This year, as a sophomore, Rosenbaum upped his game even more.

Rosenbaum earned his first two state medals – and first for McHenry’s boys in 10 years – by placing fourth in the 100-yard backstroke and seventh in the 200 free last month at the IHSA Boys State Swimming and Diving Championships at the FMC Natatorium in Westmont.

According to IHSA records, Rosenbaum’s fourth-place finish tied McHenry’s Kevin Braun for the school’s best placement at state, when Braun finished fourth in the 50 free and 100 free 10 years ago.

Both of Rosenbaum’s times during the state prelims (48.15 in 100 backstroke; 1:39.02 in 200 free) represented career-best times. He swam to first in both of his heats to qualify for Saturday’s championship finals, a breakthrough after not advancing past Day 1 as a freshman.

Earlier in the year at the Fox Valley Conference Invite, Rosenbaum was one of two swimmers to earn Most Valuable Swimmer honors.

For his performance, Rosenbaum was chosen as the 2026 Northwest Herald Boys Swimmer of the Year by the sports staff. Rosenbaum is the first McHenry boys swimmer to earn the honor since 2015. The speedy sophomore answered a few questions from the Northwest Herald following his standout season.

What were you most proud of, this season?

Rosenbaum: I was most proud that I reached my goals, making it back to state and getting a few medals was really cool.

What was the best part about state?

Rosenbaum: I think the best part is just racing all of the fastest people around. The FMC is one of the nicest pools in the area. Being able to race there is always fun.

What did it mean to you to get your first two state medals?

Rosenbaum: It meant a lot. Last year, I missed out on it, so I really wanted to get one. I have stands with little hooks on them where I hang all my medals up above my bed.

What did you do the day after state?

Rosenbaum: Pretty much went back in the water. I usually do a morning and afternoon practice, so I took the morning off. After that, it was right back in.

How did you get into swimming?

Rosenbaum: When I was younger, I was at a water park with my family. I didn’t really know how to swim, so I had to wear a life jacket. I guess I was just trying to show off or something, and I took my life jacket off and went into the pool. I could not swim, and the lifeguard had to jump in and save me. My mom put me in swim lessons after that, and she noticed I was pretty decent, and I stayed with it ever since.

What was something you tried to improve on this year that made you successful?

Rosenbaum: I would say, just sticking to what I wanted to achieve and not focus on other people. Not get intimidated by other people, I guess, because that was something I struggled with – not being entirely confident in what I’m able to do.

What is your favorite event?

Rosenbaum: Definitely the 100 backstroke. That’s always been my favorite. I’m really big on my underwaters, my undwewater kick, and that’s pretty much the biggest part of the backstroke. It’s a very leg-driven stroke. And you also get air pretty much the whole time. You’re holding your breath lots on the other strokes.

What swimming event do you consider the most difficult to do?

Rosenbaum: Definitely any breaststroke event. That’s always been my weakness. I have no idea why. I’m not very good at it.

Who is your favorite professional sports team?

Rosenbaum: I’ve always liked the Chicago Bulls. I watched them with my dad when I was 5 or 6. And the Chicago Bears. I was really into them this year.

Who is your favorite professional athlete?

Rosenbaum: (Olympic medalist) Carson Foster. He’s my favorite swimmer. And Michael Jordan, because he just displays greatness.

What is your dream job?

Rosenbaum: Seeing if I can make any money swimming. That’s pretty much all I ever think about is swimming. If I can make money doing what I love, that’d be awesome.

What is one food you can’t stand to eat?

Rosenbaum: Tomatoes. I like ketchup, but anything else is gross.

What are some of your favorite hobbies?

Rosenbaum: During the summer I like fishing a lot, or just playing video games with my friends and building LEGOs, too. I just got a big set for Christmas. It was three or four thousand pieces of a giant dinosaur skeleton. It was pretty cool.

What was your favorite TV show as a kid?

Rosenbaum: The “Regular Show” on Cartoon Network.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Rosenbaum: Anywhere that’s super tropical with beaches.

What are your goals for your final two years of high school?

Rosenbaum: Just to improve on what I did this year. Maybe see if I can win state. That would be awesome. I don’t think McHenry has had a state champion, so that would be cool to be the first one.

After being taken out of the game as the starting pitcher in the bottom of the fifth inning, the Golden Eagles sophomore righty re-entered in the sixth with her team in need of just a little more.

Ferrante, batting ninth in the order, belted a loud three-run home run in her team’s half of the sixth – her first career high school homer – and she finished off the Indians with a strikeout for the game’s final out of a 12-10 win in Marengo.

In all, Ferrante allowed five runs (four earned) on eight hits in six innings of work. She struck out 10 and walked one on 116 pitches (79 for strikes).

Jacobs coach Jessica Turner knows Ferrante won’t back down from a challenge.

“Just putting our trust into Skylee, she’s someone we can count on,” Turner said. “She started that game, and yeah, she gave up some runs here and there, but we had to go back to her. She took the ball and knew, ‘Hey, my teammates need me.’

“She’s an underclassman, but she carries herself really well.”

Ferrante allowed back-to-back homers to Gabby Christopher and Gianna Iovinelli in the first, but went on to retire 11 of the next 15 batters. The only Indians hitters to reach base during that span were on two singles, a walk and an error.

Ferrante’s teammates have come to expect that from her.

“Skylee, she just brings energy and that emotion, especially when she’s pitching,” said junior shortstop Talia Di Silvio, who was 3 for 5 with a home run, double, two runs and two RBIs. “We know that she has our back, and she knows she can trust us in the infield.

“I think that just builds her confidence.”

Ferrante’s three-run homer in the sixth gave Jacobs (1-0) a 10-5 lead. The Eagles added another run to go up 11-5 on an RBI single from Di Silvio after leadoff hitter Olivia Fillipp (2 for 5, double, RBI) smacked a triple to left field.

The first four batters for the Indians (0-1) reached base in the bottom of the sixth against sophomore pitcher Emily Popilek, who got the final three outs of the fifth after relieving Ferrante.

Ferrante, after coming back in, allowed just one unearned run in her final two innings, striking out three, including the final batter with the tying run at the plate.

“I was definitely feeling good about it,” Ferrante said about pitching the final two innings. “I really just want to build my endurance for pitching and for hitting, too.”

Jacobs and Marengo combined for 27 hits, including six homers. Senior shortstop Gabby Christopher, who two years ago set the McHenry County single-season home run record with 20, hit two homers for the Indians and drove in three runs with three runs scored.

