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06/26/05 06:45 pm by RRR | Back
2004-2005
"Best of the Northwest"
Better Really, Really Late Than Never!
May 28, 2005
If you should see any errors in this report, please notify us with corrections
at contactus@regionroundball.com..
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
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4A-3A
REGION PLAYER OF THE YEAR
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|
 CASSIE
KERNS
6'3,
F/C, JR, VALPARAISO (4A)
One of the state’s top post players who will play next year
at UCONN, arguably the nation’s best collegiate program. Placed
2nd in the voting for Miss Basketball this year and was a shoe-in
for a spot on the Indiana All-Star Team. Helped Valpo capture their
4rd straight Sectional Championship. Cassie was under a lot of scrutiny
throughout the year by fans and the press because of the expectations
created by signing with UCONN. She reacted well and finished her
prep career with a 24 point and 8 rebound effort against South Bend
Washington in the Regional. Averaged 16.2 ppg and 7.5 rpg this year.
Named the Gatorade Indiana Player of the Year. Was the RRR Co-Player
of the Year last season. Selected Player of the Year by The Times,
and 1st Team All-Area by the Post-Tribune. Was an RRR All-Region
Top 25 Senior.
COLLEGE: UCONN
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4A-3A
First Team All-Region
|
 ERICA
HUMES, 6’0, G/F, JR, VALPARAISO
Quick and very athletic, she’s an excellent all-around player
who can score in a variety of ways. Erica will be one of the Region’s
most heavily recruited senior players next year. Although forced
to play at point guard for most of the year, she did an outstanding
job leading the Lady Vikings to their 4th straight Sectional Championship.
Has started at Valparaiso since her freshman year. Picked 1st
Team All-Area by The Times. Named to the Junior All-Star North
Team. Was as an RRR All-Region 2nd Team selection last year. Averaged
12.2 points per game this season. |
 DEE
DEE JERNIGAN, 5’10, G, JR, EAST CHICAGO CENTRAL
Good size for a guard and she packs plenty of scoring punch. She
is one of the most sought after recruits in the nation. She has
helped lead the Lady Cardinals back to elite status in the state.
Just a junior, Dee Dee has caught Pat Summit’s eye but is
also being heavily recruited by Purdue and many others. A great
defender and all-around player she averaged 18.2 ppg, 10.7 rpg,
4.3 apg, and 2.8 spg. Selected as a Junior All-Star Core Team
member this year. All-Area 1st Team by The Times and the Post-Tribune. An RRR 1st Team All-Region selection last year. |
 ASHLEY
GATES, 5’8, G/F, SR., GARY WEST SIDE
The emotional and energy catalyst for a successful Lady Cougars
team. Doesn’t get a lot of the press, but she helps Gary
West Side by doing all the dirty work. A real blue collar player
who would rather rebound than score. Tough kid who will no doubt
have success on the next level once she chooses a college. Averaged
10.8 ppg and 3.6 rpg. Was a Top 40 invitee. Selected to The Post-Tribune and The Times 2nd Team All-Area squads. Was an RRR All-Region
Top 25 Senior and All-Region 2nd Team selection last year. COLLEGE:
UNDECIDED |
 BRITTNEY
MOORE, 6’2, F/C, JR, MERRILLVILLE
Great size and quickness, she packs plenty of scoring punch when
she’s not being whistled for questionable fouls. Seriously
folks, this kid can’t catch a break. She already plays like
a college post player. I guess maybe that’s the problem.
At times she can seem tentative, but that’s because she
never knows how the game will be called. She is one of the most
sought after recruits in the nation. She’ll do very well
at the next level. Averaged 10.6 ppg, 11.6 rpg. A Junior All-Star
North Team selection this year. All-Area 2nd Team by the Post-Tribune and The Times. An RRR 2nd Team All-Region selection last
year. |
CENA NASILOSKI, 6’0,
F/C, JR, HAMMOND
An outstanding post player who didn’t get much notice at
the beginning of the year. She sure got everyone’s attention
though, leading the Lady Wildcats to their first Sectional Championship
in 20 years. Word has it, Cena may have DI potential. She joins
several other juniors on this year’s RRR All-Region list.
