2001 RRR All-Region Teams

With regard to the 4A-3A Region Player of the Year - This was a very difficult choice for us, as there were several players who were closely vying for the honor late in the season. All were multi-skilled players and were extremely important to the success of their respective teams. It was a near deadlock heading into the tournament, and with many things being nearly equal, the tournament run of this year's 4A-3A Region POY became the deciding factor. We think many of you will agree with our choice. For the past four years, as RRR webmasters and parents of a Region player, it has been a tightrope walk not to err on the side of too much coverage for our own daughter on one side and not giving her what she is due on the other. We hope we have accomplished that equality, and if not, know that we definitely tried. Needless to say, we are very proud of Alex and just for the record, she has always been our personal RRR Player of the Year each and every year. ;-) We've enjoyed reporting on this outstanding Region Class of 2002 the past four seasons, as they are the first freshman class we covered back in 1998-99 when we started the RRR. We wish them all continued success beyond the high school hardwood!

4A-3A REGION PLAYER
OF THE YEAR
MICHELLE JONES
Gary West Side

5’8, G, GARY WEST SIDE, SR. (4A)
COLLEGE: Chicago State (D1)
One of the most underrated guards in the state, Michelle saved her best play for the tournament series this year. Put the Gary West Side Cougars on her back and carried them to a Regional final, missing a trip to the semi-state by only 2 points. Scored 20 points in a first round Regional victory over Valparaiso. Had an outstanding game against state-ranked South Bend Riley in the Championship Game, scoring 28 points in an exciting last minute loss for the Cougars. A First Team All-Area player for The Times, Northwest All-Conference, and was also selected as an alternate for the Top 40 Workout. Was an RRR All-Area 1st Team selection last year. Averaged 15.7 ppg, 4.9 apg, and 3.0 spg this season.

4A-3A First Team All-Region

LYNDEE ARNOLD
5’11 G/F - HIGHLAND, JR. (3A)
Helped her team capture the Sectional and Regional titles this year. One of the Region’s best defenders, she always drew the toughest defensive assignments in big games. Voted to The Times All-Area 1st Team, and selected to LAC All-Conference First Team. Was an RRR All-Area 1st Team selection last year. Averaged 7.7 ppg and 2.4 spg this season.

MEAGAN AUSTGEN
5'7 G - ANDREAN, SR. (3A)
COLLEGE: Undecided
Took on the bulk of the scoring for Andrean early in the season while teammate Jamie Gutowski worked her way back to full strength. Didn’t get a lot of press, but had some outstanding games this season. An excellent long-range shooter, who can also penetrate to score. Voted to The Times 2nd Team All-Area squad. Was an RRR All-Area 2nd Team selection last year. Averaged 12.8 ppg and 2.4 spg this season.

KELLY COMPTON
5'11 F - VALPARAISO, SR. (4A)
COLLEGE: Undecided
The unsung hero for the surprising Valparaiso Lady Vikings this year. Played mostly JV last season, but had a breakout year in the post this season. Helped lead Valparaiso to Duneland Conference and Sectional Championships. Provided a solid presence in the post for the Lady Vikings on both sides of the ball. Was named All-DAC and The Times 2nd Team All-Area team. Averaged 10.1 ppg and 5.1 rpg this season. (Photo by Bob Strempka of strempkagallery.com.)

JULIE DEMUTH
5’11 F - HIGHLAND, SO. (4A)
Known for her hustle and aggressive play, Julie led the Lady Trojans to the Plymouth Semi-State where they lost to eventual state champion Fort Wayne Bishop Luers. Finished as the top scorer for the Lady Trojans this season. Averaged 15.2 ppg and 7.0 rpg and was selected to the LAC All-Conference First Team, The Times All-Area 1st Team, and AP All-State Honorable Mention. Was an RRR All-Area 1st Team selection last year.

