ESPN

Just because we traditionally have posted our final rankings of the recruiting-relevant class (rising seniors) in August doesn't mean we forget the seniors and just focus on the underclassmen.

During the fall club tournaments and high school girls' basketball season, the seniors are difficult to ignore. They are the leaders, a step away from college careers, and typically the best players on the nation's best teams. As we follow the high school season closely, it's impossible not to notice them.

It's just that we've never felt moved enough to do anything about what we witnessed -- until now. Call this first-ever spring tweaking of the 2012 class rankings the "Jonquel Adjustment" because it was the 6-foot-3 Jones' season at Riverdale Baptist (Upper Marlboro, Md.) that opened our eyes to the necessity of making changes that reflect a new reality.

Let's be clear: While some may rank based on performance (number of points scored in a game or tournament, for example), we find performance to be beholden to so many variables as to be an unreliable predictor of success at the next level. Performance is not why we are making changes -- or ranked a player where we did in the first place. We are making changes because of attributes (physical, mental or attitudinal) that either were revealed or clarified.

We also only wanted to make adjustments that were substantial and clear-cut, so we settled on five.

Click here to read the entire story.

Bolingbrook (Ill.) senior teammates Dalacy Anderson, Cabriana Capers and Nia Moore have more in common than just their fourth-ranked Raider jerseys. Anderson, who signed with George Washington in the fall, Capers, who signed with Auburn, and Moore, who signed with Illinois, all find themselves committed to programs without head coaches.

"All of them picked the schools because of what the schools offered, but the coaches played a big part," Bolingbrook head coach Tony Smith said. "They were all a little bit down about it."

Auburn's Nell Fortner resigned as head coach of the Tigers after eight seasons at the helm, leaving Capers, a 6-foot-1 forward, coachless. Similarly, the terminations of Jolette Law at Illinois, after five seasons, and Mike Bozeman at George Washington, after four years, have left Moore, a 6-3 forward, and Anderson, a 6-2 forward, with uncertain futures.

"It's just difficult because they all built relationships with those coaches," Smith said. "That's tough to do over again."

Read the entire story.

HINSDALE, Ill. -- Layers of Whitney Young’s players, coaches, family members and students hugged, kissed, cried, shouted, jumped around and celebrated in every other kind of way on Hinsdale Central’s basketball floor on Monday night.

In the center of it all stood Whitney Young senior Janee Thompson. She was passed around from person to person like a freshly baked batch of cookies. Everyone wanted a piece of the person responsible for finally dethroning Bolingbrook.

In what will undoubtedly go down as one of the state’s greatest high school girls basketball games, No. 2 Whitney Young defeated No. 1 Bolingbrook 74-65 in four overtimes in the Class 4A Hinsdale Central super-sectional on Monday.

It was the first time Whitney Young knocked off Bolingbrook since 2008. The Raiders had ended Whitney Young’s season the past three years and gone on to win three consecutive state titles.

“It really feels good,” Thompson said when she finally got around to the media. “We wanted to do it for all our past players and ourselves. We’ve been working extremely hard, and I think this group deserves it the most.”

Bolingbrook (26-2) looked as if it might be the grim reaper to Whitney Young (32-0) for a fourth consecutive year in the early goings of Monday’s game. Behind McDonald’s All-American forward Morgan Tuck, the Raiders jumped on Whitney Young and led 18-9 after one quarter. Tuck had five points, four rebounds, three assists and one steal in the first quarter.

Thompson, also a McDonald’s All-American, wasn’t going out like that, though. With the Raiders ahead 22-10, Thompson took the game into her own hands. She went on a personal 11-3 run, scoring inside and out and pulled the Dolphins back into the contest. She capped off her memorable second quarter with back-to-back assists to trim Bolingbrook’s lead to 26-25.

“We never gave up,” Thompson said.

Thompson later appeared to deliver a possible dagger for Bolingbrook when she sank two free throws with 7.2 seconds remaining in regulation to give Whitney Young a 47-44 lead.

But this game wasn’t meant to end in four quarters.

Bolingbrook’s Keiera Ray got the inbounds’ pass, pushed the ball up court, pulled up from just beyond the 3-point line and her high-arcing shot fell through the net at the buzzer to send the game into its first overtime.

It was just the start.

In the second overtime, Bolingbrook went ahead 50-47, but Thompson answered with a 3-pointer. Thompson then put Whitney Young ahead 52-50 with two free throws, and Tuck forced another overtime with a bucket in the lane with 24.4 second left.

The third overtime included even more drama. Bolingbrook’s Kennedy Cattenhead put her team ahead 57-54 with a 3-pointer. On the following possession, Thompson fired back with a 3-pointer. Nia Moore then gave Bolingbrook a 63-60 lead with a layup with 37.6 seconds left.

