Excellence Doesn't Happen By Chance: Loyola Academy Girls B-Ball

As you approach the Loyola Academy campus, the inscription 'Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam (AMDG),' meaning 'for the greater glory of God,' greets you in stone. The motto is woven into academics and athletics. Loyola Academy (LA), the nation's largest Jesuit high school, has established a tradition of excellence in Illinois high school sports. The athletes at LA are always in pursuit of greatness, striving to bring their best to every aspect of competition. This is especially true with the girl's basketball team. They are consistently challenged, playing the best competition to get ready for the postseason. The current roster features returning players with extensive postseason and state playoff experience, and expectations remain high. Their starting lineup is considered among the best in the state, with diverse skills reflective of a championship team. A winning culture is woven through the program and at the helm, Coach Jeremy Schoenecker. Under his leadership, the team has advanced downstate in the last two consecutive state series with an undefeated record and State Championship Title in 2024. He attributes this sustained success to a strong commitment and buy-in from his players-the culture he built allows them to continue the excellence season after season. They know what it takes to win and they are not afraid to put in the work.   Now in its third year, the school hosts the Loyola Academy Christmas Tournament which attracts top talent, with no shortage of skilled teams and standout athletes. As the host school, LA is able to showcase its own impressive program—let's take a look at the starting lineup of this 2025-2026 Rambler Team.    You cannot watch a Loyola Academy game without Clare standing out. Her basketball IQ is impressive and she reacts faster than almost anyone on the court. She's a true all-around player—she can score from anywhere, defend the best players, and always finds a way to make a difference. What will always stand out to me is the way she took a charge in the state championship game with 26 seconds left to secure the win for the Ramblers. Her leadership inspires her teammates and plays a big role in giving the Ramblers a great chance to reach the state tournament for a third time during her high school career.     Mackie is no stranger to big games and big shots. The Wash U commit is lethal on both ends of the court. One thing that always stands out to me is her gritty effort and communication. She sees the court well, and when her teammates need help, she is there. She plays with a burst of energy in every step and brings a dynamic style to every possession—she's constantly moving, making smart decisions, and lifting the intensity of her team. She never shies away from pressure she is always defending, scoring, or encouraging her team. She stays calm in clutch moments and a key piece to this Rambler team.     McGovern does a little bit of everything. Her defense and intangibles make her the glue of this team. Her energy and hustle are always present. She is pesky on defense, making key plays like steals, deflections, forcing turnovers or hitting a big shot, just when the team needs it most. She can shut down the top scorer and is laser focused when on a mission. Her presence on the court gives the team an edge. Players like her don't always get the glory but you can't win games without them.     Standing at 6'2", Naraky is a strong force on the basketball court. She has great fundamentals-something not seen in a lot of players and what college coaches want. In the paint, she's tough—able to drive to the basket, fight for rebounds, and score even when being swarmed by defenders. She's not just great inside; she can also shoot from behind the three-point line or finds the cutter or makes a great pass in transition. She can handle the ball so well for her height—she's comfortable dribbling, bringing the ball up the floor, and making plays for herself and her teammates. Her mix of size, skills, and basketball smarts has her teed up for a huge year.     Locke is the kind of player who seems to improve every time she steps on the court. She's gotten even stronger and more physical, and she knows how to use her body the right way-especially her box outs. She uses her physicality to grab rebounds and control the paint, and she's able to finish around the rim, even in crowded spaces, with a smooth touch. What really sets Locke apart is her constant hustle and effort in every situation. No matter what's happening in the game, she always gives her all, which is something you can't teach—it's just part of who she is. Ever since I first watched her play back in 6th grade, she's had that drive, and she's only going to keep getting better.