Central Suburban League (CSL) Conference Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the first female sports columnist for Evanston's high school newspaper, I've got to admit, I have a soft spot for the Central Suburban League. There's always a great list of players across multiple schools for college coaches and recruiters to keep their eye on at the D1, D2, and D3 levels. As the season ramps up, here are players I have on my radar who I believe will shape this year's CSL. Note: this is Part I of a two part series.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">MAINE EAST</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year's record: 16-15 | Conference record: 5-5 </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["850274"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af634180d7f4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Maine East's 2025-2026 Player of the Year returns for her senior season. Silva does a little bit of everything – she averaged 29.1 PPG, 9.1 RPG (yes, that's almost a double double), 2.4 APG and 2.9 SPG. In short, the girl is everywhere on the court. With over 900 points scored last season, I wouldn't be surprised to see her cross the 1,000 point mark this year to cap off a truly outstanding high school career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2001091"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":2001092,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af634180d8c5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cortez finished second on the Blue Demons in scoring, assists, and steals behind Silva last year and I would expect her to have an expanded role coming into this season. She elevates her overall team with her defensive instincts and flashed the capacity to hit big-time shots, including a three-pointer in a close game against Leyden last year. When an opposing team goes all-in on trying to stop Silva, Cortez should be right there to help pick up the slack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">GLENBROOK SOUTH</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last season's record: 23-10 | Conference record: 8-2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1500497"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af634180d94b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I can't wait to see Morrison play in person. The 6'1 shooting guard is definitely a college prospect. She has great length and offensive versatility. No issue driving to the basket or swishing it from three. Above average passer with active hands on defense. In the tape I watched of her game, I especially loved how she could finish strong with either hand. She was the Coach Kipps Hoopsfest player of the game last season and is the 41st ranked prospect in the 2027 PGH class. Morrison will definitely make an impact on a GBS team with a good mix of strong seniors and rising underclassman talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["861189"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af634180d9ca"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Already committed to play next year at Colorado College, Rodgers doesn't need the visibility but she deserves it. The experienced senior scorer and one of the defined leaders of GBS' squad is fun to watch. What I'm most looking out for in her game this upcoming season - perimeter shooting and the clutch factor. Last season, she made some big shots to beat Prospect late and I'd expect to see her help GBS close some games out this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["954118"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af634180da60"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Perhaps the most intriguing long-term prospect on the Titans is Davorija. The 5'10 shooting guard showcases length and the ability to make an impact on both ends of the floor. She can shoot it from deep and racked up steals with her aggressive defensive play last season, including 6 against ETHS and 5 against New Trier. She's also dangerous on the fast break. This season I'd love to see Davorija hone her leadership abilities and take that next step to truly lead the Titans team. Rodgers knows where she'll be next season, Morrison's college decision is on its way. Davorija is the future of this team and it starts this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["936019"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af634180dae0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Des Groseillers' contributions to her team don't always show up in the box score. On tape, she proved herself to be a hyper active and engaged member of this Titans team with active hands on defense and a knack for finding the ball on offense. An emerging two-way player who I think we could see take another step this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">NEW TRIER</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last season's record: 15-18 | Conference record: 4-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["860433"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af634180db5d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wainscott is committed to play at Denison in the coming years, but the 5'11 Wing / Guard will still be energizing to watch in her final high school season. On tape, her ability to rebound from the wing / guard position, defensive versatility, and ability to attack the basket all popped. Wainscott also appears to be a team leader and beloved by her teammates. The beginning of the schedule is tough – Loyola will be a great test of if/how the Trevians can keep up the day before Thanksgiving – but I'm expecting Wainscott to make an impact both on the New Trier team and the CSL as a whole.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1813835"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":2001093,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af634180dc0f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Again, another player already committed to the college of her choice for this upcoming season (Tufts is lucky), but Buck has to be on here for her consistent production. Ms. Reliable will continue to lead the Trevians as she makes her last hurrah and I would expect her to remain a leader both in scoring and on the boards throughout the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["952474"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af634180dca3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One last player I want to mention for the Trevs on this list is Romick. Romick has been on our watchlist for a while and I'll be keeping an eye on whether Romick's offensive role expands as she heads into her senior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">VERNON HILLS</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last season's record: 22-8 | Conference record: 9-1 </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["860434"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af634180dd4b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">If Vernon Hills wants to build on their 22-8 (9-1 in conference) 2025-2026 campaign, there's no question Jocson will be a big part of it. Already committed to Carthage for the upcoming season, Jocson averaged 10 points and 3 rebounds last year. We love a 5'4 basketball queen and her play shouldn't be overlooked - Jocson's assist-to-turnover ratio for the last two seasons has been excellent and she comes into the season with experience running the Cougar offense. Expect her to make an impact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["884390"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6af634180ddc6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The three-point sharp shooter returns. #1 IHSA Made 3's in the 2024-2025 season. All-Conference Team in the 2025-2026 season. The easiest prediction of the year is that Engler will shoot a lot of three's. If I were her, I'd aim to average close to 40% over the course of the season. But where I'd love to see improvement most is in her all-around game. What does Engler's offense look like when shots aren't landing beyond the arc? Can she stand out as a two-way player? This is a huge year for Engler's development and I'm looking forward to seeing her rise to the challenge.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->