Nazareth remains on top of the Super 25 rankings, solidifying their position with a win against Carmel, snapping the Knights' 20-game winning streak. The Roadrunners have rounded into form at the right time, and the trio of senior forward Stella Sakalas, junior guard Sophia Towne, and seniors Lyla Shelton forms a potent scoring punch.
However, it's not just Sakalas, Towne, and Shelton that make Nazareth special. Juniors Sam Austin and Molly Moore play pivotal roles in their success. Austin's ability to cut toward the basket and make herself available for passes is impressive, while her relentless work on the defensive glass has been crucial. Against Benet, she notched six points and 10 rebounds, helping Nazareth secure a much-needed win.
Moore brings a unique skillset to the table as well. Her ball pressure in games against Carmel stood out, disrupting the opposition's offense with her quick hands and ability to make ballhandlers uncomfortable. The Roadrunners' zone defense is not passive, and Moore's play makes it difficult for opponents to find open space.
With these contributions from Austin and Moore, Nazareth looks like a team capable of returning to the Class 4A championship game. They've got the talent and depth to back up their high ranking.
Other teams are rising in the rankings as well. Loyola Academy holds onto the second spot with wins against Prospect and Glenbrook South, while Benet remains third despite a loss to Nazareth. Waubonsie Valley, Kenwood, Mother McAuley, Naperville Central, Downers Grove North, Fremd, and Providence round out the top 10.
Glenbrook South and Libertyville continue their strong seasons, respectively sitting at 16th and 17th in the rankings. Meanwhile, teams like Hersey, Lyons, Lake Zurich, and St. Charles East are on the move, as they look to make a push for the playoffs.
The road ahead is tough, but these top-ranked teams are ready for the challenge. Who will emerge victorious? Only time will tell.
However, it's not just Sakalas, Towne, and Shelton that make Nazareth special. Juniors Sam Austin and Molly Moore play pivotal roles in their success. Austin's ability to cut toward the basket and make herself available for passes is impressive, while her relentless work on the defensive glass has been crucial. Against Benet, she notched six points and 10 rebounds, helping Nazareth secure a much-needed win.
Moore brings a unique skillset to the table as well. Her ball pressure in games against Carmel stood out, disrupting the opposition's offense with her quick hands and ability to make ballhandlers uncomfortable. The Roadrunners' zone defense is not passive, and Moore's play makes it difficult for opponents to find open space.
With these contributions from Austin and Moore, Nazareth looks like a team capable of returning to the Class 4A championship game. They've got the talent and depth to back up their high ranking.
Other teams are rising in the rankings as well. Loyola Academy holds onto the second spot with wins against Prospect and Glenbrook South, while Benet remains third despite a loss to Nazareth. Waubonsie Valley, Kenwood, Mother McAuley, Naperville Central, Downers Grove North, Fremd, and Providence round out the top 10.
Glenbrook South and Libertyville continue their strong seasons, respectively sitting at 16th and 17th in the rankings. Meanwhile, teams like Hersey, Lyons, Lake Zurich, and St. Charles East are on the move, as they look to make a push for the playoffs.
The road ahead is tough, but these top-ranked teams are ready for the challenge. Who will emerge victorious? Only time will tell.