The Benet Academy girls’ basketball team is coming off a 25-8 season where they were second in IHSA Class 4A, and the team is looking to compete at this high level again with three key returners back in action this winter.

While the team loses last year’s East Suburban Catholic Conference MVP Lenee Beaumont to graduation, they bring back a strong core led Emilia and Magdalena Sularski.

Captains Emilia Sularski (All-Conference) and Magdalena Sularski are returning to the starting lineup for their senior year. The two are expected to be huge for the Redwings, and have committed to play Division II college ball at Hillsdale College in Michigan. Junior Lindsay Harzich also returns to the starting lineup and is geared up to be a major part of the team’s success.

Sophomores Bridget Rifenburg and Emma Briggs will build on the experience they gained from their freshmen seasons and time on the varsity squad. Coach Joe Kilbride is also expecting big things from Aria Mazza, who transferred from Conant, as well as senior Shannon Early.

“Will be a young team,” said Kilbride. “Looking to pressure on D, play fast and spread the floor on O. Once again playing one of the toughest schedules in the state.”

Kilbride is looking forward to the Derrill Kipp Hoopfest at Benet Academy on Martin Luther King Day, which will feature 11 games with top teams and players from throughout the Midwest. 

The Redwings started the season 3-2 in the Naperville Central Tip-Off Tournament. Next u is a home game against Lyons on Nov. 30 at 7 p.m.