Expectations abound at Glenbard South, Glenbard West continues rebuild

The girls basketball season has tipped off, and many teams wrapped up play at Thanksgiving tournaments to start the campaign. Here’s the season outlook Glenbard South and Glenbard West:

Glenbard South Raiders

Coach: Julie Fonda

Last year’s record: 22-8 (12-0 in Metro Suburban)

Top players

Name Year Position

Sydney Bauman sr. C

Jenna Brambora sr. G

Ivana Markovic sr. G

Alex LaPonte sr. G

Taylor Carli sr. G

Arianna Mora sr. F

Taylor Blohm-Bivins sr. F

Payton Carli jr. G

Outlook: In head coach Julie Fonda’s last season at the helm for Glenbard South, the Raiders are loaded with experience this winter.

Leading the charge is a trio of four-year varsity players, headlined by SIU-Edwardsville recruit Sydney Bauman. Guards Jenna Brambora and Ivana Markovic also return with loads of experience and many victories under their belts.

Fellow seniors Taylor Carli, Alex LaPonte and Arianna Mora have also received playing time. Another member of that class, Megan Smith, was expected to be a major contributor but suffered a torn ACL in the team’s opening game.

“They are really going to be a fun group to coach,” said Fonda, who will step down as girls head coach after the season, but will remain a softball coach and assistant athletic director.

“I’m super excited. There is not a lot of teaching, it is more little things and perfecting, working on shots. They’ve been running the same stuff since they were freshmen. They are quick, hungry and tenacious.”

Coming off another 20-win campaign and Metro Suburban conference title, the expectations will once again be sky-high as Glenbard South tries to send their coach off on a memorable note.

“The expectations are always high,” Fonda said. “And their expectations are high. It’s really rare when you’ve got 14 girls together and they all want to go above and beyond. Winning conference is a goal but they are also looking beyond that.”

The Raiders began the season with a 43-20 win against Lemont, then rattled off three straight wins at the Rachel Bach tournament before falling 44-41 Nov. 26 to Geneva in the championship game.

Sydney Bauman was named the tournament MVP while Alex LaPonte also made the all-tournament team.

Glenbard West Hilltoppers

Coach: Karen Persinger

Last year’s record: 3-26 (1-11 in West Suburban Silver)

Top players

Name Year Position

Kassie Buchholz sr. G

Grey Hayes jr. G

Marisa Vivoda sr. F

Lauren Daggett jr. F

Ellen Daniels jr. F

Outlook: An assistant coach a season ago, Karen Persinger takes over a Hilltoppers’ program that is in the building stages.

Having gone through some growing pains a year ago, Glenbard West does return a group of experienced players, headlined by guard Kassie Buchholz.

“My expectations for the team is to compete night in and night out,” Persinger said. “[We want] to play disciplined and aggressive basketball and outwork the opponent. When we are able to do these things, we can compete with anyone in the area.”

The Hilltoppers kicked off this season at the Rachel Bach tournament and ended the event with a 40-27 win Nov. 26 over Oak Lawn. Grey Hayes was named to the all-tournament team.

“The girls came in with a positive attitude and a willingness to work hard every day,” Persinger said. “During the Rachel Bach tournament over Thanksgiving week, I saw a team who improved every night and is working on putting four quarters of disciplined basketball together.”