For Jacobs, Popilek (2 for 4, two runs, three RBIs) joined Ferrante and Di Silvio with homers, connecting on a three-run shot in the third inning that gave the Eagles a 6-2 lead at the time.

“I was very, very happy with our offense today,” Turner said. “Collectively, one through nine, everyone stepped up in different ways. That was really good to see, especially Game 1.”

Molly Hoch added two hits and an RBI for Jacobs, and Avery St. Leger was 2 for 4 with two runs scored.

Marengo scored three runs in the fifth and five in the sixth to put pressure on Jacobs late. Iovinelli (2 for 5, double) scored three runs and drove in a pair of runs, Mia Miceli was 2 for 4 with an RBI and Abby Balmes collected three hits, including a double.

Ellie White (3 for 5, two runs), who went all seven innings for Marengo with four strikeouts and 13 hits allowed, led off the bottom of the seventh with an infield hit but never got past second base.

“I thought we did pretty good making adjustments, and we just kept on battling,” Marengo coach Dwain Nance said. “Problem is they just kept on hitting, too. We put ourselves in a position, runner on first, no outs in the seventh with 2-3-4 up. I’ll take our 2-3-4 hitters (Christopher, Iovinelli, Ari Rodriguez) all day long. We didn’t come through tonight, but I bet you we will the next time we come into that situation.”

The Hurricanes ace took a big step forward, striking out two batters per inning and earning ICA All-State second-team honors in Class 2A. Chmiel, who will play next year at NCAA Division-I Dayton, was a Northwest Herald All-Area first-team pick, recording a 2.25 ERA with 236 strikeouts in 118 innings. She also hit .385, among Marian’s top hitters.

Eichholz enters her sophomore season already among the area’s top pitchers and the No. 1 ace of the Kishwaukee River Conference. She split innings with her sister, Tallulah (now at Belmont), in her debut and made the most of her innings with a 1.39 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, 154 strikeouts and 15 walks in 80⅔ innings. She hit eight home runs as a batter and was an All-State second-teamer in Class 3A.

Mosolino led the Wolves to their first state appearance and was named the 2025 Northwest Herald Softball Player of the Year following a dominant junior season. The Indiana commit went 19-1 with a 0.84 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 190 strikeouts over 150⅔ innings as Prairie Ridge took third in Class 3A and won a program-record 29 games. Mosolino earned All-State first-team honors in Class 3A.

Robinson will return as one of the area’s top run producers after a stellar junior year in which she hit .464 with 20 doubles, eight homers and 51 RBIs. Robinson, who is committed to Macalester College in Minnesota, was an All-State third-team selection in Class 4A.

Victorine continued to shine in the circle for the Tigers after a standout freshman campaign, finishing 11-4 with a 1.06 ERA and 183 strikeouts in 106 innings. The Illinois commit helped Central win its first regional title in nine years and hit .323 with six homers and 28 RBIs. Victorine was named to the All-State first team in Class 3A.

Last season’s record: 13-22, 9-9 FVC (sixth place)

Top returners: Mei Shirokawa, jr., SS-C; Izzy Reed, sr., P

Key newcomers: Alexis Skarda, fr., 3B-SS

Worth noting: Edwards takes over for Bill Morrow, who led the Rockets for two seasons. … Reed and Shirokawa were All-FVC. … Reed, who will play at Elgin Community College, had 10 of Central’s 13 wins as a pitcher, posting a 1.97 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 116 strikeouts in 81⅔innings. She was named to the All-Area second team and Illinois Coaches Association All-State Class 3A third team. … Shirokawa (Central Michigan commit), hit .349 with seven doubles. “Mei exhibits a lot of traits that top players in the area strive to achieve,” Edwards said. “She’s a leader within our group.” … “Our group of girls have a great team culture already established from the first day of tryouts. We want to build on that and rely on each other to get better throughout the year. Our goal is to go out and compete every day, whether it’s on the practice field or the game field.”

Coach: Cara Neff (third season)

Last season’s record: 9-22, 4-14 FVC (eighth)

Top returners: Addison DeSomer, sr., SS; Addy Green, sr., P; Paityn Ahlquist, so., P

Key newcomers: Lyla Murray, so., P-OF-IF

Worth noting: The Trojans graduated their lone All-FVC member in Aubrey Lonergan, who hit .449 and was named team MVP. Ahlquist had a strong freshman season, hitting .395 and striking out 85 batters with a 3.96 ERA in the circle. DeSomer, who will play at Wisconsin-Whitewater, hit .373 and was the team’s best defensive player, Neff said. Green, a lefty, returns as one of the Trojans’ top pitchers. … “Cary-Grove is a young team but a growing program,” Neff said. “I have high expectations for a strong offensive lineup and girls who are ready to play hard and give it their all.”

Coach: Brian Strombom (19th season)

Last season’s record: 25-7, 14-4 FVC (tied for second)

Top returners: Oli Victorine, jr., P-1B; Ella Arana, jr., CF; Lily Perocho, so., P-1B; Cassidy Murphy, sr., C-IF; Harper Wright, so., C-IF; Meghan Gau, so., OF; Kylie Gibbons, so., OF-1B

Key newcomers: Elise Thorsen, fr., 2B-OF; Logan Grams, fr., 3B-P; Kacie Krallitsch, fr., C-UTIL; Audriana Moore, sr., OF

Worth noting: The Tigers won their first regional title in nine years. Central’s 25 wins were its most since 2002. … Central lost to Prairie Ridge 5-2 in the Class 3A Sycamore Sectional final. ... Victorine, an Illinois commit, earned All-Area and All-State Class 3A first-team honors, going 11-4 with a 1.06 ERA, 183 strikeouts and 23 walks in 106 innings. She also clubbed eight doubles and six homers with 28 RBIs. … Arana (UIC commit) earned All-Area first-team and All-State third-team honors, hitting .505 with 18 doubles, 29 RBIs, 39 runs and 14 steals. … Perocho hit .462 with 35 RBIs and 10 doubles, also going 6-1 with a 2.75 ERA and 60 strikeouts in 48⅓ innings. She earned All-Area and All-State second-team honors. ... “We have a strong nucleus of returning players and are encouraged with how the rest of the roster is working to find roles that they can fill to help us as well,” Strombom said.

Coach: Sara Markelonis (fourth season)

Last season’s record: 2-24, 1-17 FVC (10th)

Top returners: Riley Barda, so., SS

Key newcomers: Giada Cervantes, fr., OF; Georgi Austin, fr., C

Worth noting: The Gators went 1-17 in the FVC for the second year in a row. ... Barda earned All-FVC honors as a freshman and was an All-State Class 3A third-team pick. In her first year, she hit .460 with six doubles. … “We are again a young team, but I’m excited about the commitment and work ethic this group has shown,” Markelonis said. “Our girls are eager to compete, and we’re looking forward to getting the season underway. I believe this team is ready to hit the ground running.”