Next year could be an outstanding recruiting year in the Region.
Averaged 13.2 ppg and 10.1 rpg. Picked All-Area 2nd Team by The Times and 3rd Team All-Area by the Post-Tribune. Was an RRR All-Region
Honorable Mention selection last season. |
 KELLY
PELLER, 6’0, G/F, JR, CHESTERTON
Led Chesterton to outstanding season this year including an upset
victory over state runner-up Gary West Side in the McCutcheon
Holiday Tournament. She’s a very athletic player who can
score from the perimeter, or post up smaller guards down low.
Kelly increased her stock this season by working extremely hard
on the floor. She could be a pleasant surprise for any college
coach willing to sign her. A Junior All-Star North Team selection
this year. Picked 1st Team All-Area by The Times and Honorable
Mention All-Area by the Post-Tribune. Was an RRR All-Region 2nd
Team selection last year. |
 CASSIE
PRUZIN, 5’7, G, JR, CROWN POINT
One of the best defensive guards in the state, she gave
opponents fits with her in-your-face defense and quick hands.
Dedicated her senior year to her mother and best friend, Karen,
who passed away before the start of the season. Cassie is
considered by some to be one of the top point guards in the Class
of 2005. A Top 40 invitee, who was selected for the Indiana All-Star Team.
Will continue her basketball career at DIII powerhouse Depauw.
Selected to the All-Area 1st Team squad by both The Times and
Post-Tribune. Was an RRR All-Region Top 25 Senior and All-Region
1st Team selection last season. Averaged 14.4 ppg, 5.4 apg, and
5.3 spg this season. COLLEGE: DEPAUW |
 ISABELL
RHENWRICK, 5’6, G, SR, GARY WEST SIDE
Another in a long line of outstanding Lady Cougar guards. Scored
16 points in Gary West Side’s first-ever appearance in the
State Championship Game. Quick feet and hands make her a tough
defender. She won the Mental Attitude Award at this year’s
state final. Will continue her basketball career at the University
of Indianapolis. The Lady Greyhounds were a DII NCCA Tournament
qualifier this year. Selected 1st Team All-Area by The Times and
3rd Team All-Area by the Post-Tribune. Was an RRR All-Region Top
25 Senior and All-Region 1st Team selection last year. COLLEGE:
INDIANAPOLIS |
 ASHLEY
SAMPSON, 5’11, F/C, SR, HIGHLAND
We owe Ashley an apology. We overlooked her at the beginning of
the year. She didn’t let that bother her, however, and went
out and had an outstanding year. Led the Lady Trojans in scoring
this year. Helped Highland record a 19-5 record and a share of
the LAC Black Title. Despite her size, she became one of the area’s
top post players. Has an excellent all-around game. Selected All-Area
2nd Team by The Times and Honorable Mention All-Area by the Post-Tribune.
Averaged 11.0 ppg and 4.7 rpg this year. COLLEGE: JOHN A. LOGAN
COLLEGE
Photo from the
Highland Lady Trojans website. |
 ERICA
SIMPSON, 6’0, F/C, JR, GARY WEST SIDE
Shared the spot-lite with a host of other Lady Cougar stars this
year and had an outstanding year. Helped lead Gary West Side to
the State Championship game. She is one of the area’s top
post players, and has an excellent all-around game. She will be
very heavily recruited next year. Tons of potential. Named All-Area
2nd Team by The Times and Honorable Mention All-Area by the Post-Tribune. An RRR All-Region Honorable Mention selection last year.
