The Wildcats girls’ varsity basketball team opened its season strong last November with a thrilling 50–48 victory over Morris in the main gym. The two-point win set the tone for a season focused on improvement, determination, and teamwork.

The team wrapped up its home schedule on Senior Night in a tough matchup against Plainfield South on Feb. 12. The Wildcats scored 27 points, to Plainfield South’s 59. Although the final home game did not end in a win, the season reflected noticeable growth compared to last year.

According to Coach Held, improvement was the team’s main focus from the start.

“The girls come up with the goals,” Held said. “We came up with goals to just be better than we were last year. We wanted to win more games and compete in more games. I think we have reached those goals.”

Beyond statistics, the team’s chemistry has been a defining factor this season. Players describe their bond as more than just teammates on the court.

“We all get along. We’re a big family. We do everything together. We’re always walking in the hallways together, eating together,” junior Mia White said.

That connection carries over into games, where motivation and positivity play a major role. Sophomore Emma Konieczny says the team’s mindset keeps them moving forward, even after difficult losses.

“I stay motivated because I know we’ll get better and we’ll work toward winning the next day,” Konieczny said.

The Wildcats will continue their postseason journey in the IHSA State Series, which runs from Feb. 16 through March 7. As the Wildcats head into postseason play, their season reflects resilience, growth, and unity. Though not every game ended the way they hoped, the team’s progress strengthened bonds, and renewed confidence marks this year as a step forward for the program.