AMANDA DeVRIES
6’6 C - KANKAKEE VALLEY, JR. (3A)
By the time she’s finished high school, she could be one of the most sought after recruits in the state with great height and good body size. Just beginning to realize her potential. An excellent shot blocker and defender, she is also developing a soft touch around the basket. Selected All-Area 1st Team by The Times. Was an RRR All-Area Honorable Mention selection last year. Averaged 11.5 ppg, 7.5 rpg and 3.1 bpg this season.

JAMIE GUTOWSKI
5’7 G - ANDREAN, JR. (3A)
COLLEGE: VALPARAISO (D1)
Returned from a second ACL injury suffered last summer and led her team to a Sectional Championship. An excellent work ethic makes her one of the most determined and dedicated athletes in the Region. Established herself once again, as one of the top guards in the state. Named LAC All-Conference First Team, All-Area 1st Team by The Times, and selected to attend the Top 40 Workout. She was also recognized as a member of the Indiana High School Basketball Guide Tremendous 26. Was an RRR All-Area 1st Team selection last year. Averaged 14.8 ppg, 3.6 apg, and 3.5 spg. (Photo by Bob Strempka of strempkagallery.com.)

RAYNA HARE
5’11 F - EAST CHICAGO CENTRAL, SR. (4A)
COLLEGE: INDIANA STATE (WALK-ON)
After an up-and-down season last year, she helped lead the Lady Cardinals to one of their best seasons ever . Rayna can score from beyond the arch or post up with the big girls. Selected All-Area 1st Team by The Times. Was an RRR All-Area Honorable Mention pick last year. Averaged 13.2 points and 2.4 steals a game this season.

JILLIAN MARTIN
5'8 G - MUNSTER, SR. (4A)
COLLEGE: Undecided
Quietly had a great year for the Lady Mustangs. Led the team in scoring while also being called on to defend the opponent’s best player. An accurate scorer who worked hard over the summer to improve her offense and it showed. Selected All-Area 2nd Team by The Times. Was an RRR All-Area 2nd Team selection last year. Averaged 12.9 ppg and 2.9 apg this season.

LISA MATIE
5’8 G/F - HOBART, SR. (4A)
COLLEGE: Undecided
Had an outstanding year. Helped lead the Lady Brickies to a great season against a brutal schedule. Despite her size, she is one of the area’s top wing players. Has an excellent all-around game. Selected All-Area 2nd Team by The Times. Was an RRR All-Area 2nd Team selection last year. Averaged 10.7 ppg, 3.5 apg, and 4.7 rpg this season. (Photo by Bob Strempka of strempkagallery.com.)

BROOKE McAFEE
6’2 C - VALPARAISO, SR. (4A)
COLLEGE: IUPUI (D1)
In her first year as a starter for the Lady Vikings, Brooke proved herself to be one of the top post players in the state. Led her team to Duneland Conference and Sectional Championships. Excellent shot blocker who’s long arms make her a force to contend with in the post. Scored 22 points in a double over-time loss to Gary West Side in the Regional Championship. Named DAC Co-MVP, 1st Team All-Area by The Times, and AP All-State Honorable Mention. Selected to attend the Top 40 Workout. Was an RRR All-Area Honorable Mention selection last year. Averaged 13.0 ppg, 8.3 rpg, and 2.9 bpg this season. (Photo by Bob Strempka of strempkagallery.com.)

STACY SPURGEON
5’6 G - KANKAKEE VALLEY, SR. (3A)
COLLEGE: Undecided
The all-time assist leader for the Lady Kougars. One of the quickest guards in the state. Gave opponents fits with her in-your-face defense and quick hands. Considered by some to be one of the top point guards in the Class of 2002. Selected 2nd Team All-Area by The Times. Was an RRR All-Area Honorable Mention selection last year. Averaged 9.1 ppg, 5.8 apg, and 3.3 spg this season.

CARISSA TRIPLETT
6'2 C - CROWN POINT, SR. (4A)
COLLEGE: ST. FRANCIS (NAIA)
An outstanding post player who made a significant difference for the Lady Bulldogs over the last two seasons when she moved in from Kentucky. One of the best shot blockers in the Region with an excellent touch around the basket. Selected All-Area 2nd Team by The Times. Was an RRR All-Area 2nd Team selection last year. Averaged 10.0 ppg, 6.6 rpg, and 2.9 bpg this season. (Photo by Bob Strempka of strempkagallery.com.)

