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<h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>As we wrap up the first half of the season after the statewide Christmas tournaments, I've seen some serious growth from players all over. Scoring's great, but what really has stood out is how players have been impacting the game when they don't have the ball in their hands. It's about the little things. Here are 5 upperclassmen that have taken their game up a notch this year.</strong><br></h4>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Trinity has been known for developing talent, and this year, we're seeing the fruits of that. Goins has been consistent with her aggression, and even on an “off” scoring night, her ability to stay active allows her teammates to shine in their roles. She's a guard you can build around. High potential.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Every year, Natalie seems to add more to her game, and this year, I think pace has been at the top of her list. She's also simplified her game. She has all the tools to be a crafty point guard, but this year, she's taken over games by playing with more control. The athleticism and creativity are there, but now she's added pace and patience. Hell of a talent.<br></p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Mazza has been one of the biggest standouts over the first half of the season. Her ability to shoot the ball at a high clip has opened up a ton of opportunities for other players on Benet, and they look like a whole new team from last year. Benet just capped off a strong Christmas tournament with a championship, and it's clear that Mazza has been key to the team's strong 14-1 start to their season. <br></p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Lyons has been in the conversation for a state title since the summer, and Nora is the driving force behind their big 3. Yes, she's a Stanford commit, so the expectations are high, but her growth and confidence can't be ignored. She's active on both sides of the ball, and if you break down the film, she's probably responsible for over 50% of the team's scoring.<br></p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Smith has been another name in conversations of players who've taken a major leap in their impact on the game. Her IQ is what stands out to me more than her ability to score. She's a smart player with no ego, always putting the W first. It's rare to find players who can light up the box score and still find joy in playing a supporting role. A coach's dream type of player.<br></p>
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<p></p>
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As we wrap up the first half of the season after the statewide Christmas tournaments, I've seen some serious growth from players all over. Scoring's great, but what really has stood out is how players have been impacting the game when they don't have the ball in their hands. It's about the little things. Here are 5 upperclassmen that have taken their game up a notch this year.
HEIGHT
5'7"
POS
CG
CLASS
2026
State:
Illinois
School:
Trinity
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HEIGHT
5'7"
POS
PG
CLASS
2026
State:
Illinois
School:
Naperville North
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HEIGHT
5'7"
POS
PG/CG
CLASS
2025
State:
Illinois
School:
Benet Academy
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HEIGHT
6'2"
POS
PF
CLASS
2025
State:
Illinois
School:
Lyons Township
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HEIGHT
5'11"
POS
SG/SF
CLASS
2026
State:
Illinois
School:
Lyons Township
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