TWO HOOPSTERS IN HALL OF FAME
Two of the most successful boys and girls basketball players in Hinsdale Central history have been announced as members of the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association on Hall of Fame Class of 2024. Brian Wardle and Toni Kokenis will join the IBCA Hall of Fame in a May ceremony.
Wardle, a three-time All-West Suburban Conference basketball player, led Hinsdale Central to two straight Elite Eight appearances in the state finals in 1996 and 1997. Over that period, Wardle captained and led Red Devils to a 55-7 record and was a back-to-back All-State selection. Wardle ended his high school career as the school’s all-time leading scorer (1,632 points) and rebounder (668). At Marquette University, Brian served as team captain; was the second leading scorer in Conference USA, averaging 18.8 points per game; and was the Golden Eagles third all-time leading scorer in school history. Wardle played professionally for two seasons in the NBA Development League and the Continental Basketball Association before starting his coaching career. As a Division I head coach, Wardle guided the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and Bradley University to a collective six 20-win seasons, and five postseason appearances.
Kokenis earned All-West Suburban Conference honors all four years and was a three-time All-State guard. She was named to the Champaign News Gazette All-State Team in 2008, 2009 and 2010. Kokenis would score 2,031 points in her high school career — at the time, the most points ever for a Red Devils player for either boys or girls hoops. Kokenis was also named to the All-State Team in soccer in 2009, leading her team to the state championship. Over her three years playing basketball at Stanford University, Kokenis played in a pair of NCAA Women’s Final Fours and won three Pac-12 titles. She was chosen as an All-Pac 12 selection as a sophomore in 2012 and led the conference with a 2.24 assist-to-turnover ratio. Kokenis announced her medical retirement from the sport in July of 2013.
Earlier this year, both Wardle and Kokenis were selected to the WSC-100 Honor Roll, as members of the league’s greatest athletes representing all sports in the West Suburban Conference’s 100-Year history.
Skokna makes first team
Hinsdale’s Luke Skokna earned Missouri Valley Football Conference accolades for his play this fall at the University of North Dakota. The senior kickoff returner was named a first team return specialist and an honorable mention all-purpose player for the All-MVFC Team on Nov. 27. Skokna’s eight kickoff returns for 303 yards helped UND lead the nation in yards per return. His highlights included a 100-yard return for a touchdown in a 49-24 Fighting Hawks win over North Dakota State Oct. 14. The former Hinsdale Central standout also rushed 57 times for 261 yards.
