2003-2004
"Best of the Northwest"
  
Better Late Than Never!
April 26, 2004
Special thanks to Strempka Gallery for the outstanding photos!

4A-3A Honors | 2A-1A Honors

Just a few words about our annual picks for Region Roundball Review post-season honors...
While the mainstream sports media tends to select players based mainly upon scoring statistics, the RRR knows that much more than scoring makes a player valuable to her team.  When evaluating our picks, many factors were taken into consideration, including individual talent and athleticism, impact to team, floor leadership and attitude, defense, all-around game, floor energy and hustle, strength of competition, team's post-season run, stats, perceived knowledge of the game, and sportsmanship.  These are all qualities that relate more to the high school game and to high school athletes than to the game in other arenas (i.e., summer competition).  Also, as we introduced the concept in our first season of coverage, the RRR picks are separated into two divisions -- 4A & 3A and 2A & 1A.  Rationale for separating out players in those two divisions is based upon a number of considerations, but mostly due to the 1A or 2A schedule of competition.  Although there are those who will disagree on this format, this is how the RRR chooses to recognize the many fine players in the Region.
   

4A-3A RRR Honors
 4A & 3A Player of the Year | 4A & 3A 1st Team
4A & 3A 2nd Team | 4A & 3A Honorable Mention

4A-3A REGION CO-PLAYERS OF THE YEAR


The Vikings simply do not advance to the 4A Semi-State without either of these players. Hutton provided the ball-handling, defense and heart. Kerns provided the undeniable force in the middle in rebounding, scoring and blocking.

Lauren Hutton
5'6, G, SR, VALPARAISO (4A)

Quietly had a great career for the Lady Vikings. Led the team to three straight Sectional Championships. Always being called upon to defend the opponent’s best player. Known for taking the clutch shots in big games. An accurate scorer who worked hard each summer to improve her offense and it showed. Named to the RRR Top 25 Senior list earlier this season. Selected to attend the Hoosier Basketball Top 40 workout. Named All-Area 1st Team by The Times and 2nd Team All-Area by the Post Tribune. Was an RRR All-Region 1st Team selection last year. Averaged 9.1 ppg and 4.0 apg this season.
COLLEGE: Valparaiso, DePauw or Washington

  

Cassie Kerns
6'3, F/C, JR, VALPARAISO (4A)

One of the state’s top post players who already has scholarship offers from Big Ten members Michigan and Indiana. Helped Valpo capture their 3rd straight Sectional Championship and always delivered when it counted. Gets better every year and should be a even more dominate force in the paint next season. Averaged 13.9 ppg and 8.4 rpg this year. Selected Player of the Year by The Times and Post-Tribune. An RRR All-Region 1st Team selection last season. Also named to the Junior All-Star Core Team, ICGSA All-State Second Team, and Courier-Journal All-State Third Team.

 

  

 

4A-3A First Team All-Region
STEPHANIE BOYLE - 6’0, F/C, JR, CHESTERTON

Led Chesterton to outstanding season this year. An athletic post player who can score from the perimeter or post up down low. Works very hard on the floor and could be a pleasant surprise for any college coach willing to sign her. Selected to The Times All-Area 2nd Team and named Honorable Mention All-Area by the Post Tribune this year. Was an RRR All-Region honorable mention selection last year. 12.3 ppg, 48.9 FG pct, 6.7 rpg
SHANEE BUTLER - 5’4, G, JR, GARY HORACE MANN

An excellent all-around player who can score in a variety of ways. Has led Horace Mann in scoring since she was a freshman. Voted 2nd Team All-Area by The Times and 3rd Team All-Area by the Post Tribune. One of the Northwest Conference’s top players. Was as an RRR All-Region 1st Team selection last year. Averaged 21.3 points per game this season.
KIKI BYTNAR - 5’6, G, SR, CALUMET

One of the quickest guards in the state. An excellent long-range shooter, who can also penetrate to score. Considered by some to be one of the top point guards in the Class of 2004. Named to the RRR Top 25 Senior list earlier this year. Selected 1st Team All-Area by The Times and 2nd Team All-Area by the Post Tribune. Was an RRR All-Region 1st Team selection last year. Averaged 13.6 ppg, 4.5 apg, and 3.3 spg this season.
COLLEGE: EASTERN ILLINOIS
KARIMA DAVIES - 6’0, C, SR, GARY WEST SIDE