Coach: Patrick Kleparski (first season)

Last season’s record: 10-21, 3-15 FVC (ninth)

Top returners: Jordyn Jeffs, sr., 1B; Casi Attapit, sr., C; Abi Hsu, sr., CF; Josie Sheldon, so., 2B; Kerrigan Svec, so., LF; Chloe Morrison, jr., P

Key newcomers: Andie Robinson, fr., P; Liv Grugel, fr., P; Dani Christopher, fr., SS-C

Worth noting: Kleparski takes over for Matthew Goetz, who led the Chargers for three seasons. D-C won 10 FVC games two years ago. … Jeffs (Wisconsin-Platteville commit) was the Chargers’ lone All-FVC pick and is one of the area’s top power hitters. She hit .449 with 12 doubles and six home runs, knocking in 33 runs. … Attapit hit .344 with 10 doubles and Svec hit .350 with nine steals. … “Our expectation is to compete every day and continue building a culture of hard work and accountability,” Kleparski said. “I’m excited about the chemistry this group has and the way they support each other. If we stay focused on improving and playing for one another, I think we have the potential to have a really special season.”

Coach: Jeremy Bauer (fifth season)

Last season’s record: 23-11, 11-7 FVC (fourth)

Top returners: Mia Robinson, sr., 1B; Ali LeBlanc, sr., 2B; Alexa Schuring, sr., OF; Mariah Becerra, sr., C; Addison Edlen, jr., IF; Julissa Akins, jr., P

Key newcomer: Becca Coffey, so., P-UTIL

Worth noting: The Whip-Purs beat Harlem 10-2 for their second regional championship in three seasons. Hampshire won 20-plus games for the second year in a row. … Robinson (Macalester College commit) earned All-Area first-team and All-State Class 4A third-team honors, hitting .464 with 20 doubles, eight homers and 51 RBIs. … The Whips graduated All-State first-teamer Bria Riebel (South Dakota State), who hit .618 with an area-best 76 hits. … Edlen earned All-Area second-team honors, hitting .431 with 15 doubles and five homers. … “We will need this year’s seniors to show leadership for our pretty young team,” Bauer said of the Whips, who graduated seven from last year."

Coach: Mark Petryniec (22nd season)

Last season’s record: 25-13, 14-4 FVC (tied for second)

Top returners: Aubrina Adamik, sr.; Katelyn Bayness, sr.; Grace Benson, sr.; Morgan Bzdusek, sr.; Keely Fewell, sr.; Lyla Ginczycki, sr.; Makayla Rasmussen, sr.; CeCe Romano, sr.; Avery Collatz, jr.; Lana Hobday, jr.; Layla Olson, jr.; Adalyn Olson, jr.

Key newcomers: Alyssa Weniger, sr.; Ava Schlee, sr.; Kendall Wolf, jr.; Piper Heimbrodt, fr.

Worth noting: The Red Raiders beat Grant 4-2 to win the Class 4A McHenry Regional final. Huntley won its 10th straight regional title and has won 20-plus games in 12 straight seasons. … Petryniec enters the season with 497 career wins. … Adamik (Akron commit) and Ginczycki were All-Area-second team picks. Adamik, who also earned All-State Class 4A third-team honors, hit .396 with 30 runs and 20 steals. … Ginczycki hit .386 with nine doubles, five homers and 29 RBIs. … The Raiders will have to replace the pitching of Gretchen Huber (18-10, 2.00 ERA, 173 Ks). Huntley also graduated All-Area first-teamer Isabella Boskey, who hit .474 with 33 RBIs. … Bayness is committed to Wisconsin-Platteville, Fewell to Virginia Wesleyan, Bzdusek to St. Olaf and Weniger to Northeastern Oklahoma A&M. … “It’s early, but Team 23 has been very fun to be around,” Petryniec said. “Players came in ready to work, and our coaching staff looks forward to their accomplishments this season.”

Coach: Jessica Turner (fourth season)

Last season’s record: 17-19, 7-11 FVC (seventh)

Top returners: Molly Hoch, sr.; Kate Takasaki, sr.; Talia Di Silvio, jr.; Audrey Wetzel, jr.; Taylor Schweet, jr.; Skylee Ferrante, so.; Avery St. Leger, so.; Olivia Fillipp, so.; Kendall Davignon, so.; Emily Popilek, so.

Key newcomers: Aliyah Escareno, jr.; Allison Zieleniewski, jr.; Mya Garcia, fr.; Taliya Garcia, fr.

Worth noting: The Golden Eagles improved by five wins in the FVC last year. … Di Silvio and Hoch were All-FVC selections. Di Silvio hit .365 with 32 RBIs and nine doubles, Hoch hit .354 with 14 doubles, 39 RBIs and 26 runs, and Fillipp hit .390 with nine doubles and 38 runs. … “This is a young group that is eager to compete and works hard every day,” Turner said. “They are excited to make an impact on the 2026 season.”

Coach: Mikaela Mitsch (seventh season)

Last season’s record: 14-18, 10-8 FVC (fifth)

Top returners: Natalie Bender, sr., P-3B; Lyla Oeffling, sr., CF; Elly Ernst, jr., 3B-SS; Danica McCarthy, so., 2B-OF

Key newcomer: Morgan Frederick, so., C

Worth noting: The Warriors dropped to fifth in the FVC after taking runner-up in 2024. … McCarthy was named to the All-FVC team as a freshman, while Oeffling made it as a junior. McCarthy earned All-Area second-team honors, hitting .495 with 40 runs and 26 steals. Oeffling hit .377 with 24 RBIs and five homers, and Bender (.354 BA) drove in 29 runs. In the circle, she had a 3.91 ERA in 141⅓ innings. … “We’re excited to get back to the basics and have a super positive season,” Mitsch said. “This group is very energetic, and we’re excited for every opportunity on the field.”

