Benet, Naperville Central and Waubonsie Valley have the talent to content for conference titles and more.
BENET
The defending East Suburban Catholic Conference champion Redwings (29-3) have a veteran group that includes two fourth-year varsity players, senior guard Bridget Rifenburg (Richmond) and guard/forward Emma Briggs (Furman). Seniors Sailer Jones (Wisconsin-Oshkosh), Macy Menendez (Rhodes College), Chloe Vicens (Southwestern University) and Ava Thomas will be major contributors, and junior guard Ava Mersinger is a Division I prospect. Junior guard Eve Sterbenz and sophomore forward Lucy Tierney are key reserves.
METEA VALLEY
The Mustangs (8-22) have an extremely young team whose best days are probably a couple of years away. Sophomore guard Payton Giannone and sophomore forward Jailyn Cutts got starting experience last season and will be the leaders. Junior Lauren Penich could be strong in the post, while freshmen Haylie Wisch, Arabella Bucher and Zara Johnson show promise.
NAPERVILLE CENTRAL
The Redhawks (13-19) have high hopes for a winning season after the return of 6-foot-2 senior guard/forward Trinity Jones (Clemson) from a torn ACL. She could form a big front line along with 6-4 junior center Annabelle Kritzer and 6-4 freshman forward Katelyn Kritzer, who are sisters. Senior guard Erin Hackett enters her fourth varsity season with more than 1,300 points.
NAPERVILLE NORTH
The Huskies (17-15) suffered a big blow when senior guard Natalie Frempong, their leading scorer, transferred to Bolingbrook. But the other four starters — senior guard Sam Kelly, senior forward Ema Gilvydis, junior forward Ava Podkasik and sophomore guard Sydney Smith — are back. Junior guards Mia Podkasik and Zoey Bishop add welcome depth to an athletic but still youthful team.
Naperville North’s Ava Podkasik (5) goes to the basket against Oswego East during a Class 4A Benet Regional semifinal in Lisle on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025. (Jon Cunningham / Naperville Sun)
NEUQUA VALLEY
Wisconsin softball commit Nalia Clifford, a fourth-year starting guard, returns to lead the Wildcats (10-21). They bring back three other seniors: center Michayla Stone, guard Taylor Dobry and forward Alexis May. But junior guard Quinn Sigal, a two-year varsity player, will miss the season while recovering from ACL surgery.
WAUBONSIE VALLEY
The two-time defending DuPage Valley Conference champion Warriors (31-2) bring back four starters after reaching a Class 4A supersectional last season. High-scoring fourth-year starter Danyella Mporokoso (Illinois State) and fellow senior guards Arie Garcia-Evans and Maya Cobb (Southwestern Illinois) lead the way along with junior guard Maya Pereda. Senior forward Taylnn Heard and junior guard Syncere Williams, a transfer from West Aurora, add depth.
Matt Le Cren is a freelance reporter.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/14/naperville-girls-basketball-preview-2025-2026-season/