MSL Basketball: MSL Girls Title Game History
Recap of Every Title Game Since 1974 and Other Facts and Figures
The first Mid-Suburban League girls basketball championship game was played in 1974. The girls showcase game of the league was ahead of the curve in making it a big event with its halftime recognition of the all-conference players and division players and coaches of the year.
Game details and quotes came from the Daily Herald coverage that included Paul Logan, Jeff Nordlund, Dave Jacobson, Allen Cone, Mike Bambach, Bruce Miles, Dan Bickley and John Leusch. Jacobson had arguably the most interesting transition as he went from covering high school sports and MSL title games to an assistant coach for Marcia (Gordon) Krysh on Elk Grove’s 1981 MSL and state champions.
The first game in 1974 had a story without a byline in the Herald two days after the game was played. Fortunately things changed quickly in terms of coverage.
Fremd’s Haley Gorecki set an individual standard that will be tough to match or exceed as she averaged 23 points in four MSL title games (2012-15) and scored 20 points in each game. Gorecki became an all-American at Duke, played 3 games in the WNBA with the Phoenix Mercury in 2021 and has had a successful profesional career in Europe.
Also included are a variety of facts and figures about the game that include top individual and team point totals, streaks and more.
MSL Title Game Scores
NORTH VS. SOUTH
1974 - Fremd 61, Forest View 31
1975 - Fremd 53, Rolling Meadows 49
1976 - Fremd 65, Conant 36
1977 - Fremd 49, Forest View 42
1978 - Buffalo Grove 53, Elk Grove 42
1979 - Hersey 55, Conant 46
1980 - Schaumburg 55, Hersey 48
1981 - Elk Grove 75, Buffalo Grove 54
1982 - Fremd 56, Elk Grove 50
1983 - Palatine 48, Conant 47
1984 - Fremd 69, Prospect 43
1985 - Conant 63, Hersey 51
1986 - Buffalo Grove 56, Elk Grove 43
1987 - Hersey 74, Conant 55
1988 - Conant 52, Buffalo Grove 49
1989 - Buffalo Grove 50, Hoffman Estates 48
1990 - Fremd 51, Prospect 49
1991 - Hoffman Estates 59, Buffalo Grove 55 (OT)
1992 - Buffalo Grove 66, Hoffman Estates 65 (OT)
1993 - Barrington 47, Elk Grove 45 (OT)
1994 - Hersey 82, Rolling Meadows 51
1995 - Barrington 44, Schaumburg 33
1996 - Buffalo Grove 54, Conant 40
1997 - Buffalo Grove 53, Schaumburg 50
1998 - Buffalo Grove 73, Conant 59
NORTH 20, SOUTH 5
EAST VS. WEST
1999 - Fremd 53, Buffalo Grove 50
2000 - Buffalo Grove 51, Barrington 46
2001 - Fremd 60, Prospect 44
2002 - Fremd 53, Buffalo Grove 36
2003 - Fremd 47, Buffalo Grove 43
2004 - Fremd 59, Prospect 44
2005 - Hersey 48, Palatine 36
2006 - Buffalo Grove 59, Barrington 32
2007 - Buffalo Grove 63, Barrington 34
2008 - Wheeling 52, Schaumburg 51 (OT)
2009 - Wheeling 49, Hoffman Estates 30
2010 - Wheeling 51, Fremd 36
2011 - Fremd 47, Hersey 42
2012 - Rolling Meadows 52, Fremd 51 (OT)
2013 - Fremd 66, Rolling Meadows 63 (OT)
2014 - Fremd 49, Rolling Meadows 42
2015 - Fremd 52, Prospect 32
2016 - Fremd 52, Buffalo Grove 37
2017 - Hersey 36, Fremd 33
2018 - Hersey 43, Palatine 31
2019 - Fremd 51, Rolling Meadows 35
2020 - Fremd 57, Hersey 56
2021 - Hersey 68, Fremd 35
2022 - Barrington 51, Prospect 28
2023 - Fremd 58, Hersey 39
2024 - Fremd 58, Hersey 49
WEST 15, EAST 11
Title Game Recaps
1974 - Fremd 61, Forest View 31
Feb. 19 at Fremd
Coaches - Fremd: Carol Plodzien; FV: Mary Vieregg
Leading scorers: Fremd: Colleen Cannon 15; Forest View: Barb Koehn 10
The first MSL girls basketball title game kicked off coach Carol Plodzien’s dynasty at Fremd as it finished the abbreviated season 9-0 before what the Herald reported as a “fairly large crowd.” Colleen Cannon (15 points), Heidi Geisler (13) and Sonja Peterson (10) led the Vikings and Plodzien said “the full-court press has been very effective for us. And the kids have developed quick passing techniques which have helped tremendously.” Forest View got 10 points from Barb Koehn and 8 from Carol Dunphey.
1975 - Fremd 53, Rolling Meadows 49
March 11 at Rolling Meadows
Coaches - Fremd: Carol Plodzien; RM: Elaine Wissen
Leading scorers: Fremd: Colleen Cannon 20; RM: Maureen Stoll 23
More than 1,000 saw drama down to the wire but Fremd (11-0) extended its three-year unbeaten streak to 25 games as junior Heidi Geisler (14 points) scored the final 4 points on a pair of jumpers sandwiched around a steal. Meadows (8-3), which lost the regular-season meeting 73-33, rallied from a 14-point deficit to ties at 46-46, 47-47 and 49-49 behind Maureen Stoll (23 points, 10 rebounds). Colleen Cannon had 20 and Connie Bruns 10 for the Vikings. Gail Thorson had 17 rebounds and Sue Simon 12 points for Meadows.
1976 - Fremd 65, Conant 36
March 9 at Fremd
Coaches - Fremd: Carol Plodzien; Conant: Barb Bostian
Leading scorers: Fremd: Connie Bruns 21; Conant: Linda Webb 9
Fremd (16-0) extended its perfect four-year record to 41-0 as Connie Bruns (21 points), senior Heidi Geisler (12) and Colleen Cannon (11) shot 53 percent from the field (15-for-28) en route to a 35-21 halftime lead. The Vikings’ full-court pressure forced 11 turnovers in a 21-10 second quarter. Conant (14-3) got 9 points from Linda Webb and 8 points from Cindy Inden. “I’m really going to miss it,” Geisler said. “I want to come back next year and watch them go to state.” Geisler would get her wish with the IHSA starting a girls state tourney in 1977.
1977 - Fremd 49, Forest View 42
March 12 at Forest View
Coaches - Fremd: Carol Plodzien; Forest View: Al Beard
Leading scorers: Colleen Bruns 21; FV: Debbie Brinkman, Nancy Lachus 10
Fremd (15-1) saw the program’s perfect 50-game start end with a mid-February loss to Wheeling but rebounded to make it 4-for-4 in MSL title games with perfect fourth-quarter free throw shooting of 8-for-8 from Connie Bruns (21 points) and 4-for-4 from Colleen Cannon. Peggy Hamill and Donelda Danz scored 8 points apiece for the Vikings. Debbie Brinkman and Nancy Lachus scored 10 apiece as Forest View got within 2 points four times in the fourth quarter. “I’m elated,” Plodzien said. “The kids have worked hard for this.” Fremd finished third in the first girls state tournament.