Averaged 10.7 ppg this season. |
 KELLY
WATTS, 5’10, F, JR, EAST CHICAGO CENTRAL
An outstanding post player who doesn’t get as much notice
as Dee Dee Jernigan, but has made a significant difference for
the Lady Cardinals over the past couple of seasons. One of the
area’s quickest players in the paint, she’s working
on her touch around the basket. Her potential is unlimited. Averaged
11.8 ppg and 8.5 rpg. Selected All-Area 2nd Team by The Times
and Honorable Mention All-Area by the Post-Tribune. Was an RRR
All-Region 2nd Team selection last season. |
JACKIE
YERGA, 5’9, G/F, JR., MUNSTER
Has been a force for the rejuvenated Lady Mustangs. Helped Munster
to a 17-6 record and a share of the LAC Black Title. Will be one
of the area’s top seniors next year. Munster could be the
team of the future and Jackie will play a big part in that. Averaged
13.4 ppg, 7.9 rbg, and 2.5 spg. Selected All-Area 2nd Team by
The Times and Honorable Mention All-Area by the Post-Tribune.
Was an RRR All-Region Honorable Mention selection last year. |
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4A- 3A
Second Team All-Region |
|
MELISSA BOROM 5’3, G, MERRILLVILLE SR
(4A)
SHANEE BUTLER 5’4, G, GARY WEST SIDE
SR (4A)
KELLY GLIDEWELL 5’9, G/F, HOBART, SR
(4A)
MICHELLE HAMBLIN 6’0, F, GARY WEST SIDE,
SR (4A) COLLEGE: KENT STATE
LINDSAY HUMES 6’2, F/C, VALPARAISO,
SR (4A)
KATIE MITCHELL 5’6, G, LAKE CENTRAL,
SR (4A) COLLEGE: PURDUE (SOFTBALL)
SHAREYA PATRICK 5’2, G, EAST CHICAGO
CENTRAL SR (4A)
DENITA PHELPS 5’10, F, HAMMOND, SOPH
(3A)
AMY SAMPLAWSKI 5’7, G/F, PORTAGE, SR
(4A)
LATYSHA SANDERS 6’0, C, HAMMOND GAVIT
(3A)
CASSI SISKA 5’9, G/F, HIGHLAND, SR (4A)
KAITLYN SERTICH 5’6, G, CROWN POINT,
SR (4A)
EMMA TUCKER 6’2, C, MICHIGAN CITY, SOPH
(4A)
JILL WEIAND - 5'11, F/C, CROWN POINT (4A)
|
4A- 3A
Honorable Mention All-Region |
Suzanne Cunningham, Val Tyburski
- Andrean
Jill Spencer Calumet
Maddie Wilk - Chesterton
Courtney Perry, Anjelica Rospond Crown Point
Kandi Rodgers, Lisa Upshaw East Chicago Central
Latice Jones Gary Roosevelt
Ashley Cheairs Gary West Side
Nikki Thedford Gary Wirt
Sarah Planer, Megan Sudac - Griffith
Jamica Tucker Hammond
Jackie Dvorsczak Hammond Clark
Sarah Keilman Hammond Morton
Katie Kane, Tina Traczyk - Highland
Amy Balchak, Jessica Boyles, Kristina Heinecke Hobart
Megan Passaloukos, Michelle Schurman Kankakee Valley
Sarah Dermody LaPorte
LaQuita Williams Gary Lew Wallace
Ashley Cosentino, Julie Swisher Lowell
Britney Ursery Merrillville
Natalie Emro, Lauren Meneghetti Munster
Lauren Prow, Ashley Glaser 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 |
|  MALLORY
GORSKI
5’5,
JR, SOUTH CENTRAL (1A)
This selection was a tough one. There were a number of qualified
candidates for POY in 1A-2A. North Judson made it to the state finals
led by Whitney Cole, but she had a tremendous supporting cast that
signified a great team effort. Boone Grove's Karissa Walter led
her team through an unbelievably successful regular season, but
fell in the sectionals to another great 1A-2A player, Wheeler sophomore
Becca Bruszewski. But probably no one had a more exciting regular
season and post-season than Mallory Gorski. She’s the go-to
player for the Lady Satellites and, as a junior, already the school’s
all-time leading scorer at 1,042 points. She can put numbers on
the board in bunches and holds the Satellites single game scoring
record with a whopping 39 points. In that same game, she dished
out 11 assists, grabbed 10 steals and pulled in 7 rebounds. At the
game-ending buzzer, she hit the half-court shot (at left) that got
her team a 1-point sectional championship win over 1A No. 10 Argus.
