Waubonsie Valley senior forward Elliana Morris has emerged as a pivotal player for the unbeaten Warriors following the season-ending injury of her teammate, Maya Cobb. Cobb, a senior guard and a committed athlete to Southwestern Illinois, suffered a torn ACL during the fourth game of the season, leaving a significant gap in the team’s lineup. In response, Morris stepped into the starting role, showcasing her dedication and adaptability.
Morris, who has primarily focused on soccer, where she is a standout center midfielder and will continue her career at Lewis University, had not anticipated much playing time in basketball. Previously, she played on the junior varsity team for two seasons, spending most of her junior year on the varsity bench. Despite this, she remained committed to the Warriors, training extensively during the spring and summer to improve her skills. Brett Love, the Waubonsie Valley girls basketball coach, praised her hard work, stating, “Even though basketball is not her first sport, she’s been putting in the work so she can be a better teammate and help out.”
With Cobb sidelined, Love turned to Morris, recognizing her potential to fill the void. “She had to pick up the slack,” Love noted, contrasting her defensive style with Cobb’s aggressive play. While Morris is known for her defensive skills, the team boasts other strong offensive players, including Danyella Mporokoso, Arie Garcia-Evans, and Maya Pereda.
Morris’s performance against Naperville North on January 8, 2026, highlighted her ability to contribute significantly to the team’s success. She scored 12 points, hitting four three-pointers, alongside five rebounds, four assists, and two steals. The Warriors secured a decisive 64-25 victory in the DuPage Valley Conference game, with Mporokoso leading the team with 28 points.
Teammates have expressed appreciation for Morris’s contributions. Garcia-Evans described her as “a great addition” who practices hard and helps elevate the team’s defensive game. Morris averages 4.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.2 steals this season, demonstrating her capacity to adapt to her newly assumed role.
The situation surrounding Cobb’s injury has been emotionally challenging for Morris, who cited Cobb as her best friend. “It was also really hard seeing her go through that,” Morris explained. “But she was like, ‘You got this.’” This encouragement has helped Morris focus on her role as a defensive player who supports her teammates by distributing the ball and taking open shots.
During the game against Naperville North, Morris quickly made her presence felt. She executed a steal leading to an assist for Mporokoso’s layup, setting the tone for the game. Morris also contributed significantly in the second half, including a memorable moment when she grabbed an offensive rebound, dribbled into the right corner, and made a three-pointer.
The Warriors, now standing at 17-0 and 4-0 in conference play, have their sights set on a state championship. Morris, who aspires to be a teacher and coach, emphasized the hard work the team has put in. “We want to win state, and that’s our goal,” she said. “We deserve it so much. We work hard every day.”
As Waubonsie Valley continues its season, the impact of Morris’s performance is evident. Her ability to step up in critical moments, combined with the support from her teammates, positions the Warriors as strong contenders for the championship.
