Best Saturday Matchups at the 36th Annual Coach Kipps Hoopsfest

Photo: Coach Kipps Hoopsfest

Byron Xerxes Livsey January 15, 2026 @ 04:31 PM

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Coach Kipp's Hoopsfest isn't just another tournament. It's the standard. For over 3 decades, this event has set the tone for what a true girls' basketball showcase should look like, bringing together high level programs, real college prospects, and matchups that actually reveal who's ready for the next level. Year after year, players step onto this stage and leave as names that matter moving forward. If you're in the building for Day 1 of Kippsfest, these are the games you should be in your seat from tip off to the last second for. </h2>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">TOSS UP- LYONS TOWNSHIP VS LAKE ZURICH</h2>   <p>This matchup will feature some of the top upperclassmen in the state, and both sides have players who operate best in the halfcourt but are skilled enough to make things happen during the fast break. [player_tooltip player_id='773817' first='Gwen' last='Smith'] and [player_tooltip player_id='514945' first='Emma' last='O'Brien'] are the drivers for that Lyons Township bus. Gwen brings a ton on both sides of the ball, but her ability to score at all 3 levels is key. Emma is your playmaker and 3 point specialist, and has the length to also finish around the rim with no issue. The help is young, but [player_tooltip player_id='914539' first='Kennedy' last='Moore'] should be a needle mover in this matchup. Zurich has a collective group of talent that plays well with each other too. Players like Leah Gilbertson and Alex Nowack Tice will carry most of the scoring load, but I think [player_tooltip player_id='861140' first='Addison' last='Leonard'] will be the key decider for them. She's your Swiss Army Knife of a talent.</p>   <p><strong>MY PICK: LAKE ZURICH</strong></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">BATTLE OF THE STARS - BENET VS GLENBROOK SOUTH</h2>   <p>With both teams having a strong amount of talent, I also believe each team has a player that the other doesn't have an answer for on the defensive side. [player_tooltip player_id='419726' first='Emma' last='Briggs'] (Benet) is one of the more versatile players in the state, and she can legit hurt you at every angle and spot on the court, while also having the strength to slow down her game and play below the nail if needed. Glenbrook South has an emerging group of young talent, and between Nikki Davoirja and [player_tooltip player_id='1500497' first='Brea' last='Morrison'], you're bound to have an up-and-down type of game. Both players are athletic and can make plays from all angles. </p>   <p><strong><em>MY PICK: BENET</em></strong><em><strong> ([player_tooltip player_id='419726' first='Emma' last='Briggs'] -POTG)</strong></em></p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">DOWN TO THE WIRE - MOTHER MCAULEY VS ST CHARLES EAST</h2>   <p>This might be the game of the day in my eyes. Both sides have a complete starting lineup and a bench with players who can contribute at a high level. St. Charles East has one of the best players in the state in [player_tooltip player_id='881341' first='Brooklyn' last='Schilb'], and guards like [player_tooltip player_id='515491' first='Addie' last='Schilb'] and [player_tooltip player_id='882032' first='Kathlyn' last='Bainbridge'] will cause issues as well. Both guards are quick, tough, and will get to the paint with ease. Mother McAuley has a three headed problem to put on the floor as well in players like [player_tooltip player_id='915530' first='Taji' last='Alexa'], who is a top forward in the state, [player_tooltip player_id='514898' first='Quinn' last='Arundel'], who is known to get on a hot streak and absolutely pick apart a defense, and [player_tooltip player_id='488602' first='Delia' last='Sullivan'], who has always been the glue for this program. She does all the little things at a strong level.</p>   <p><strong><em>MY PICK: ST CHARLES EAST</em></strong></p>