Thompson tried to be hero again, but she missed one 3-pointer and then had another 3-pointer blocked. After the second miss, Whitney Young’s Alexis Lloyd found herself with the ball on the right wing. She drove hard to the basket and scored while being fouled with 5.1 seconds. After Bolingbrook tried to ice Harper with a timeout, she calmly sank the free throw to deliver the game into the decisive fourth overtime.

In the final overtime, Whitney Young finally prevailed. Tied at 65, Harper scored on a layup with 2:46 left. After a Bolingbrook turnover, Thompson made two more free throws. After another Raiders’ turnover, Thompson put the game out of reach with two more free-throw makes.

“Young hung in there and fought,” Bolingbrook coach Anthony Smith said. “We both fought. It was a heavyweight fight. Young came out with the win. We wish nothing but the best for them.”

Whitney Young coach Corry Irvin would later try to explain what it was like to be involved in such a game.

“It was just a lot of excitement,” Irvin said. “The way the intensity was on both ends of the court, I’m sure it was great to watch. It was just fun to coach in.”

Thompson finished with a game-high 34 points and was 13 of 14 from the free-throw line.

“I thought Janee was awesome,” Irvin said. “She did what she’s supposed to do. She’s an All-American. She’s supposed to carry her team in the end, and that’s what she did. That’s what we expected of her.”

Tuck finished with a team-high 16 points and 13 rebounds. Cattenhead (13 points), Moore (14 points, seven rebounds, eight blocks) and Ray (14 points) contributed for the Raiders.

Lloyd (10 points) and Harper (16 points, nine rebounds) also contributed for the Dolphins.

The year, the players, the location and even the playoff round have changed over the last five seasons.

But what has been a constant in Illinois high school girls basketball since the 2007-08 season is that when Bolingbrook and Whitney Young meet in the playoffs, it’s by far the most significant game of the season.

That will be the case again when No. 1 Bolingbrook and No. 2 Whitney Young face off in the Class 4A Hinsdale super-sectional on Monday. It’ll be the first time in five years the two teams won’t meet in the state semifinals or championship.

“It’s the same game, just different players, different year and different place,” Bolingbrook coach Anthony Smith said on Sunday. “That’s all. It still means the same. It’s important because the winner has the chance to win a title. That’s what both programs are trying to do, what both programs are about.

“Everybody would have liked the game to be downstate. That’s not our call. That’s not our decision. We just got to play our game. The game is a little bit earlier than usual.”

The impact hasn’t been altered. The winner of Monday’s game will be highly favored to win the Class 4A title. History tells us that.

For the last five seasons, no team in Illinois has come close to matching what Bolingbrook and Whitney Young have accomplished.

Whitney Young has gone 149-12 in that span, with only six in-state losses. They lost to Bolingbrook three times, lost to Marshall twice in the 2007-08 season and lost once to Maine South in last season’s Class 4A third-place game.

Meanwhile, Bolingbrook has gone 137-12 with only two out-of-state losses. They lost to Whitney Young in the regular season and in the state championship during the 2007-08 season. They haven’t lost to an Illinois team since then.

The 2007-08 season was also the last time Bolingbrook and Whitney Young met during the regular season. The Dolphins hosted the game and defeated Bolingbrook 64-44 on Nov. 24, 2007.

Smith said he’d be willing to play Whitney Young again if it traveled to Bolingbrook to play.

“Whenever Young makes the trip back out here, we’ll love to go back out there and play,” Smith said. “They haven’t refused. They just haven’t done it. I guess they haven’t had the time to come out.”

Luckily for high school girls basketball fans, both teams have taken care of business in the playoffs the last five years and met each other.

In 2008, Whitney Young defeated Bolingbrook 54-45 in the Class 4A championship game. In 2009, Bolingbrook won 53-29 in the Class 4A championship. In 2010, Bolingbrook won 60-50 in the 4A championship. Last season, Bolingbrook pulled out a 50-49 overtime win in the Class 4A semifinals and went on to defeat Zion-Benton in the title game.

“I guess it’s kind of a rivalry,” said Whitney Young senior and McDonald’s All-American guard Janee Thompson, who has never defeated Bolingbrook in her career. “We see it as they ended our season last year. They’re a good team. We enjoying playing them.”

The two teams meet again this year following another dominant season by both. Led by McDonald’s All-American forward Morgan Tuck, Nia Moore and Kierra Ray, Bolingbrook is 26-1 with its only loss coming to nationally-ranked Cicero-North Syracuse from New York. The Raiders are currently ranked No. 3 in the country by ESPNHS. Led by Thompson, Linnae Harper and Alexis Loyd, Whitney Young is 31-0 and is ranked No. 6 in the country.

“I think we are the two best teams in the state,” Smith said. “I think it’s great any time you can get the best teams to play with that much talent on the floor. That’s good for the whole state, for girls ball here.”

