Loyola Academy’s girls basketball has dominated their opponents with a 31-0 undefeated season so far and a ranking of second in the entire state. They are also ranked 24th in the country.
Star players like senior Paige Engels, senior Kelsey Langston, junior Aubrey Galvan, and sophomore Clare Weasler are going to lead this team all the way to the state championship game.
Engels, the player of the year in the Girls Catholic Red Conference this year and Cornell University commit, scored 23 points, six rebounds, and three steals in their most recent win against Montini (76-57).
This isn’t unusual for Engels, often dropping 15-20 points per game. “I just feel like I give it my all every game,” Engels says. She also recently dropped her 1,000 point back in late December along with her teammate Aubrey Galvan.
Aubrey Galvan, who is brand new to the team after transferring from Deerfield high school also averages around 15 points per game, most recently scoring 20 points and several steals against Montini.
The Ramblers’ talented offense is also accompanied by jaw-dropping defense. Galvan says, “I think our defense is what really stands out.”
The Ramblers often win their games by 20 points or more like their 60-30 win against Fenwick high school.
Players like Kelsey Langston lead the defense with a strong and powerful presence. The defense for the Ramblers often kickstarts the offensive as well, creating a near perfect dynamic for the Ramblers each game. Langston is known for her steals and blocks, but also puts up a few points a game to help the Ramblers get ahead.
Sophomore Clare Weasler also really guides the team to defensive and offensive success. Weasler drops around 10 points per game, along with a few blocks and steals throughout.
These four talented young athletes (Engels, Galvan, Langston, and Weasler) also were invited to participate in the GCAC All-Conference Team.
Overall, this team is overrun with pure talent. On and off the court it is evident that the Ramblers are truly a team. Their undefeated 31 games have been a display of how well each and every athlete of the team works together with one another to create a glorious victory every time.
The undefeated Loyola Academy Ramblers are no doubt on a path to become state champions. Loyola Academy Ramblers Coach Jeremy Schoenecker says, “You have to give all the credit to these girls. They fought for each and every game for 31 games.”
Now, this team is headed to the IHSA Regional Semi Finals on Monday, February 12. Although it is not known who they are playing just yet, they are going to put up a difficult fight for whoever they face.
