Kaneland’s Grace Brunscheen admitted to being nervous at the start of this season.
The sophomore forward knew that she would have to take the next step in her development in order for the Knights to be successful. But after preseason practice was over?
Brunscheen flipped the switch.
“I was kind of stressed out, but once we started the first few games, we got it out of the way and it came naturally,” she said. “I was able to take it in and not let myself get too anxious.
“Just play my game — not thinking of it like a test. Just play basketball.”
As a result, Brunscheen has progressed into the Kaneland’s closer. She scored 10 points in the fourth quarter Thursday night to clinch a 54-51 nonconference win over host Burlington Central.
Kaneland’s Grace Brunscheen (13) pushes the ball up court the against Burlington Central during in the fourth quarter of a nonconference game in Burlington on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon News)
Brunscheen shot 6 of 6 from the free-throw line and finished with a game-high 19 points for the Knights (8-3). She also had seven rebounds. Kyra Lilly added nine points.
Audrey LaFleur led Burlington Central (8-2) with 17 points. Julia Scheuer followed with 12 points and Scarlett LaFleur added 10 for the Rockets, who had six-game winning streak snapped.
Kaneland coach Brian Claesson, meanwhile, confirmed he saw flashes of Brunscheen’s potential over the summer and before the season. As with any sophomore, though, confidence is the key.
But once she started putting it together in games, things came together rapidly.
Kaneland’s Grace Brunscheen (13) looks to pass against Burlington Central’s Jordyn Charles (2) and Alison Kowall (24) during a nonconference game in Burlington on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon News)
“Something clicked and she’s been unbelievable,” Claesson said. “For her, it’s a confidence thing. She’s the nicest girl, so polite. Everyone loves her. I think she needs a little more confidence.”
With that confidence comes the attitude of wanting the ball in key situations.
While Brunscheen has delivered in those tough spots for Kaneland, particularly during the past three games, Claesson thinks there’s even more in her tank.
“There are times where I’m telling her, ‘I need you to score a little bit more,’” Claesson said. “She’s such a team player. She’s trying to make the right play, but sometimes, I want her to be more selfish than she is.”
Burlington Central’s Julia Scheuer (3) and Kaneland’s Daniela Ridolfi (1) battle for a loose ball during the second quarter of a nonconference game in Burlington on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon News)
The Knights aren’t giving her much of a choice down the stretch lately. Claesson said the team makes sure she has the ball in situations when they know the opposing team is going to foul.
“For a sophomore to have that composure, everyone has confidence in her,” Claesson said. “We know when she gets the ball, we’re in a good situation.”
Kaneland was down eight points with 1:02 left in the third quarter but Brunscheen converted two putbacks as part of an 11-0 run that gave the Knights a 40-39 lead a minute into the fourth.
“She really had a good game,” Burlington Central coach Michael Carani said. “We didn’t see that in the scouting report. We tried to make adjustments throughout. She had a really nice game.”
Kaneland’s Grace Brunscheen (13) defends against Burlington Central’s Audrey Lafleur (5) during the fourth quarter of a nonconference game in Burlington on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon News)
Facing a 48-48 deadlock with 2:15 left, Brunscheen took over. Her driving layup gave Kaneland the lead for good. She then hit four free throws down the stretch to ice it.
“We do a lot of free-throw drills,” Brunscheen said. “I just get that routine down. When it comes to games, I don’t even feel like I have to put too much pressure on it.
“I know I can make it in practice. I sit back and trust my shot.”
Claesson feels like Brunscheen’s breakout season isn’t a weeklong hot streak, either. He believes it’s just the beginning.
“She’s just going to expand her role,” Claesson said. “She’s our best shooter, threes, free throws. She’s our best rebounder. She talks on defense.
“I don’t even think she realizes how good she can actually be. We see it. Her teammates see it. I’m hoping it just keeps getting better and better for the next three years.”
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
