Waubonsie Valley senior forward Elliana Morris has emerged as a key player for the Warriors following the season-ending injury of her best friend and teammate, Maya Cobb. Cobb suffered a torn ACL during the fourth game of the season, prompting Morris to step into the starting lineup for the first time. As a result, the Warriors have managed to maintain their impressive unbeaten streak, currently standing at 17-0.
Morris, primarily known for her skills on the soccer field, where she will play at Lewis University, has dedicated herself to basketball as well. Although she spent her earlier years on the junior varsity team and mostly on the bench during her junior season, her commitment to the game has been unwavering. Brett Love, the Waubonsie Valley girls basketball coach, praised her efforts, stating, “Even though basketball is not her first sport, she’s been putting in the work so she can be a better teammate and she can help out.” Her dedication included participating in spring and summer training sessions, which proved invaluable when her opportunity finally arrived.
With Cobb out, Morris was called upon to fill a significant gap in the lineup. Love noted the contrasting playing styles between the two, emphasizing that while Cobb was aggressive in her approach, Morris brought a more defensive mindset. The Warriors boast additional scoring options, including Danyella Mporokoso, an Illinois State-bound senior guard, as well as senior guard Arie Garcia-Evans and junior guard Maya Pereda. Despite the loss of Cobb, Morris’ contributions have helped keep the team competitive.
In a recent game against Naperville North on January 8, 2026, Morris showcased her versatility, scoring 12 points, including four 3-pointers, while also contributing five rebounds, four assists, and two steals. The Warriors dominated the game, ultimately winning 64-25 in a DuPage Valley Conference matchup. Mporokoso led all scorers with 28 points, while Pereda and Garcia-Evans added eight and seven points, respectively.
Garcia-Evans expressed admiration for Morris, stating, “She’s a great player… She always practices hard, even when she wasn’t playing that much. She’s fast, she’s smart, she talks a lot, she helps with defense, so she definitely deserves that spot.”
The transition to starting has not been without its challenges for Morris. “Maya Cobb is my best friend, so it was also really hard seeing her go through that,” she shared. Still, Cobb has been a source of encouragement, telling Morris, “You got this.” Morris understands her role on the team, focusing on defense and distributing the ball to her teammates, while also taking her open shots when available.
Morris’s defensive skills were particularly evident in the game against Naperville North, where she made critical steals and assists that set the tone for the match. Her efforts were instrumental in building a substantial lead for Waubonsie Valley, which aims for state championship success this season. “We want to win state, and that’s our goal,” said Morris. “We work hard every day. In the summer, we practice three hours a day. It’s really cool to see this. We have six seniors, and we’re all like best friends.”
As the season progresses, the Warriors remain focused on their goal of achieving a state title, bolstered by the collective effort of a cohesive team. Morris’s unexpected rise to prominence illustrates the depth of talent within the squad and the resilience that has become a hallmark of Waubonsie Valley basketball.
