Team Preview – Illinois Valley Warriors 17u Blue Squad

I had the privilege to speak with the Head Coach of the Illinois Valley Warriors, Patrick Cinotte, about his talented Illinois Valley squad.  The Warriors played at the USJN in Indianapolis this past weekend.  Coach Cinotte was incredibly pleased with how the team performed, going 2-1 in their very difficult pool.  Below are some more notes from our conversation about this skilled team. &nbsp; <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Class of 2021</strong></span> #12 Mallory Olloffson - Normal Community.  Mallory had an exceptional weekend, working all facets of her game, both inside and outside. Mallory showed that her long range game is strong, knocking down the game winning 3 vs. Michigan Crush.  Mallory has received multiple interest from schools including Wisconsin Whitewater, College of St. Mary’s, Illinois Wesleyan, Olivet Nazarene, and Cornell College. # 33 [player_tooltip player_id="123596" first="Addison" last="Newbon"] - Decatur St. Teresa.   Addison was busy all weekend, knocking down the 3 ball and attacking the basket.  She is a very skilled player that also runs the floor very well.  Newbon jumped her scoring average from 14ppg as a sophomore to around 20ppg this past season.  Addison was named a Pool C All Star this past weekend. #21 Olivia Allen - Peoria Richwoods -   A Big 12 Conference Honorable Mention player this past season, Olivia is a high IQ player that can consistently hit the 3.  She runs off screens really well and is always ready to shoot. #15 Natali Haynes - Streator.   Natali is a 6’2, very strong post.  She has exceptional footwork around the hoop and can get to the basket with her quick first step.  Natali was an IHSA Associated Press Class 3A Honorable Mention All State Player this past season, averaging over 20 ppg and 16 rebs per game.  She is getting looks from multiple schools. Natali wasn’t at the tournament in Indy. &nbsp; <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Class of 2022</strong></span> #22 [player_tooltip player_id="160166" first="Katie" last="Baker"] - Serena.   A floor general, Katie sees the floor well and always has her eyes up when running the break.  This multi-talented point guard can handle the pressure and also dish it out as she uses her quickness to strengthen her solid defense. #25 Megan Williams - Normal Community.   A strong shooter, Megan can hit 3s with the best of them.  She, like Olivia Allen, runs off screens well.  When Megan is spotting up to shoot, her hands and feet are always ready to pull the trigger. # 20 Karleigh Creasey - Normal Community.  Another strong PG for the Illinois Valley Warriors, Karleigh is an attacker that will finish around the rim.  Her strong handles and quickness give her the ability to attack well.  Karleigh also shines in the press.  As stated in a previous Prep Girls Hoops article written by Jacob <a class="fn" href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/author/jacobwohlwend/" rel="author">Wohlwend</a>, Karleigh is a "true point guard" who brings multiple skills to the game. # 31 Jada Davis - Peoria Richwoods.   An exceptional slasher, Jada loves getting to the basket.  A driven, hardworking athlete, Jada also excels on the defensive end of the floor. #44 Kayla Peterson - Normal U High.   A strong physical post, Kayla brings good size to the floor, standing right at 6’ tall.  She is a consistent scorer from 15 feet and in, with her drop stop being her go to move. <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Class of 2023</strong></span> #5 Medley Schnierle - Bloomington Central Catholic.   Even though she is the youngest of the group, do not sleep on Medley.  A lefty, Coach Cinotte describes her as a "sharpshooter".