Getting back on the basketball court couldn’t have been more different for Mother McAuley senior Jenna Badali.

Gone were graduated starters Grace Hynes, Lauren Ramsey, Nikki Murphy and Hannah Swiatek.

Gone was former head coach Ashley Luke Clanton, who resigned in April to take a job in Norcross, Georgia. In her place was former Roosevelt University coach Keisha Newell.

Badali, a Lewis recruit, is the only marquee name returning for the Mighty Macs (34-3), who finished second last season in Class 4A.

But one other important element remains.

“It’s the message that hard work and toughness will bring success,” Badali said. “It’s a little different, obviously, but we’ve been getting the juniors and sophomores coming up to have experience at the varsity level.

“At the end of June, you could see how much the experience helps. We’re drawn together now. Everyone has stepped up. It’s awesome.”

As a junior, Badali shared the leadership role with Hynes. Badali, a 5-foot-6 guard, averaged 15.5 points and 2.3 assists. She was fearless driving to the basket, but did most of her damage with an eye-popping 81 3-pointers.

Newell didn’t have to spend the month of June searching for a leader.

“She’s special in all aspects,” Newell said. “As a person, a leader and as a basketball player, she is tremendous. I really believe that Lewis is getting a steal. I think she will have an amazing senior season and collegiate career.”

Meanwhile, it’s the start of a new era at McAuley.

Before Luke Clanton announced her decision to the team, she met privately with Badali.

“It was a total surprise,” Badali said. “I thought I’d have one more year with her, but obviously she had to do what was best for her family and what was best for her.”

Luke Clanton worked closely with McAuley athletic director Laurie Jakubczak in finding a replacement. Newell, who was the head coach at Roosevelt University, was her top choice.

“Coach Clanton knew how much she meant to us and how important it would be for a replacement to come in and take over where she left off,” Badali said. “Coach Newell was an excellent choice.”

More game:As a junior, Lincoln-Way Central’s Regan LoConte was one of the area’s most prolific 3-point shooters, making 79. She also qualified for the state’s 3-point shootout.

Knights coach Dave Campanile said there will be more to her game during her senior season.

LoConte was a team leader for Lincoln-Way Central during summer league play, averaging 15 points, 5 rebounds and 4 steals.

“She kind of made that jump from junior to senior year,” Campanile said. “You can start to tell she really wants to play at the next level and has improved her demeanor, her game and her maturity.

“Her understanding of the game is great. She’s shooting the ball better than ever, and she really has added the drive to her game. I’ve been impressed this summer with her ability to attack the rim and get contact. We’re really excited about her.”

Stepping up: With all-area standouts Fantasia Baines and Nayo Lear missing from the lineup on most nights, senior guard Ceniyah Hampton filled in as Thornwood’s team leader during the Rich East summer league.

The Thunderbirds received a plaque as the league champions. Thornwood coach Kevin Green had an easy time picking his MVP.

“Ceniyah has been a true team leader the whole summer,” Green said. “I had seven incoming eighth graders playing in the summer league. She was instrumental in getting our younger girls to understand Thornwood basketball. She was truly the captain.”