Time for a brand new Rule. In her last season, Libertyville’s Rachel Rule takes a ‘big step ahead.’

Libertyville’s Rachel Rule was simply biding her time.

Whereas her twin sister, Kate, scored extra factors over time, Rachel Rule centered on different elements of the sport and have become a lockdown defender. However the Wildcats had a gaping gap following the commencement of four-year starter Emily Fisher final yr.

“Kate at all times performed extra of an offensive main position than me as we had been rising up,” Rachel Rule stated. “Beginning final yr, I noticed I actually needed to step it up after Emily graduated. She performed such a dominant position on offense.”

Rachel Rule has undoubtedly been stepping up this season. The 5-foot-7 senior guard is averaging 11.0 factors, 3.3 rebounds, 1.3 assists and a couple of.0 steals for the Wildcats (21-4, 9-2), who’re in second place within the North Suburban Convention.

Kate Rule, who’s averaging 12.6 factors, 4.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists and a couple of.1 steals, isn’t stunned.

“Her sport has taken an enormous step ahead this yr,” Kate Rule stated. “She’s turn out to be a very dynamic scorer whereas nonetheless doing the little issues, like rebounding and enjoying protection. I knew she had the aptitude to attain extra.”

Rachel Rule has even put her identify within the Libertyville report books, transferring previous Fisher into fifth place in profession 3-pointers made and transferring into fifth in profession steals.

Libertyville coach Greg Pedersen stated he has at all times inspired Rachel Rule to shoot, however all the things fell into place this season.

“Since sophomore yr, Rachel has had the inexperienced gentle to shoot and rating,” Pedersen stated. “However she’s simply improved skill-wise and turn out to be bodily stronger during the last three years, so her affect on the sport is definitely felt this season.”

Certainly, with Rachel Rule scoring extra, the Wildcats have surpassed 20 wins for the fifth time up to now 5 full seasons. She scored 30 factors in opposition to Carmel on Nov. 16, had 22 factors in opposition to Marist on Jan. 5 and had 19 factors in Libertyville’s convention win in opposition to Warren final week.

“The Carmel sport was like, ‘Wow,’” Rachel Rule stated. “I felt much more assured after that sport. I labored on my 3-pointers and midrange shot and in addition not driving all the way in which to the ring.”

Pedersen stated Rachel Rule, who averaged 8.9 factors, 3.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.5 steals final season, performs larger than her measurement.

“Her sport isn’t flashy,” Pedersen stated. “She has a candy shot, however she craftily assaults the paint together with her ballhandling and driving abilities. She additionally rebounds the ball very effectively, and we’ve at all times used Rachel to defend different groups’ finest guards.”

Relating to Pedersen’s final level, Kate Rule continues to be impressed by Rachel’s protection.

“Rachel brings a lot vitality, particularly on protection,” Kate Rule stated. “She performs tenacious protection and guards anyone on the ground.”

That is the Guidelines’ fourth varsity season and third as starters. They don’t have any plans to play in school.

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“This season means a lot for Rachel and I to spend our final basketball yr on the courtroom collectively and benefit from it and win as many video games as attainable,” Kate Rule stated. “We’re having a whole lot of enjoyable.”

Rachel Rule agreed it’s a great way to complete the profession that began in kindergarten.

“It’s gone virtually excellent,” she stated. “I like this workforce and love enjoying with my sister. It’s a good way to finish my basketball profession with a bang. It’s bittersweet that my profession is coming to an finish, however we’ve achieved a lot this yr. I’m ending my profession with a way of satisfaction.”

Bobby Narang is a contract reporter for the Information-Solar.