Niles West guard Jewell Loyd, Whitney Young guard Janee Thompson and Bolingbrook forward Morgan Tuck were announced as selections to the McDonald’s All-American girls game on Thursday.

Zion-Benton coach Tanya Johnson was also announced as the West Team girls head coach, and West Aurora coach Gordon Kerkman was named the West Team boys head coach.

Loyd, a 5-foot-9 shooting guard, is ranked the No. 5 player in the Class of 2012 by ESPN HoopGurlz. She’ll play next season at Notre Dame.

Thompson, a 5-7 point guard headed to Kentucky, is ranked No. 35 in the Class of 2012.

The Connecticut-bound Tuck, a 6-2 forward, is ranked No. 15 in the Class of 2012. This is the second consecutive season Bolingbrook has had a player selected to the McDonald’s game. Ariel Massengale, who is now at Tennessee, was chosen last year.

Illinois did not have a boys player selected for only the third time in the game’s history. Illinois was also not represented in 1977 and 2009.

The McDonald’s All-American Games will be held on March 28 at the United Center. The 11th annual girls game will be at 6 p.m. and shown on ESPNU. The 35th annual boys game will be at 8:30 p.m. on ESPN. Last year’s games in Chicago set a McDonald’s All-American Games’ attendance record with 20,018 fans.

Bolingbrook moved up one spot and finished No. 36 in ESPN’s final POWERADE FAB 50 football rankings on Monday.

The Raiders were the lone Illinois team in the final rankings. They were 13-1 this season and won the Class 8A state championship over Loyola.

Bolingbrook should be among the nation’s top teams again with star quarterback Aaron Bailey returning for his senior season.

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Bolingbrook senior defensive back Tevin Teamer understood the consequences if the Raiders’ defense failed at any point in the fourth quarter.

One score meant a state championship for Loyola and runner-up trophy for Bolingbrook.

“We knew it was going to be on us, and we had to make a stop,” Teamer said. “The game was put on us. If we didn’t make a stop, we lose.”
Teamer and company didn’t disappoint.

The Raiders stopped Loyola on four possessions in the fourth quarter, and Bolingbrook held on for a 21-17 win in the Class 8A state championship to give the program its first state title.

“We just step up and makes plays,” Bolingbrook defensive back Diaron Rhodes said. “We’re the best defense in the state. [This championship is] like a dream come true. It’s all I’ve dreamed about since I was little.”

Bolingbrook’s defense came through in the fourth quarter, but it was also dominant throughout the second half. With the game tied 14-14 at halftime, the Raiders allowed Loyola just three first downs and three points in the second half.

Part of Loyola’s struggles were due to the weather. High winds and pouring rain diminished Loyola’s passing attack.

Despite the obstacles of Mother Nature, Loyola (13-1) acknowledged it hadn’t seen a defense like Bolingbrook all season despite playing in the defensive-minded Catholic League.

“The weather conditions weren’t optimal for our team,” Loyola coach John Holecek said. “You have to credit Bolingbrook. They’re extremely talented and physical.”

Loyola quarter Malcolm Weaver had experienced better days than Saturday. He finished 10-of-31 passing for 99 yards and an interception. He also rushed for 31 yards and a touchdown.

“They’re the fastest team in the state,” Weaver said.

As it had all season, Bolingbrook not only relied on its defense, but also the running ability of junior quarterback Aaron Bailey. Bailey rushed for a game-high 149 yards and two touchdowns. He also was 8-of-13 passing for 140 yards and two touchdown.

“They ran on us,” Holecek said. “Not many offenses I thought could run on us.”

With Loyola leading 17-14 in the fourth quarter, Bailey provided the needed offensive heroics for the win. He broke open a run for a 33-yard touchdown to put the Raiders ahead with 5:01 left in the game.

“It’s a total blessing to get the first championship for Bolingbrook High School in football, and I thank God for it,” Bailey said. “I’m just excited right now. I’m enjoying the moment. I don’t know if it’s hit me yet.”

Will Cushwa kicked a 40-yard field goal to give Loyola a lead in the third quarter. Reed Michalek also scored on a 25-yard run for the Ramblers in the first quarter.

Loyola’s Luke Ford had a game-high 12 tackles. Bolingbrook’s Andre Allen had two sacks.

Here's a look at this week’s state championship games and Prep Bowl.
All eight state championships and the Prep Bowl will be shown on ESPN3.com and can be found at ESPNChicago.com.