An outstanding post player who made a significant difference for the Lady Cougars over the last four seasons. One of the best shot blockers in the Region with an excellent touch around the basket. Her potential is unlimited. Averaged 6.6 ppg and 7 rpg. Selected All-Area 2nd Team by The Times and All-Area Honorable Mention by the Post Tribune. Was an RRR 1st Team All-Region selection last season.
COLLEGE: IUPUI
JULIE DEMUTH - 5’11, F/C, SR, MERRILLVILLE

Had been a force for the Highland Lady Trojans since her freshman year, but transferred to Merrillville for her senior year. Helped lead Merrillville to a Duneland Conference Championship, their first since the late 1980’s. Averaged 12.2 ppg, 8.3 rbg, and 3.3 spg. One of the top post players in the state, Julie was selected to play on the Indiana Junior All-Star Core Team last summer and garnered senior All-Star status this month. Named to the RRR Top 25 Senior list earlier this year, The Post Tribune and The Times All-Area 1st Team, ICGSA All-State First Team and Courier-Journal All-State First Team. Was an RRR All-Region 1st Team selection last year.
COLLEGE: BALL STATE
BELINDA DRAKE - 5’4, G, SR, GARY WEST SIDE

The emotional and energy catalyst for a successful Lady Cougars team. Helped Gary West Side defeat East Chicago by nailing a last second 3 pt. shot to win the Sectional Championship. Tough kid who played injured throughout the tournament series. Averaged 8.6 ppg and 2.3 spg. Selected to The Times 1st Team and the Post Tribune 3rd Team All-Area squad. Was an RRR All-Region 1st Team selection last year.
COLLEGE: IUPUI
SHARON HOUSTON - 6’2, C, SO, GARY LEW WALLACE

Should be one of the most sought after post players in the state by her senior year. Led Gary Lew Wallace to a Sectional Championship. She’s got all the tools and an excellent coach providing guidance. Could be a Junior All-Star candidate next year. Selected to The Post Tribune 1st Team and The Times 2nd Team All-Area squad. 22.1 ppg, 13.0 rpg, 5.1 bpg
DEE DEE JERNIGAN - 5’10, G, SO, EAST CHICAGO CENTRAL

Good size for a guard and she packs plenty of scoring punch. Will be one of the most sought after recruits in the nation by her senior year. She has helped lead the Lady Cardinals back to elite status in the state. Just a sophomore, Dee Dee caught Pat Summit’s eye this year scoring 23 points at the McDonald’s Classic in Illinois. A great defender and all-around player she averaged 15 ppg, 10 rpg, 4.1 apg, and 4.4 spg. Selected All-Area 1st Team by both The Post Tribune and The Times. An RRR 1st Team All-Region selection last year.
MARSHAY JOLLY - 5’9, G, SR, MERRILLVILLE

Shared the spot-lite with Julie Demuth this year and had an outstanding year. Helped lead the Lady Pirates to a Duneland Conference Championship. She is one of the area’s top rebounding guards, and has an excellent all-around game. Selected to the Indiana Junior All-Star North Team. Named Duneland Conference MVP last year. Named All-Area 1st Team by The Times and 3rd Team All-Area by the Post Tribune. Was an RRR All-Region Top 25 Senior and 1st Team All-Region selection last year. Averaged 10.7 ppg this season.
COLLEGE: SOUTHERN INDIANA
NIKKI MCDONALD - 5’7, G, SR, PORTAGE

She has been an outstanding performer for the Portage Lady Indians since her freshman. Not blessed with a lot of size, Portage has had a tough go lately in the competitive Duneland Conference. Despite being the focus of opposing defenses Nikki has played well and led Portage to an upset win over Crown Point this year. Selected to The Times All-Area 2nd team this year and named All-Area Honorable Mention by the Post Tribune. Was an RRR All-Region 2nd team selection last year. 10.3 ppg, 2.9 apg, 4.7 rpg, 2.7 spg
COLLEGE: UNDECIDED
CASSIE PRUZIN - 5’7, G, JR, CROWN POINT

