Kyle Williams' Super 25 high school girls basketball rankings for Dec. 28

Holiday tournament season is always a good barometer with so many high-profile tournaments featuring so many teams.

At the Montini Christmas Tournament, Benet emerged victorious for the second consecutive season after beating Marist 59-38.

The Redwings were very impressive, especially Emma Briggs. Briggs is very comfortable shooting threes this season, and that added development to her game makes her such a difficult player to guard because of her standout post play.

Briggs outrebounded Marist's team by herself in the first half — 13-11 — and was a force in the paint. She set the tone for the Redwings with her performance in the paint.

But Benet was incredibly impressive defensively, shutting down a potent Marist offense. Benet already has impressive wins over Prospect, Fremd and Nazareth this season, and its stoutness on defense will be key for what the team hopes is a long playoff run.

"Our defense has been outstanding," coach Joe Kilbride said. "This has been the best defensive team I've had."

Fremd took home third place after beating Lyons 52-47 on Saturday. It was a really competitive game between two of the state's better teams. Forward Isabella Del Mar has really developed her offensive game from last season, scoring 16 points.

Lyons senior Emma O’Brien scored a game-high 31 points. She finished in the paint and helped Lyons make a late rally with a barrage of deep threes.

Loyola wins its Christmas Tournament

Loyola won its Christmas tournament after knocking off Peoria Richwoods 53-40. Their road to a championship wasn't easy. Junior forward Emily Naraky was the tournament MVP. She's become a focal point for the Ramblers alongside junior Madison Locke and guard Marycait Mackie.

The Ramblers play more in the post than in year's past, but they haven't sacrificed any skill by playing through their forwards more.

Carmel surprising early on

Carmel finished in third place at the Loyola Christmas Tournament. The Corsairs are becoming one of the biggest early-season surprises.

The Corsairs are led by Liv Johnson, arguably the best freshman in the state. Johnson is averaging 18 points and 9.3 rebounds on 48% shooting. Frankly, those numbers don't do her justice.

She plays very unselfishly and gives total effort. She's a tremendous finisher, and once she catches the ball, it's hard to stop her from getting to the rim. If a team is packing the paint, she can rise for a jumper or pass to an open teammate.

Senior guard Josie Hartman (8.9) and junior guard Maliyah Mays (6.7 points) are the next highest scorers for Carmel. Hartman is a dependable guard who controls the offense. Mays is an athletic guard who finishes well in the paint and is also a lockdown defender.

It'll be fascinating to see how far the Corsairs go this season, but they will go as far as Johnson takes them.

• Rolling Meadows senior forward Abby Ramel was one of the leading scorers at the Loyola Christmas tournament and was named to the All-Tournament team. She scored 17 points, grabbed seven rebounds and blocked three shots in the team's 60-50 loss to Loyola.

The Super 25, with record and last week’s ranking:

1. Benet (12-1) 1

Won Montini Christmas Tournament

2. Waubonsie Valley (15-0) 2

Won Falcon Classic Championship

3. Loyola (13-2) 3

Won their Christmas Tournament

4. Naperville Central (11-2) 4

Beat Fenwick Saturday

5. DePaul Prep (14-0) 8

Plays Morton

6. Lyons (11-3) 5

Lost to Fremd

7. Nazareth (9-2) 6

Out of town for the holidays

8. Kenwood (12-4) 7

Beat Gilbert (AZ)

9. Marist (14-3) 10

Loss to Benet

10. Fremd (11-3) 12

Beat Lyons

11. Carmel (11-4) 13

Beat Rolling Meadows

12. Maine South (11-2) 9

Beat Huntley

13. Mother McAuley (10-3) 16

Beat Libertyville

14. Providence (14-1) 18

Beat Downers Grove South

15. Hersey (9-4) 10

Lost to Peoria Notre Dame

16. Downers Grove North (15-2) 14

Beat Hinsdale Central

17. Prospect (9-6) 15

Beat St. Charles East

18. Glenbrook South (11-4) 11

Lost to Waubonsie Valley

19. St. Charles East (9-4) 17

Lost to Prospect

20. Glenbard West (15-1) 23

Beat St. Ignatius

21. Libertyville (12-3) 22

Lost to Mother McAuley

22. Trinity (10-4) 21

Lost to Morton

23. Bolingbrook (9-2) 20

Beat T.F. North

24. Bloom (13-1) NR

Beat Phillips

25. St. Ignatius (9-6) 25

Lost to Glenbard West