1978 - Buffalo Grove 53, Elk Grove 42
March 1 at Buffalo Grove
Coaches - Buffalo Grove: Ann Penstone; Elk Grove: Marcia Krysh
Leading scorers: BG: Bev Torain 16; EG: Faith Mimnaugh
Buffalo Grove (19-2) ended Fremd’s reign in the MSL North and the MSL by jumping out to a 29-14 halftime lead as Elk Grove shot just 18 percent from the field. The playmaking of Sharon Bouchard set up Bev Torain (16 points), Joyce Gallagher (13) and Carol Schlichting (10) and the smaller Bison won the rebounding battle. Elk Grove could get no closer than 38-32 with 6:56 to go behind Faith Mimnaugh (16 points) and 21-point averager Carole Pollitz, who scored 10 of her 14 after intermission.
1979 - Hersey 55, Conant 46
Feb. 28 at Hersey
Coaches - Hersey: Meg Putnam; Conant: Barb Bostian
Leading scorers: Hersey: Sue Miesfeldt 16; Conant: Kathy Surnicki 12
Hersey (19-3) sprung a 1-3-1 trap after playing a 3-2 all season and never trailed as it ended a 21-game winning streak by Conant (21-2). Debbie Barnd (6 points, 8 assists) got the ball to Sue Miesfeldt (16 points, 11 rebounds), Carrie Stembridge (14 points) and Linda Walkowiak (9 points, 9 rebounds) and the Huskies built a 44-34 lead. Conant shot just 29 percent (17-for-58) but rallied within 46-44 with 4:19 left behind Kathy Surnicki (12 points) and Danni Kyzyk (8 points), but Barnd returned from a shoulder injury to help the Huskies regain control. “The ability has never really been there before this year,” Stembridge said. “But this year we knew it was there. It was just a matter of having it come together.”
1980 - Schaumburg 55, Hersey 48
Feb. 29 at Schaumburg
Coaches - Schaumburg: Joe Breault; Hersey: Pat Tuttle
Leading scorers: Schaumburg: Kim Wallner 20; Hersey: Renee Reiser 14
Kim Wallner shook off a tough three quarters to score 9 of her 20 points in the fourth as Schaumburg (17-2) came back to give the MSL South its first league champ. Wallner started 4-for-15 from the field but went 3-for-4 and hit all 3 free throws in the final eight minutes, had 6 assists and hit a corner jumper that put the Saxons ahead to stay 48-46 at 1:12. Cheryl Juris (12 points) and Kim Connell (10) aided the comeback from down 30-23 early in the third and 42-38 with 4½ minutes left. “We stayed calm,” Schaumburg’s Diane Kretz said. “We knew there was plenty of time to come back.” Renee Reiser (14) and Karla Schrader (10) led Hersey but Linda Walkowiak was held to 8 of her 18-point average.
1981 - Elk Grove 75, Buffalo Grove 54
March 4 at Buffalo Grove
Coaches - Elk Grove: Marcia Krysh; BG: Tom Dineen
Leading scorers: EG: Kathy Leyden 24; BG: Micki Singer 20
The final score was not indicative of how tough it was for Elk Grove (23-1) as it trailed 50-47 after three quarters but scored the last 18 points in a 28-4 fourth. Kathy Leyden (24 points), Beth Sass (19), Faith Mimnaugh (15) and Laurie Vanhaften (8) led the way as leading scorer Robin Cormier (16.4 ppg) was shutout until scoring 7 in the fourth against the 2-3 zone from BG (17-7). The Bison overcame a 23-8 first-half deficit as Micki Singer scored 20. “We did it. We got it,” said Marcia Gordon (Krysh). “We had some nervous moments. But I definitely had confidence we could get back.” Elk Grove saw its 22-game win streak end in a 53-50 loss to East St. Louis just before the MSL championship but wouldn’t lose again to become the league’s first state champion in Class AA.
1982 - Fremd 56, Elk Grove 50
March 4 at Elk Grove
Coaches - Fremd: Carol Plodzien; EG: Marcia Krysh
Leading scorers: Fremd: Beth Gammie 21; EG: Laurie Van Haften 13
Elk Grove (19-4) appeared intent on a repeat MSL title as it raced to a 16-3 lead after a quarter. But foul trouble and Fremd (19-3) finally caught up and the Vikings pulled away in the final two minutes for their fifth title. Beth Gammie had a game-high 21 points for the Vikings and Patty Mullany (17) stole an inbound pass and hit a short fall-away jumper to put them ahead to stay at 48-47 with 1:32 left. Margie McDonald also provided some key defense and 4 fourth-quarter points. “It took us the first quarter to get into the game,” Gammie said. Laurie Van Haften (13) and Kathy Morris (11) led the Grenadiers but they were hurt when Kathy Leyden (10) fouled out with 2:20 to play.
1983 - Palatine 48, Conant 47
March 3 at Palatine
Coaches - Palatine: Teri Merickel; Conant: Barb Bostian
Leading scorers: Palatine: Denise Jones 18; Conant: Debbie Lewis 19
The “Merickel Workers” banner hanging from the balcony of the Palatine gym was fitting as the Pirates won their first MSL title when Denise Jones (18 points) hit a 5-footer as time expired off a pass from Stephanie Schulewitz. It capped a wild finish where the Pirates (14-9) rallied from a 7-point fourth-quarter deficit to go ahead 46-45 on Jones’ baseline 12-footer with 20 seconds left. Conant (17-8) recaptured the lead when Jill McGrath scored off her own miss at 0:09. Debbie Lewis had 19 points to lead Conant, which had the South tiebreaker over Elk Grove. Palatine had the North tiebreaker from a three-way tie with Fremd and Buffalo Grove. “I couldn’t believe it,” Merickel said. “And I didn’t have to worry about a 6-point (tiebreaker) margin tonight.”
1984 - Fremd 69, Prospect 43
March 8 at Prospect
Coaches - Fremd: Carol Plodzien; Prospect: Jean Walker
Leading scorers: Fremd: Dee Dee Deeken 23; Prospect: Nancy Melissa 21
Fremd (23-1) made a near-perfect closing statement with a 21-2 fourth quarter to make it six MSL titles in as many tries under Plodzien. Dee Dee Deeken (23 points, 7 rebounds), Karen Burke (career-high 18 points), Lana Wordel (14 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists), Pam Carpenter (8 points, 4 assists) and Beth Hamill (6 rebounds) led the Vikings. “What a birthday present this is,” Carpenter said as she celebrated turning 18. “I won’t be able to calm down in school. This is perfect.” Prospect got within 4 points three times in the third quarter behind 6-1 Nancy Melissa (21 points) and Sue Orstrom (14).
1985 - Conant 63, Hersey 51
March 7 at Conant
Coaches - Conant: Barb Bostian; Hersey: Ann Penstone
Leading scorers: Conant: Lori Finch 22; Hersey: Lori Zelek 18
The fourth time was the charm for Conant (21-3) and Barb Bostian in MSL title games as it pulled away from a 28-28 tie just after halftime and a 42-41 edge after three. Senior Lori Finch, who suffered some nasty facial cuts in a game a few days earlier, had a game-high 22 points with Kim Frye adding 16 and Karen Helding 10. “They played inspired,” Bostian said. “They’re tough, but they know there was no holding back. This has been one of their goals all season.” Hersey, which finished last in the MSL North a year earlier, got 18 points from Lori Zelek. Penstone became the first coach to lead two schools to the MSL title game (BG 1978).
