Illinois Power Rankings: Preseason Top Teams (1A)

<!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The 1A class might feature smaller schools, but that doesn't slow down the competition one bit. Year after year, this group brings out some of the most competitive, well-coached, and hard-working teams in the state. The talent level stays high, and the battles within this class are always intense. With how balanced things are, every game matters and several teams have the chance to make deep playoff runs. Below are a couple of top teams in the 1A 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>Deer Creek-Mackinaw</strong> - This program lost a close game to a team that finished second in the state finals, which should prove they have what it takes to be in the mix for a state title. Now playing in 1A, this group has a real argument as one of the best teams in the class after competing with programs that have since moved up to 3A. When it comes to their conference, they didn't lose a game last season, which should give them another boost of confidence. From a player standpoint, [player_tooltip player_id='627163' first='Dalia' last='Dejesus'] has emerged as the clear leader and focal point of this program, and what she can do scoring-wise as well as defensively is key to why this team is competitive. However, the players suiting up with her are no players to look over. <strong>Last Year Record: (31-4)</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>Cissna Park</strong> - Coming off a 3rd place state final finish, Cissna is coming back this year with most of their crew, and [player_tooltip player_id='627164' first='Addison' last='Lucht'] (Northwestern Softball Commit) will be leading the way as the main focal point. She's a guard who plays the game with aggression and never seems to get tired. Lauryn Hamrick will be another tough matchup for opponents this year as well. She can get it going in the paint (on both sides) and has no problem stretching the floor and making it happen out thereJosie Neukomm<strong> </strong>and Sophie Duis will provide another layer of impact as well. This is a for-sure team that can return to the state.<strong> Last Year Record: (30-5)</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>Elgin (St. Edward)</strong> - A 2nd-place win is nothing to look over, but this year, with things shaken up, the reigning runner-ups could be in line to take that number 1 spot. Star [player_tooltip player_id='856509' first='Savannah' last='Lynch'] will be their key piece in helping them get back to the state finals, and when you're averaging near 20 a night with 3-5 sets eyes on you, it means you're hard to stop. [player_tooltip player_id='898326' first='Jordin' last='Sauls'] will be up for a bigger role and is expected to add on to what she was able to contribute last season. <strong>Last Year Record: (26-10)</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>Pecatonica </strong> - Though graduation took their star, Pecatonica displayed a handful of their next up talent in the finals, and players like [player_tooltip player_id='876101' first='Ryleigh' last='Alexander'] and Korah Nord will be up for a bigger role and looked at to put more pressure on their opponents from a scoring standpoint. This is a team not to count out. <strong>Last Year Record: (30-6)</strong> | <strong>1A 2024-2025 State Champions</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 -->