So, how is it going for junior guard Taji Alexa in her first high school action since breaking her wrist toward the end of last season for Mother McAuley? Well, through her first seven games, she has scored 25 or more points three times. “It took me a while to get back into the groove in the sprin g,” Alexa said. “But I think in the summer, I got back into the groove. I knew I was going to be OK, and if I kept working, I would be fine.” The 5-foot-10 Alexa was definitely in the groove Tuesday night. She scored eight of her team’s 11 points in the first quarter and finished with 26 to lead the host Mighty Macs to a 53-38 GCAC Red win over reigning Class 3A state champion Montini in Chicago. Sophomore guard Nia Imala added 11 points and junior forward Emma Kenney came off the bench to score seven points and grab eight rebounds for Mother McAuley (5-2, 2-0). Mother McAuley's Taji Alexa (12) tries to get past Montini's Nathalia Richardson (10) during a GCAC Red game in Chicago on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (Steve Johnston / Daily Southtown) Four-year varsity guard Quinn Arundel missed the first game of her career due to illness. In the final 45 seconds of the third quarter, Alexa made a 3-pointer and a layup, erasing a 32-31 deficit and building a 36-32 lead. McAuley then opened the fourth with 10 straight points to pull away. It showed Alexa’s right shooting wrist is not only better but her all-around game keeps improving. “She got stronger during the offseason,” McAuley coach Curtis Lewis said of Alexa. “Taji is someone who has been adding parts to her game even since her freshman year. Mother McAuley's Emma Kenney (25) and Montini's Cedona Barrett (33) battle for control of the ball during a GCAC Red game in Chicago on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (Steve Johnston / Daily Southtown) “She has added pieces here and there.” Nathalia Richardson was here and there in leading Montini (1-6, 0-2) with 12 points. A rough beginning to the season for the Broncos has been caused by heavy graduation losses and a young roster with four freshmen, five sophomores, three juniors and only three seniors. Alexa, meanwhile, was hurt Jan. 24 at St. Ignatius. She missed the final seven games. “I was going up for a layup on a fast break and got pushed from behind,” Alexa said of the injury. “And I hurt it when I landed. I knew it was bad.” Mother McAuley's Delia Sullivan (10) brings the ball up the court against Montini during a GCAC Red game in Chicago on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (Steve Johnston / Daily Southtown) Kenney confirmed that the Mighty Macs missed Alexa at the end of that season but they are glad to have her back. “Taji is unbelievable — she’s just amazing,” Kenney said, beaming with praise. “Assists. Shots. Defense. Just an unbelievable teammate.” Lewis also has been enjoying Alexa’s standout play this winter. “One-on-one, she’s our most versatile player because she can score on so many different levels,” Lewis said of Alexa. “And she is always using her abilities to make her teammates better. “As far as scoring, she’s one of the best and she brings that dimension to the team. She brings another level of toughness. Taji does a lot for us, and we rely on her quite a bit.” Mother McAuley's Taji Alexa (12) drives to the basket against Montini during a GCAC Red game in Chicago on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (Steve Johnston / Daily Southtown) It seems that Alexa was born to play basketball. Her father, Graham, starred at Lyons and played for Troy. Her mother, Yolanda, nee Irby, played at Thornwood and Western Illinois. “They have done a lot for me,” Taji said of her parents. “My dad was a point guard, so he is helping me with my ball-handling. My mom was a shooter and she is helping me with that. “It’s the best of both worlds.” That boost from her family has been apparent in a variety of ways. Her parents also make sure she has the right psychological approach to the game. “They always want me to be confident in my shot,” she said. “If I’m missing some, they say to keep shooting if I’m open. They want me to be confident.” Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown. ...read more read less