Maddie Gesky, a junior center for Manteno High School, has been named the 2025-26 Daily Journal Girls Basketball Player of the Year. The team went 27-7, setting a program record for wins in a season and reaching the sectional championship game for the second time in team history. Gesky set several school records, including points (507), rebounds (417), and blocks (87), while she also became the all-time leader with 1,235 points, 1,136 rebounds and 210 blocks. She has also helped the team win two regional titles and two Illinois Central Eight Conference titles. Head coach Bethany Stritar praised Gesky's competitiveness and leadership skills.