LESLIE TYBURSKI
5’10 G/F - HAMMOND GAVIT, SR. (3A)
COLLEGE: GEORGETOWN (D1)
The emotional and energy catalyst for a successful Lady Gladiator team, Leslie is one of the most underrated guards in the state. A prolific shooter from outside the arc, who can also slash to the basket to score. Averaged 18.6 points and 2.7 steals per game. Voted to the LAC All-Conference Team, and selected All-Area 1st Team by The Times. Was an RRR All-Area 1st Team selection last year. Averaged 18.8 ppg, 6.0 rpg, and 4.0 spg this season.

ALEX WEBSTER
5’10 G - CROWN POINT, SR. (4A)
COLLEGE: SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI (D1)
Was asked to make the transition from the point to shooting guard this year in order to help her team and came through in a big way. One of the most versatile and athletic guards in the state, Alex set the tone on the floor for the Lady Bulldogs with her tenacious defense and play-making ability against a brutal schedule that was ranked by Sagarin as the toughest in NWI. Had an outstanding game against Miss Basketball Shanna Zolman of Wawasee in the Region Roundball Rumble and tallied a career high 25 points against 3A State Champion Ft. Wayne Luers. Was selected as Crown Point’s first-ever Indiana Junior All-Star last year. Voted ICGSA First Team All-State, Duneland Conference Co-MVP, ICGSA Academic All-State HM, 1st Team All-Area for The Times, AP All-State Honorable Mention and selected to attend the Top 40 Workout. She was also recognized as a member of the Indiana High School Basketball Guide Tremendous 26 and was a McDonald's All-American Honorable Mention. Was an RRR All-Area 1st Team selection last year. Averaged 14.0 ppg, 3.0 apg, and 4.0 spg this season. (Photo by Bob Strempka of strempkagallery.com.)

4A- 3A Honorable Mention All-Region

Jessica Abbott, Stephanie Govert, Jessica Nadolski - Andrean
Lynette Diaz, Ashley Hluska, Nicole Rapier – Bishop Noll
Chandra Timberlake, Michelle Fortenberry – Calumet
Shea Bardeson, Jackie Squires, Catherine Campbell - Chesterton
Janel Heneghan, Ashley Plumley, Amy Zondor – Crown Point
Lani Edmonds, Ebonie Campbell – East Chicago Central
Keiona McBride – Gary Lew Wallace
JeLeeLah Campbell – Gary Horace Mann
Alicia Booyer, Belinda Drake, Bernettra Grayer, Ashley Gates – Gary West Side
Jonique Barnes, Twanette Ingram – Gary Wirt
Clarissa Farr, Sarah Planer, Meghan Sudac - Griffith
Jeanine Haase, Ninaj Jackson – Hammond Gavit
Melissa McGing – Hammond Morton
Jessica Hamman, Mary Sutliff, Traci Jerkins, Aimee Stirling - Highland
Brittany Drobac, Jessica Boyles – Hobart
Lesley Cunningham, Kelly Boss – KV
Megan Bowman, Jennifer VanderZanden – Lake Central
Mandy Masterson - LaPorte
Lisa Schulfer, Jackie Wojcik – Lowell
Heather Renehan, Julie Seagraves, Britney Ursery – Merrillville
Chrissy DiCostanzo, Melissa Obszanski – Munster
Nicole Dearing, Leigh Cotton, Caitlin Austgen, Carly Ristich – Portage
Lindsey Humes, Cassie Kerns, Heather Hutton – Valparaiso

2A-1A REGION PLAYER
OF THE YEAR

LAUREN BECHTOLD

5’4 G - HEBRON, JR. (2A)
COLLEGE: Valparaiso (D1)
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 state. Voted MVP of the Porter County Conference and selected Player of the Year by The Times. Named to the Indiana Junior All-Star Team last year and was named ICGSA All-State First Team and AP All-State Honorable Mention this year. Won the Mental Attitude Award at this year’s state finals and was elected to attend the Top 40 Workout. Was the RRR 1A/2A Co-Player of the Year last year. She was also recognized as a member of the Indiana High School Basketball Guide Tremendous 26. Helped lead her team to a 1A State Champion Game appearance this season. Averaged 19.3 points per and 8.0 assists per game. (Photo by Bob Strempka of strempkagallery.com.)