Coach: Scott Busam (fourth season)

Last season’s record: 29-2-1, 17-1 FVC

Top returners: Emma Dallas, sr., P-OF-IF; Reese Mosolino, sr., P; Parker Frey, sr., IF-OF-P; Kylie Carroll, jr., C-OF-IF; Bella Moore, jr., 3B-1B-P; Mary-Kate Center, jr., 1B; Reese Vrba, jr., C-OF; Kylie Roseno, jr., OF-IF; Bella Ignoffo, so., OF-IF; Morgan Powal, so., OF-IF; Cait Kennedy, so., OF-IF

Key newcomers: Karsyn Ledgerwood, fr., IF-OF-P; Olivia Wilhelmi, fr., IF-OF; Kya Levenson, fr., C-IF-OF; Olivia Swiderek, fr., C-IF-OF; Zoey Warder, fr., IF-OF

Worth noting: The Wolves earned a program-record 29 wins, back-to-back regional titles, their first sectional championship in 16 years and made it to state for the first time, placing third in Class 3A. ... Mosolino (Indiana commit) was an All-State Class 3A first-team pick and was named 2025 Northwest Herald Softball Player of the Year, going 19-1 with a 0.84 ERA, 0.89 WHIP and 190 strikeouts and 40 walks over 150⅔ innings. Carroll earned All-Area first-team and All-State second-team honors, hitting .446 with 28 RBIs and 28 runs. … The Wolves graduated Ady Kiddy, now at Illinois, who hit .466 with 17 doubles and 39 RBIs, and catcher Kendra Carroll (.342 BA, 28 RBIs). … Dallas (Rochester commit) went 10-1 with a 2.23 ERA and 74 strikeouts in 53⅓ innings, Moore hit .380 with 25 RBIs, and Frey drove in 27 runs. … “We have a lot of new faces this year, and we’re hoping they mesh well with our returning players,” Busam said. “We do have a bigger roster this year, including five freshmen, so I’m really looking forward to getting to know them. No doubt, we’ve got a lot to work on, but we hope to improve on last season.”

Coach: Becky Edinger (11th season)

Last season’s record: 16-13, 9-5 KRC (tied for third)

Top returners: Leona Eichholz, so., P-IF; Manhatyn Brincks, sr., IF; Kara Knop, jr., P-IF

Worth noting: Harvard fell 1-0 to Prairie Ridge in the Class 3A Harvard Regional final last year. … Eichholz, who earned All-KRC honors, returns as one of the top pitchers in the area after a dominant first season. Eichholz, an All-Area first-teamer and All-State Class 3A second-teamer, tallied a 1.39 ERA and 0.79 WHIP in 80⅔ innings with 154 strikeouts and 15 walks. At the plate, she hit eight homers. Eichholz’s older sister Tallulah graduated after a standout career and now plays at Belmont. She hit .420 with eight triples, four homers and 30 steals while posting a 2.37 ERA with 134 strikeouts. ... Knop (Grand Valley State commit) will be a bigger contributor in the circle this season, and Brincks (Kishwaukee College) is one of the team’s best defenders, Edinger said. … “This is a really fun group of student athletes that just enjoy playing the game and challenging themselves and each other daily,” Edinger said. “We have some very experienced players who are stepping up and leading our newer players.”

Coach: John Rodgers (first season)

Last season’s record: 12-16, 6-8 KRC (sixth)

Top returners: Abri Bruns, sr., CF; Carlie Majercik, sr., OF; Casie Majercik, sr., 1B; Sarah Nethaway, sr., SS; Kayla Riener, sr., C; Kimmy Whitlock, sr., 3B

Key newcomers: Mia Diedrich, fr., P; Brooke Wilkinson, jr., P; Evelyn Mercurio, sr., 3B

Worth noting: Johnsburg will have to replace all of the team’s varsity innings in the circle from last year. … Nethaway is committed to St. Norbert, Riener to College of Lake County and Whitlock to Wisconsin-Whitewater. Riener was an All-KRC pick, hitting .351. Nethaway had a .449 batting average and led the team in hits. … “This being my first year, I’m excited to begin laying the foundation for a winning program with the help of our dedicated players,” Rodgers said. “I see a lot of potential in our players throughout the program, and I look forward to seeing them improve over the course of the season and the years to come.”

Coach: Dwain Nance (19th season)

Last season’s record: 27-10, 11-3 KRC (first)

Top returners: Gabby Christopher, sr., SS; Ellie White, sr., P-3B; Giana Iovinelli, jr., OF; Ari Rodriguez, sr., 1B

Key newcomers: Mia Miceli, jr., IF; Mia Brackmann, jr., IF; Abby Balmes, fr., C-IF; Allie Tucker, fr., C-IF-OF; Lily Lindner, so., OF; Natalie Potirus, fr., P; Emma Anderson, fr., C-OF; KayLyn Fawbush, fr., IF

Worth noting: The Indians, who graduated six, defeated Aurora Central Catholic 6-3 to win the Class 2A Marengo Regional championship. Marengo earned its third consecutive KRC championship and 16th regional title in 18 seasons (25th overall). … Christopher earned All-Area and All-State Class 2A second-team honors, hitting .434 with 10 doubles, seven homers, 40 RBIs and 38 runs. White, an All-Area second-teamer, hit .371 with 14 doubles and drove in 35, also going 6-0 with a 3.12 ERA. The team graduated KRC Player of the Year and catcher Kylee Jensen (now at Northwestern), who hit .492 with 15 homers, 41 RBIs, 68 runs and 34 stolen bases. Balmes, Tucker and Anderson will look to fill in behind the plate. The Indians also graduated top pitcher Josza Christiansen (21-10, 3.14 ERA; .394 BA, 42 RBIs, 34 runs). … “The Indians will use several lineups throughout the season ... to find which combination will be the best down the stretch when it comes to the postseason,” Nance said. “This team may lack some experience, but they are making it up by working hard in practice and competing for spots. We look to get better every day, 1%.”

Coach: Tylar Stanton (fifth season)

Last season’s record: 22-10-1, 10-4 KRC (second)

Top returners: Rebecca Lanz, sr., C; Lilly Kwapniewski, jr., 3B-OF; Jocelyn Hird, jr., SS; Ellie Smith, sr., OF

Key newcomers: Chase Cooper, sr., P-1B; Marley Stein, so., OF; Ruby Gregurich, fr., 2B

Worth noting: The Rockets, who were searching for their fifth regional title in a row, lost a heartbreaker to North Boone 5-4 in the Class 2A Richmond-Burton Regional title game. The Rockets reached the regional final thanks to a perfect game from graduate Hailey Holtz, who struck out 17 and finished as the program’s all-time leader in strikeouts (901), in the semifinals. Holtz, now at Iowa State, was the KRC Pitcher of the Year.… Lanz is committed to St. Norbert College. The catcher hit .528 with four homers, 12 doubles and 34 RBIs. She earned All-Area and All-State Class 2A second-team honors. … Cooper will take over as R-B’s No. 1 pitcher. … “This year we take on a new identity while we also return to our foundation of a family-oriented team focus,” Stanton said. “We will build upon prior successes while we make a new name for ourselves.”

