Lake Forest Invitational Gymnastics Digest

Date: Jan. 7 - Lake Forest Invitational

Final Score: 1. Carmel Catholic 153.725; 2. Prairie Ridge 146.225; 3. Lake Forest 145.100; 4. Lyons Township 140.550; 5. St. Charles East Coop 136.725; 6. Lake Park 136.650; 7. Warren 134.550; 8. Conant 133.100; 9. Deerfield 132.600; 10. Vernon Hills 129.900; 11. Niles North 124.350; 12. Hoffman Estates 114.700.

Scouts’ Star Performer: Kat McKeon finished in a tie for fifth place in the all-around with a 37.475 score. Her best event was the balance beam where she placed third (9.625). 

Other Notable Performances: Outside of the Carmel stars, Prairie Ridge has a promising freshman in Riley Mahoney, who took second in the all-around (38.150). Lyons had a strong night from Kelsy Kurfirst. Her best finish came in the floor exercise (4th with a 9.550). She also placed fifth in the all-around (37.475). Lake Forest's Kylie Carlson earned eighth in the all-around (36.950) while teammate Brittany Moccia managed 11th (35.975). Deerfield's night was highlighted by a 10th place finish in the all-around from Christine Stitcher (36.550). Mahoney's teammate from Prairie Ridge, Rachael Underwood, was 12th in the all-around (35.900) that included a third-place finish on vault (9.850). Niles North collected a 16th place finish from Brittany Ebeling on the balance beam (8.850).

What’s Next: Lake Forest hosts the Lake County meet at noon Saturday (Jan. 14).

The Bottom Line: The two-time defending state champions from Carmel Catholic look ready to become a three-time state champion. The Corsairs scored higher in this meet than they did in any of the state title runs. Lake Forest finished second to the Corsairs last year at State and have another strong club. Prairie Ridge is a team to watch with some key youngsters. Lyons might be a darkhorse during the state run. Both Deerfield and Niles North have work to do.