She scored 34 points in South Central’s Regional title game
over No. 11 West Central before the Satellites eventually fell to
three-time and 2005 State Champion Tri-Central by just 2 points
in the Semi-State. Averaged 19 ppg, 5.0 apg, and 5.0 spg for the
season. Selected 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.
Photo from the
South Central girls basketball website.
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2A-1A
First Team All-Region
|
|
 KRISTEN
BOLEN, 5’4, G, SOPH, NORTH JUDSON (2A)
Dynamite comes in small packages. Quickness and an excellent long
range touch make her tough to guard. Named All-Area Honorable Mention
by the Post-Tribune. Helped North Judson get to their first-ever
State Championship appearance. Averaged 10.2 ppg and 3.3 apg. |
 BECCA
BRUSZEWSKI, 6’1, F/C, SO, 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 two years and that should send a chill
through area coaches who will have to come up with a way to defend
her. Scored 20 points and hauled in 13 rebounds in Wheeler’s
upset win over Boone Grove in the Sectional Final. Will be one of
the top juniors in the state next year. Selected to The Times
and Post-Tribune All-Area 1st Team this year. Was an RRR
1st Team All-Region player last year. Averaged 17.3 ppg and 10.3
rbpg. |
ANGIE BUSH, 5’9, G, JR,
MORGAN TOWNSHIP (1A
After struggling with injuries the last couple of years she came
back and played extremely well this season. An excellent ball handler
who has the ability to score from anywhere on the floor. Led the
Porter County Conference in scoring this year. Helped the Lady Cherokees’
win a Sectional Championship. Look for big things to happen for
her in the future. Selected to the All-Area 2nd Team by the Post-Tribune.
Averaged 21.2 ppg and 7.2 rpg. |
 WHITNEY
COLE, 5’8, SR, NORTH JUDSON (2A)
She was one of the several go-to players for the Lady Bluejays.
She’s an unselfish player but can put points on the board
in a hurry with her outside shooting. With senior sharp-shooting
partner Nicole Dobson she helped lead North Judson to the State
Championship game. Averaged 14.6 ppg and 2.6 apg. Selected All-Area
3rd Team by the Post-Tribune. Was an RRR All-Region Honorable
Mention selection last year. COLLEGE: UNDECIDED |
NATALIE CHRISTENSON, 5’11,
JR, 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. Selected All-Area Honorable Mention
selection by The Times and Post-Tribune. Was an RRR
All-Region 1st Team selection last year. |
 NICOLE
DOBSON, 5’8, SR, NORTH JUDSON (2A
Another one of the senior leaders for the Lady Bluejays. She helped
lead North Judson to State Championship game, the first time since
the boys went in 1934. This was also the first time ever for the
girls program. Scored 16 points in the State Championship game.