1986 - Buffalo Grove 56, Elk Grove 43
February 27 at Elk Grove
Coaches - Buffalo Grove: Tom Dineen; Elk Grove: Marcia Krysh
Leading scorers: BG: Cindy Petersen, Jenny Rood 14; EG: Kim Foley 12
A balanced and under control BG (19-6) attack that committed only 9 turnovers eliminated any early nerves by taking a 32-15 lead en route to its second MSL title and first for Dineen. “He was more nervous than we were,” said BG’s Cindy Petersen. “But he was mostly nervous for us.” Petersen and Jenny Rood had 14 points apiece, Betsy Henderson scored 13 and Julie Finnegan and Lisa Swanson added 9 and 6 respectively for the Bison. Elk Grove (17-7) never got closer than 8 points in the second half as Kim Foley scored 12.
1987 - Hersey 74, Conant 55
February 5 at Hersey
Coaches - Hersey: Jim Jorgensen; Conant: Barb Bostian
Leading scorers: Hersey: Julie Liljeberg 26; Conant: Karen Helding 18
Patti Griffin, a 5-2 junior, picked the right time for what she called “the best game I ever played” with a triple-double of 19 points, a school-record 13 assists and 10 steals as Hersey (18-7) pulled away from a 38-34 halftime lead in stunning fashion for its second MSL title. Julie Liljeberg had 26 points on 13-for-18 shooting and Amy Koziol added 11 points and 7 rebounds. Karen Helding scored 16 of her 18 points in the first half for Conant (20-3) and Denise Lipnisky added 10. “I kept looking at the scoreboard and saying, ‘Is this really the score?’” Jorgensen said. “It was bizarre.”
1988 - Conant 52, Buffalo Grove 49
February 4 at Conant
Coaches - Conant: Barb Bostian; Buffalo Grove: Tom Dineen
Leading scorers: Conant: Kim Pearce 20; BG: Julie Rood 22
The game typified a roller-coaster season for Conant (18-8) as it scored the last 6 points of the third quarter for a tie at 35-35, fell behind again 45-42 with 2:34 left but finally went ahead to stay at 48-47 on Jen Parker’s baseline 12-footer with 1:30 to play. Kim Pearce (20 points, 9 rebounds), Amy Hager (13 points) and Deauma Clemons (7 points, 9 rebounds, 4 steals) were instrumental in Conant’s second MSL title. “Our kids had nothing to lose and I’m sure there were a lot of people surprised we were even in the game,” Bostian said. BG (21-5) had a 47-28 rebound advantage behind Julie Rood (22 points, 18 rebounds) and Debbie Wagner (18 rebounds).
1989 - Buffalo Grove 50, Hoffman Estates 48
February 2 at Buffalo Grove
Coaches - Buffalo Grove: Tom Dineen; Hoffman: Tom Kendall
Leading scorers: BG: Debbie Wagner 17; HE: Erin Ingwersen, Stephanie Garcia 15
Buffalo Grove (23-4) went from breathing easy, up 43-26 with 6:45 left, to holding its breath as a 25-footer by Erin Ingwersen (15 points, 6 rebounds) for Hoffman (15-9) hit the front of the rim at the buzzer. “I’m just glad it’s over and we won,” BG’s Debbie Wagner said. “It felt good after losing this game last year.” Wagner (17 points, 12 rebounds), Julie Rood (11 points, 5 rebounds), in her first game in a month with a leg injury, Kariejean Kordick (11 points) and freshman Michele Ratay (9 points, 4 assists) gave BG a big enough cushion to survive. Hoffman’s Stephanie Garcia (15 points, 6 steals, 4 rebounds and 4 assists) hit a 10-foot pullup in the lane at 0:12 to cut the deficit to 2 points.
1990 - Fremd 51, Prospect 49
February 1 at Prospect
Coaches - Fremd: Carol Plodzien; Prospect: Jean Walker
Leading scorers: Fremd: Jenny Buhrke 15; Prospect: Kristen Murray 19
Fremd (18-8) and Plodzien made it 7-for-7 in MSL title games but it wasn’t easy as it needed a rally from a 9-point deficit with 2:40 left in the third and a blocked shot from Cindy Blodgett in the closing seconds to hold on. Blodgett also held Prospect’s Becky Thorne to 5 of her 18-point average. Jenny Buhrke (15 points, 21 rebounds), Leah Siela (13 points, 7 rebounds), Lisa Fetke (11 points) and Laura Wojewoda (9 points) handled the offense as Fremd took the lead for good midway through the fourth quarter. Prospect (18-6) was led by Kristen Murray (19 points, 8 rebounds) and Lori Moore and Aimee Smith with 10 points apiece.
1991 - Hoffman Estates 59, Barrington 55 (OT)
January 31 at Barrington
Coaches - Hoffman: Tom Kendall; Barrington: George Jeffs
Leading scorers: HE: Erin Ingwersen 17; Barrington: Erica Berggren 19
Hoffman had to give a little extra to get what it just missed two years earlier with its first MSL title in the first overtime championship game. Erin Ingwersen (17 points, 10 rebounds) and Lisa Caraballo (16 points, 8-for-8 free throws) each hit 2 free throws in the final 31 seconds of overtime as the Hawks (21-4) finished 15-for-16. A 3 by Katy Winski (9 points) tied it with 1:30 left in regulation to force overtime and Kris Wayer (11 points, 6 rebounds) and Ronnie Marmitt (8 assists) made key contributions. “When we were sitting down on the bench I turned to (assistants) Ann Bagel and Bob Kaplan and said, ‘This is fun,’” Kendall said. Barrington (24-3) was making its first title game appearance behind Erica Berggren (19 points, 8 rebounds), Inger Krolak (14 points) and Ashley Berggren (13). Hoffman finished fourth in state in Class AA.
1992 - Buffalo Grove 66, Hoffman Estates 65 (OT)
February 6 at Hoffman Estates
Coaches - Buffalo Grove: Tom Dineen; Hoffman: Tom Kendall
Leading scorers: BG: Michele Ratay 26; HE: Ronnie Marmitt 18
The run of title-game thrillers continued and came down to BG freshman Kim Bretz standing at the free throw line with a 1-point deficit and four seconds left in overtime. Bretz made both as BG (20-5) avenged a 21-point regular season loss to the defending MSL champs. “I was just thinking of putting arc on it and spin,” Bretz said. “It was just awesome. It was great to win the championship as a freshman.” Michele Ratay (26 points) and Nicole McBean (22) led Elite Eight-bound BG in a game where the biggest lead was 5 points. Kris Wayer (10 points) forced overtime on a drive at 0:33 and Kim Johnson scored with 1:28 left to give Hoffman (20-4) a 65-64 lead. Ronnie Marmitt (18 points), Lisa Caraballo (16) and Katy Winski (15) led the Hawks’ scoring.
1993 - Barrington 47, Elk Grove 45 (OT)
February 9 at Barrington
Coaches - Barrington: George Jeffs; Elk Grove: Marcia Krysh
Leading scorers: Barrington: Erica Berggren 18; EG: Alison Schultz 12
This one seemed destined for a second overtime when Barrington’s prayers for its first MSL title were answered as Noelle Neimer inbounded from under her basket and found Ashley Berggren (15 points) for the game-winner with 0.3 seconds to play. “It was just a ‘Hail Mary,’” Berggren said. “When I got the ball I was going to shoot immediately.” Erica Berggren (18 points, 16 rebounds), her sister Ashley and Jana Mathis (10 points) produced the bulk of the Fillies (22-4) offense. Alison Schultz (12 points) and Tanya Dietzler (8 points) led a balanced Elk Grove (19-4) attack.
