By Bobby Narang
The green light was given for the start of the high school basketball season last week.
In a shocking turn of events, the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) announced that boys and girls basketball could start immediately with practices and run until March 13 for games with no postseason. Each team would need seven days of practices before games could start, plus schools in the COVID-19 regions must be in Phase 4.
Meanwhile, football practices can start March 3, with week one games scheduled for March 19.
For basketball fans, the sudden reversal of news, after months and months of sitting on the sidelines, was a positive sign during the bleak coronavirus pandemic.
Aurora Rosary High School head coach, John Rutter, said his team is thrilled to be able to practice and start games. Rosary is led by junior Emily Hurst and senior Megan Cibulskis.
“We’re excited to get back out there,” Rutter said. “Our experience is our best strength. We return four starters and several who earned some time last season.”
Marmion Academy boys basketball head coach Antonio Young said his seniors were ecstatic to be able to don their uniforms one more season, even if the season is less than two months.
Marmion’s strength lies with seniors Nick Reid and Jake Silagi. Reid committed to play for Central College, while Silagi is on his way to Beloit University. Overall, the Cadets return four starters, and welcome talented freshmen Andre Blakely and Trendell Whiting. Sophomore Colin Wainscott and junior Sean Kavanaugh are key reasons why Young is excited for the future.
“All of our guys are happy to have a season, especially the seniors,” Young said. “Three of the four (seniors) battled injuries last year, and now get a chance to finish off their careers.”
A few miles away, Aurora Christian senior forward Anna Griffin is back for her final season. The University of Virginia recruit helped lead the Eagles to the Class 1A State semifinals last season and averaged 17.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists. The Class 1A first-team all-stater is one of four returning starters from last season’s 30-6 won-loss team.
“We are incredibly happy and thankful to be playing,” Aurora Christian head coach Burney Wilkie said. “The girls came out in practice last week with tons of energy. Everyone is just really excited to be back and hopefully we will be playing games starting February 8, as long as we can get to Phase 4.”
Junior forward Thaya Luse, junior guard Lexi Lamanna, and sophomore guard Aspen Weeks are all returning starters. Griffin, who set the program record for points in a season with 641 last year, is eight points shy of 1,500 career points.
“I believe this year’s team is the best we’ve ever had at Aurora Christian,” Wilkie added. “This team will really be able to score. We love to run, but have the ability to score in the halfcourt. Defensively, we want to be a team that’s pressuring constantly. If our team’s identity is being great defensively, then we will have a really special shortened season.”