2000 RRR All-Area Teams

A few words about our 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, this season's RRR picks are separated out 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 the level of competition. To put this into perspective, think of a high level player currently on a 4A team. Now imagine that player's presence on a 2A or 1A team against a mostly 2A and 1A schedule, and the logic becomes clear. (At least we hope it does!)

Finally, the RRR staff has seen 98% of our picks in action. With all that said, here are our choices:

4A-3A PLAYERS
OF THE YEAR

Erin Sampsel
Courtney Rosenbaum

Valparaiso

Co-Players of the Year? A cop-out decision by the RRR staff? Hardly. These two were without a doubt THE core of the amazing state runner-up Vikings this season. Although their individual accomplishments were impressive enough, you cannot separate their combined contribution to Valpo's exciting run to Indy. Suffice it to say, they were much more effective together, with individual success tied to a clutch joint effort. Even so, their singular performances hold up with the best in the state, as was shown at the 4A State Championship final. On the season, Rosenbaum averaged 16.1 ppg, thanks in part to the on-target, heads-up passes of Sampsel. And Sampsel racked up 6.4 assists per game, thanks in part to the smart positioning and blue collar post work of Rosenbaum. This deadly combination of inside-outside threats made it possible for both to exploit lots of open looks, accounting for a good deal of their individual and team success.

ERIN SAMPSEL - 6'0", PG, VALPARAISO, SR. (4A)
Valpo lost only one regular season game all year, and that was when Erin was out nursing an ankle sprain. She can knock it down from the perimeter, slash to the basket, and is probably one of the finest passing guards in the state. Always caused grave match up problems for opponents' shorter point guards, and she exploited that advantage often. Averaged 10.3 points and 6.4 assists per game. A 1st All-Area selection by The Times, and a 2nd Team All-Area selection by the Post Tribune. A Top 40 selection this year and DAC MVP runner up to teammate Rosenbaum. Erin's 19 points and all around floor game in the State Championship game against national powerhouse Indianapolis Ben Davis landed her on the AP Third Team All State. She definitely is deserving. You can find out more about Sampsel in a RRR Featured Player article which debuted early in the season. A point guard in the purest sense. COLLEGE: St. Joseph's

COURTNEY ROSENBAUM - 6'0", F/C, VALPARAISO, JR. (4A)
A blue collar player who has elevated her game through hard work and hustle. A monster on the boards, she has become one the state's top post players. Led all scorers in the State Championship game with 21 points. Stepped up her game from last season to become Valpo's consistent go-to player. Was even more effective in tandem with post twin Lee Traynham. She will assume an important leadership role next season for a team that loses only one senior starter. Averaged 16.1 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. Named Duneland Athletic Conference MVP. Was a 1st Team All-Area selection by The Times, and 2nd Team All-Area selection by the Post Tribune. Selected to represent the North Squad for the Junior All-Star Team this summer and was an AP Honorable Mention All State. Will also be traveling to Australia in July and August for the Down Under Hoops Classic. AAU TEAM: 17U Indiana's Finest

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4A-3A 1st Team All-Area

SARAH BACAN - 5'9", F, GRIFFITH, SR. (3A)
Helped her team get to Griffith's first-ever appearance at the semi-state tournament. A 1st Team All-Area selection by The Times and an honorable mention selection by the Post-Tribune. Was the offensive key to her team's balanced scoring. Averaged 11.5 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. COLLEGE: Purdue-Calumet

LINDSEY CHAPPELL - 6'0", C, HIGHLAND, SR. (4A)
An excellent athlete, Lindsey was also one of the area's top volleyball players. A 2nd Team All-Area selection by both The Times and the Post Tribune. Definitely one the Region's most improved players and one unheralded reason for Highland's Top 5 state ranking this season. Averaged 12.8 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. COLLEGE: Earlham

KAFAYAT DAVIES - 6'1", C, GARY WEST SIDE, SR. (4A)
The most improved post player in the Region. Just picked up basketball a few years ago, and will just get better in college. Hit the winning layup against Munster to help West Side capture the Sectional Championship. Averaged 10 points and 7 rebounds a game. COLLEGE: Chicago State

JENNY DEMUTH - 5'11", G/F, HIGHLAND, JR. (4A)
The Times Player of the Year, and a 1st Team All-Area selection by the Post Tribune. Selected to the 2000 Junior All-Star Core Team and was an AP High Honorable Mention All State. Has been one of the Region's top players since her freshman year. Averaged 23.1 points, 10 rebounds, and 3.9 steals per game. A legitimate candidate for Miss Basketball in 2001 with an impressive resume. AAU TEAM: 16U Mohr Magic COLLEGE: Indiana

