Evergreen Park's Ella Throndson Inspired by Michael Jordan and Caitlin Clark

Junior guard hits three 3-pointers, leads Mustangs to 52-23 win over Plainfield Central

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Evergreen Park junior guard Ella Throndson had a standout performance, scoring 13 points with six rebounds and three steals in her team's 52-23 victory over Plainfield Central. Throndson, who grew up watching highlights of NBA legend Michael Jordan, has also been inspired by WNBA star Caitlin Clark's shooting ability. The Mustangs are having a strong season and are in contention for a conference title, led by Throndson and senior Tatum Harris.

Why it matters

Throndson's performance highlights the impact that sports icons can have on young athletes, inspiring them to pursue their own basketball dreams. Her development into a key player for Evergreen Park's team also demonstrates the program's growth, as they aim to win their first conference title since 1989.

The details

Throndson hit three 3-pointers in the first quarter, finishing with 13 points, six rebounds and three steals. Tatum Harris led Evergreen Park with 15 points and four steals, while Shannon Farrell added seven points and 10 rebounds. Plainfield Central's Ella Page had 11 points, six rebounds and three steals off the bench. Evergreen Park is 23-6 on the season and 8-2 in conference play, with two games remaining against Reavis and Shepard.

  • Evergreen Park last won a conference title in girls basketball in 1989.

The players

Ella Throndson

A junior guard for Evergreen Park who was inspired to play basketball after watching highlights of NBA legend Michael Jordan, and has also been influenced by WNBA star Caitlin Clark's shooting ability.

Tatum Harris

A senior for Evergreen Park who led the team with 15 points and four steals in the win over Plainfield Central.

Shannon Farrell

A player for Evergreen Park who contributed seven points and 10 rebounds in the victory.

Ella Page

A junior guard for Plainfield Central who scored 11 points with six rebounds and three steals off the bench.

Grace Kole

A senior forward for Evergreen Park who was honored for reaching 500 points and 500 rebounds in her career.

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What they’re saying

“My mom is obsessed with Michael Jordan. She talked about him a lot. I wanted to play basketball after seeing NBA players on TV.”

— Ella Throndson, Junior Guard, Evergreen Park (Chicago Tribune)

“She can shoot it from anywhere on the floor. I love watching her play.”

— Ella Throndson, Junior Guard, Evergreen Park (Chicago Tribune)

“I'm very confident with the team — I think we're going to so a long way in the playoffs. I think everybody on the team brings different things, so when we come together, it's amazing.”

— Tatum Harris, Senior, Evergreen Park (Chicago Tribune)

What’s next

Evergreen Park has two conference games remaining against Reavis and Shepard as they aim to win their first conference title since 1989.

The takeaway

Ella Throndson's performance and the Mustangs' strong season highlight the impact that sports icons can have on young athletes, as well as the growth and potential of Evergreen Park's girls basketball program as they chase their first conference championship in over 35 years.