: The Panthers return 9 players from last season team. The wealth of experience along with new talent to the roster could allow the team to be competitive during the season. The interest in KPH Girls Basketball is exciting to see as the program is growing each year.
Team will focus on continuing to establishing our Culture based on the acronym LEAD. (Leadership, Effort, Accountability, Discipline)
School name: Kenwood Academy
Last year’s record: 35 Wins, 3 Losses (IHSA 4A State Champions)
Social media handle: Instagram: @5015gbb; X: @BleedGbb; FB: Kenwood Bleed
College commits: Danielle Brooks (UIC)
Starters returning (name, position, year in school, stats, honors):
Danielle Brooks (Guard, Senior): Averaged 14.3ppg, 3.3apg, 2.1spg as a Junior; led team in 3pt FGM as a Junior (80); Honorable Mention All-State by Illinois Media; IBCA 2nd Team All-State Selection, CPLBCA All-City Selection and All-Tournament Selection at the Naperville Central Tip Off Tournament as a Junior.
Key reserves returning (name, position, year in school, stats):
Amillya Henigan (Guard, Senior): Played in 37/38 Games; Averaged 2.9ppg as a Junior.
Makayla Triplett (Guard, Junior): Averaged 3.7ppg as a Junior.
Key newcomers (name, position, year in school):
Valencia Miller (G/F, Senior): 12.1ppg, 5.1rpg as a Junior; Selected to All-Conference at Hammond Central in ’23-’24.
Darryelle Smith (G/F, Senior): 7.7ppg, 6.8rpg as a Junior at Fenwick.
Makenzie Benamon (5’9” G/F, Freshman)
Janiah Daniel (6’1” Forward, Freshman)
Zaire Lester (6’ Forward, Freshman)
Coaches’ season outlook: We are a mixture of veteran players and very young players (Eight returning players/Six new players on the roster). Hopefully, it translates to us being very talented and disciplined very quickly!
School: Lane Tech
Last Year’s Record: 18-13
Social Media Handle: Twitter/X @LTGirlsHoops
Starters returning (Name, position, class, honors, stats if available):
Lucy Mehils, G/F, Junior (Captain)
Vega Ransom-Marks, G, Sophomore
Key non-starters returning (Name, position, class):
Ella Bush, F/C, Junior (Captain)
Anais Harris, F, Sophomore
Scarlett Harris, G/F, Sophomore
Newcomers to watch (Name, position, class):
Lexie Minier, G, Sophomore
Tournaments/Shootouts you’re participating in and/or hosting:
York Thanksgiving Tournament
Loyola Academy Holiday Tournament
Chicago Public League Conference Tournament
Coach’s season outlook:
We have a very young team with only one senior on the roster. We have an immensely talented group of underclassmen who will make an immediate impact. Our schedule is intense and I fully expect to surprise some talented opponents.
School: Lincoln Park High School
Last Year’s Record: 13-18 Overall (8-3 Conference)
Social media handle: TBD
Starters returning (Name, class, position, stats, honors):
Niev Gilden, Senior, Forward
Key non-starters returning (Name, class, position):
Umniah Umniah, Sophomore, Guard
Cypriana Hemmings, Sophomore Guard
Kennedy Trotter, Sophomore, Guard
Newcomers to watch (Name, class, position):
Taylor Hoffman, Sophomore, point guard
Jaliyah Adams, Sophomore, Small forward
Tournaments/Shootouts participating in or hosting:
Perspectives Holiday Hoops Classic Tournament
Coach’s season outlook:
Our team is very young, but they work hard and are extremely coachable. They have the heart, dedication, and commitment needed to build a bright future over the next year or two here at Lincoln Park. I expect us to be a scrappy, hard-nosed team that competes on both ends of the floor.
This season will be a rebuilding year focused on getting back to the basics — sharpening our fundamentals and developing the girls’ overall basketball IQ. My hope is that we start to click sooner rather than later and surprise a lot of programs this season.
I’m truly excited to coach this group of young ladies and to share my passion and knowledge of the game with them as their head coach.
