Girls’ Basketball Team Has Cinderella Run in IHSA Playoffs

Their improbable playoff run continued, when the Cinderella Lions defeated No. 3 Wauconda, 43-39 in the regional final, earning Saint Viator girls’ basketball program its 9th regional title. 

Their streak continued when they held the No. 2 seed Cary Grove, to just 1 of 22 from three-point range, cruising to a 51-39 win in the sectional semi-final. 

Heading into the sectional final, they knew they would be facing the top seed, Grayslake Central, yet they were confident. In the end, they nearly pulled off another upset, but the Lions lost narrowly, by just six points, 58-52. 

“Our playoff run wasn't really a surprise to us,” Assistant Coach Maggie Miskowicz says. “We played some tough 3A/4A schools the whole year and ESCC play is the best in the state. So come playoff time, we were prepared.”

First year Coach Kyle Braheny credits their tough mindset, pointing to the Lions’ stifling defense with holding their playoff opponents to less than 40 points, until the final.

“We made it a point of emphasis all season that if we were able to be a tough defensive team, we would be able to compete in every game,” Coach Braheny says. “That was very evident in the last month of the season.”

Of course, having the prolific scoring ability of Mia Bergstrom helped. She committed to playing Division 1 women’s basketball at St. Louis University before the season started, and in November reached 1,000 points at Saint Viator.

Yet, both coaches credited all the seniors on the team with establishing a culture that mixed hard work at practices with a close camaraderie between one another and their coaches.

“Our senior leaders were role models every day at practice and made everyone around them better,” Coach Braheny says.

Seniors on the team include Mia Bergstrom (Captain), Hannah Grossman, Caitlyn Halpin, Meghan Hayes, Allie Konopka, Maeve McClellan (Captain), Andrea Rivera, Sophie Vernoski, and senior student assistant Emma Turaka.

Coach Braheny also credited his assistant coaches, who brought a wealth of basketball knowledge and playing experience to the coaching staff. Consider these credentials: Coach Miskowicz played women’s basketball at Lawrence University, while Coach Denise Walker '96, a 2024 ESCC Hall of Fame inductee, played at John A. Logan College before transferring to play at Purdue University Fort Wayne.

Finally, Coach Kahleaf Russell played basketball at the University of Miami and Florida Atlantic University. Coach Braheny himself has experience at the college level. He was a student manager at the University of Iowa, under Coach Steve Alford.

“As a first-year head coach at Saint Viator, I could not have asked for a more dedicated and hard-working group of coaches,” Coach Braheny said. “They know the game and they know it well. It's beneficial to bounce ideas off one other and learn from each other.  

“I see the way the players interact with the coaches and it's a breath of fresh air,” he added. “We are going to continue to build a competitive culture, where players can grow and have a positive experience.”