One of the quickest guards in the state. Gave opponents fits with her in-your-face defense and quick hands. One of the Region’s most exciting players. Considered by some to be one of the top point guards in the Class of 2005. Selected to play on the Junior All-Star Core Team, and was named 1st Team All-Area by The Times and The Post-Tribune. Was an RRR All-Region 1st Team selection last year. Averaged 16.9 ppg, 4.8 apg, and 5.9 spg this season.
ISABELL RHENWRICK - 5’6, G, JR, GARY WEST SIDE

Another in a long line of outstanding West Side guards. Scored 18 points in Gary West Side’s win over a tough Lake Central team in Sectionals. Quick feet and hands make her a tough defender. She will be called upon to score more her senior year. Lots of ability. Selected 1st Team All-Area by The Times and 2nd Team All-Area by the Post Tribune. An RRR All-Region Honorable Mention selection last year. 11 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 3.9 apg, 2.6 spg, 72 FT pct
JEN VANDERZANDEN - 5’11, F/C, SR, LAKE CENTRAL

Had an outstanding year. Helped lead the Indians against a brutal schedule. Scored 21 points against Gary West Side in Sectionals. Despite her size, she is one of the area’s top post players. Has an excellent all-around game. Selected All-Area 1st Team by The Times and 3rd Team All-Area by the Post Tribune. Was an RRR All-Region 1st Team selection last season. Averaged 13.8 ppg and 7.1 rpg this year.
COLLEGE: INDIANA UNIVERSITY-SOUTH BEND
 

 

 

     

4A- 3A Second Team All-Region

 
CAT CAMPBELL – 5’7, G, CHESTERTON, SR (4A) COLLEGE: INDIANA WESLEYAN

ASHLEY GATES – 5’9, G/F, GARY WEST SIDE, JR (4A)

BREANNE GUSTKE – 6’0, C/F, VALPARAISO, SR (4A) COLLEGE: WILLIAM WOODS

ERICA HUMES – 5’11, G, VALPARAISO, SO (4A)

KIM McCLOSKEY – 5'10, G/F, ANDREAN, SR (3A) COLLEGE: MONMOUTH

JERNITA MOORE – 5’11, F, EAST CHICAGO CENTRAL, JR (4A)

BRITTNEY MOORE – 6’2, C, MERRILLVILLE, SO (4A)

KELLY PELLER – 5’9, G/F, CHESTERTON, SO (4A)

LISA SCHULFER – 6’0, C, LOWELL, SR (4A) COLLEGE: UNDECIDED

LINSEY SMITH – 5’9, G, LAKE CENTRAL, SR (4A) COLLEGE: UNDECIDED

MARIAN SMITH – 5’8, G, HAMMOND, SR, (3A) COLLEGE: UNDECIDED

KAITLYN SERTICH – 5’7, G, CROWN POINT, JR (4A)

MEGAN WALCZAK – 5’8, G, HOBART, SR (4A) COLLEGE: BENEDICTINE

KELLY WATTS – 5’10, G/F, EAST CHICAGO CENTRAL, SO (4A)

      

 

     

4A- 3A Honorable Mention All-Region
Katie Giannini – Andrean
Sherika Moore – Calumet
Shea Bardeson – Chesterton
Blayre Reeves, Jill Weiand – Crown Point
Kandi Rodgers, India Reeves – East Chicago Central
Kenya Randall, Antoinette Scott – Gary Horace Mann
Satrina Canady, Dominique Moore – Gary Lew Wallace
Michelle Hamblin, Ashley Cheairs, Erica Simpson – Gary West Side
Latice Jones – Gary Roosevelt
Nykira Thedford, Ashley Evans – Gary Wirt
Megan Sudac, Sarah Planer – Griffith
Crystal Moore, Cena Nasiloski – Hammond
Jackie Dvorsczak, Amy Yoder – Hammond Clark
LaTysha Sanders – Hammond Gavit
Sarah Keilman – Hammond Morton
Katie Lewis, Cassi Siska, Georgiean Michels, Jody Shimanek, Katie Kane – Highland
Jessica Boyles, Kristina Heinecke, Amy Balchak – Hobart
Megan Passaloukos, Taryn Porter – Kankakee Valley
Katie Mitchell, Angie Funston – Lake Central
Jenny Meegan, Leslie Otis, Sara Dermody – LaPorte
McKensey Wietbrock – Lowell
Melissa Borom, Brittany Ursery, Brittney  Huish – Merrillville
Emma Tucker, Tekisha Martin – Michigan City
Jackie Yerga, Nicole Enright – Munster
Krystal Rigoni, Amy Samplawski – Portage
Leslie Bryant, Katie Ramirez – Valparaiso

