For Sanaii McPherson, the idea of playing at St. Edward had always crossed her mind. After tearing her meniscus in January at Larkin, those thoughts started coming up more and more as McPherson began to look at how she wanted to finish off her high school career. “How do I want to end my senior ye ar?” McPherson said. “Here, even if it’s not going all the way back to state, I can at least win a regional with this team and go pretty far in the playoffs.” As it turns out, McPherson decided on playing at St. Edward, a team coming off a state appearance in Class 1A last winter with a roster filled with some of her childhood friends. That transition continued to go well Wednesday night for the host Green Wave in an 80-14 victory over Chicago Christian in a Chicagoland Christian Conference opener in Elgin. McPherson notched 15 points and six rebounds for St. Edward (4-3, 1-0), while Savannah Lynch led all scorers with 16 points. Allison Lazzar added 11 points off the bench. St. Edward's Sanaii McPherson (24) directs a play against Chicago Christian in the second quarter of a Chicagoland Christian Conference game in Elgin on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon-News) Carly Flutman paced Chicago Christian (2-5, 0-1) with six points. St. Edward coach Michelle Dawson had admired McPherson’s game from afar. Now, Dawson gets to guide McPherson for her senior season. “She’s a natural leader on and off the court,” Dawson said. “She keeps the girls engaged, locked in and ready to play. She’s been a great addition to our program. We’re very happy to have her.” McPherson pointed out that she grew up playing with Lynch, Jordin Sauls and Ginger Younger, and she was around the program over the summer while rehabbing her knee. St. Edward's Sanaii McPherson (24) passes the ball against Chicago Christian in the first quarter of a Chicagoland Christian Conference game in Elgin on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon-News) That made the transition smoother. “We’ve all been playing together for a while,” McPherson said. “It’s been rewarding being on a team with some girls that are working really hard. Different atmosphere for sure. “But I’m glad to be part of this team and getting better in my last year.” McPherson has a similar dynamic with Lynch that she had with Mia Carter at Larkin. St. Edward's Sanaii McPherson (24) follows through on a free throw against Chicago Christian during a Chicagoland Christian Conference game in Elgin on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon-News) Much like Carter and McPherson produced highlights as a one-two punch for Larkin, McPherson has been developing similar chemistry with Lynch for the Green Wave. “Just the same intensity level, knowing how to get the ball,” McPherson said. “It’s just feeding off each other in those little moments for sure. It’s similar. “During practices she asks me where i want the ball, playing off each other. I’m so used to playing with a similar energy like Mia so it’s easy to adapt to.” Lynch heard rumors after last season that McPherson may be joining the team. When McPherson arrived for summer camp, Lynch welcomed her with open arms. “We love having her,” Lynch said. “She fits right into our program. She’s amazing. We’re happy she decided to come here. It’s been amazing. “We’re still trying to learn each other’s tactics, but so far, we’re figuring stuff out.” St. Edward's Sanaii McPherson (24) slips around Chicago Christian's defense for a layup in the third quarter of a Chicagoland Christian Conference game in Elgin on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025. (H. Rick Bamman / The Beacon-News) Michelle Dawson loves the depth McPherson brings to the team. That’s already getting tested since Layne Dawson, who’s looking at a five-week absence, broke her hand last Thursday. “The style of play that she enjoys is what we do,” Michelle said of McPherson. “It’s just another body that we can bring into the team. Now, we’re going to feel it with Layne breaking her hand. “It’s just nice knowing that we have Sanaii. She’s fit right into the flow of what we already had established. It’s been a smooth transition.” McPherson was all smiles after Wednesday’s win, soaking in her new reality and enjoying the moment. “It’s super exciting,” McPherson said. “I’m excited to be here. Just being in this environment, everybody ready to play and ready to get better every day.” Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News. ...read more read less