1994 - Hersey 82, Rolling Meadows 51
February 9 at Rolling Meadows
Coaches - Hersey: Linda Mass; Rolling Meadows: Mark Thorne
Leading scorers: Hersey: Corinne Vossel 25; RM: Kirsten Barker, Lori Schmidt 11
There was no drama this year as high-powered Hersey (23-1) rolled to a title-game record 82 points behind senior Corinne Vossel (25 points, 9 rebounds) and sophomore Abbie Willenborg (22 points, 10 rebounds). Lora Wolf (8 assists) and Leslie Doherty (10 points, 6 steals, 5 assists) pushed the Huskies to a 40-19 lead and Linda (Walkowiak) Mass became the first to win MSL titles as a player (1979) and coach. “I’m happy for the kids,” Mass said. “This was a great time for them to showcase what they can do. They’re fun to watch.” Meadows (17-7) got 11 points apiece from Lori Schmidt and Kristen Barker. Hersey would advance to the Sweet 16 where it lost an on overtime heartbreaker to Downers Grove South.
1995 - Barrington 44, Schaumburg 33
February 8 at Barrington
Coaches - Barrington: Babbi Barreiro; Schaumburg: Joe Breault
Leading scorers: Barrington: Jana Mathis 15; Schaumburg: Davreen Thornton 12
Defense won this championship for Barrington (21-5) as it held Schaumburg (17-9) scoreless for 10:18 of the second half to turn a 27-23 deficit into a 40-27 lead. “This is absolutely wonderful,” said Barreiro, in her second year as head coach. “I’ve only been coaching this team a couple of years but in all my associations with athletics I’ve never seen a group of kids work as hard as these.” Jana Mathis (15 points), Megan Spicer (10) and Lindsey Kamradt (9) led the Fillies’ offense. Schaumburg star Davreen Thornton, who scored 30 in an earlier meeting, was held to a team-high 12 points and Jaime Maurer added 11.
1996 - Buffalo Grove 54, Conant 40
February 7 at Buffalo Grove
Coaches - Buffalo Grove: Tom Dineen; Conant: Jerry Cunningham
Leading scorers: BG: Anne Sudlow 13; Conant: Tracy Schader 14
A pair of second-half runs finally gave BG (22-3) control of its fifth MSL title and fourth under Dineen behind Anne Sudlow (13 points), program career leading rebounder and No. 2 scorer Cherise Compabasso (12) and Stacy Kondziolka (11). Conant (22-6) tied it at 30-30 on a 3 by Krista Wilson but BG closed the third quarter on a 9-0 run and used another 6-0 run for a 47-35 lead. Tracy Schader (14 points) led the Cougars. “We don’t have the most flashy players but they play hard and so well together,” Dineen said.
1997 - Buffalo Grove 53, Schaumburg 50
February 12 at Schaumburg
Coaches - Buffalo Grove: Tom Dineen; Schaumburg: Joe Breault
Leading scorers: BG: Christy Compabasso 16; Sch: Kristy Madura, Shannon O’Neill 13
BG tied the school record for 3-pointers in a game (7) and held off a late rally to join Fremd (1974-77) as the only repeat MSL champions. Christy Compabasso (16 points) hit four 3s, Diana Wendell (12) hit 2 free throws with three seconds left and Tanisha Brewer and Kirstin Erickson added 10 apiece. BG saw a 49-40 lead cut to 50-47 with 2:27 left and Schaumburg (13-10) got within 51-50 on a 3 by Kristy Madura (13) at 0:04. Shannon O’Neill added 13 and Carrie Stevens 12 for the Saxons. “We had a goal to go 10-0 (in the North) and win the conference title again,” Dineen said. “The kids have gone about it real well. They’re not cocky but very confident in their abilities.” BG went on to the Elite Eight.
1998 - Buffalo Grove 73, Conant 59
February 11 at Buffalo Grove
Coaches - Buffalo Grove: Tom Dineen; Conant: Jerry Cunningham
Leading scorers: BG: Jaime Dineen 18; Conant: Kristy Steffens 14
Four 3s and a game-high 18 points by Jaime Dineen made it three consecutive titles for BG (23-7) and her dad Tom as it pulled away from a 49-49 tie early in the fourth quarter. “It’s a dream,” Jaime Dineen said of being part of the MSL three-peat and her dad’s 400th victory earlier in the season. Every BG starter hit double figures - Lindsey Hamma (13), Piper Mead (13), Christy Compabasso (12) and Kendra Ryl (10) - and made 23-of-25 free throws with Mead going 8-for-8. Conant (26-2) took a 37-36 lead in the third quarter behind Kristy Steffens (14), Jennifer Pettyjohn (13) and Sheryl Jedd (13). The North finished 20-5 vs. the South in the final matchup before division realignment.
1999 - Fremd 53, Buffalo Grove 50
February 11 at Buffalo Grove
Coaches - Fremd: Carol Plodzien; Buffalo Grove: Tom Dineen
Leading scorers: Fremd: Maggie Fontana 19; BG: Allison Guth 15
Fremd (24-2) won its MSL record eighth title in as many tries under Plodzien by holding off a late BG (22-8) rally in the first East-West matchup in the realigned MSL. “The kids’ goal was to maintain our tradition at Fremd and they were awesome tonight,” Plodzien said. The Vikings overcame Maggie Fontana (19 points, 10 rebounds) sitting the last 7 minutes of the first half with 3 fouls and a 28-23 deficit at the break with Lynell Davis (14 points, 11 blocked shots) and Anne Siders (6 points, 5 assists). BG rallied from a 50-39 deficit with 4:23 left with an 11-1 burst but Davis hit 2 free throws with six seconds left. Allison Guth (15), Lindsey Hamma (14) and Piper Mead (11) led the Bison. Fremd advanced to the supersectional for the second year in a row.
2000 - Buffalo Grove 51, Barrington 46
February 9 at Barrington
Coaches - Buffalo Grove: Tom Dineen; Barrington: Babbi Barreiro
Leading scorers: BG: Kathleen Nowicki, Piper Mead 13; Barrington: Nicky Eason 15
The start was delayed 20-plus minutes because of fire alarms going off at Barrington but that couldn’t stop Buffalo Grove (26-4) from bouncing back for its fourth MSL title in five years. Kendra Ryl (11 points, 9 rebounds, 8 blocks) made a key deflection and dived for the loose ball to set up 2 decisive free throws by Piper Mead (13 points) with 7.5 seconds left. “At the end we just said, ‘We’ve been here before, let’s play the experience card,’ and down the stretch we did,” Dineen said. Kathleen Nowicki (13) and Lindsey Hamma (12) also hit double figures for BG while Nicky Eason (15), Lindsay Richards (12) and Laura Degelleke (10) led Barrington (23-8). The two teams met again in the supersectional with BG winning 55-52 on the way to the Class AA state title.
2001 - Fremd 60, Prospect 44
February 7 at Prospect
Coaches - Fremd: Carol Plodzien; Prospect: Mike Nocella
Leading scorers: Maggie Fontana 29; Prospect: Brittani Cottrell 15
Maggie Fontana produced one of the best individual performances in title-game history with 29 points (still a record through 2024), 17 rebounds, 6 steals and 4 assists as Fremd (23-3) made it 9-for-9 in title games under Plodzien. Jenny Grimaldi (8 points, 7 rebounds), Katie Straka (8 points) and Jenny Jetel (5 points, 3 assists) were also keys as the Vikings overcame a 6½-minute scoring drought to start the second quarter to pull away to leads of 26-19 at half and 54-32 with 4:35 left. “Once we got past all the hoopla we settled down and played Fremd basketball,” Plodzien said. Brittani Cottrell led Prospect (16-10) with 15 points. Fremd reached the Class AA supersectional.
