2023 Updated Rankings: Stock Risers and New Additions
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There have been many talented classes in Illinois before this 2023 class. However, this class is definitely in the top 5 of all time. The talent level from top to bottom is outstanding, and all of these girls have had…
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Continue ReadingThere have been many talented classes in Illinois before this 2023 class. However, this class is definitely in the top 5 of all time. The talent level from top to bottom is outstanding, and all of these girls have had great careers. Thank you for all you’ve done for your respective schools, towns, AAU programs, and for attending any of our events. Good luck on your next journeys!
The numbers don’t lie. Gugliuzza from the three is usually automatic, and in her final year she cemented in her name in Illinois basketball history. She’s the 5th player in the state to secure 400 3 point FG’s made. A true sniper from the arc. Ava will be taking her shooting skills down south to SIU-E next fall, and I don’t doubt that she’ll be blessing the fans with the same type of talent that she’s did for us up here!
Ward is a talent you have to see in person. She was the driving force for her Marist program this past year, and in each game you can see why they trust her so much. She can score from all three levels, she can defend 1-3, and her energy on both sides of the court is always 100%. She can score with some of the best in the state, finishing her HS career with 29 points and IBCA All-State Second Team nomination. Ward is still on the board for colleges to reach out, she will be a huge addition to a program.
A consistent knockdown shooter (3ball and the midrange), and thats been her entire HS career. Cesarini without the ball is just as effective as she is with the ball. Her movement is constant and she knows what routes or angles to find to get open. Defensively, the kid is just as tenacious. She seems to want the big challenge, and doesn’t shy away from the tough assignment. Coming up next fall she’ll be finding her way on the Lewis campus, a team full of shooters.. Ally will fit right in, but will definitely stand out.
Jumping to spot #6, Swanson has been one the most talented players in this entire state for almost her entire career. Multiple accolades, a downstate trip, and a huge chunk of career points to go with it (2000+). She’s wildly known as a prolific scorer, but she truly has a complete skillset. From her confidence, her passion and the way she energizes the crowd. Her name and her game won’t be forgotten, she’s dubbed “Showtime Sophie” for a reason. Purdue will be in for a show the moment she touches the court
There’s no argument on who was the best HS player this year. Fresh off securing the Gatorade Player of the Year, Beaumont has definitely proven why she has earned the #2 spot. Her skillset on the court is dominant, but it’s her personally off the court that has Illinois heart. Humble, soft spoken and a true teammate. Lenee has gotten the knock of not being an aggressor during her career, and yet she’s still willing to make the right play, and not the highlight play. A true winner, and an outstanding player and person. Indiana is lucky to add you to their program
Making the leap to the Top 75, Ficek has been consistent for a huge chunk of her career, and during the last stretch of her games she proved why she’ll be making a impact at University of Wisconsin Parkside. A top notch shooter who can get it going in an instant. She is a perfect combo guard for that program, especially considering the fact that she’s just as deadly scoring, as she is running and facilitating the floor.
Natalie’s career didn’t start off the way she wanted, but the way it ended, has college coaches asking me about her at every tournament she’s at. One of the most clutch shooters in the state this year, Natalie has put her name on the map in almost a season. She is a top notch shooter, and plays every possession like it’s her last. She’s the vocal person on the team, and her energy seems to be contagious across the program. Whatever her future holds, Natalie will be successful.