Coach: Alyssa Cook (third season)

Last season’s record: 9-20, 2-12 (seventh)

Top returners: Emma Douglas, sr.; Hayden Williams, sr.; Elodie Yantis, sr.; Tipper Axelson, jr.; Kenzie Bowles, so.; Megan Kuiper, so.

Key newcomers: Quincey Beard, fr.; Katie Nixon, fr.; Ellie Norton, fr.; Izzy Rhodes, fr.; Hailey Ryan, fr.; Kaela Tierney, fr.

Worth noting: The Blue Streaks won two games in the KRC after going winless the previous three seasons. … Kuiper and Axelson earned All-KRC honors as underclassmen, also garnering All-Area second-team and All-State Class 3A third-team honors. … Kuiper had a school-record 205 strikeouts and a 1.98 ERA, throwing a pair of perfect games. Axelson hit a school-record eight homers last spring, batting .506 and adding 12 doubles with 25 RBIs and 33 runs. She also had 57 strikeouts and a 3.54 ERA. … Bowles hit .325 with 11 doubles and Douglas hit .355 with 18 RBIs.

Coach: Gwen Malecke (first season)

Last season’s record: 12-10, 9-5 KRC (tied for third)

Top returners: Allyson Schaid, sr., OF; Aly Jordan, sr., IF; Kylie Stevens, sr., C-3B; Makayla Nordahl, sr., P-IF; Sabrina Wiedman, so., OF-2B; Hailey Campos, so., OF-2B; Morgan Goldman, sr., 1B; Kylee Nicholson, jr., P-1B; Mackenzie Schnulle, jr., C-3B; Emily Maxwell, jr., 1B-3B; Madalynn Nordahl, jr., OF-SS; Addy Crabill, sr., 3B-C

Key newcomers: Kylee Jordan, fr., SS-3B; Gwen Lalor, so., P-SS; Rylee Martin, so., P-2B

Worth noting: Malecke takes over for Amy Nero, who led the Thunder for two seasons, including a runner-up KRC finish in 2024. … Aly Jordan and Schaid were named to the All-KRC team. Schaid also earned All-State third-team honors in Class 3A. Nicholson is committed to Western Illinois, Crabill to Loras, and Nordahl to Rock Valley College. … “I’m really excited to see this group take the field and grow together throughout the season,” Malecke said. “I am most looking forward to watching the players compete, have fun and build strong team chemistry. It is always great to see the energy they bring each day and the memories they create along the way.”

Coach: Paul Sandall (third season)

Last season’s record: 13-10, 11-3 CCC (second)

Top returners: Christine Chmiel, sr., P-1B; Bailey Keller, jr., CF-C-SS; Vivianna Lara, so., C-3B

Worth noting: The Hurricanes won 13 games for the second year in a row. … Chmiel, who is committed to Dayton, was an All-Area first-team and All-State Class 2A second-team selection, posting a 2.25 ERA with 236 strikeouts over 118 innings. At the plate, she was one of the team’s best hitters (.385 batting average). … Keller hit .368 with 27 steals, and Lara hit .436. Chmiel, Keller and Lara were named to the All-CCC team. … “This team has been together now for three years. We are excited to compete for the conference title and play well in the postseason,” Sandall said. “One of our biggest strengths is pitching. Chmiel will be our No. 1 with Natalia Lara No. 2. They both have worked hard over the offseason to get better.”

Coach: David Mayerck (first season)

Last season’s record: 0-14, 0-4 NAC

Top returners: Olivia Klein, sr., P-IF; Brooke Slepcevich, sr., C-IF-OF; Briana Nelson, sr., IF-OF; Teagan Vanderstappen, so., P-IF; Hayden Smith, so., C-IF; Madison Johnson, so., OF

Key newcomers: Emery Elswick, fr., P-IF-OF; Kenzie Maule, fr., IF-OF

Worth noting: Mayerck takes over for Brook Winkelman Vetter, who led the Giants for six seasons. Mayerck previously coached 18 years with the Mt. Prospect Power travel program and also five years at Prospect High School. ... The Giants went winless last year after going 2-9 in 2024. … “ Being a first-year coach with Hebron, I’m really looking forward to working with this group of players,” Mayerck said. “They possess exceptional character and are very enthusiastic to learn and improve their skills. In previous years, they have done a great job of getting on base, so we will spend time on increasing our runs batted in and trying to increase extra-base hits. Defensively, our focus is to limit walks and passed balls, along with trying to reduce unforced errors. Having veteran pitching and catching will help tremendously.”

Prairie Ridge won the Fox Valley Conference and earned its first state appearance a year ago, placing third in the Class 3A state tournament to bring home its first state trophy.

The Wolves suffered their first shutout in the state semifinals, but bounced back with a 12-0, five-inning win against St. Laurence to end the season with a 29-2-1 record, setting the program record for wins in a season.

Reese Mosolino, the 2025 Northwest Herald Softball Player of the Year, returns for her senior year after going 19-1 with a 0.84 ERA and 190 strikeouts in 150⅔ innings. The Indiana signee will be joined by returning All-FVC members in senior Parker Frey and juniors Kylie Carroll and Bella Moore.

The Wolves graduated a pair of standouts in shortstop Ady Kiddy, now at Illinois, and catcher Kendra Carroll, but remain among the best teams in the conference. Prairie Ridge is ranked No. 3 in the ICA Class 3A preseason poll.

While Prairie Ridge, which before last season last won a conference title in 2016 as part of the FVC Fox Division, should be considered a top contender to win the 10-team conference again, it’s not going to be easy.

Crystal Lake Central, No. 6 in the ICA Class 3A preseason poll, returns a loaded roster, led by Illinois commit Oli Victorine, who went 11-4 last year with 1.06 ERA and 183 strikeouts. Victorine, a junior, and Prairie Ridge’s Reese Mosolino both earned Class 3A All-State first-team honors. The Tigers also welcome back junior outfielder Ella Arana, an All-Area first-team pick and UIC commit, and All-FVC members in junior second baseman Adi Waliullah and sophomore first baseman-pitcher Lily Perocho.

Huntley, which had won the previous four FVC titles before last year, will look to return to the top in 2026. Last year’s Red Raiders went 14-4 and tied Crystal Lake Central for second place in the FVC, trailing only champ Prairie Ridge (17-1). Huntley is ranked No. 19 in the ICA Class 4A preseason poll.