 


2A-1A RRR Honors
 2A & 1A Players of the Year | 2A &1A 1st Team
2A & 1A 2nd Team | 2A & 1A Honorable Mention

2A-1A REGION PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Becca Papach

5’10, G/F, SR, WHITING (1A)

One of the top players in the area since her freshman year. Led her team in scoring, rebounding, steals, and blocks. Named to RRR’s Top 25 Seniors list before the season. Led her Whiting team to a first-ever Sectional Championship. Selected to The Times and Post-Tribune 2nd Team All-Area squads. Invited to the HBM Top 40. An RRR 1st Team All-Region selection last year. Averaged 16.6 ppg, 11.9 rpg, and 3.9 spg.
COLLEGE: NORTH CAROLINA-WILMINGTON
  

 


2A-1A First Team All-Region
REBEKAH BASINGER - 5’8, G, FR, KOUTS

One of two young stars for the Lady Fillies. An excellent scoring guard who will only get better next year. Averaged 12.8 ppg. Was an All-Area Honorable Mention selection by The Times and Post Tribune.
ALYSE BRUSZEWSKI - 5’9, G, SR, WHEELER (2A)

Taught her younger sister all she knows I’m sure. Alyse has been a standout player throughout her career at Wheeler. A gifted athlete who plays on the perimeter but can post up with the big girls. Provided leadership and helped Wheeler advance to Regionals this year. Named All-Area Honorable Mention by both the Post Tribune and The Times. Averaged 10.0 ppg this year.
COLLEGE: UNDECIDED
BECCA BRUSZEWSKI - 6’1, F/C, FR, WHEELER (2A)

A definite DI prospect. She can play on the wing or post up in the paint. Excellent ball handling skills for a big girl. She will only get better over the next three years and that should send a chill through area coaches who will have to come up with a way to defend her. Scored 30 points against Whiting this year. Selected to The Times All-Area 1st Team and 3rd Team All-Area by the Post Tribune this year. Averaged 16.5 ppg, 7.9 rpg, and 2.5 spg.
ANGIE BUSH - 5’7, G, SO, MORGAN TOWNSHIP (1A)

After struggling with injuries last year she came back and played extremely well this season. An excellent ball handler who can score from anywhere on the floor. Look for big things to happen for her in the future. Selected All-Area Honorable Mention by the Post Tribune. 16.4 ppg
NATALIE CHRISTENSON - 5’11, SO, NORTH NEWTON (2A)

Another Christenson sister making some noise down south. Lots of potential. Should follow her sisters' lead and make a big impression on the program before she leaves. Averaged 11.9 ppg. Was an All-Area Honorable Mention selection by The Post Tribune and The Times.
MALLORY GORSKI - SO, SOUTH CENTRAL (1A)

She’s the go-to player for the Lady Satellites. Followed up her outstanding freshman season with another big year. Averaged 15.9 ppg. Selected All-Area Honorable Mention by the Post Tribune and The Times. Was an RRR All-Region 2nd Team selection last year.
SUNNY JOHNS - 5’8, G/F, JR, MICHIGAN CITY MARQUETTE (1A)

Starter since freshman year,  Michigan City News Dispatch All Area , All Conference 2nd Team sophomore season, Team MVP sophomore year, Team Captain sophomore and junior year.
Photo from the News-Dispatch.
BECKY KELLER - 5’8, G/F, JR, BOONE GROVE (2A)

The other scoring threat for the Lady Wolves. Had some big games this year. Will team with Karissa Walter next year to create one of top tandems in the area. Averaged 11.7 ppg. Selected All-Area Honorable Mention by The Times.
HOLLY MARTIN - 5’7, G, JR, NORTH NEWTON (2A)