School: Marshall
Last year’s record: 25-8
Returning Starters (Name, year, position):
Alysha Murphy, Senior, Forward
Anabel Robinson, Senior, Forward
Janiyah Green, Senior, Guard
Kayla Augustyn, Sophomore, Guard
Key non-starters returning (Name, year, position):
Chamarre Scott, Junior, Forward/Center
Newcomers to watch (Name, year, position):
Monay Robinson, Freshman, Forward
Tournaments/Shootouts Participating In:
Hope Academy Thanksgiving Tournament
Chicago Christian Christmas Tournament
School: Mather Rangers
Last Year’s Record: 16-10 (8-3)
Social Media Handle: X: @mather_gbb Insta: @mather_girls_basketball_ Youtube: @MatherGirlsBasketball
Starters returning (Name, position, class):
Johanna Eliot, PF, Jr.
Mya Russell, C, Jr.
Kayrhianna Jackson, SG, Sr.
Temilade Yesufu, SG/PG, Jr.
Key non-starters returning (Name, position, class):
Isabella Osorio, PG, Jr.
Newcomers to watch (Name, position, class):
Ajla Omerovic, C, Fr.
Jackie Ramirez, PG/SG, Fr.
Tournaments/Shootouts you’re participating in:
Keith McIntosh Tournament @ IMSA, Mather MLK Tournament
Coach’s season outlook:
The Rangers wrapped up their best season in school history, breaking the school win record last set in 2006. With only two graduating seniors from the season before, four starters are returning, along with major returning role players who will come off the bench in support. This may be the strongest group under Coach Vasquez, who enters his 4th year, looking for a conference championship with the Seniors who were Freshmen on Varsity his first year coaching. With the new revamped CPS alignments and city playoffs, the Rangers know that it’s win or bust when it comes to finally capturing that White North title they’ve come so close to the last few seasons.
School: South Shore International College Prep Lady Tars
Last Year’s Record: 11-4 overall (6-1 in the White Central)
Social media handle: southshoreicp (Instagram) @SouthShoreICP (on X)
Starters returning (Name, class, position):
Zenaida Owusu-Young, Senior, Point Guard
Key non-starters returning (Name, class, position):
Ayesha Camara, Junior, Center
Jamiyah Harvey, Junior, Guard
Jaliyah Harvey, Junior, Guard
Jayla Jones, Sophomore, Guard
Newcomers to watch (Name, class, position): Davaria Davis, Freshman, Forward
Tournaments/Shootouts participating in or hosting:
The Dr. Martin Luther King Classic at Juarez High School January 17-19 2026
Coach’s season outlook: Should be an interesting year. South Shore girls were moved to the Red Central this year where we will now face Dyett, Hyde Park, Kenwood, King, Perspective Leadership, Perspective MSA and Phillips in conference games. With one returning starter from last year, a lot will be expected of the returning players as they grow into much larger roles as starters and as leaders.
School: Uplift
Last Year’s Record: 11-4 regular season, 9-3 conference
Social media handle: IG: @UpliftGBB
Starters returning (Name, class, position, stats):
Keera Watts Jr, PG, 17 ppg
Arianna Ollison Jr, SG, 11 ppg
Newcomers to watch (Name, class, position):
Ci’Asia Carter, Fr,, Guard
Etana Ojo, Fr., Guard
Coach’s season outlook: We have the potential to be a really good team this season. We have the length and athleticism to make a run at winning conference and state.
School: Whitney Young
Last Year’s Record: 27-8
Social media handle: @ladydolphinsgbb
Starters/Part-time starters returning:
Gabby Domercant, Junior, Guard
Yanni Smith, Sophomore, Guard
Neelah Leach, Junior, Forward
Jordyn Ellis, Sophomore, Guard/Forward
Lysa Jones, Senior, Forward/Center
Key non-starters returning:
Nina Lloyd, Senior, Guard
Key newcomers:
Morgan Nelson, Sophomore, Guard
Harmony Cooper, Sophomore, Guard
Coach’s Season Outlook: We are a young team but our talent level is undeniable. We’re going to have some growing pains, but the upside gives us a great foundation to develop into something special. We have a great chemistry and are focused on getting better every day.