The Raiders will look to senior leadership from SS Aubrina Adamik (Akron commit) and 1B-3B Lyla Ginczycki. Huntley, however, will have to replace its ace, Gretchen Huber, who won 18 games with a 2.00 ERA.

Marengo, ranked No. 12 in the ICA Class 2A preseason poll, graduated six from last year’s Kishwaukee River Conference champion, with its biggest loss behind the plate. Catcher Kylee Jensen, now at Northwestern, was named KRC Player of the Year after leading the Indians to their third straight conference championship, batting .492 with 15 home runs and earning All-State Class 2A first-team honors.

The Indians also graduated their top pitcher, but bring back a huge power bat in senior shortstop Gabby Christopher, who two years ago set the program’s single-season home run record with 20 homers, also a McHenry County high.

Richmond-Burton will be without ace Hailey Holtz for the first time in four years. The Rockets standout finished as the program’s all-time leader in strikeouts and now calls Iowa State home. She joined Jensen as All-State first-teamers in Class 2A. Senior catcher Rebecca Lanz (St. Norbert commit), who earned All-State second-team honors, is R-B’s top returner.

Woodstock North tied for third in the KRC and returns All-KRC members in seniors Aly Jordan and Allyson Schaid. Harvard also took third and has one of the area’s top pitchers in sophomore Leona Eichholz. Johnsburg, which took fourth, brings back senior catcher and All-KRC member Kayla Riener.

Prairie Ridge’s first trip to state stood above the rest, but many area teams found success in the postseason. Those teams and more will look to make noise in the playoffs in 2026.

Crystal Lake Central won its first regional title in nine years, walking off Kaneland 4-3 in the bottom of the seventh inning after the Knights scored a pair of runs in the top of the seventh. The Tigers went on to reach the sectional finals and led 2-0 against Prairie Ridge before an overturned interference call led to an eventual 5-2 loss.

Huntley defeated Grant 4-2 to capture the Class 4A McHenry Regional final for its 10th regional title in a row. Huntley made it to the sectional finals but was shut out 2-0 against Barrington. It was the ninth year in a row the teams met in the playoffs.

Hampshire knocked off Harlem 10-2 in the Class 4A Hampshire Regional final for its second regional championship in three seasons, before falling to Barrington 5-0 in the sectional semifinals.

Marengo beat Aurora Central Catholic 6-3 to take the Class 2A Marengo Regional title. It was the Indians’ 16th regional championship in 18 years and 25th overall.

McHenry County is once again loaded with talented softball players, and the race for Northwest Herald Softball Player of the Year will be intriguing to watch throughout the season.

Prairie Ridge’s Reese Mosolino will try to become the first player to win back-to-back Player of the Year honors since Huntley pitcher Briana Bower in 2019 and 2021 (there was no 2020 season because of the pandemic) and third in a row from the Wolves after Ady Kiddy won in 2024.

Crystal Lake Central pitcher Oli Victorine, already impressive in her first two years of high school, will look to dominate as a junior and get the Tigers in position for a long postseason run, while Prairie Ridge’s Kylie Carroll will take over as the team’s top bat.

Huntley’s Aubrina Adamik, the 2025 Northwest Herald Girls Flag Football Player of the Year and a standout in girls basketball, will finish her high school career on the diamond before heading to Akron next year for softball. Hampshire’s Mia Robinson (Macalester College), meanwhile, was among the area’s top RBI leaders with 51.

Marengo’s Gabby Christopher, R-B’s Rebecca Lanz and Marian Central pitcher Christine Chmiel (Dayton) are among the top players to watch in Class 2A. Harvard’s Leona Eichholz likely will take on a bigger role in the circle after her older sister Tallulah graduated (now at Belmont).

Huntley: Aubrina Adamik, sr., G; Luca Garlin, sr., G; Alyssa Borzych, jr., G; Evie Freundt, so., F

Burlington Central: Audrey LaFleur, jr., G; Julia Scheuer, jr., F; Ashley Waslo, sr., G

Crystal Lake South: Laken LePage, sr., G; Gaby Dzik, so., G-F; Tessa Melhuish, jr., F

Cary-Grove: Kennedy Manning, sr., G; Malaina Kurth, sr., G

Hampshire: Mikala Amegasse, sr., G

Jacobs: Zara Lewis, sr., G-F

Prairie Ridge: Maia Cassin, sr., G

School: Prairie Ridge

Sport: Gymnastics

Why she was selected: Terhaar, a junior, helped lead the Wolves to the girls gymnastics state championship with a 145.8 to 145.475 victory over runner-up Carmel, the sixth state title in school history and first in four years. Terhaar was third in the all-around.

Terhaar also finished third in the vault finals and fifth on floor. Junior Bryleigh Cooper was second on balance beam, third on floor exercise and seventh on vault, and junior Tess Morton was ninth on uneven bars and 10th on floor for the Wolves.

For her performance, Terhaar was selected as the Northwest Herald Athlete of the Week in an online vote. Terhaar answered a few questions from the Northwest Herald.

What did it mean to you to win the state championship?

Terhaar: To me, winning the state championship meant that all the hours, blood, sweat and tears the team and I poured into the season had finally paid off. And with our co-op being dissolved next season, it was one last chance to go out, compete and give it my all.

What challenges did your team have to overcome to win state?

Terhaar: Throughout the season, my team overcame injuries, mental blocks, and especially illness with half of the team and coaches being sick with the flu the week of state, myself included. I ended up losing 7-10 pounds and only had one full practice before the first day of state.

Did you do anything special to celebrate winning state?

Terhaar: After winning the state championship, my teammates and I went to celebrate our successful season at Georgio’s Pizza. We talked about all the highs and lows we got the blessing of experiencing together and celebrated our seniors in giving them one final goodbye.

What will you remember most about this season?

Terhaar: Something I’ll remember the most about this season is all the hard work me and my teammates put in at practice. Many of my teammates were returning to compete after years of not doing gymnastics. I had competed with a couple of them in the past, and I will be forever grateful I got to share one more unforgettable season full of fun and laughter with them.

How did you get your start in gymnastics?

Terhaar: I first started gymnastics around 18 months old, when my parents decided to put me into Kindergym classes because of how much I was climbing everywhere. I started competing competitively in first grade, training four hours a day, five days a week, and haven’t slowed down since.

What is something most people don’t know about gymnastics?