2002 - Fremd 53, Buffalo Grove 36
February 6 at Fremd
Coaches - Fremd: Carol Plodzien; Buffalo Grove: Tom Dineen
Leading scorers: Cathy Mangan 20; BG: Jennifer Guth 13
Despite coming in with 10 losses, Fremd (16-10) came out with its 10th MSL title in as many tries under Plodzien and its third in four years behind Cathy Mangan (20 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 3 steals). Heather Glaser (10 points, 3 assists) and Ali Ridge and Nicole Rinaldi, with 8 points and 7 rebounds apiece, added to the convincing performance. “We talked about the tradition Fremd has and we really wanted to maintain it,” Glaser said. “The girls from previous years really set a great example.” Jennifer Guth’s 13 points led BG (20-10), which made a run to the AA supersectional.
2003 - Fremd 47, Buffalo Grove 43
February 12 at Buffalo Grove
Coaches - Fremd: Carol Plodzien; Buffalo Grove: Tom Dineen
Leading scorers: Fremd: Ali Ridge 18; BG: Ashley Sandstead 13
For the first time the same two teams met for an MSL title in successive years. The rematch was much closer but the result was the same as Fremd (18-7) and Plodzien went to 11-0 in the league showcase. Ali Ridge (18 points, 5 rebounds) scored the clinching layup off a Dom Locascio (8 points) pass with 41.4 seconds left after BG (23-7) cut its deficit to 2 points on a 3 by Molly Wendell (11 points, 3 steals, 3 assists). “We take pride in living up to our past tradition,” said Fremd’s Cathy Mangan. Nicole Rinaldi had 15 points and 14 rebounds for Fremd. Ashley Sandstead (13 points), Jennifer Guth (10 points, 10 rebounds) and Melissa Gorski (9 points, 4 rebounds) led BG with Wendell.
2004 - Fremd 59, Prospect 44
February 11 at Fremd
Coaches - Fremd: Carol Plodzien; Prospect: Mike Nocella
Leading scorers: Fremd: Ali Ridge 21; Prospect: Gabrielle Cottrell 17
Fremd won four consecutive MSL titles for the second time and four-year starters Ali Ridge (21 points, 5 rebounds, 4 blocks, 3 steals) and Nicole Rinaldi (6 points, 3 rebounds) made Plodzien 12-for-12. “That’s awesome - we’ve heard about those teams in the ‘70s,” Ridge said of Fremd winning the first four crowns (1974-77). “It’s a tradition we want to uphold.” Blair Lehman (17 points, 3 assists, 11-for-12 free throws) and Christie Oswald (9 points, 4 assists) helped the Vikings (19-7) take a 22-7 lead and Prospect (21-5) never got closer than 9 points. Gabrielle Cottrell (17 points, 4 3-pointers, 5 steals, 4 assists), Jessica Travers (12 points, 7 rebounds) and Marie Baker (8 points, 4 rebounds) led the Knights.
2005 - Hersey 48, Palatine 36
February 9 at Hersey
Coaches - Hersey: Mary Fendley; Palatine: Ron Theberge
Leading scorers: Hersey: Emilie Hirt 17; Palatine: Nicole Pauly 11
Emilie Hirt (17 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds) was a pain for Palatine as Hersey (25-4) stormed ahead 14-2 and its lead never got below 8 points in its first MSL title since 1994. “Last year I watched at Fremd and thought how cool it would be to play in it,” Hirt said. “We knew we could reach this game.” Shana Lieberman shook off the pain of a broken finger to score 8 points, Brittany Hogen had 10 off the bench and Madelyn McGuinnis and Jenny Peterson had 8 and 7 rebounds respectively for the Huskies. Nicole Pauly scored all of her team-high 11 points after halftime and Karlee Quaritsch added 8 for Palatine (20-7).
2006 - Buffalo Grove 59, Barrington 32
February 8 at Barrington
Coaches - Buffalo Grove: Tom Dineen; Barrington: Babbi Barreiro
Leading scorers: BG: Ellen Ayoub 19; Barrington: Siobhan Callanan 10
Ellen Ayoub (19 points) scored the first 10 points for Buffalo Grove (25-5) and it was never in any serious danger as it won its ninth MSL title and eighth under Dineen. Chrissy Schaefer and Maggie Mocchi scored 12 apiece, Allison Mocchi added 6 and Rachel Buchek ran the offense as the Bison took a 30-11 halftime lead and went on a 17-0 run after Barrington (19-11) closed within 32-24. “I think those five kids each proved why they were all-conference at various points,” Dineen said. Siobhan Callanan (10 points) and Whitney Martin (9) led the Fillies. BG would advance to the AA Elite Eight where it lost in OT to eventual champion Bolingbrook.
2007 - Buffalo Grove 63, Barrington 34
February 7 at Buffalo Grove
Coaches - Buffalo Grove: Tom Dineen; Barrington: Babbi Barreiro
Leading scorers: BG: Ellen Ayoub 21; Barrington: Siobhan Callanan 11
The rematch of the 2006 title game saw Ellen Ayoub (21 points) lead four players in double figures as BG (29-1) won its 10th title and ninth under Dineen. Rachel Buchek (14), Heather Nisbet (12) and Maggie Mocchi (10) led the Bison to a 26-15 halftime lead that was extended with a 12-3 burst out of the break. “I couldn’t have asked for a better ending for my last home game,” Buchek said. Siobhan Callanan led Barrington (16-14) with 11 points. Legendary MSL coaching pioneers Carol Plodzien of Fremd and Marcia Krysh of Elk Grove were recognized at halftime. BG advanced to the Elite Eight for the second consecutive year.
2008 - Wheeling 52, Schaumburg 51 (OT)
February 8 at Schaumburg
Coaches - Wheeling: Shelly Wiegel; Schaumburg: Bill Murmann
Leading scorers: Wheeling: Lana Rukavina 19; Schaumburg: Kylie Castans 15
A huge snowstorm forced the game to be delayed by a day but that wait and the extra four minutes was worth it for Wheeling (25-3) in its first title-game appearance. Lana Rukavina (19 points, 6 rebounds) hit a tying 12-footer with 1:21 left in regulation and had a 3-point play in overtime for the Wildcats. “It’s a giant milestone not only for our team but for our school,” Rukavina said. “I’m so proud of our team. We’re ecstatic, beyond ecstatic.” Janelle Cannon added 12 points and Ashley Wilson’s 11 included 2 free throws in overtime. Schaumburg (24-5) won their matchup a month earlier 54-52 on a jumper by Drewann Pancratz (12 points, 8 rebounds) but this time her 10-footer for the win missed. Kylie Castans had 15 points and 9 rebounds and Gabrielle Blackwell had 8 points and 6 rebounds in 10 minutes before leaving with a leg strain.
2009 - Wheeling 49, Hoffman Estates 30
February 7 at Wheeling
Coaches - Wheeling: Shelly Wiegel; Hoffman Estates: Mike Nocella
Leading scorers: Wheeling: Janelle Cannon 13; HE: Megan Fischer 10
Wheeling (27-1) made a quick and triumphant return to the MSL title game as it broke open a 28-23 game with 7:19 to play with a 15-0 run. Janelle Cannon (13 points, 6 rebounds), Ashley Wilson (12 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals), Bianca Szafarowicz (10 points) and Stephanie Kuzmanic (8) gave the Wildcats their second 19-point win over the Hawks (24-3) and ended their 19-game winning streak. “We started out slow but we picked up with our defense and steals,” Cannon said. Megan Fischer had 10 points and 3 assists to lead the Hawks, who were the first team to hold Wheeling below 50 points. Mike Nocella (Prospect 2004) joined Ann Penstone (1978 BG, 1985 Hersey) as the only coaches to lead two schools to the MSL title game. Wheeling went on to finish third in Class 3A after losing to eventual champion Bolingbrook in the semifinals.