SUSAN HAY - 5'7", G, MUNSTER, SR. (4A)
Munster High School's all-time leading scorer. A 1st Team All-Area selection by The Times and 2nd Team All-Area selection by the Post Tribune. Inspirational leader for a fine senior-laden Lady Mustang team this year. Averaged 13.6 points per game. COLLEGE: Washington-St. Louis

LAUREN HANSEN - 6'0", C/F, PORTAGE, JR. (4A)
Excellent post player who will become the go-to player at Portage next season. She will be expected to take over scoring and floor leadership for the Lady Indians. An All-Duneland Conference selection this year. Selected to the 2nd Team All-Area squad by the Post Tribune and honorable mention by The Times. Averaged 12.8 points and 5 rebounds per game. AAU TEAM: 17U Top Recruits COLLEGE: Wheeling Jesuit

CATHY HERRING - 5'8", G, HAMMOND MORTON, SR. (3A)
Hammond Morton's all-time leading scorer for both boys and girls basketball. An excellent athlete who will continue her career on a DI volleyball scholarship next year. A 1st Team All-Area selection for both The Times and Post Tribune. Averaged 19.8 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. COLLEGE: Northwestern State (volleyball)

DANA LIPPELT - 5'5", G, VALPARAISO, JR. (4A)
Always drew the toughest defensive assignments for the Lady Vikings, and was a big reason Valpo made it down state. One of the best defenders in the Region, Dana also is an excellent passer and has added a scorer's touch. Expect a bigger offensive role for this blue collar player next season. Averaged 5.3 points and 3.2 assists per game. Named All-Area Honorable Mention by The Times. AAU TEAM: Unknown

MICHELE PICKERING - 5'5, G, PORTAGE, SR. (4A)
Taz in a Portage uniform, Pickering was the emotional and energy catalyst for a successful Portage team. An All-DAC selection for the 1999-2000 season, Pickering also picked up 2nd team honors in The Times and honorable mention in the Post-Tribune. Averaged 8.9 points, 3.5 assists and 3.0 steals per game. Pickering was also the subject of an early season RRR Featured Player article. COLLEGE: Wisconsin-Parkside.

KELLY SCHOON - 6'0", C, LOWELL, SR. (4A)
Without a doubt, the most under-rated post player in the state this season. Helped Lowell to their best season in history. One of the most dominating players in the Region, averaging 12 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. A Times 1st Team All-Area selection and honorable mention by the Post Tribune. Was a runner-up candidate for the RRR Player of the Year Award. COLLEGE: Bethel

KIMBERLY SMITH - 5'10", G/F, GARY WEST SIDE, JR. (4A)
She's very athletic and can jump out of the gym. A 1st Team All-Area selection by The Times, and 2nd Team selection by the Post Tribune. Helped Gary West Side to a Sectional Championship this season. Averaged 10.8 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. AAU TEAM: Unknown

LEE TRAYNHAM - 5'11", F, VALPARAISO, JR. (4A)
Together with Courtney Rosenbaum, she makes up Valparaiso's unstoppable "Twin Towers." Intelligent player who continues to improve with each season. An All Duneland Conference selection. She and teammate Rosenbaum will dominate the post again in the Region next season. Selected 2nd Team All-Area by The Times. Averaged 11.9 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. AAU TEAM: 16U Ft. Wayne Orthopaedics

ALEX WEBSTER - 5'10", PG, CROWN POINT, SO. (4A)
One of the Region's scrappiest defenders and Crown Point's high-energy Defensive MVP. She led the Lady Bulldogs in steals, assists, and blocked shots against a killer schedule. Tied a school record for assists with 10 against Plymouth. The only sophomore All Duneland Conference selection this season. Named All-Area Honorable Mention by both The Times and Post Tribune. Averaged 8.7 points, 4.7 assists, and 3.1 steals per game. AAU TEAM: 16U Mohr Magic

MARIEL YEKICH - 5'8", G/F, LAKE CENTRAL, SR. (4A)
Despite being under-sized, Mariel proved to be one of the Region's best players anywhere around the bucket this season. She can shoot from the perimeter and post up with the best of them. A 1st Team All-Area selection by both The Times and the Post Tribune. Selected to attend the Top 40 workout. Averaged 17.5 points and 3.8 assists per game. COLLEGE: Undecided

