Illinois Power Rankings: Preseason Top Teams (2A)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The 2A class might be made up of smaller schools, but the talent definitely isn't. Every year, this group produces some of the toughest and most skilled teams in the state, and this season looks no different. A few of the powerhouse programs that have dominated 2A over the years have moved up to 3A, which could open the door for some new teams to make a run. There's a lot of balance across the board, with plenty of experienced cores, good coaching, and depth that can carry late into the season. Below are some of the top teams in the 2A class.</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Nashville </strong>- Nashville is coming off two straight state final trips, and this past season, they took down the defending champs to capture theirs. This team is made up of a core of players who simply play as one, but they all bring a different skillset that's needed to win again. [player_tooltip player_id='863106' first='Emma' last='Berhmann'] seems to be the leader and soul of this squad, and what she does on both sides of the ball can't go unnoticed. She can score the ball and guard your best player with no drop off. [player_tooltip player_id='863112' first='Summer' last='Brinkmann'] is one of the more aggressive players on this squad, and if she can put up the same numbers as she did last year, or better, it'll be hard to slow her down. [player_tooltip player_id='863113' first='Makayla' last='Gajewski'] is another player who presents all the leadership qualities, and when you tie that in with her strength and athleticism, then you understand why she's one of the more versatile players on the team. [player_tooltip player_id='863111' first='Samantha' last='Brinkmann'] isn't too shy to put 10+ pts up a night, and outside of her ability to stretch the court, she's also one of the top playmakers on this team as well. There's no true change to the roster, so a back-to-back is not out of reach at all! <strong>Last Year Record: (32-3) | 2024-2025 2A State Champion</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Mt. Carmel</strong> - This program is returning the majority of their core this season, and players like [player_tooltip player_id='852626' first='Riley' last='Hershey'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1317896' first='Maycee' last='Randall'] will be key in another run for a state title. What they both bring on the offensive side of the ball can't be matched, and Maycee's presence in the paint on the defensive side will be major, too. Evie Sellers and Madeline Mann will definitely play bigger roles this year, and with more possessions keyed in for them, it could be another key to winning it this year. A team that simply gets things done by committee. <strong> Last Year Record: (30-4)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Stillman Valley - </strong>Stillman is coming off one hell of a season, and even though a majority of their core has graduated, there are still some special players in this current program who are ready to take a big leap this year. [player_tooltip player_id='954123' first='Lillian' last='Green'] is at the top of that list in my opinion, and this kid is GOOD. She's a scoring guard who isn't afraid to get big on the boards, and defensively, she isn't one you want to match up with. [player_tooltip player_id='1201670' first='Dailene' last='Wade'] is another key player who should have a ton of impact this year as well. <strong>Last Year Record: (32-2)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Byron </strong> - The duo of [player_tooltip player_id='514037' first='Macy' last='Groharing'] and Malia Morton is back this year, and these two were key in their successful season from last year. They lost a 2-point game against a team that went head-to-head with the state champs from the previous season. This team is competitive, and when you have two players who can score the ball effortlessly, and any given night, one of them can go off for 25+, then you're going to have a long night if you're the opponent. <strong>Last Year Record: (32-3)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->