2010 - Wheeling 51, Fremd 36
February 10 at Fremd
Coaches - Wheeling: Shelly Wiegel; Fremd: Dave Yates
Leading scorers: Wheeling: Janelle Cannon 16; Fremd: Gianna Abruzzo 18
Wheeling (25-4) extended its perfect run of MSL title-game appearances to 3-0 while ending the remarkable unbeaten streak of Fremd (20-9) at 12. The Wildcats joined Fremd (1974-77 and 2001-04) and Buffalo Grove (1996-98) as the only winners of at least three consecutive MSL titles. “Our eight seniors are hungry and really want to finish their career with a conference championship,” Wiegel said before the game. “They are ready to do whatever it takes.” Fremd looked as if it would continue its MSL title success by jumping to a 7-0 lead but Wheeling regrouped to lead for good in the second quarter as Janelle Cannon (16 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists) shook off an illness and Bianca Szafarowicz scored 10 of her 13 in the third quarter. Gianna Abruzzo (18 points, 9 rebounds) led Fremd.
2011 - Fremd 47, Hersey 42
February 9 at Hersey
Coaches - Fremd: Dave Yates; Hersey: Mary Fendley
Leading scorers: Fremd: Megan Gray 14; Hersey: Stefanie Mueller 12
Fremd (23-6) didn’t have to wait long to rebound from its first MSL title-game loss to claim its 13th crown as it held off a late Hersey (22-7) rally with Megan Gray (14 points, 6 rebounds) leading a balanced attack with Ashley McConnell (12) and Jessi Wiedemann (8). Megan Kubis contained Hersey 24-point averager Megan Rogowski, who hit two of her four 3-pointers in a five-second span to cut its deficit to 43-40 at 0:38. Gray and Sarah Power sealed it with 2 free throws each for Fremd. “It’s nice to accomplish this for our seniors so they can see a championship up on a banner,” Yates said. Stefanie Mueller (12 points, 11 rebounds) and Eileen Zydek (10 points, 7 rebounds) keyed Hersey, which was held to a season-low for points while Fremd hit no 3s in the game.
2012 - Rolling Meadows 52, Fremd 51 (OT)
February 8 at Fremd
Coaches - Rolling Meadows: Todd Hatfield; Fremd: Dave Yates
Leading scorers: RM: Jackie Kemph 20; Fremd: Haley Gorecki 20
There were two celebrations in a bizarre overtime ending that ultimately saw Rolling Meadows (24-4) win its first MSL title as sophomore Alexis Glasgow (15 points) beat the buzzer with a drive for a layup. Fremd fans stormed the court to celebrate with the team thinking officials signaled Glasgow’s basket was after the buzzer but it turned out the shot was good. “I knew there wasn’t much time left,” Glasgow said. “I just saw an opening and I was happy the ball went in.” Jackie Kemph (20 points) hit a layup that forced OT with 0:43 left in regulation. Fremd (21-5), which went ahead 51-50 on 2 Bernie Williams’ free throws with 14.3 seconds left in overtime, got 20 from freshman Haley Gorecki and 19 from Ashley McConnell.
2013 - Fremd 66, Rolling Meadows 63 (OT)
February 6 at Rolling Meadows
Coaches - Fremd: Dave Yates; Rolling Meadows: Ryan Kirkorsky
Leading scorers: Fremd: Haley Gorecki 26; RM: Jackie Kemph 18
Fremd (23-7) did get the overtime celebration this time in the rematch as freshman Brianna Lewis hit a 3-pointer for her only points on a drive and kickout from Ashley McConnell (23 points, 5 steals, 4 assists) in the closing seconds. Haley Gorecki (26 points, 8 rebounds) was instrumental in the Vikings rallying from deficits of 30-16 in the second quarter and 50-38 in the third. “A lot of odds were against us for our kids to battle back,” Yates said. “They (Meadows) are an outstanding team. I’m speechless.” Jackie Kemph (18 points, 10 assists), Alexis Glasgow (15 points, 4 3s, 5 rebounds) and Jenny Vliet (13 points, 8 rebounds) led Meadows (24-3), which was 9-for-18 on free throws. Meadows bounced back to finish second in the state in Class 4A.
2014 - Fremd 49, Rolling Meadows 42
February 12 at Fremd
Coaches - Fremd: Dave Yates; Rolling Meadows: Ryan Kirkorsky
Leading scorers: Fremd: Haley Gorecki 21; RM: Jackie Kemph 14
The third consecutive meeting of the two state powers didn’t have the extra drama but still had plenty of intrigue as Fremd (24-3) used a 7-0 run to break a 34-34 tie with 6:22 left. Haley Gorecki (21 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists) hit 11-of-12 free throws and Bryanna Hopkins (9 points, 9 rebounds) helped the Vikings to their 15th title in 17 tries. Jackie Kemph (14), Jenny Vliet (13) and Ashley Montanez (8) led Meadows (23-4). “We’re a young team and this is great for our confidence,” Gorecki said. “Rolling Meadows is one of the top teams in the state and we realize we’re a great team, too.” Meadows would finish second in the state again in 4A.
2015 - Fremd 52, Prospect 32
February 11 at Prospect
Coaches - Fremd: Dave Yates; Prospect: Ashley Graham
Leading scorers: Haley Gorecki 25; Prospect: Brenda Kendziera, Haley Will 7
Fremd (23-4) made it three consecutive titles for the third time in school history - it won four in a row from 1974-77 and 2001-04 - and Haley Gorecki capped a remarkable four-year run in MSL title games with 25 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. Gorecki had four 20-point games en route to a 23-point average. “It’s crazy,” Gorecki said of playing in four straight games. “I’ve just been lucky to play with amazing girls and it’s an honor every year.” Bryana Hopkins (13 points) and Grace Tworek (8 rebounds) helped Fremd to a 28-11 halftime lead en route to its 16th title in 18 tries. Brenda Kendziera and Haley Will had 7 points apiece for Prospect (24-2). Fremd advanced to the state title game for the first time and lost to Benet in 4A.
2016 - Fremd 52, Buffalo Grove 37
February 10 at Fremd
Coaches - Fremd: Dave Yates; Buffalo Grove: Steve Kolodziej
Leading scorers: Fremd: Brianna Lewis 21; BG: Amanda Kowalski 16
Fremd (24-2) made it four MSL titles in a row for the third time (1974-77, 2001-04) as senior Brianna Lewis capped four memorable championship games with 21 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals. Bryana Hopkins (7 points, 10 rebounds), Grace Tworek (10 points, 4 steals) and four-year varsity player Erin Lenahan led the way to a 16-0 lead after a quarter and 17th title in 19 attempts. “We came ready to play,” Lewis said. “We kept playing hard like coach (Yates) told us to and I’m really proud of my team.” Fremd led by as many as 20 as BG (22-5) got 16 points and four 3s from Amanda Kowalski and 10 points from Sammy Stejskal. Fremd returned to the 4A title game but lost again to Benet 42-39.