NATALIE YUDT - 6'1", G/F, PORTAGE, SR. (4A)
A 1st Team All-Area selection for both The Times and Post Tribune. Also named to the Duneland All-Conference Team. Played on the Junior All-Star Team this past summer, and was invited to the Top 40 workout. One of the Region's most versatile and best all-around players, she was selected as a member of the presigious Indiana All-Star team this summer and was an AP High Honorable Mention All State. A great passer with a definite knowledge and feel for the game. Averaged 14.9 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. COLLEGE: Wisconsin - Green Bay

SARAH ZONDOR - 5'7", G, CROWN POINT, JR. (4A)
An excellent shooter, Zondor can also rebound with the best, despite her lack of size. Has a knack for getting to the line, where she converted for 82% this season. Was the first ever sophomore to be named Crown Point's statistical MVP last season, and won the award again this season as a junior. An All Duneland Conference selection two years running, Zondor was also selected to the 2nd Team All-Area squads for both The Times and Post Tribune. Averaged 12.6 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. Together with running mate Alex Webster, should be part of one of the state's top backcourt tandems next season. AAU TEAM: 17U Indiana Storm

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4A- 3A 2nd Team All-Area

STEPHANIE GILL - 5'10", G/F, MUNSTER, SR. (12.8 PPG, 3.3 APG)

JAMIE GUTOWSKI - 5'7", G, ANDREAN, SO. (11.7 PPG, 3.5 SPG and 3.4 APG in 7 games - ACL injury)

TRACY JACKSON - 5'8", G/F, EAST CHICAGO CENTRAL, JR. (13.8 PPG, 5.7 RPG)

MICHELLE JONES - 5'8", G, GARY WEST SIDE, SO. (9.5 PPG, 3.0 APG)

LISA MATIE - 5'8", G/F, HOBART, SO. (9.2 PPG, 6.8 RPG)

RINA MOLINA - 5'10", G, HIGHLAND, SR. (8.2 PPG, 3.5 APG)

KOURTNEY MORRIS - 5'9", G, GARY ROOSEVELT, SR. (14.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG)

LAURA MUMMA - 5'9", G/F, LAPORTE, SR. (15.8 PPG, 2.2 SPG)

CHRISTY POPARAD - 5'9", G/F, CHESTERTON, JR. (13.7 PPG)

KATIE PORENTO - 5'6", PG, LOWELL, SR. (11.6 PPG, 3 SPG)

BRIDGET SCHWOEGLER - 5'10", F/C, CHESTERTON, SR. (13.8 PPG, 6 RPG)

SARA SIKICH - 5'9", F, LAKE CENTRAL, SR. (12.3 PPG, 6.0 RPG)

JOANNE SMITH - 5'5", PG, HAMMOND GAVIT, JR. (13.2 PPG, 4.1 APG)

MEGHAN YANCEY - 6'0", C, GARY WEST SIDE, SR. (10.5 PPG, 6.6 RPG)

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4A- 3A Honorable Mention All-Area

Corrie Kaczmarek - Highland
Tracy Simon, Meagan Austgen, Erin Furman - Andrean
Amber Farr, Sam Quintero, Emily Coddington - Griffith
Tiffany Humphrey - Hammond
Ginger Keithley, Rachel Wielgos - Lowell
Dana Jeffries - Hammond Morton
Rachel Merkell, Margaret Schaum - Munster
Inesha Baker, Kari Edmonds - East Chicago Central
Kristin Kruchowski, Rachel Hamstra, Jill Kickert - Kankakee Valley
Tiffany King - Gary Wirt
Arianne Robinson, Alicia Booyer - Gary West Side
Megan Smith, Annie Ray - Chesterton
Amanda Bernard, Nikki Borys - Crown Point
Janice Marler, Morgan Marovich - Merrillville
Cheryl Buergler, Amanda Autry - Portage
Allison Mosak, Karen Puplava - Valparaiso
Brooke Reed - LaPorte
Angela Grabczak - Hobart
Natalee Hoover - Gary Lew Wallace
Johanna Holley - Michigan City
Lawanda Mitchell - Calumet
Rachel Griffith - Hammond Clark
Kristin Rucinski, Kim Cowser - Lake Central

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     2A-1A PLAYER
OF THE YEAR