NWI's Future Stars

There was a great group of freshmen who emerged as decisive factors or promising prospects for their respective teams this season. Look for these girls to make an even bigger impact next year. With this outstanding freshman class and the great Region sophomore class, NWI girls basketball is in good hands for several years to come!

ASHLEY GATES - 5'7 G, GARY WEST SIDE (4A)
ISABELLE RHENWICK - 5'6 G, GARY WEST SIDE (4A)
ASHLEY CHEAIRS - 5'10 F, GARY WEST SIDE (4A)
MICHELLE HAMBLIN - 5'10 F, GARY WEST SIDE (4A)
It's déja vu all over again for the Gary West Side Cougars. Lots of familiar names and lots of talent to back up the family tradition. Talk about a team of the future. Watch out the next THREE years for the Lady Cougars. They are loaded with young talent and have four of the state’s best freshman in Rhenwrick, Gates, Cheairs, and Hamblin.

CASSIE PRUZIN – 5’6 G, CROWN POINT (4A)
JILL WEIAND – 5’10 F, CROWN POINT (4A)
Moved into the starting line-up about mid-season and ended up leading the Duneland Conference in steals. Quick hands make her an excellent defender. She is also an excellent ball handler. Coach May will look for her to score a lot more over the next three years. Jill was a solid sub at the center position and always gave strong minutes when needed off the bench. Next season she will be challenging for a starting forward position next year with the Bulldogs.

LINDSAY HUMES – 6’2 F/C, VALPARAISO (4A)
CASSIE KERNS – 6’2 F/C, VALPARAISO (4A)
Looks like Coach Kirby has yet another set of twin towers. Lindsay showed no fear coming off the bench this year when the starters got into foul trouble. Played some excellent minutes during the tourney. When Lindsay Humes wasn’t coming off the bench it was Cassie. She played beyond her years in several big games this year. Valpo is looking for big things from these two young ladies over the next 3 years.

JESSICA BOYLES – 6’0 C, HOBART (4A)
Jessica made a significant impact as a freshman this year for the Lady Brickies. An excellent rebounder who improved each and every game. Has a soft touch around the basket and put up some big numbers in couple of games this year.

BRITTANY URSERY - 5'4 G, MERRILLVILLE (4A)
MELISSA BOROM - 5'1 G, MERRILLVILLE (4A)
This was a big learning year for these two high-potential freshmen, but they certainly had their moments. If Merrillville can find a big girl to insert into the lineup, this team could be on the verge of greatness.

MEGAN SUDAC - 5'9 F, GRIFFITH (3A)
Was an unexpected surprise for coach Tom Golumbeck. Made an impact early and often for the Panthers and will return with every one of the Griffith starters next season.

SHANEE' BUTLER - 5’3, G, HORACE MANN (3A)
Led the region in ppg this season and was the reason her team pulled off a surprise win over Calumet in the sectional. If she can continue to put up the big numbers, the Horsemen will be contenders next season.

ASHLEY HLUSKA - 6'1 C, BISHOP NOLL (3A)
Was a force inside for the Warriors and was the second-leading scorer on the team and leading rebounder. Will provide a good inside presence for BNI over the next 3 years.

KARISSA WALTER – 5’6 G, BOONE GROVE, FR. (2A)
Gave the Wolves a solid point presence, allowing the senior players to blossom at their natural positions. Will be the centerpiece of a rebuilding BG program over the next few years.

ALISHA POLITE - 5'11 F, WASHINGTON TWP. (1A)
Came on strong in the post for the Senators and was their third-leading scorer. With lots returning to the WT lineup next season, she will solidify this inside.