2017 - Hersey 36, Fremd 33
February 8 at Hersey
Coaches - Hersey: Mary Fendley; Fremd: Dave Yates
Leading scorers: Hersey: Gina Miklasz 12; Fremd: Emily Klaczek 11
Hersey (24-3) decided not to become a footnote to MSL history as it erased a 9-point third-quarter deficit and prevented Fremd (23-6) from becoming the first program to win five consecutive title games. A 15-footer by Carly Cooper, who scored all 8 of her points after halftime, put the Huskies ahead to stay at 33-31 with 56.7 seconds left. Gina Miklasz (8 of game-high 12 points in fourth quarter) hit 2 free throws with 36.4 seconds to go. “We’re such a team,” Fendley said. “These girls buy into that. It’s never about one kid, one scorer, one defender. They all do it all and that’s what got us this championship.” Midori Wiliams (8 points) drew Fremd within 35-33 on a layup with 23.9 seconds left but Erin McGrath (9 points, 6 rebounds) split 2 free throws with 5.2 seconds to play. Claire Gritt added 7 points and 5 rebounds and Kelly Weyhrich had 7 assists as the Huskies used a 13-2 tear to erase a 24-15 deficit. Freshman Emily Klaczek had 11 points and Grace Tworek 6 points, 16 rebounds and 6 blocks for the Vikings, who finished fourth in Class 4A.
2018 - Hersey 43, Palatine 31
February 7 at Palatine
Coaches - Hersey: Mary Fendley; Palatine: Mark Johnson
Leading scorers: Hersey: Maesyn Benjamin 13; Palatine: Kacie Filian 10
Hersey (15-12) didn’t come in with a gaudy record but left as a repeat MSL champion for the first time in school history behind Maesyn Benjamin (13 points, 7 rebounds, 5 steals), Katie McGrath (11 points, 10 rebounds) and Erin McGrath (8 points). “It’s amazing what we accomplished,” Benjamin said. “It’s a great feeling. We knew if we played as well as we can, we could win the game.” Hersey took a 9-0 lead but Palatine (21-7) recovered to lead 17-14. Hersey responded for an 18-17 lead on Benjamin’s steal and layup as both teams went scoreless the last 5:15 of the first half and it extended the lead to 37-28. Kacie Filian (10 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds) and Sydney Rzezpka (8 points, 8 rebounds) led Palatine.
2019 - Fremd 51, Rolling Meadows 35
February 6 at Rolling Meadows
Coaches - Fremd: Dave Yates; Rolling Meadows: Ryan Kirkorsky
Leading scorers: Fremd: Olivia Hill 15; RM: Alexa Davis 17
Getting sidelined from the MSL title game for the first time in nine years in 2018 didn’t sit well with Fremd (26-4) as it rolled to its 18th title in 21 tries and sixth in nine attempts under Yates. Olivia Hill (15 points), Ruthie Montella (10) and Emily Klaczek (9) led the Vikings to leads of 8-0, 23-13 at halftime and 39-22 after three quarters. “Sitting there (at Palatine) last year made us really hungry,” Klaczek said. “We were like, ‘OK, we didn’t do it this year, but we really want it next year.’” Alexa Davis led Rolling Meadows (20-7) with 17 points.
2020 - Fremd 57, Hersey 56
February 12 at Fremd
Coaches - Fremd: Dave Yates; Hersey: Mary Fendley
Leading scorers: Fremd: Olivia Hill 18; Hersey: Meghan Mrowicki 17
The final three games Fremd (23-8) played on the way to its first state title in Class 4A weren’t as dramatic as winning its 19th MSL title in 22 tries on Olivia Hill’s layup with 5.8 seconds left off an inbound from Caroline Cochran. Hill scored 16 of her game-high 18 in the second half as Fremd rallied from deficits of 35-26 early in the third and 54-48 with three minutes left. “This whole week our coaches said we need that ‘fight mentality,’ and it was like all of a sudden that flicked in my brain,” Hill said. “It was like I said, ‘OK, now it’s time to go and we’re not losing.’” Fremd got 11 points apiece from Grace LaBarge and Ruthie Montella, who capped a 7-0 run with 2 free throws off a rebound for a 55-54 lead. Hersey (24-7), which had a 13-game winning streak snapped, regained the lead at 56-55 on a steal-and-layup by freshman Meghan Mrowicki (17 points) at 0:25. Mary Kate Fahey (14), Mary McGrath (8) and freshman Katie Eidle (7) aided Hersey. Fremd beat Lincoln-Way West 58-47 in the 4A title game and beat defending state champion Maine West 57-49 in the supersectional.
2021 - Hersey 68, Fremd 35
March 13 at Hersey
Coaches - Hersey: Mary Fendley; Fremd: Dave Yates
Leading scorers: Hersey: Katy Eidle 18; Fremd: Grace LaBarge 14
This was the equivalent of a state championship for Hersey (16-0) as there was no IHSA postseason in a COVID-abbreviated season that didn’t start until February. The Huskies rolled to a 46-14 halftime lead before a limited crowd as Katy Eidle (18 points, four 3s, 3 steals), Mary McGrath (16 points, 6 assists), Mary Kate Fahey (14 points, 6 assists) and Avery Larson (12 points, 11 rebounds) ensured their No. 1 ranking in the final Class 4A Associated Press state poll. “It’s an absolute fairy-tale ending,” Fahey said. “It was an emotional day and we’re just really thankful it ended this way.” Grace LaBarge (14) and Maddie Fay (13) led Fremd (10-3).
2022 - Barrington 51, Prospect 28
February 10 at Barrington
Coaches - Barrington: Babbi Barreiro; Prospect: Matt Weber
Leading scorers: Barrington: Laura Mahlum 21; Prospect: Jessica Reizer 12
Barrington (24-5) emphatically won its first MSL title since 1995 under Barreiro behind senior Laura Mahlum (21 points, 11 rebounds), Sophie Swanson (11 points, 7 rebounds), Molly O’Riordan (10 points, 8 rebounds) and Gwen Adler (7 points, 13 rebounds). The Fillies used runs of 10 and 11 points toward leads of 25-14 at halftime and 42-23 after three quarters. Jessica Reizer led Prospect (21-7) with 12 points and three 3s. “It’s been a long time since we’ve gotten one,” Mahlum said. “This has been one of our goals since my freshman year. To see it all come together after working so hard all season makes it really amazing that we finally pulled it off. To do it for (Barreiro) is awesome and just amazing.” Barrington advanced to the state title game for the first time and lost to Stevenson in Class 4A.
2023 - Fremd 58, Hersey 39
February 8 at Hersey
Coaches - Fremd: Dave Yates; Hersey: Mary Fendley
Leading scorers: Fremd: Brynn Eshoo 16; Hersey: Meghan Mrowicki 15
It was fitting for Fremd (28-2) to win the 50th MSL title game since it also won the first. The Vikings improved to 20-4 in championship games and led 22-14 at halftime and 42-29 after three quarters behind Brynn Eshoo (16 points), Ella Todd (15), Maddy Fay (12) and Kace Urlacher (10). “We weren’t in it last year and that’s something we challenged our kids with for this season,” Yates said. “They were super-excited to get back. Sometimes maybe you need to miss it a year to realize how special it is.” Meghan Mrowicki (15 points, 8 rebounds) and Katy Eidle (11) led Hersey (23-8), which didn’t have to wait long to avenge the loss 61-52 in the sectional final to give retiring coach Mary Fendley a fourth-place 4A finish farewell gift.
