The Braidwood Shootout brought together sixteen girls basketball teams in Illinois this summer, giving each program a chance to fine‑tune before the new season.
Reed‑Custer’s junior star Alyssa Wollenzien was the tournament’s headline act, leading her squad to a fourth‑place finish and earning IBCA Class 2A All‑State special mention honors.
A Summer Showcase
The Rockets opened with wins over Bradley‑Bourbonnais and Plainfield Central before stumbling against Wilmington and Willows Academy, a sequence that highlighted both their potential and the work still needed.
Wilmington surged through the bracket, defeating Clifton Central and Beecher before falling to Tri‑Valley in the championship game, a result that left coach Steve Strough satisfied with his team’s progress.
Other notable results included Clifton Central’s comeback victory over Coal City, Peotone’s consolation win against Dwight, and Bradley‑Bourbonnais edging Herscher to claim fifth place in the bracket.
Coaches across the field voiced optimism about their squads’ readiness, noting that the tournament served as a valuable summer tune‑up as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.
With key players such as Alyssa Wollenzien, Harlie Liebermann, Kamryn Wilkey, Shelby Zwolinski, Sami Liaromatis, Keeley Walsh, Nina Egizio, Eric Dillon, Henry Hines, Abby Bonilla and Kevin Maciejewski still on the roster, Reed‑Custer hopes to build on the momentum generated at Braidwood.