No. 2 Bolingbrook (12-1) vs. No. 1 Loyola (13-0)

When:Saturday at 7 p.m. in the Class 8A state championship
The story: When Maine South was upset in the second round, this was the best possible remaining game, and both teams took care of business to get here. They both have dynamic dual-threat quarterbacks. Bolingbrook quarterback Aaron Bailey is most dangerous keeping the ball. Robbie Bain, who recently committed to Illinois, is an offensive lineman to watch. Loyola quarterback Malcolm Weaver prefers to pass it, but he’s also possesses plenty of speed. Weaver has a plethora of wide receivers to throw it to, too. Defensively, both teams have been dominant throughout the season. Bolingbrook faced some of the state’s best offensive teams in the Southwest Suburban Blue and contained them. Loyola may have been the state’s premier defensive team this season. The Ramblers allowed 8.2 points a game this season and only gave up more than 13 points once. Bolingbrook linebacker Antonio Morrison, who is committed to Florida, is questionable for the game after suffering an injury during the quarterfinals.
Prediction: Loyola 24, Bolingbrook 20

---

Rockford Boylan (13-0) vs. No. 3 Wheaton Warrenville South (10-3)

When:Saturday at 4 p.m. in the Class 7A state championship
The story: This is a rare game between one defending state champ against another defending state champ. Boylan won the Class 6A state title last season, and its enrollment placed it in Class 7A this season. Wheaton Warrenville South is the two-time defending Class 7A state champs. Boylan has been as impressive as any team in the state this season. After rolling through its Rockford-area competition in the regular season, the Titans have knocked off one Chicago-area team after another throughout the playoffs. They’ve defeated Libertyville (40-0), Wheaton North (37-20), Crystal Lake South (30-13) and Lake Zurich (16-10) on their way to the title game. All four of those teams were ranked in ESPNChicago.com’s poll at one point this season. Wheaton Warrenville South has had a fairytale season. After graduating nearly everyone from last season’s title team, the Tigers began this year 1-3, putting even a playoff berth in jeopardy. Relying on its defense and running back Dan Vitale, the Tigers turned their season around and have won their last nine games. Most of the victories haven’t come easily, but they’ve found a way to pull out each game. It’s almost as if they’ve been a team of destiny this year as they shoot for a 3-peat. Wheaton Warrenville South may be forced to start sophomore quarterback Jordan Davis due to injuries. Davis was on the sophomore team this season.
Prediction: Boylan 14, Wheaton Warrenville South 10

---

No. 6 Joliet Catholic (11-2) vs. No. 4 Montini (11-2)

When:Saturday at 10 a.m. in the Class 5A state championship
The story: Joliet Catholic and Montini don’t need to familiarize themselves with each other. This is the third consecutive year the two teams have met. In 2009, Montini upset Joliet Catholic 29-28 in the Class 5A state championship. Joliet Catholic jumped out to a 14-0 advantage in the game, but Montini battled back. With Montini trailing in the fourth quarter, it scored in the final minute to tie the game, and the Broncos won it on a 2-point conversion. Last year, Joliet Catholic topped Montini in the regular season, but Montini went on to win its second consecutive title. Now, they meet again. Joliet Catholic is still powered by its rushing attack. Malin Jones and Ty Isaac are two of the state’s top running backs. Montini’s game is throwing the ball. John Rhode has delivered 35 touchdown passes, and that’s despite missing time early in the season with an injury. Montini wide receiver Jordan Westerkamp is one of the best to ever come through the state. This game could be a shootout. It may come down to which defense can make a stop or two.
Prediction: Montini 36, Joliet Catholic 35

---

Peoria Richwoods (10-3) vs. No. 5 Prairie Ridge (12-1)

When:Saturday at 1 p.m. in the Class 5A state championship
The story: The third time was the charm for Prairie Ridge. After falling in the semifinals the last two years, the Wolves finally broke through to the title game. Their offense has been unstoppable most of the season. They’ve only been held to less than 29 points once. They’ve scored 33 or more points throughout the playoffs. Running backs Connor Greenwald and Jordan Getzelman and quarterback Nick Nissan have combined for 3,132 rushing yards and 54 touchdowns. Peoria Richwoods has had an interesting season. The Knights dropped their first three games, including a 63-34 loss to Joliet Catholic, and responded by winning their next 10 games. Their offense is potent. They’ve averaged 39.5 points a game.
Prediction: Prairie Ridge 38, Peoria Richwoods 28

---

Mt. Carmel (12-1) vs. Aurora Christian (12-1)

When:Friday at 4 p.m. in the Class 3A state championship
The story: Aurora Christian has cruised through the Class 3A playoffs. The Eagles have won all their playoff games by 13 or more points. Their offense, which is led by Western Michigan quarterback recruit Anthony Maddie, has averaged 42 points this season. Mt. Carmel, which is in southern Illinois, lost its first game of the season and has won its last 12 contests. Its schedule included six teams from Indiana. Its offense hasn’t scored less than 29 points since that opening week.
Prediction: Aurora Christian 42, Mt. Carmel 24

---

Simeon (10-3) vs. Mount Carmel (9-4)

When:Friday at 12 p.m. in the Prep Bowl
The story: It’s only fitting Simeon and Mount Carmel close out their seasons with each other. The two teams also met to start the season. Mount Carmel took that game 23-14 at Soldier Field. This time around they’ll play at Gately Stadium for the Prep Bowl. Both teams have been up and down this season, but their offenses have been rolling the past few weeks. This should be another highly competitive game between the two South Side schools.
Prediction: Mount Carmel 28, Simeon 21

Loyola remained No. 1 in this week's rankings and Bolingbrook stayed at No. 2. The two teams will face off in the Class 8A final on Saturday.