Melanie Brumbaugh

Hanover Central

MELANIE BRUMBAUGH - 5'11", C, HANOVER CENTRAL, SR. (2A)
One of the Region's top post players who plays all out, all the time. Known for her hustle, desire, and tenacious rebounding. Extremely versatile and consistent. Helped Hanover Central to a Porter County Conference Tournament Championship. Was honored as Porter County Conference Player of the Year. First in her class at Hanover with a 4.25 GPA, and was an ICGSA All State Academic honoree. A 1st All-Area selection for both The Times and the Post Tribune. Averaged 19.3 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. Scored over 1,000 points in her career at Hanover Central. COLLEGE: Taylor

2A-1A 1st Team All-Area

LAUREN BECHTOLD - 5'4", PG, HEBRON, SO. (2A)
One of the area's top scorers, she is also an excellent passer. Helped Hebron set a school record for wins in a season, and captured the Porter County Conference Season Crown with dad and first-year head coach, Jerry Bechtold. A 1st Team All-Area selection for both The Times and the Post Tribune. Averaged 21.7 points, 6.1 assists, and 3.4 steals per game. AAU TEAM: (Not playing)

SUSAN CRIPE - 5'7", PG, NORTH JUDSON, SR. (2A)
Excellent playmaking guard who led this successful Bluejays team in assists (128) and steals (83). An unheralded and very unselfish player who chose to involve her team mates rather than put up the shots. Averaged 5.7 points a game this season. A big reason for the success of the Lady Bluejays deep into the IHSAA tourney this season. COLLEGE: Undecided

KORI GLASS - 6'0", C, NORTH JUDSON, SR. (2A)
Division I prospect from North Judson. Excellent post player who controls the boards, and can score from anywhere on the floor. Averaged 17.0 points and 6 rebounds a game. Named 2nd Team All-Area by the Post Tribune and was an AP High Honorable Mention All State. COLLEGE: Undecided

KRISTI KING - 5'9", F, NORTH JUDSON, SR. (2A)
Leading scorer for the Lady Bluejays this season. Excellent all-around player with DI potential. Averaged 19.2 points and 4.2 rebounds a game. Named 1st Team All-Area by the Post Tribune and was an AP Honorable Mention All State. COLLEGE: Undecided

KRISTI KOSELKE - 6'0", G, NORTH NEWTON, SR. (2A)
Smooth player who can score from the perimeter or post up smaller guards. Scored over 1,000 points in her career at North Newton. Helped the Lady Spartans win a Sectional Championship this season. Averaged 15.2 points and 1.6 steals per game. Named to the All-Tourney Team at the Hall of Fame Classic. A 1st Team All-Area selection for the Post Tribune. Named to the 2nd Team by The Times. A member of the prestigious 2000 Indiana All Star team and was an AP High Honorable Mention All State. COLLEGE: Valparaiso

JODY LACKEY - 5'11", F/C, MORGAN TOWNSHIP, SR. (1A)
Great career at Morgan Township. Averaged 16.3 points and 10.5 rebounds per game. Named All-Area Honorable Mention in both The Times and the Post Tribune. COLLEGE: Undecided

ERICA MARTIN - 5'8", G, KOUTS, JR. (1A)
One of the Region's best guards, Erica was a Times and Post Tribune All-Area 1st Team selection, and was an AP High Honorable Mention All State. Known for her desire, hustle, and all-around play. Averaged 19.1 points, 3.7 assists, and 7.5 rebounds per game. AAU TEAM: 17U Indiana Storm

KIM MCGINLEY - 5'10", C/F, MORGAN TOWNSHIP, SR. (1A)
Scored over 1,000 points in her career with the Lady Cherokees. Excellent rebounder who can score. She also passes well for a big girl. Averaged 17.1 points, 8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. Named 2nd Team All-Area by The Times. COLLEGE: Undecided

TRACIE MEZERA - 5'7", G, RIVER FOREST, SR. (2A)
Led the Region in scoring and was one of the top five scorers in the state. A Times and Post Tribune All-Area 1st Team selection. Averaged 26 points, 3.5 steals, and 3.2 assists per game. COLLEGE: Grace College

BECKY SCHUSTER - 6'0", F/C, NORTH NEWTON, SR. (2A)
Another player who scored over 1,000 points in her career at North Newton. Tough as nails post player, who can also run the floor. Averaged 15.5 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.5 steals per game. Selected 1st Team All-Area by The Times, and 2nd Team All-Area by the Post Tribune. COLLEGE: Indiana-Purdue Ft. Wayne

