July 16, 2025
Sports

Hinsdale Central, South girls among 5 players having breakout seasons

By JASON ROSSI
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Hinsdale Central's Abby Gurka drives past Lyons Township's Gaby Galassini in a Jan. 11 game. Gurka provides steady senior leadership for the young Red Devils. Bill Ackerman - backerman@shawmedia.com (Bill Ackerman)

Each basketball season provides an opportunity for new players to step into the spotlight. From juniors and seniors seeing significant playing time for the first time to underclassmen making an impact, these girls basketball players are having breakout seasons.

Abby Gurka

School: Hinsdale Central

Class: Senior

Position: Forward

Impact: There's no question that Gabrielle Rush is the star of the Red Devils, but Central relies on a young supporting cast around the prolific junior guard. Gurka has been a key senior for the team.

“I think Abby Gurka has done a nice job,” Central coach Tom McKenna said. “She does all the little things, getting loose balls, getting rebounds, playing under control.”

Sydney Kopp

School: Hinsdale South

Class: Sophomore

Position: Guard

Impact: The Hornets' top reserve a season ago, Kopp has emerged as a key two-way player this season. The team's primary ball-handler and top defender, Kopp has started every game this season and is averaging 11.9 points per game.

“She kind of does everything,” South head coach Jen Belmonte said. “She takes the other team’s best player on defense and we’re always trying to have the ball in her hands when it’s a close game. She’s playing really well and I think she’s only going to get better as she grows.”

Kasandra Rugienius

School: Downers Grove South

Class: Freshman

Position: Guard

Impact: It's not often that a freshman can transition to high school varsity ball, but that is precisely what Rugienius has done this season. Having gained experience as an AAU player prior to joining the Mustangs, Rugienius has already carved out a role as a key reserve thanks to her ability to handle the ball and shoot from range.

“She has been with us all season as a role player, and I’ve seen her improve on her shot and be more confident on that,” South head coach Lyndsie Long said. “I keep telling her every day, ‘I need your shot, I need your shot,’ I see it out there every day.”

Gennifer Simpson

School: Hinsdale South

Class: Junior

Position: Guard

Impact: Simpson made her varsity debut this season but had to wait a little bit to make an impact. An injury to MacKenzie Kern, South's top outside shooter, led to Simpson seeing more playing time and she is scoring 12 points per game.

“She’s a natural scorer, but what’s impressive about her is she’s learning something new everyday, about how she can get better,” South coach Jen Belmonte said. “We didn’t know what to expect from the junior class, but she’s done a great job for us.”

Addyson Wesolowski

School: Downers Grove South

Class: Freshman

Position: Guard

Impact: Wesolowski was already playing up a level when the season started as a freshman on the sophomore team, and due in part to injuries and her solid play, she recently moved up to join the varsity squad. Her age is no hindrance – head coach Lyndsie Long is already confident putting the ball in Wesolowski’s hands during crucial parts of the game.

“I’m looking for someone to handle the ball and be the voice of the team, and that’s what she’s been doing,” Long said.