Complete rankings.

Bolingbrook junior quarterback Aaron Bailey has come to accept he possesses some extraordinary football skills.

Like the entire state, Bailey can’t ignore what he’s done this season while helping Bolingbrook become a state title contender. With his vision and blazing speed, he’s made 50-yard runs look like ordinary feats. He’s amassed 1,642 yards and 27 touchdowns rushing and thrown for 869 yards and nine touchdowns.

How Bailey has come to terms with his ability and success has been to reflect the credit to whom he believes is responsible for it -- God. In any interview Bailey does, he doesn’t go more than a few sentences without bringing the attention back to his faith.

For Bailey, the ESPNChicago.com Player of the Week, that’s what is more important.

“I just thank God for the many blessings he’s set upon me,” said Bailey, who is 6-2 and 210 pounds. “I don’t want to waste it. He blessed me with that talent. I just want to go out there and have fun and do his will.”

Bailey has combined fun and faith often this season. On every touchdown he’s scored this season, he’s stopped in the end zone and raised his hands and head to the sky.

“I’m thanking God for the opportunity,” Bailey said.

The opportunities have been plentiful, especially during Bolingbrook’s playoff run, which will continue in Class 8A semifinals on Saturday.

Bailey scored five times, including runs of 40 and 44 yards, in last week’s quarterfinal win against Downers Grove South. He broke a 38-yard run on the opening play against Mount Carmel in the second round, added a 34-yard touchdown run later in the game and finished with 127 yards. In the first round, he rushed for 304 yards and had touchdown runs of 12, 66, 71 and 80 yards against Neuqua Valley.

Bolingbrook senior linebacker Antonio Morrison and his defensive teammates have learned not to get too comfortable on the sideline.

“We know he’s going to score and put the ball in the end zone,” Morrison said. “We already know he’s going to do that. We just get ready for the next series and see how fast he can put it in the end zone.”

Bolingbrook coach John Ivlow has come to expect the same. In Bailey’s second year in Bolingbrook’s option offense, he has come a long way.

“Even throughout the season, he’s getting better and better each week,” Ivlow said. “He’s a big kid. When you can get a big kid who can run like that, it’s like having an extra guy who can run the ball. Not a lot of guys are focusing on the quarterback.”

Bailey has had most of his success this season running the ball, but he has made some opponents pay with his arm. Ivlow believed if Bailey put more time into his throwing he’d be an even better passer.

The problem is Bailey’s adoration for football is equal to his adoration for baseball. While other quarterbacks are working on their mechanics in the offseason, Bailey is getting ready to hit a curveball.

“It’s kind of a seesaw,” Bailey said. “Once football season comes, I love football. Once baseball season comes, I love baseball. There’s a point of time where I’ll have to make a decision. It’s hard.”

Plenty of schools have already taken interest in Bailey’s football ability. He’s received offers from Colorado State, Illinois, Iowa, Northern Illinois, Northwestern, Minnesota and Purdue. Some schools are recruiting him at quarterback and others at wide receiver. Northwestern has told him he could be like current Wildcats sophomore Kain Colter, who has played quarterback and wide receiver.

Bailey said there’s also a chance he could pursue playing baseball and football in college. He hoped to have more conversations with schools about that during the offseason.

For now, his concentration is on the playoffs. Bolingbrook is one game from making a trip downstate.

“You want to soak it all in,” Bailey said. “It’s been a lot of fun.”

1. Bolingbrook: The Raiders are shooting for their fourth consecutive state title this season, but they also are seeking something even bigger. They want to be the No. 1 team in the country. “That’s the kids’ goal,” Bolingbrook coach Anthony Smith said. “They want to finish off the season No. 1.” From top to bottom, Bolingbrook is as talented as ever. It had eight players sign recently with Division I programs. That list is led by senior forward Morgan Tuck, who is headed to Connecticut. She averaged 21 points last season. Forward Cabriana Capers (Auburn), forward Nia Moore (Illinois), forward Annaya Moore (UAB), forward ChaRosese Williams (Stetson), guard Keiera Ray (Pennsylvania), guard Allie Hill (Texas-Pan American) and guard DeLacy Anderson (George Washington) are also signed. Bolingbrook will have to replace ESPNChicago.com 2010 player of the year Ariel Massengale, who now plays at Tennessee, and hope to do so with junior Kennedy Cattenhead.