MELISSA STOKKE - 5'10", F, HEBRON, SR. (2A)
The second option for the Hebron Hawks this season, Stokke was a strong presence in the post. Although undersized, she managed to make strong moves that got her to the line time after time, and she delivered. This position might be a gaping hole for the Hawks next season and Stokke will be missed. An honorable mention in both The Times and Post-Tribune. Averaged 11.2 points per game. COLLEGE: Undecided

ANDREA WALKER - 5'8", PG, WHEELER, JR. (1A)
Excellent floor leader who averaged 18.9 points and 5.2 assists per game. Named to the Post Tribune and The Times All-Area Honorable Mention Teams. AAU TEAM: 17U Indiana Storm

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2A- 1A 2nd Team All-Area

JENNI BIELINSKI - 5'10", F/C, KOUTS, SR. (9.5 PPG)

TAMI BOERSMA - 5'7", PG, HANOVER CENTRAL, SR. (12.2 PPG, 2.1 SPG)

MELINDA BUNKOWFST - 5'9", F, NORTH JUDSON, SO. (11.3 PPG, 7.6 RPG in 13 games - ACL injury)

JENNIFER COATES - 5'5", G, HEBRON, SR. (9.7 PPG)

JEN DYKIEL - 5'10", F, BOONE GROVE, SR. (9.6 PPG, 9 RBG)

CRYSTAL ESTANOVICH - 5'8", G, WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP (10.2 PPG, 5.6 RBG)

THESPENA KOLLINTZAS - 5'4", PG, WHITING, SR. (7.8 PPG, 4 APG)

BRIANNE HARWOOD - 5'9", G/F, NORTH NEWTON, SO. (9.6 PPG)

JULIE MONIAK - 6'0", F/C, HANOVER CENTRAL, SO. (9.8 PPG, 6.4 RBG)

VAL OLIS - 5'9", F, BOONE GROVE, SO. (11.1 PPG)

ERIN PENDOWSKI - 5'7", G, KOUTS, SO. (9.2 PPG)

KIM SLIWA - 5'9", G/F, BOONE GROVE, SO. (9.7 PPG)

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2A- 1A Honorable Mention All-Area

Crystal Meeks, Sara Christenson - North Newton
Erin Biggs, Katie Hallberg - Hebron
Monica Taylor, Christy Hoots - Wheeler
Jenny Howard - Kouts
Michelle Kobli - Whiting
Christy Haduch - Hanover Central
Ashley Hawkins - Lake Station
Jacque Drubert, Nikki Wozniak - Westville
Silvia Montes - River Forest

Keep your eye on the future

There weren't any freshmen that emerged as decisive factors for their respective teams this season as in the past, but there were several who took their knocks, learned the varsity ropes and will take on expanded roles for their teams next season.

Lyndee Arnold - 5'9", G, Highland (4A)
Didn't take the world by storm but was a solid contributor to a successful season for the Trojans. Will most likely take on a greater role for Highland with the graduation of offensive threats Lindsey Chappell and Rina Molina.

Jen McMullin - 5'7", G/F, Hanover Central
Played a defensive role in all 25 games for the Wildcats this season but will be expected to step into a much more expanded role with the departure of a solid senior core. Played extremely good defensive minutes for her team and is as tough as nails. Pulled down 103 rebounds and picked off 54 steals in 25 games.

Brandi Shields - 5'2", PG, Lake Central (4A)
Didn't get a lot of playing time with the Indians, but is quick as all get out and creates havoc on defense with her low stature. Will get more minutes next season for what is expected to be a resurgence of the fine Lady Indians program. An outstanding JV team moves up to the varsity ranks for the 2000-2001 season.

Nicole Smoljan - 5'11", F, Crown Point (4A)
Gave very solid minutes for the Lady Bulldogs and has extremely good instinctive passing skills for a post player. Had a knack for getting to the line often and made the most of the opportunity. With the departure of three senior forwards, will have the opportunity to shine in a big way next season.

Mary Sutliff - 5'10", F, Highland (4A)
Started at times for the Trojans and put in some good minutes. She found out what post play was like at the varsity level this season and will take that experience into an expanded offensive role for the Trojans in 2000-2001.

Amy Zondor - 5'6", G, Crown Point (4A)
Saw very sparing minutes for the Lady Bulldogs this season when soph teammate Alex Webster was injured, but they were solid minutes nonetheless. Could move up to a supporting role on varsity next season to complement sister scoring ace Sarah Zondor. A good passer and clutch shooter, she will be a big contributor her junior and senior years.

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