Waubonsie Valley's Syncere Williams strengthens team's ties to winning

Junior guard helps hold Benet star scoreless in fourth quarter as Warriors advance to supersectional

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

When Syncere Williams transferred to Waubonsie Valley last summer, she brought strong family ties to the program's winning tradition. The junior guard, whose father and grandfather were part of successful West Aurora teams coached by Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Famer Gordie Kerkman, played a key role in Waubonsie Valley's 45-37 victory over Benet in the Class 4A East Aurora Sectional championship game.

Why it matters

Waubonsie Valley has established itself as one of the top girls basketball programs in the state, with the Warriors making the playoffs in six straight seasons and eliminating Benet in the sectional final for the third consecutive year. Williams' arrival has further strengthened the team's winning culture as they pursue their first state championship.

The details

Williams, who missed the start of the season due to a torn ACL, returned in January and made an immediate impact, helping to hold Benet star senior center Emma Briggs scoreless in the fourth quarter. The Warriors went on a 12-0 run during that stretch, with Williams scoring the team's final three baskets to seal the victory. Waubonsie Valley, which tied the school record for wins, will now face Nazareth in the Lyons Supersectional.

  • Syncere Williams transferred to Waubonsie Valley last summer.
  • Williams was not cleared to play until January after recovering from a torn ACL.
  • Waubonsie Valley and Benet have met in the playoffs in six straight seasons.
  • The Warriors defeated Benet 45-37 in the Class 4A East Aurora Sectional championship game on Thursday, February 27, 2026.
  • Waubonsie Valley will play Nazareth in the Lyons Supersectional on Monday, March 2, 2026 at 7 p.m.

The players

Syncere Williams

A junior guard for Waubonsie Valley who transferred to the team last summer. She has strong family ties to the winning tradition of the West Aurora basketball program, where her father and grandfather were involved.

Gordie Kerkman

An Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Famer who coached the successful West Aurora boys basketball teams that Syncere Williams' father and grandfather were a part of.

Emma Briggs

A senior center for Benet who led all players with 20 points and 10 rebounds in the sectional final, but was held scoreless in the fourth quarter by Waubonsie Valley's defense.

Danyella Mporokoso

A senior guard for Waubonsie Valley who has a program-record 2,970 points and also helped guard Briggs in the game.

Brett Love

The head coach of the Waubonsie Valley girls basketball team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I knew what they had accomplished before, and I liked the way that they played. I knew that I could fit in, and I knew I could help them. I wanted to help them win state.”

— Syncere Williams, Junior guard, Waubonsie Valley (Chicago Tribune)

“Syncere is one of the most elite defenders, so this is huge for her to come in and step up. We knew what kind of player she was, but we just wanted to bring her along slowly because she had some issues with the knee, so we didn't want to push her too hard.”

— Brett Love, Head coach, Waubonsie Valley (Chicago Tribune)

“One really good thing about Syncere is something will happen and then we'll turn around and talk about it. She's able to correct fast because she has a high IQ, and she can get us baskets when we need it, and that's so helpful.”

— Danyella Mporokoso, Senior guard, Waubonsie Valley (Chicago Tribune)

“They're great players. They're smart, they know what they're doing, so if they're seeing somebody work, they're going to load up. They really got into me, and they were aggressive. They worked hard.”

— Emma Briggs (Chicago Tribune)

“They're a really good team. They're great people too. I wish them the best. I hope they win state.”

— Emma Briggs (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.