2. Whitney Young: The Dolphins haven’t been able to get past Bolingbrook the past three seasons. Last year’s Class 4A semifinal game was an instant classic with Bolingbrook pulling out a 50-49 win. They’ll be the favorites to get another shot at the defending champs. Whitney Young will be led by its backcourt of Linnae Harper, one of the country’s top juniors, and Janee Thompson, a nationally-ranked senior and Kentucky recruit. Whitney Young will also look to sophomores Khaalia Hillsman and Taylor Brame and seniors Tessa Haldes and Alexis Lloyd.

3. Trinity: The Blazers are looking to make that jump into the state’s elite teams this season and appear to have the talent and experience to do so. They went 29-4 last season and return DePaul recruit and all-area selection Megan Podkowa, who averaged 17 points and nine rebounds last season, junior guard Taylor Nazon, who averaged 11 points, senior guard Alyssa Dengler, junior forward Shannon McGinnis and senior center Vickie Harris. Lauren Prochaska and Mikayla Leyden should also contribute.

4. Maine South: The Hawks pulled off one of last season’s biggest upsets when they knocked off Whitney Young in the Class 4A third-place game. Whitney Young may not have been as motivated after losing in the semifinals to Bolingbrook, but it still was a big win for Maine South and could propel it this season. The Hawks return all five starters and their top six players from last year’s team. Senior guard Michelle Maher, who has signed with Western Illinois, and junior forward Jacqui Grant, who has an offer from DePaul, both averaged around 12 points last season.

5. Marist: The RedHawks look to be a state contender this season with all five starters back from last year’s squad that went 27-6 and lost to Marian Catholic in a Class 4A sectional championship game. Among Marist’s returnees is junior guard JeTaun Rouse, who was the lone sophomore on last year’s ESPNChicago.com all-area team. The other returning starters are seniors Randyll Butler, a Colgate recruit, and Asianna Bey, a Memphis recruit, and juniors Leah Bolton and Claire Ryan. All five starters will likely play Division I basketball.

6. Hillcrest: The Hawks have finished second in Class 3A the last two years. The goal this season is finally to win the title. They return four starters and four key reserves from last year’s 29-3 team. The group is led by Seton Hall recruit and all-area selection Shanise Heady and Southern Mississippi recruit Samirah Ali. Seniors Jasmine Sanders and Jahmia Phillips also are returning starters.

7. Morgan Park: The Mustangs return three of their top players from last season’s 27-5 team. Morgan Park will be led by small forward Kendyl Nunn, a Toledo recruit, center Gabrielle Richmond, a St. Bonaventure recruit, and point guard Debra Jenkins, the glue of the team. Sophomore guard Shami Goodman and freshman Marsha Howard are also expected to receive major minutes. Morgan Park’s sophomore team won the city championship last year.

8. Montini: The Broncos graduated four starters, including three Division I players, from last year’s Class 3A state championship team. This is a program that reloads, though. Senior forward Tianna Brown is the lone returning starter, and she averaged eight points last season. Center Diamond Thompson was just a contributor on last year’s team, but recently committed to Notre Dame. Nikia Edom, a versatile 5-6 junior, and forward Malayna Johnson will also contribute this season. Some of the newcomers to watch will be sophomores Jasmine Lumpkin, Kelly Karlis, Kateri Stone and Sara Ross and freshmen Kelsey Bogdan and Rainey Kuykendall.

9. Bartlett: The Hawks lost all-area selection Jacki Gulczynski to graduation, but still return plenty of talent and depth from last year’s 28-2 team. The group is led by Haley Videckis, an Indiana recruit, who averaged 10 points last year. Senior Kristin Conniff also averaged 10 points last season. Bartlett also returns forward Lisa Palmer and guard Janessa Baker. Seniors Ashley Johnson, Nicole Gobbo, Natalia Grodzki and Kate Gutzwiller will also be looked to this season. Videckis’ sister Kendra, a sophomore, will also play on varsity this season.

10. Waubonsie Valley: The Warriors return five starters from last year’s 24-5 team. Senior guard Tami Morice leads the returnees after averaging 13 points last season. Becky Williford, Eric Jordan, Rachael Ross and Gratia Brooks are also back. Williford will be back from ACL surgery in December. Waubonsie Valley will also look to a sophomore and three freshmen to contribute this season.

11. Niles West: The Wolves only have two returning starters, but one of them is Jewell Loyd, and that’s all that matters. Loyd, a Notre Dame recruit, is one of the nation’s most electrifying players. She averaged 30 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, four steals and three blocks last season. She gives Niles West a chance in every game. For it to truly compete for a state title, it’ll need junior guard Molly Kleppin, the other returning starter, senior Jackie Cardena, sophomores Dashae Shumate and Alex Galanopoulous and others to contribute as much as they can.