Terhaar: I think most people just look at gymnastics and see the cool flips and tricks, but what they don’t realize is the physical and mental toughness that goes into them. Besides training for four hours a day, gymnasts, myself included, are constantly in a mental battle, whether it’s being scared to go for a skill, the twisties or a full-blown mental block. Gymnastics requires mental toughness, grit and the ability to overcome adversity, and it’s important to give credit where credit is due.

What is your best sports fashion tip?

Terhaar: My best sports fashion advice is to have a matching hair ribbon with all your teammates. This is a tradition the Prairie Ridge gymnastics team has done for years, and I like to think it gives us good luck for competitions. It’s also very important to have hair glitter.

What food can you not stand to eat?

Terhaar: I’m really not a picky eater, but if I had to pick something, it would probably be oysters.

What scares you?

Terhaar: Something that really scares me is getting injured and not being able to do the sport I love, and I’m especially scared of tearing my Achilles.

Who is your funniest teammate?

Terhaar: Lucy (Hawryluk), because she is always cracking jokes and keeping the whole group entertained.

Which teammate inspires you the most?

Terhaar: I would say all of my teammates have pushed me to be a better version of myself, but the teammate who inspires me the most is Gracie Fujino. She was one of our seniors this season, and she inspired me because she was coming back to gymnastics for the first time after three years off, and she worked hard every day to get skills and gain spots in our lineup, and ultimately helped the team win the state title.

However, the Warriors’ freshman narrowly missed advancing to Day 2 – something he called disappointing yet motivating.

At Saturday’s Boys Swimming State Championships at the FMC Natatorium in Westmont, Rosenbaum’s blazing speed and advancements were on full display.

Rosenbaum earned his first two state medals – and first for McHenry’s boys in 10 years – by placing fourth in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 48.69 seconds and seventh in the 200 free (1:39.71). He earned his spot in Saturday’s championship finals after taking fourth in the 100 backstroke and fifth in the 200 free preliminaries.

According to IHSA records, Rosenbaum’s fourth-place finish tied McHenry’s Kevin Braun for the school’s highest placement at state, when Braun was fourth in both the 50 free and 100 free 10 years ago.

“I’ve heard a lot about that guy,” Rosenbaum said. “He’s pretty fast, so to be one of the fastest swimmers in the program’s history is really cool.”

Rosenbaum was one of three swimmers representing McHenry County on the last day of the state meet.

Marian Central senior Antonio Aguirre finished fourth in the 50 free (20.40) and 10th in the 100 free (45.30), while Jacobs co-op junior John Beasley, who goes to Dundee-Crown, took 14th in the 50 free (21.20).

Aguirre earned his way to Saturday after taking third in the 50 free and ninth in the 100 free in the prelims. Beasley also swam in the 100 free Friday, finishing 42nd with a time of 48.33 seconds.

Both of Rosenbaum’s times during Friday’s prelims (48.15 in 100 back; 1:39.02 in 200 free) represented career-best times. He took first in both of his heats to qualify for Saturday’s championship finals.

“I was a little nervous coming in,” said Rosenbaum, who two weeks ago was named co-Most Valuable Swimmer at the Fox Valley Conference Invitational. “There were some pretty fast kids I was going up against, but I feel like I held my own. Just keeping my mind on what I was there to do. I was just trying to stay in my lane and not focus too much on other people.”

Rosenbaum had plenty of fans there to cheer him on, including parents Lori and Craig. Countless hours in the pool led to his success.

“Five days a week, I had morning and afternoon practice. Two hours in the morning, two hours after school,” Rosenbaum said.

With two more years of high school remaining, Rosenbaum is aiming high.

“I definitely want to get back to the position I’m at right now, and maybe in a year or two, see if I can win it,” Rosenbaum said.

Cary-Grove co-op junior Henry Pracht was 43rd in the 50 free (22.02) in Friday’s prelims, while Marian Central senior Justin Bernstein took 44th in the same event in 22.07.

Jacobs’ co-op sophomore Christian Sakolari, who goes to Hampshire, placed 30th in the diving competition. It was his second year competing at state in the event.

Rosenbaum, who just missed qualifying for Day 2 as a freshman last year, finished fourth in the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 48.15 seconds and fifth in the 200 free (1:39.02) during Friday’s preliminaries.

Marian Central senior Antonio Aguirre finished third in the 50 free with a time of 20.31 to qualify for the championship finals. He finished ninth in the 100 free (45.11) to advance to the consolation finals. The eighth-best time was 45.04.

Jacobs co-op junior John Beasley took 12th in the 50 free (21.07) to qualify for Saturday’s consolation finals. He was 42nd in the 100 free (48.33)

Cary-Grove co-op junior Henry Pracht took 43rd in the 50 free (22.02), and Marian Central’s Justin Bernstein was 44th in the same race with a time of 22.07.

Jacobs co-op sophomore Christian Sakolari placed 30th in diving with a score of 186.90.

Robinson’s 3-pointer went in, making Friday’s Class 2A Johnsburg Regional final against the host Skyhawks a one-possession game.

Without any timeouts left for R-B, Johnsburg took its time getting the ball in. Inbounder Josh Kaunas held onto the ball, never letting go, and the Rockets never got another chance.

Johnsburg held on to defeat R-B 56-53 and earn its first regional title since 2019. R-B, looking for its first regional championship since 2006, was left wondering if it was denied a shot.

It was unclear exactly how much time was left after Robinson’s 3, his second in as many possessions and fifth of the game, went through the hoop.

Johnsburg’s fans spilled out onto the court to celebrate and, after a brief moment of confusion, the refs allowed the game to end.

“I looked up and I know for sure I saw at least 5.9 (seconds) on the clock,” said Robinson, who led all players Friday with 26 points. “I saw Josh Kaunas down there with the ball in his hands. You know, we’d have to watch it on film, but I’d have to think that was a five-second violation. To say the least, the refs missed that one. Cut our season short.”

Skyhawks coach Mike Toussaint felt the Rockets’ chances of getting another shot off was slim.

“We talked in the huddle, even if we throw (the ball) in there, it’s going to be hard for them to get a steal, throw it out, hit a 3,” Toussaint said. “It would have been less than a second. When I looked up, I saw 6 (seconds). We told [Kaunas] don’t even grab it.”

The wild ending was even more surprising after Johnsburg (22-11) got off to a dominant start, scoring the game’s first 10 points and taking a 19-9 lead after one quarter.

Kaunas, a 6-foot-5 junior guard, scored the first seven points, opening the game with a 3 and throwing down a two-handed dunk in front of the Skyhawks’ student section.

The slam got Johnsburg’s side fired up, while R-B, which turned the ball over on its first three possessions, was forced to call an early timeout.