Averaged 10.9 ppg and 2.3 apg. COLLEGE: UNDECIDED |
ANNA KAMMRATH, 6’0, C,
JR, SOUTH CENTRAL (1A)
Has provided the Lady Satellites with excellent post play over the
last several years. An excellent rebounder who kicks the ball out
for wide open shots by her team mates. Already holds the all-time
rebounding record for South Central. Selected All-Area 2nd Team
by the Post-Tribune and The Times. Was an RRR All-Region
2nd Team selection last year. Averaged 16.6 pgp and 12.7 rpg. |
 BECKY
KELLER, 5’8, G/F, SR, BOONE GROVE (2A)
The other scoring threat for the Lady Woves. Had
some big games this year. Teamed with Karissa Walter this year to
create one of top tandems in the area. Helped the Lady Wolves to
an undefeated regular season and first-ever win over traditional
4A power Crown Point. Averaged ppg. Selected All-Area Honorable
Mention by the Post-Tribune and The Times. Was an
RRR All-Region 1st Team selection last year. COLLEGE: UNDECIDED |
 ALISHA
POLITE, 5’11, F/C, SR, WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, (1A)
Came back from taking a year off from the game and wasted no time
getting back to her old ways. A solid rebounding post player and
can score in bunches. Helped guide Washington Township to a state-ranked
season. Great leaping ability. Selected All-Area Honorable Mention
by the Post-Tribune. She will play volleyball at Indiana
State next year. COLLEGE: INDIANA STATE (VOLLEYBALL)
Photo from the
Washington Township girls basketball website. |
ALI
ROPER, 5’7, G, JR, WHEELER, (2A)
Came back from a knee injury that happened late in the season last
year. An outstanding combo guard who score from the perimeter or
penetrate. Helped Wheeler upset Boone Grove in the Sectional Championship.
Was selected All-Area Honorable Mention by the Post-Tribune
and The Times. Was an RRR All-Region 1st Team selection last
year. COLLEGE: UNDECIDED |
LESLIE
ROWAN, 5’10, F, SR, RENSSELAER
A versatile wing player with good size who was the central offensive
piece for the Lady Bombers again this year. Scored 31 points in
a regular season battle with state runner-up North Judson. She is
Rensselaer’s all-time leading scorer and played well enough
to be invited to the Top 40 workout. 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 19.6
ppg and 5.6 rpg. COLLEGE: UNDECIDED |
 KARISSA
WALTER, 5’6, G, SR, BOONE GROVE (2A)
One of the top players in the area since her freshman year. Led
her team to an undefeated regular season. Scored 19 points in a
57-52 first-ever win over 4A Crown Point. Known for her all-out
style of play, Karissa always left everything she had on the floor.
She played all out, all the time, and made everyone on the floor
with her a better player. Chosen to participate in the Top 40 workout.
A legitimate Indiana All-Star candidate. Named Player of the Year
by the Post-Tribune. Selected to The Times 1st Team
All-Area squad. Named to RRR’s Top 25 Seniors list before
the season and was named an RRR 1st Team All-Region selection last
year. Will continue her basketball career at DII Oakland City University.
Averaged 16.7 ppg, 7 rpg, 6.5 apg and 5.9 spg. COLLEGE: OAKLAND
CITY UNIVERSITY |
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2A- 1A
Second Team All-Region |
| CORTNEY FLANIGAN
5’5, G, SOPH, BOONE GROVE (2A)
ABBY GAZDA 5’7, G, SOPH, WHITING (1A)
MIRANDA HOWARD 5’9, JR, F, NORTH JUDSON
(2A)
DANIELLE JACOBS 5’9, F, SR, BOONE GROVE
(2A) COLLEGE: UNDECIDED
JACLYN JESSEN - 5’7, G, SOPH, KOUTS, (1A)
SUNNY JOHNS 5’8, G/F, SR, MICHIGAN CITY
MARQUETTE (1A) COLLEGE: UNDECIDED
REAGAN KANNE 5’8, G/F, RENSSELAER, (2A)
AIMEE MISHLER 5’4, G, JR, WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
(1A)
CHRISTIE WICK 5’8, F, SR, HANOVER CENTRAL
(2A) COLLEGE: UNDECIDED
|
2A- 1A
Honorable Mention All-Region |
Candice Bishop Bishop Noll
Krysta Rickey Hanover Central
Lauren Kalis,
Jessica Sheets - Hebron
Tara Williamson North Newton
Whitney Anderson South Central
Jennifer Smith Washington Township
Taylor Van Sickle - Westville |
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