12. Lincoln-Way East: The Griffins should again be one of the area’s top teams this season after going 25-6 last year. They return Loyola recruit Taylor Johnson, who averaged 13 points last season, and senior center Caitlin McMahan, who had 10 double-doubles last year. Senior Amy Jacobsen and juniors Meaghan McMahon and Natalie Hill should be key contributors this season as well.

13 Zion-Benton: The Zee-Bees are coming off their second-place finish in Class 4A. They return all-area selection Octavia Crump, who averaged a near double-double last season, sophomore guard Samantha Rodriguez, who started as a freshman, senior Aaliyan Smith, senior guard Morgan Franklin, and junior guard Kaitlyn Stabenow, the team’s best shooter. Senior Jessica Williams didn’t play basketball last season, but was the sophomore team’s MVP two years ago. She’ll be heavily relied on this season.

14. Fremd: The Vikings should possess one of the state’s best backcourts with senior shooting guard Jessi Wiedemann, a Valparaiso commitment, and junior point Ashley McConnell returning and the arrival of highly-touted freshman point guard Haley Gorecki. Fremd is coming off a 25-7 season and lost just one game this summer.

15. Fenwick: The Friars could be the most entertaining team to watch this season. Coach Dave Power is going full run-and-gun this year. His goal every game is to take almost 80 shots, including 40 3-pointers. Fenwick will be led by senior forward and Yale recruit Meredith Boardman, sophomore point guard Jade Owens, junior guard Maggie Reilly and senior guard Marek Burchett.

16. Geneva: Sarah Meadows replaces longtime coach Gina Nolan this season. Meadows will have a lot to work with this season. Ashley Santos, a Marquette recruit, will be the Vikings’ go-to player. She averaged 15.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.2 steals and 1.1 blocks last season. Geneva also returns starting guard Rachel Hinchman and junior forward Sami Pawlak from last year’s 25-7 team. Sophomores Michaela Loebel and Morgan Seberger should also contribute this year.

17. Homewood-Flossmoor: After winning 22 games in coach Dana Noble’s first year, the Vikings are out for more this year. They’ll be led by 5-10 guard Charnelle Reed, who averaged 13 points, 3.6 rebounds, three assists and 2.4 steals last season. They also return junior guards Syndi Johnson and Lauren Parker and senior forward Amena Brent.

18. New Trier: The Trevians were a bit of a rollercoaster last season. With nine seniors and 12 returnees back this season, they hope to be up more than down. The group is led by 6-1 guard Maggie Lyon, a Northwestern recruit, who averaged 17 points, eight rebounds and four assists last season. Senior forward Jessica Blackwell also averaged eight points and six rebounds last year.

19. Marian Catholic: The Spartans graduated a bulk of their talent, but this won’t be a rebuilding season. Their roster is full of young and talented players. Among those upcoming stars are sophomore guard Ashton Millender, sophomore guard Brianna Morrison and freshman guard Teniya Page. Seniors Alanna Ferry, Amber Williams and Sarafina Handy and junior Megan Walsh are back from last season, and their leadership will be key.

20. Cary-Grove: The Trojans hope to carry over the momentum of last year’s playoff run, which ended in a narrow sectional loss to Geneva. Cary-Grove returns three starters -- senior versatile guard Paige Lincicum, junior forward Olivia Jakubicek and junior guard Joslyn Nicholson -- from that 27-4 team.

Loyola, Bolingbrook and St. Rita held onto the top three spots in ESPNChicago's prep football rankings.

Complete rankings

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. – Bolingbrook senior linebacker Antonio Morrison had seen enough drama between his Raiders and Downers Grove South over the last three years.

When he was a freshman, Downers Grove South pulled out a 21-20 win. As a sophomore, Bolingbrook won 16-14 in the regular season, but fell 22-20 in the playoffs. Last season, Bolingbrook won 28-21.

In three years, the two teams had each won two games and lost two, and a total of 12 points had decided those four games.

Having played in all those nail-biters, Morrison was relieved Bolingbrook took early control of Saturday’s Class 8A quarterfinal against Downers Grove South and never looked back. The Raiders defeated visiting Downers Grove South 47-19 and advanced to the semifinals for the first time since 2001.

Bolingbrook will travel to Naperville Central next week.

“We had a history,” Morrison said of Downers Grove South. “I’ve been playing Downers Grove all my four years of my high school career. Every game has been close. We weren’t surprised it was a blowout. It’s finally good to actually blow them out.”

Defensively, the Raiders devoted most of their entire attention to Downers Grove South running back Josh Williams. Williams had gone over 2,200 yards in last week’s win and was the primary reason the Mustangs were in the quarterfinals.

“We knew he was going to get the ball pretty much,” Morrison said. “We knew if we took him away we were going to win the game. The whole week the whole defense was just flying to the ball. We had all 11 flying to the ball, stripping the ball, so we played fast tonight.”