Has provided the Lady Spartans with excellent guard play over the last several years. An excellent penetrating guard who kicks the ball out for wide open shots by her team mates. Selected All-Area Honorable Mention by The Times. Was an RRR All-Region 1st Team selection last year.
JILL McELMURRY - 5’9, F, SR, HANOVER CENTRAL (2A)

She has good size for a guard and can score from anywhere on the floor. Voted to the PCC All-Conference Team this season, and was selected All-Area Honorable Mention by The Times and Post-Tribune. Was an RRR All-Region 1st Team selection last year. Averaged 14.5 points per game this season. COLLEGE: UNDECIDED
AIMEE MISHLER - 5’4, G, SO, WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP (1A)

Dynamite comes in small packages. Quickness and an excellent long range touch make her tough to guard. Averaged 15.4 ppg. Was selected All-Area Honorable Mention by The Times. Was an RRR All-Region 2nd Team selection last year.
ALI ROPER - 5’7, G, JR, WHEELER, (2A)

Went down with a knee injury late in the season. An outstanding combo guard who score from the perimeter or penetrate. Averaged 12.9 ppg. Was selected All-Area Honorable Mention by the Post Tribune and The Times. Was an RRR All-Region 2nd Team selection last year.
LESLIE ROWAN - 5’10, G/F, JR, RENSSELAER, (2A)

A versatile wing player with good size who was the central offensive piece for the Bombers this season. Named All-Area Honorable Mention by the Post Tribune. Averaged 17.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.0 steals and 1.0 blocks.
JENNIFER SMITH - JR, WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP (1A)

Had an outstanding year. Picked up the scoring slack this year after some unexpected departures from last year’s team. Averaged 15.2 ppg. Was selected All-Area Honorable Mention by the Post Tribune and The Times. Was an RRR All-Region Honorable Mention selection last year.
KARISSA WALTER - 5’5, G, JR, BOONE GROVE (2A)

Plays all out, all the time, and most importantly makes everyone on her team a better player. She’s got great ball handling skills and is considered one of the top point guards in the area. Could be one of the best ever from Boone Grove. Should be a Junior All-Star candidate. Selected to The Times All-Area 1st Team and the Post-Tribune All-Area 2nd Team. Was an RRR All-Region 1st Team selection last year. Averaged 15.0 ppg, 6.1 apg, and 5.8 rpg.
 

  

 

     

2A- 1A Second Team All-Region

JENNY DANFORD – 5’8, G, SR, NORTH JUDSON (2A) COLLEGE: UNDECIDED

JUSTINE DUCK – 5’8, F, SR, HEBRON (1A)

CORTNEY FLANIGAN – 5’5, G, FR, BOONE GROVE (2A)

ABBY GAZDA – 5’7, G, FR, WHITING (1A)

JACLYN JESSEN - 5’7, G, FR, KOUTS, (1A)

DANIELLE JACOBS – 5’9, F, JR, BOONE GROVE (2A)

ANNA KAMMRATH – 5’9, F, SO, SOUTH CENTRAL (1A)

SARAH REDELMAN – 6’0, C, JR, KOUTS (1A)

ASHLEY TAYLOR – 5’10, F, SR, WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP (1A) COLLEGE: UNDECIDED

SARRAH VAN SICKLE – 5’8, G, WESTVILLE (1A)

CHRISTIE WICK – 5’8, F, JR, HANOVER CENTRAL (2A)

TARA WILLIAMSON – 5’6, G, FR, NORTH NEWTON (2A)

WHITNEY YOUNG - F, SR, LACROSSE (1A)

    

 

    

2A- 1A Honorable Mention All-Region
Sara Martinovich – Boone Grove
Nicole Rapier, Kara Cobb, Karly Hooker – Hammond Noll
Krysta Rickey – Hanover Central
Cindi Boricich, Lauren Kalis - Hebron
Melissa Carson – Lake Station
Mary Shikany – Michigan City Marquette
Whitney Cole – North Judson
Ashley Barkey – North Newton
Shari Kensinger – Oregon-Davis
Megan Pitcher, Reagan Kanne, Allison Malone – Rensselaer
Mikal Minarich – River Forest
Maggie Schultz – Wheeler

© 2004 REGION ROUNDBALL REVIEW - All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without prior permission.

 

 

 

 

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