Class of 2022 Rankings: New Additions & Stockrisers
With our Class of 2022 Rankings being updated earlier this week, I wanted to highlight a group of players who have either joined the rankings for the first time, or who have seen their ranking rise a good amount after the completion of their Sophomore seasons:
Whitney Dunn Whitney Dunn 5'8" | CG Kenwood | 2022 State IL , 5’8” Guard, Kenwood
Dunn had a breakout year at Kenwood, helping her rise ten spots to number 11 in the Class of 2022 Rankings. She’s a long, athletic Guard who can play several positions on the court, both offensively and defensively. Whitney can shoot the ball better than most from three and fills lanes nicely in transition to get easy looks at the hoop.
Kennedi Perkins Kennedi Perkins 5'6" | PG Bolingbrook | 2022 State IL , 5’5” Guard, Bolingbrook
The starting Point Guard on the Third-Place team in 4A, Perkins enters the rankings for the first time all the way up in the 12 spot. She is a shifty ball handler who thrives in an up-tempo offense with her speed and ability to read the floor. Kennedi can score the ball from all levels with a nice jump shot and the ability to convert at the hoop in traffic.
Jayda Bowen Jayda Bowen 5'7" | CG Crete-Monee | 2022 State IL , 5’7” Guard, Crete-Monee
Bowen, entering the rankings at number 14, is a smooth Combo Guard who can play the Lead spot with her ability to handle the ball with poise. She can lead the break with speed and makes good decisions when looking to score or dish to open teammates. Jayda can also shoot the ball at a high level from deep with a nice, high-arching shot.
Joy Bergstrom Joy Bergstrom 5'9" | CG Saint Viator | 2022 State IL , 5’9” Guard, St. Viator
Joy had another terrific year for St. Viator, earning 3rd Team All-State honors by the IBCA in Class 3A and jumping eight spots to number 24 in our rankings. The high-scoring Combo Guard eclipsed the 1,000 career points mark her Sophomore season, scoring the ball in bunches from all levels. Bergtsrom can shoot the ball at a high rate from three and uses her quickness and smooth ball handling to get into the lane to make plays.
Thaya Luse Thaya Luse 5'8" | PF Example Academy | 2022 State IL , 5’8” Forward, Aurora Christian
Thaya enters the rankings in the 32nd spot after a fantastic season for Aurora Christian, who finished 4th in Class 1A. The stretch-forward put up impressive numbers averaging 13.4ppg and 9.3rpg. Luse has great footwork and ball skills in the paint, but can also handle the ball well and step outside to knock down shots.
Kira Chivers Kira Chivers 5'3" | PG Marist | 2022 State IL , 5’3” Guard, Marist
The quick and speedy Point Guard from Marist enters the rankings for the first time at number 36 after helping lead the Redhawks to a deep postseason run. Chivers is as fast as anyone around with the ball in her hands and keeps things under control in an offense with many weapons. Her speed and court vision allow her to have success in the transition game and attacking the lane, but Kira also can spot up and hit jumpers with a consistent shot.
Grace Walsh Grace Walsh 5'9" | SG Joliet West | 2022 State IL , 5’9” Guard, Joliet West
Entering the Class of 2022 Rankings for the first time at number 38, Walsh is an off-ball Guard who does a nice job attacking the paint from the wing. She can handle the ball well and succeeds when pushing in transition. Grace’s scoring may mostly be done in the paint, but she does possess a solid jump shot to convert from mid-range and beyond the three point line.
Morgan Demos Morgan Demos 6'2" | C Benet Academy | 2022 State IL , 6’2” Center, Benet Academy
Morgan had a very solid year stepping into the starting Center role for Benet, jumping up 13 spots to number 42 in the rankings. She uses her strength and height well on the block, making it difficult for opposing posts to get good looks at the rim. Offensively she plays within herself, not forcing things, and crashes the boards hard for second-chance opportunities. Demos is also a nice interior passer, often finding open shooters on the perimeter.
Hailey Markworth Hailey Markworth 5'9" | CG Lyons Township | 2022 State IL , 5’9” Guard, Lyons Township
Markworth is a player that I really enjoyed watching this season, taking on a big role with LT and entering our rankings at number 53. She is a Combo Guard that can play the 1-3 spots well with her ability to handle the ball and lead the offense, as well as score from the perimeter. What really stood out about Hailey is the constant effort she gave on both ends, making hustle plays all over the court to help the team succeed.