Who is the Illinois girls high school basketball GOAT? Vote now!
From Candace Parker to Tamika Catchings, these are the 10 players that have defined girls high school basketball in Illinois.
Illinois has a history of churning out some incredible girls basketball talent - but who would make a list of the top 10 products? As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary , that's a question USA TODAY Sports is looking to answer in celebration of the greatest American sports figures of all time, including the high school athletes and sports figures who shaped communities and defined their states. These are our selections for the basketball players who defined Illinois.
The 10 players (listed in alphabetical order) were all standout players at the high school level before playing at the next level. Did we miss someone? There's a spot for you to write in your own candidate who wasn't included on our list of 10.
Tyra Buss, Mount Carmel The Illinois high school record books belong to Buss. During her time at Mount Carmel she set still-standing state records for points, career scoring average and most free throws made, among others. That career scoring average was a whopping 38 points per game – and 45.
8 her senior year – before she headed to Indiana University and became their all-time leading scorer. Tamika Catchings, Stevenson Catchings split her high school years between Illinois and Texas, but we’ll count it. Before becoming a Tennessee and Indiana Fever legend, she was the youngest player to ever earn Illinois’ Ms.