Savannah Lynch boosts St. Edward

Junior guard Savannah Lynch has made an impact since day one for St. Edward.

As Lynch guides the Green Wave in his third college season, the difference in his demeanor is noticeable. She has fully assumed her leadership role over the years.

And this winter, she plays with an ease that shows on the field.

“From my freshman year to now, I started to understand college basketball and play in a calmer, calmer way,” Lynch said. “I just know the time and the situation and I know how I can help the team.

“How can I put us in a good position to succeed?” »

Once again, Lynch was the catalyst for St. Edward’s success. She earned MVP honors as the Green Wave (9-5) repeated as Lisle Holiday Cage Classic champions.

And it’s not just about the numbers on the stat sheet.

“Just her presence on and off the field, she brings a new level of leadership,” St. Edward coach Michelle Dawson said of Lynch. “You can tell how hard she has worked to improve not only her skills but also her basketball knowledge.

“It’s been fun to watch her grow as a basketball player. She’s developed her game.”

Although Lynch’s ability to knock down 3-pointers, drive the ball to the basket or pass the ball to her teammates has always been there, she has mastered those skills this season.

“She’s able to make a lot of adjustments based on the other team’s defense,” Dawson said of Lynch. “We were able to put her against smaller guards in this tournament.

“She’s so versatile because of her skill level and understanding of the game. She’s been able to take things to the next level.”

Colleges are starting to take notice, too. She confirmed that she was early in the recruitment process.

“This summer I’m going to work on it more,” Lynch said. “I’m so excited. I’m just ready to see what happens and where it takes me. I love this sport and I can’t wait to see what happens.”

Learn more about the green wave

Lynch has been playing with Dawson’s daughters, Layne and Taylor, and Sarah Gurley since seventh grade. Layne Dawson is just weeks away from returning from injury.

Jordin Sauls and Ginger Younger were also pillars of the Green Wave. The addition of Larkin transfer Sanaii McPherson, who scored his 1,000th career point this week, worked out well.

“I think it helps,” Lynch said. “Being friends on and off the field helps us trust each other more. If someone is in trouble, we know how to get back up.”

Walk in the park to Parkview

One of the unexpected storylines in the first half of the season was the surge of Parkview Christian (14-1). The Falcons’ only loss so far is against Timothy Christian.

Their nine-person roster includes four sophomores and two freshmen.

“I knew we were going to be good, but I’m pleasantly surprised,” Parkview coach Kayla Linden said. “Our freshmen have really come into the system and our juniors have come alive.”

The headliner is 6-foot freshman forward Rhen Staudacher, who leads the team with an average of 15.3 points, 10.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocked shots.

“She has a high IQ and she’s worked on some moves,” Linden said. “She can rebound when she’s not hitting. We can play the inside game, which is old school, but I’m old school.

“I saw her this summer. I knew she had potential.”

The Falcons are in their third season and return to play under the banner of the Illinois High School Association. Now they are firmly present in Class 1A.

“I’m excited for the playoffs,” Linden said. “We just have to keep playing Parkview basketball. I’m not trying to change things, I just trust the process we’ve already established.”

Paul Johnson is a freelance journalist for The Beacon-News