“It was a huge crowd, and I just wanted to play my best and make a statement,” said Kaunas, who had 10 first-quarter points and finished with 13. “We’ve been working hard for this.”

“One of our keys was get the first bucket, and get a fast start,” Toussaint added. “Get the crowd in the game, get in going. It takes a wind out of a team. (Kaunas) is a heck of a player. He can do it all. Defensively he’s super tough. I really, really like him.”

Johnsburg won its two regular-season games against R-B by an average of 26.5 points, but the Skyhawks didn’t expect that same cushion in a postseason game.

Junior guard Gavin Radmer broke his wrist and elbow in the game right before R-B’s first game against Johnsburg, and for the second matchup the Rockets were missing key players because of illness.

“We knew they weren’t 25 points better than us, we knew we could play with them,” R-B coach Rich Petska said. “They came out and proved that tonight.”

The Rockets (20-10) trailed by as many as 13 in the first half but chipped away at the Skyhawks’ lead late in the second quarter and early in the third. Robinson, a 6-5 senior, scored the final five points of the first half. R-B trailed 30-24 heading into the third.

Robinson made a 3 right out of the half and Radmer (eight points, two 3s) added a steal and layup right after to cut the Skyhawks’ lead to 30-29. Johnsburg pushed its lead back up to 10, but R-B, led by Robinson’s 10 fourth-quarter points, kept clawing back.

Johnsburg had an off-night from long range but made 9 of 12 free throws in the fourth as R-B was forced to foul. Trey Toussaint made 5 of 6 and Ashton Stern 3 of 4.

Senior guard Jarrel Albea (12 points) made a key steal late and also scored on a layup in the final quarter.

Johnsburg will face No. 3 Aurora Christian in a Mendota Sectional semifinal at 7 p.m. Wednesday.

“We stayed with what we do,” Albea said. “2-3 zone, attacking, shooting the ball well and hitting our open guys. It feels great. Guys stepped up this game. ... Not winning conference, we wanted to improve on that and accomplish even more and that’s what we did. We want to go downstate.”

Jayce Schmitt tallied 10 points and nine rebounds for Johnsburg, and Ryan Franze and Stern had five points apiece. Junior forward Jace Nelson scored 13 points and had nine rebounds for R-B.

Robinson, who finished his career as the Rockets’ all-time leading scorer and rebounder, went 0-10 against the Skyhawks over his four years.

“We fought through a lot of ups and downs,” Robinson said. “Our second-best player was hurt for a month, and I think at that time we went 10-2. We just fought through a lot of adversity, and I think that really showed the last month of the season. We came out here and played with them just fine. I think that was a good show of what we can do.”

Petska lauded his team’s toughness.

“You don’t get to coach kids like this often,” Petska said. “These kids are unflappable. They never backed down from anybody.”

The 6-foot-2 sophomore was happy to play in Johnsburg’s gym one more time this season, but it made the result a little tougher to stomach.

“It meant a lot having all our classmates here to support us,” said Toussaint, whose Skyhawks won their first 34 games, a program record. “It kind of makes losing harder, though. I’m looking over, and I see our net is cut down. It’s just a little ... yeah.”

Top-seeded Johnsburg (34-1) was never able to fully recover after second-seeded St. Edward (26-8) took a commanding 13-2 lead after the first quarter. In the end, it was the Green Wave celebrating a sectional title and cutting down Johnsburg’s net.

Johnsburg was hoping to keep its perfect season going and win its first sectional title since 2016.

“They’re very fast,” junior guard Addison Sweetwood said of the Green Wave, who were led by junior guard Savannah Lynch with 16 points. “Their defense is really good, and they got a lot of fast breaks. We struggled on defense tonight. I think that’s what our issue was.”

While St. Edward never trailed, the Skyhawks fought back after a sluggish opening quarter, thanks largely to the 6-2 Toussaint, who scored all 10 of her points in the second quarter.

“Our view was that they lacked a little bit of depth, so part of our game plan was to try and be the aggressors,” Johnsburg coach Erin Stochl said. “Try to get the ball inside as much as possible and try to attack lanes. I felt Skye took that role on herself and demanded the ball inside. That’s when we started to make a little run.

“We had many opportunities to be in that game in the first quarter, and we missed a lot of easy baskets. In the second, I felt like something clicked in Skye. She just finished really well around the rim and took over.”

Despite Toussaint’s big second quarter, Johnsburg still trailed 33-21 at halftime.

St. Edward coach Michelle Dawson credited her team for slowing down the Skyhawks’ top offensive playmakers – Skye Toussaint (12 rebounds, four blocks) and twin Summer Toussaint, the Kishwaukee River Conference Player of the Year, who finished with six points.

Specifically, she felt Lynch and Layne Dawson played excellent defense.

“We wanted to try to limit [Summer Toussaint’s] shots, and then we wanted to limit [Skye Toussaint’s] touches in the paint and always have help behind her,” Michelle Dawson said. “Layne and Savannah are so skilled, and they’ve been playing with each other forever. They’re a great combo.”

Sweetwood led the Skyhawks with 13 points and knocked down her team’s only two 3-pointers. Her second 3-pointer cut St. Edward’s lead to 45-36 with 6:44 remaining in the fourth, but the Green Wave responded with a 10-0 run to put the game out of reach.

“I thought she had a phenomenal basketball game today,” Stochl said of Sweetwood. “That kid has worked so hard. I feel like all season, she’s kind of been like a little secret weapon for us. So much attention is on the Toussaints, and that kid usually catches fire for us. She’s just a huge spark. She played her game today, and she played it really well.”

Junior Addie Graff had four points for Johnsburg, senior Lauren McQuiston had three and senior Casie Majercik (five rebounds) had two. Senior Carlie Majercik grabbed seven rebounds in her final game.

Stochl, whose Skyhawks flew past the previous school’s single-season record of 28 wins, lauded her team’s unselfish nature.

“These kids were a team in every aspect,” Stochl said. “Played for each other, never complained about playing time. They truly cared about each other more than any statistic or anything like that. Our team battled; they never gave up. We’re going to be back here. I truly believe that. This group’s hungry.”

The Toussaints were proud of a season filled with accomplishments, which included the team’s first conference title since 2017.

“It was a great season. I’m proud of everyone,” Skye Toussaint said. “I’m definitely going to miss our seniors because they just brought a lot of energy and leadership.”

“If you were to tell me that we would have made it this far in the beginning of the season, I wouldn’t have believed that,” Summer Toussaint said. “I’m very proud of us, even if we didn’t play great today. Our whole season was still great.”