Nora Ezike made her stamp as the best player in the area this week with an impressive showing at the Montini Christmas Tournament, punctuated by a 40-point performance in a win against Prospect.
She also earned Tournament MVP- for her efforts. Ezike, a Stanford commit, has an impressive blend of power and speed that makes it hard to contain her if she's trying to get to the basket.
Ezike is one of the best players in the area and lifts the ceiling for Lyons. The triumvirate of Ezike, junior Emma O'Brien and Gwen Smith make Lyons formidable.
Benet continues to roll
Benet has won 14 straight after dropping its first game of the season against Lyons. The Redwings were very impressive at the Montini Christmas Tournament.
It's not surprising that Benet is one of the best teams in the area after returning 12 players from last year's 25-8 team. Senior guard Aria Mazza has leveled up her game. She's a knockdown shooter and is a reliable scoring threat for Benet.
But what makes Benet an upper-echelon team is its impressive depth and cohesiveness. In the Redwings' 67-64 win against Fremd in the Montini Christmas Tournament championship game, they had four players in double figures. Mazza and junior guard Bridget Rifenburg each led Benet with 18 points.
Benet had Brown commit Lindsay Harzich to join Mazza on the All-Tournament team. Harzich has a calming effect on Benet. She always seems to knock down a three at the opportune time.
1,000 points
Ezike, St. Ignatius senior forward Reganne Reardon and Prospect junior forward Alli Linke crossed the 1,000-point mark last week, showing the versatility of each player.
Reardon has developed tremendously from last season. She's playing confidently, and her team always tries to find her when she's in the paint. Her ability to finish with either hand and make difficult catches allows her to get easy baskets.
Linke is one of the best athletes in the area. She can run the floor with most guards. Her second jump is so quick that it allows her to follow her misses and draw fouls on her putbacks. The Knights will need Linke as they face Loyola, Maine South and Benet in January.
Freshman to watch
It hasn't been a good season for St. Laurence (3-11), who was without guard Aaliyah Flores last week. But a bright spot has emerged for the Vikings in freshman Marlee-Michelle Coleman. She scored 27 points in the Vikings' win against Burlington Central.
Coleman can knock down the three or attack the rim with explosive drives. She's a high-scoring guard that doesn't hog the ball.
But what makes Coleman a really tantalizing player is her ability to affect the game defensively. She blocked several shots at the Montini Christmas Tournament and made an impact for her team despite the injuries it's dealing with. Coleman's going to be a player to watch over the coming years.
Here are the Super 25 girls basketball rankings for Dec. 29 (with record and last week's ranking):
Montini Christmas champs.
On a 10-game winning streak.
Lost to Benet.
Lost in the Montini final.
Lost to Normal.
Won Wheaton North Tournament.
Won its tournament.
Its losses came against St. Ignatius and Young.
Won Sandburg Holiday Classic.
Playing for Dundee-Crown championship on Monday.
Fifth place at Montini.
Plays Maine South on Monday.
Beat Downers Grove North.
Won the Rustoleum Winter Classic.
On a two-game losing streak.
Lost to Lake Zurich.
Seventh place at Montini.
Lost to Maine South.
Beat Barlett.
Fourth place at Montini.
Lost to Prospect.
Lost in Loyola championship game.
Third place at Loyola.
Lost to Libertyville.
Beat Glenbard West.
