Illinois has long been a powerhouse for girls high school basketball, producing legends who’ve left an indelible mark on the sport. As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, USA TODAY Sports is honoring the greatest American sports figures, including the high school athletes who shaped their communities and defined their states. Now, we’re asking you: Who is the Illinois girls high school basketball GOAT?
We’ve narrowed it down to 10 standout players (listed alphabetically) who dominated at the high school level before shining on bigger stages. These athletes didn’t just play the game—they rewrote the record books and inspired generations. Check out the list below, and if we missed someone, you can write in your own candidate!
Lauren Buss (Mount Carmel): The Illinois high school record books belong to Buss. She set still-standing state records for points, career scoring average (an eye-popping 38 points per game—45.8 her senior year), and most free throws made. She then took her game to Indiana University, where she became their all-time leading scorer.
Tamika Catchings (Stevenson / Texas): Catchings split her high school years between Illinois and Texas, but we’re counting her! Before becoming a Tennessee and Indiana Fever legend, she was the youngest player to earn Illinois’ Ms. Basketball honor at just 15 years old. During her time in Texas, she also recorded the first quintuple-double at any level.
Jenna Froebe (Lincoln): The most recent star on this list, Froebe graduated in 2024 after leading Lincoln to an undefeated 38-0 season and a state title. Her career total of 3,262 points ranks fifth all-time in Illinois history.
Yolanda Griffith (George Washington / Carver): A dual-sport star in basketball and volleyball, Griffith was a national standout from the start. A Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, she went on to play in the early WNBA years and was named league MVP during her 1999 rookie season.
Chiney Hill (Bolingbrook): Ranked as the No. 2 national prospect coming out of high school, Hill dominated at Bolingbrook before becoming a two-time All-American at Stanford and a WNBA star.
From Candace Parker’s electrifying dunks to Tamika Catchings’ all-around brilliance, these 10 players have defined girls high school basketball in Illinois. Now, it’s your turn to vote! Who deserves the title of Illinois’ greatest?