Illinois Power Rankings: Preseason Top 5 Teams (3A)

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The 3A class is once again proving that just because it's a “lower” class doesn't mean the competition is. Year after year, some of the toughest, most battle-tested teams come out of 3A, and this season feels no different. What used to be all about individual star power has shifted into which programs can perform the best as a unit... and there's a lot of balance across the board. Several teams bring back experienced cores, strong coaching, and solid depth at every position. Below are some of the top teams in the 3A class</h2>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Peoria Notre Dame - Making their way into 3A this year, PND will be one of the toughest teams in this class, in my opinion. They're still returning with their core of star talent, even with some of their top players graduating this past season. [player_tooltip player_id='732518' first='Emy' last='Wardle'] is the head of this train, and even though she plays with a good balance of playmaking and scoring, we could see her increase her aggression on the scoring side, which should allow other players to get themselves going as well. [player_tooltip player_id='593853' first='Lexi' last='Baer'], one of the best shooters in the state, didn't suit up in June, but if she's ready to go this season, she'll be key in how deep this team goes. [player_tooltip player_id='863991' first='Cora' last='Heinz'] is the X factor.. she's a kid who presents a mismatch no matter who's guarding her. She's usually the most athletic player on the court, and she's a kid who never seems to stay still, which should draw a ton of attention. Last Year Record: (32-4) | 2023-2024 2A State Champion   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Washington - The whole crew is returning this year, and with each of their main contributors having some strong AAU seasons, I could definitely see them bringing that attitude into this season. [player_tooltip player_id='728033' first='Avery' last='Tibbs'] and [player_tooltip player_id='840240' first='Dani' last='Guedet'] will take the weight of putting numbers on the board, and both of them do it with consistency. [player_tooltip player_id='728415' first='Mazzy' last='O'Brien'] is no one to look over either... she's a player who can fill in whatever role is needed, and especially on the offensive side if it's an off night for someone else. The needle mover to me is [player_tooltip player_id='728413' first='Becca' last='McDougall'].. she is a player who honestly could have about 5-8 triple doubles on the year, and I'm not being generous. She's your do it all type of player, and what makes it even better, she just plays the game the right way on every possession. Ultimately, they play as a team, so it could be anyone's night. The supporting cast is solid as well. [player_tooltip player_id='728414' first='Adriene' last='Donald'] could be due for a big year. Last Year Record: (35-1)   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Butler College Prep - BCP is making its way onto the 3A scene for the girls this year, and with a talented roster from top to bottom, it's going to be fun watching them compete this season. Xyanna Walton will be leading this team, and she truly does everything that you need her to. She can stretch the floor, she can defend, and most importantly, she's going to command both sides of the boards. The surrounding cast around is the perfect fit, the underclassmen in Kermincia Wellingotn and Kennedy Benson will be a hell of a backcourt to deal with, simply due to both of them being a nightmare offensively, and defensively, they can frustrate anyone they're matched up with. The Harding sisters (Tania and Tiona) will bring another level of length that will be utilized on both ends as well. Overall, this team will compete in this class, and could find their way back down state if the cards fall right. Last Year Record: (35-1)   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Trinity - You can never count Trinity out of being a competitive team, and with their lineup this year, they'll be just that. The driving force will be [player_tooltip player_id='811456' first='Zaria' last='Goins'], and if you're paired up with her, it will be a long night. She's aggressive on both ends of the court and can tire you down, your best guards. [player_tooltip player_id='899508' first='Chloe' last='Santos'] and [player_tooltip player_id='624979' first='Armante' last='Dambrauskas'] (once she's back) will handle things in the low post area, but both players show the talent to be pkaymakers for their team if need be. [player_tooltip player_id='874655' first='Keyera' last='Gamble'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1219952' first='Jazmyn' last='Ratliff'] will be players who can change a game simply because of their ability to bring energy on both ends. And if they get it going from a scoring sense, then the defense will really have a problem. [player_tooltip player_id='743596' first='Destiny' last='Sacluti'] can give you everything you need, and at the point guard position, she can control the pace and tempo of everything, and on top of that, give you 8-12 if the defense is communicating. Last Year Record: (23-11)   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Quincy Notre Dame - This season, QND won't have their 15 points a night scorer in Sage Stratton, but they have another player who is right on the cusp of taking that leap, [player_tooltip player_id='892272' first='Tristan' last='Pieper']. Pieper will take on the weight of putting the ball in the bucket, as well as be a key person on the defensive side. When you have a supporting cast of players like Ari Buehler and [player_tooltip player_id='608209' first='Jenna' last='Durst'], you can still dominate your schedule, as they did last year. Each of those players will look to take a leap in how much impact they put out, which ultimately should give confidence to the other players who were key in their state trip last season. Last Year Record: (32-3)