DePaul Prep came close to winning a state championship in senior forward Grace Lee’s freshman season.
The Rams were 25-7 that season before falling to Byron in the Class 2A supersectionals but didn’t come that close to going downstate in the next two seasons.
This season, however, DePaul Prep has the talent and coaching to make a run in the state tournament again.
‘‘If you would’ve told me four years ago it was possible, I don’t know if I would have believed you,’’ Lee said. ‘‘This year, we have a good chance.’’
Lee, who has committed to Boston University, is one of the leaders on the senior-heavy Rams. She’s an impressive post scorer who also can operate as a playmaker.
Joining Lee is senior forward Kaitlin Totaro, who has committed to Loyola Maryland. Totaro is an excellent shot-blocker with a long wingspan that is disruptive defensively. Lee and Totaro played significant roles in DePaul Prep’s 52-33 victory Friday against St. Ignatius.
‘‘They always dominate, whether they score or not,’’ Rams coach Corey Morgan said. ‘‘They’re our leaders, our captains, and I just love everything they do.
‘‘Kaitlin got a big block for us at the end [of the game]. Grace was a force in the paint the whole night. I just appreciate them for being leaders and leading by example.’’
DePaul Prep has talent surrounding their stars, too. Senior Ava Giordano is a knockdown shooter, sophomore Ramiyah Puckett is an impressive driver and senior Lucia Trautman spaces the floor. The team is well-constructed, and each player knows her role. When the Rams are rolling, they’re tough to score against because of their active defense.
DePaul Prep already has an impressive résumé, with victories against Trinity, Bolingbrook, Montini and St. Ignatius. The bond among the players allows them to be forthcoming with one another.
‘‘We can talk to each other and say things that won’t hurt each other’s feelings right now,’’ Totaro said. ‘‘I think that’s helpful to where we can be honest with each other when we do make mistakes.’’
Lee and Totaro also credited Morgan, who is in his second season at the school, for his impact on the program.
‘‘Coach Morgan’s definitely really energetic,’’ Lee said. ‘‘The whole coaching staff really pushes us to be in our best shape. It’s a lot more energetic than it has been in the past.’’
But while the coaching can’t be understated, player-led teams always have a better chance of succeeding in March.
‘‘We’ve got nine seniors who’ve been at DePaul for four years and watched the boys win three state championships,’’ Morgan said. ‘‘[The seniors are] leading the charge in practice; I’m not saying a lot. The seniors know the expectation.’’
The Super 25, with record and last week’s ranking:
1. Benet (8-1) 1
Plays St. Francis on Monday
2. Waubonsie Valley (11-0) 2
Plays Elk Grove on Monday
3. Loyola (9-1) 3
Lost to Whitefish Bay, Wis.
4. Naperville Central (9-2) 5
Plays Hampshire on Friday
5. Lyons (10-2) 4
Lost to Glenbard West
6. Nazareth (9-2) 6
Out of town for the holidays
7. Kenwood (10-3) 7
Beat Trinity
8. DePaul Prep (12-0) 9
Beat St. Ignatius
9. Maine South (9-2) 8
Plays Stevenson on Friday
10. Hersey (7-2) 11
Beat Rolling Meadows
11. Glenbrook South (8-4) 10
Lost to Evanston
12. Fremd (9-2) 12
Beat Palatine
13. Carmel (7-3) 13
Beat Marian Catholic
14. Downers Grove North (12-1) 14
Beat Downers Grove South
15. Prospect (6-5) 16
Plays Crane on Monday
16. Mother McAuley (8-3) 15
Lost to Young
17. St. Charles East (7-2) 17
Beat St. Charles North
18. Providence (12-1) 20
Beat Marist
19. Marist (11-2) 18
Plays Yorkville Christian on Monday
20. Bolingbrook (7-1) 19
Beat Plainfield North
21. Trinity (9-3) 21
Lost to Kenwood
22. Libertyville (11-2) NR
Plays Neuqua Valley on Monday
23. Glenbard West (11-0) NR
Beat Lyons
24. St. Charles North (9-1) 23
Lost to St. Charles East
25. St. Ignatius (6-5) 22
Lost to DePaul Prep