2024 - Fremd 58, Hersey 49
February 7 at Fremd
Coaches - Fremd: Dave Yates; Hersey: Courtney Ludois
Leading scorers: Fremd: Ella Todd 21; Hersey: Grace Grabowy 12
Fremd (24-6) and Ella Todd hit the jackpot as her 21 points led the Vikings to their 21st MSL title in 25 tries and gave the West a 15-11 advantage over the East. Brynn Eshoo added 16 points, which helped them extend a 3-point lead after three quarters to 48-41, and Ellie Thompson added 9 points. “It’s important for us,” Eshoo said. “Our coach (Yates) has created such a great program.” Yates won his 10th title as he was able to return to coaching to start the season after he was diagnosed with brain cancer in the spring of 2023. Ludois, in her first year as Hersey’s head coach after replacing the retired Mary Fendley, spent the previous nine years as an assistant to Yates. Her team lost the first meeting 62-31 but this time cut an 11-point deficit to 26-25 late in the first half. Grace Grabowy (12 points, four 3s), Annika Manthy (10) and Kristin Wentling (10) led the way for Hersey. Fremd would go on to finish third in the state in Class 4A but sadly, Yates would succumb to his brain cancer on June 11 at age 54.
Most Points (Individual)
29 - Maggie Fontana (Fremd, 2001 vs. Prospect)
26 - Julie Liljeberg (Hersey, 1987 vs. Conant)
26 - Michele Ratay (Buffalo Grove, 1992 vs. Hoffman Estates)
26 - Haley Gorecki (Fremd, 2013 vs. Rolling Meadows)
25 - Corinne Vossel (Hersey, 1994 vs. Rolling Meadows)
25 - Haley Gorecki (Fremd, 2015 vs. Prospect)
24 - Kathy Leyden (Elk Grove, 1981 vs. Buffalo Grove)
23 - Dee Dee Deeken (Fremd, 1984 vs. Prospect)
23 - Maureen Stoll (Rolling Meadows, 1975 vs. Fremd)
23 - Ashley McConnell (Fremd, 2013 vs. Rolling Meadows)
22 - Lori Finch (Conant, 1985 vs. Hersey)
22 - Julie Rood (Buffalo Grove, 1988 vs. Conant)
22 - Nicole McBean (Buffalo Grove, 1992 vs. Hoffman Estates)
22 - Abbie Willenborg (Hersey, 1994 vs. Rolling Meadows)
21 - Connie Bruns (Fremd, 1976 vs. Conant)
21 - Connie Bruns (Fremd, 1977 vs. Forest View)
21 - Beth Gammie (Fremd, 1982 vs. Elk Grove)
21 - Ali Ridge (Fremd, 2004 vs. Prospect)
21 - Ellen Ayoub (Buffalo Grove, 2007 vs. Barrington)
21 - Haley Gorecki (Fremd, 2014 vs. Rolling Meadows)
21 - Brianna Lewis (Fremd, 2016 vs. Buffalo Grove)
21 - Laura Mahlum (Barrington, 2022 vs. Prospect)
21 - Ella Todd (Fremd, 2024 vs. Hersey)
20 - Colleen Cannon (Fremd, 1975 vs. Rolling Meadows)
20 - Kim Wallner (Schaumburg, 1980 vs. Hersey)
20 - Micki Singer (Buffalo Grove, 1981 vs. Elk Grove)
20 - Kim Pearce (Conant, 1988 vs. Buffalo Grove)
20 - Cathy Mangan (Fremd, 2002 vs. Buffalo Grove)
20 - Jackie Kemph (Rolling Meadows, 2012 vs. Fremd)
20 - Haley Gorecki (Fremd, 2012 vs. Rolling Meadows)
Multiple 20-Point Games
4 - Haley Gorecki (Fremd 20 - 2012; 26 - 2013; 21 - 2014; 25 - 2015)
2 - Connie Bruns (Fremd 21 - 1976; 21- 1977)
Total Titles - Team
21 - Fremd (1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1982, 1984, 1990, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2023, 2024)
10 - Buffalo Grove (1978, 1986, 1989, 1992, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2006, 2007)
7 - Hersey (1979, 1987, 1994, 2005, 2017, 2018, 2021)
3 - Barrington (1993, 1995, 2002)
3 - Wheeling (2008, 2009, 2010)
2 - Conant (1985, 1988)
1 - Rolling Meadows (2012)
1 - Elk Grove (1981)
1 - Schaumburg (1980)
1 - Palatine (1983)
1 - Hoffman Estates (1991)
Title-Game Appearances
25 - Fremd (1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1982, 1984, 1990, 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024)
17 - Buffalo Grove (1978, 1981, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2016)
13 - Hersey (1979, 1980, 1985, 1987, 1994, 2005, 2011, 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024)
8 - Conant (1976, 1979, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1996, 1998)
6 - Barrington (1993, 1995, 2000, 2006, 2007, 2022)
6 - Rolling Meadows (1975, 1994, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2019)
6 - Prospect (1984, 1990, 2001, 2004, 2015, 2022)
5 - Elk Grove (1978, 1981, 1982, 1986, 1993)
4 - Schaumburg (1980, 1995, 1997, 2008)
4 - Hoffman Estates (1989, 1991, 1992, 2009)
3 - Wheeling (2008, 2009, 2010)
3 - Palatine (1983, 2005, 2018)
2 - Forest View (1974, 1977)
NOTE: Arlington never appeared in an MSL title game before closing in 1984.
Title-Game Winning Percentage/Overall Record
1.000 - Wheeling (3-0)
.840 - Fremd (21-4)
.588 - Buffalo Grove (10-7)
.539 - Hersey (7-6)
.500 - Barrington (3-3)
.333 - Palatine (1-2)
.250 - Conant (2-6), Schaumburg (1-3), Hoffman Estates (1-3)
.200 - Elk Grove (1-4)
.167 - Rolling Meadows (1-5)
.000 - Forest View (0-2), Prospect (0-6).
Title-Game Overall Record - Coach
1.000 - Carol Plodzien (Fremd 12-0), Shelly Wiegel (Wheeling 3-0), Teri Merickel (Palatine 1-0), Meg Putnam (Hersey 1-0), Todd Hatfield (Rolling Meadows 1-0), Jim Jorgensen (Hersey 1-0), Linda Mass (Hersey 1-0)
.692 - Dave Yates (Fremd 9-4),
.600 - Tom Dineen (Buffalo Grove 9-6)
.571 - Mary Fendley (Hersey 4-3)
.500 - Ann Penstone (Buffalo Grove/Hersey 1-1), George Jeffs (Barrington 1-1)
.400 - Babbi Barreiro (Barrington 2-3)
.333 - Barb Bostian (Conant 2-4), Joe Breault (Schaumburg 1-2), Tom Kendall (Hoffman Estates 1-2),
.200 - Marcia Krysh (Elk Grove 1-4)
.000 - Ashley Graham (Prospect 0-1), Pat Tuttle (Hersey 0-1), Mary Vieregg (Forest View 0-1), Al Beard (Forest View 0-1), Elaine Wissen (Rolling Meadows 0-1), Mark Thorne (Rolling Meadows 0-1), Ron Theberge (Palatine 0-1), Mark Johnson (Palatine 0-1), Steve Kolodziej (Buffalo Grove 0-1), Bill Murmann (Schaumburg 0-1), Courtney Ludois (Hersey 0-1), Matt Weber (Prospect 0-1), Jerry Cunningham (Conant 0-2), Jean Walker (Prospect 0-2), Ryan Kirkorsky (Rolling Meadows 0-3), Mike Nocella (Prospect/Hoffman Estates 0-3)
Coaching Titles
