Super 25 High School Girls Basketball Rankings for Jan. 5, 2025
Top Performances
Nora Ezike and Emma O’Brien are the headliners for Lyons. Those two superstars affect the game in many ways and attract the attention of an opponent’s defense.
However, because of her versatility, junior forward Gwen Smith has emerged as a player to watch. In Lyons’ 71-63 victory Saturday against The Prairie School, Smith scored 14 points and grabbed seven rebounds. She also had an assist that pushed Lyons’ lead to 11. Her impact is undeniable for the Lions.
“We knew that we were going to have this weapon coming into the season,” Lyons coach Meghan Hutchens said.
Last year was her first year playing varsity, and she has stepped into a starting role this season. Having that experience last season helped her acclimate quickly.
Smith said that her shot is something that she has improved this season. She’s still learning how to be assertive and aggressive in knowing the precise time to pick her spots.
“I didn’t shoot as much [Saturday], but just taking my layups, I wouldn’t have done that a few years ago,” Smith said.
Fremd’s Dynamic Duo
Fremd lost in a highly contested, three-overtime game Saturday against Alton. But there were positives to glean from the Vikings’ performance.
Senior guard Ella Todd continues to impress after posting a 28-point performance against one of the preeminent powers in the state. Todd scored at the rim with crafty drives, on pull-ups from the midrange area and on an occasional three-pointer.
Todd knows how to use her 6-0 frame to create space and then rise above most guards. She’s also active defensively, often guarding post players because she’s the Vikings’ tallest player.
But Fremd is far from a one-person show. Guard Coco Urlacher is a unique player in her own right. She’s showing a willingness to shoot threes, attack the basket with either hand and be relentless defensively. In the fourth quarter, Urlacher had back-to-back steals that helped Fremd fight its way back into the game.
Standout Performances
Young guard Gaby Domercant scored 25 points in Young’s 62-56 victory against O’Fallon, one of the best teams in the state.
† Providence’s Molly Knight crossed the 1,000-point threshold. The senior guard is committed to the University of Illinois at Springfield.
† Mother McAuley sophomore guard Taji Alexa scored 20 points and grabbed 11 rebounds against Joliet Central. Alexa is a remarkable scorer. She’s a knockdown shooter who can take defenders off the dribble and finish at the rim.
Super 25 Rankings for Jan. 5
Here are the Super 25 girls basketball rankings for Jan. 5 (with record and last week’s ranking):
1. Benet (15-1) 1
Hosts Marist on Wednesday
2. Kenwood (15-1) 2
On an 11-game winning streak
3. Lyons (16-1) 3
Hosts Oak Park on Tuesday
4. St. Ignatius (13-2) 5
Showdown on Tuesday at Kenwood
5. Fremd (14-4) 4
Heartbreaking loss to Alton
6. Young (10-5) 8
Beat O’Fallon
7. Waubonsie Valley (14-1) 6
Needs a signature win
8. Loyola (13-2) 7
Hosts Naperville Central on Monday
9. Nazareth (12-2) 9
Plays Metea Valley on Tuesday
10. Huntley (15-0) 12
Beat Maine South and Prospect
11. Prospect (12-3) 11
Hosts Elk Grove on Tuesday
12. Maine South (14-4) 10
Hosts Deerfield on Tuesday
13. Glenbrook South (11-5) 13
Plays Evanston on Tuesday
14. Libertyville (12-4) 14
On eight-game winning streak
15. Downers Grove North (11-5) 15
Hosts Glenbard West on Tuesday
16. Batavia (12-4) 16
Went 1-1 out of state
17. St. Charles North (14-3) 18
Beat Stevenson
18. St. Charles East (12-4) 17
Lost to Maine South
19. Hinsdale Central (10-5) 19
At Hinsdale South on Tuesday
20. Marist (14-4) 20
Plays St. Laurence on Monday
21. Montini (11-5) 21
Beat Metamora
22. Lake Zurich (10-6) 22
At Zion-Benton on Wednesday
23. Lockport (16-3) 23
Hosts Stagg on Tuesday
24. Mother McAuley (12-6) 24
On two-game winning streak
25. Glenbrook North (12-3) 25
Hosts New Trier on Tuesday
Conclusion
The Super 25 girls basketball rankings for Jan. 5, 2025, showcase the top teams and players in the country. From Lyons’ Gwen Smith to Fremd’s Ella Todd and Coco Urlacher, there are many talented athletes making a name for themselves this season.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of the Super 25 rankings?
A: The Super 25 rankings are a prestigious recognition of the top high school girls basketball teams in the country, providing a benchmark for teams to strive for excellence.
Q: How often are the Super 25 rankings updated?
A: The Super 25 rankings are updated weekly, providing a snapshot of the top teams and players in the country.
Q: What criteria are used to determine the Super 25 rankings?
A: The Super 25 rankings are based on a combination of factors, including team performance, strength of schedule, and individual player achievements.