Williams had no chance on Saturday. Bolingbrook’s defense got to him time after time just as he got out of the backfield. In the first half, he gained 21 yards on seven carries.

The second half was better for him, but it was too late. Williams finished with 135 yards and one touchdown.

While Downers Grove South’s offense struggled to move the ball, Bolingbrook and its quarterback Aaron Bailey seemed to do whatever they wanted against the Mustangs’ defense. The Raiders led 21-3 at halftime and built that advantage to 47-3 in the second half.

Bailey rushed for 128 yards and three touchdowns in the first half. He added touchdown runs of 40 and 44 yards in the second half. He finished with 212 rushing yards and five touchdowns.

Bailey did more passing during his postgame interview than he did in the game. Bailey dished out the credit to everyone, but himself.

“It’s a blessing,” said Bailey, who was 0-for-2 passing. “Thank God for my offensive line and defense. The defense made big stops for us. The offensive line made huge holes for me. It was a great team victory.”

Instead, others praised the elusive Bailey.

“We know he’s going to score and put the ball in the end zone,” Morrison said. “We already know he’s going to do that. We just get ready for the next series and see how fast he can put in the end zone.”

Bolingbrook coach John Ivlow said, “He’s one of the best around. The kid’s phenomenal. He’s amazing.”

Downers Grove South coach John Belskis didn’t give any excuses for his team’s defense. He simply felt Bolingbrook was the more dominant team.

“The better team won tonight,” Belskis said. “There have been times where we ended our season and not played well. We can look ourselves in the mirror and say we got beat by a better team tonight. Coach Ivlow has done just a great job. Their X’s are better than our O’s.”

Bolingbrook running back Omar Stover rushed for 88 yards and two touchdowns.

Downers Grove South quarterback A.J. Simoncelli threw a touchdown pass to Kaylon Miller. Anthony Farinella made a 32-yard field goal in the first quarter.

After last week's top 3 all lost in the second round of the playoffs, Loyola (11-0) moved into the No. 1 spot.

Complete rankings.

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. -- Bolingbrook’s preparation for Saturday’s Class 8A second-round matchup with Mount Carmel began a little over a year ago.
On Oct. 29, 2010, Mount Carmel dominated Bolingbrook in a 28-point victory in the Class 8A first round. It was a difficult defeat for the Raiders to swallow.

From that date, Bolingbrook coach John Ivlow vowed he wasn’t going to allow another team to run an option offense with that much success against his defense. He and his staff went on a mission to learn as much as they could about containing that specific offense.

On Saturday, Bolingbrook’s due diligence paid off. The Raiders confined Mount Carmel’s offense to one touchdown, and they defeated the visiting Caravan 21-7.

“I’ll be honest with you -- our defensive staff researched and talked to people from California and all over the country on how to stop the splitback veer,” Ivlow said. “That was a long process and started with last year’s loss. We knew we were going to cross paths again.”

Bolingbrook (10-1) will host Downers Grove South (10-1) in the Class 8A quarterfinals next week. Downers Grove South defeated Brother Rice on Friday.

In Bolingbrook’s research, the coaches discovered the best approach to stopping the veer offense was technique, reading keys and switching coverages. Bolingbrook followed through in all three areas on Saturday.

Mount Carmel’s offense struggled throughout the night. The Caravan had 104 yards of total offense in the first half, but nearly half of them came on a 43-yard run by Brandon Greer. Mount Carmel also was shut out in the opening half.

In the second half, Mount Carmel rushed for 23 yards and threw for 129 yards and scored one touchdown. The Raiders picked off Caravan quarterback Don Butkus twice in the fourth quarter.

“It just felt like we couldn’t get in a rhythm offensively,” Mount Carmel coach Frank Lenti said. “They did a great job. You have to give Bolingbrook credit. They played very well. Our defense I thought did a fine job. We just couldn’t get them off the field. They made a few too many plays.”

Bolingbrook quarterback Aaron Bailey was behind a number of those offensive plays. He rushed for 114 yards on nine carries in the first half and finished with a game-high 127 rushing yards. He also threw for 60 yards.

Bailey broke a 38-yard run on the game’s first play, and the drive later resulted with a 2-yard touchdown run by Jaden Huff to put the Raiders ahead 7-0 in the first quarter. Bailey increased that lead to 14-0 with a 34-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. Huff added another touchdown run in the second half to go up 21-0.

“We just have to go through our game plan and not think outside of our head,” Bailey said. “Just go out and perform like we have been, don’t try to change things up. We always have certain plays for certain defenses. We just performed the way we have been doing all season long.”

Mount Carmel scored its lone touchdown on a 31-yard pass to Frank Kelly. Butkus was 13-of-26 passing for 141 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions.

Bolingbrook’s Tevin Teamer and Greg Gordon each intercepted a pass.