The Votes Are In: PGH Illinois Ms. Basketball Is Crowned

Byron Xerxes Livsey April 19, 2025 @ 06:51 AM

Every high school association has their own way of tallying votes when it comes to picking someone for a prestigious award. Whether it's coaches, media, or ADs submitting the votes, how Illinois Ms. Basketball is actually chosen isn't super clear. So we decided to flip the script and let the people vote — introducing our Prep Girls Hoops Illinois Ms. Basketball.

We're not here to take anything away from the IHSA's official selection... but this is about giving flowers to another hooper who had a crazy year and might've been overlooked. We'll keep running this back every year because the more recognition these girls get, the better.

And with that being said, the winner is....

Ariella led Kenwood Academy to the 4A State Championship, and there's no denying she was one of the top players in the state all year long. She was named 2024-2025 MaxPreps Player of the Year and led her team in scoring putting up 16.4ppg (589 points), 3.7asts (133 assists), and 2.5stls (91) She was also named to the 2024 Naperville Central Thanksgiving All-Tournament Team, took home the National Title IX Tournament Queen of the Court (MVP) award, and earned spots on the CPL Red 1st Team All-Conference, CPLBCA 1st Team All-City, and IBCA 1st Team All-State. Not to mention... she sits alone at the top of the record book as the all-time leader in points (1,808), assists (504), steals (317), free throws made (464), free throws attempted (585), free throw percentage (79%), and three-point field goal percentage (41%) for the Kenwood program. Talk about a legacy. Ariella was dominant all year long, and the people have spoken.