2002-2003
 REGION ROUNDBALL REVIEW
ALL-AREA HONORS
"Best of the Northwest"
  
Better Late Than Never!!!
Special thanks to Strempka Gallery for the photos!

4A-3A Honors | 2A-1A Honors | NWI's Future Stars

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 PLAYER
OF THE YEAR
Julie DeMuth    

5’10, PF, HIGHLAND, JR. (3A)
 
Has been a force for the Highland Lady Trojans since her freshman year. Helped lead Highland to their third straight semi-state appearance. Averaged 17.5 ppg, 7.9 rbg, and 3.5 spg. One of the top post players in the state, Julie was selected to play on the Indiana Junior All-Star Core Team this summer. Named to the LAC All-Conference First Team, The Times All-Area 1st Team, Post-Tribune All-Area 1st Team, and AP All-State Honorable Mention. Was also named Player of the Year by The Times and Post-Tribune. Was an RRR All-Region 1st Team selection last year.
  

  

 

4A-3A First Team All-Region
LYNDEE ARNOLD
5’11 G/F - HIGHLAND, SR. (3A)
COLLEGE:  UNDECIDED
 
Helped her team capture the Sectional and Regional titles this year and advance to the Semi-state. 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, Post-Tribune All-Area 2nd Team, and selected MVP of the LAC Conference. Was an RRR All-Region 1st Team selection last year. Averaged 7.7 ppg and 2.4 spg this season.
SHANEE BUTLER
5’4, G, SOPH, GARY HORACE MANN (3A)

An excellent all-around player who can score in a variety of ways. Scored 30 points against Gary Wallace this year, and led Horace Mann to a respectable 12-10 record. Voted 1st Team All-Area by both The Times and Post-Tribune. Was an RRR All-Region 2nd Team selection last year. Averaged 24.1 points per game this season.
KIKI BYTNAR
5’6, G, JR., CALUMET (3A)

One of the quickest guards in the state. Helped Calumet to their first Sectional Championship since 1976. 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. Selected 1st Team All-Area by The Times and the Post-Tribune. Was an RRR All-Region 2nd Team selection last year. Averaged 14.0 ppg, 5.7 apg, and 3.7 spg this season.
KARIMA DAVIES
6’0, C, JR, GARY WEST SIDE (4A)

An outstanding post player who made a significant difference for the Lady Cougars over the last three seasons. One of the best shot blockers in the Region with an excellent touch around the basket. Her potential is unlimited. Averaged 8.7 ppg and 2.4 spg. Selected All-Area 2nd Team by The Times. Was an RRR All-Region Honorable Mention selection last season.
AMANDA DeVRIES
6’6 C - KANKAKEE VALLEY, SR. (3A)
COLLEGE:  EVANSVILLE UNIVERSITY

Excellent post player who controls the boards and has a nice touch around the basket. 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 2nd Team by The Times. Was an RRR All-Region 1st Team selection last year. Averaged 14.4 ppg and 8.9 rpg.
BELINDA DRAKE
5’4, G, JR., GARY WEST SIDE (4A)

The emotional and energy catalyst for a successful Lady Cougars team. Helped Gary West Side roll to a 20-4 record and a Sectional Championship. Defeated unbeaten #2 state-ranked East Chicago Central Cardinals in the Sectional. Averaged 8 ppg and 4.3 apg. Named Post-Tribune Honorable Mention All-Area and selected The Times 1st Team All-Area. Was an RRR All-Region Honorable Mention selection last year.
 
KIM HAVIAR
5’7, G, SR, LAKE CENTRAL (4A)
COLLEGE:  UNDECIDED

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. Lake Central plays one of the most competitive schedules in the state. Selected 2nd Team All-Area by The Times. An RRR All-Region 2nd Team selection last year, and selected to the RRR Top 25 Player list before the season. Averaged 11.3 ppg this year.
LAUREN HUTTON
5’5, G, JR, VALPARAISO (4A)

Had a great year for the Lady Vikings as a solid and calming presence on a very young team. Led the team in scoring while also being called on to defend the opponent’s best player. Always hit the big shots in big games this season. An accurate scorer who worked hard over the summer to improve her offense and it showed. Led Valparaiso to a Portage Sectional Championship. Selected All-Area 1st Team by The Times and 3rd Team All-Area by the Post-Tribune. Was an RRR All-Region 2nd Team selection last year. Averaged 8.8 ppg and 3.9 apg this season.
 
DEE DEE JERNIGAN
5’10, G, FR, EAST CHICAGO CENTRAL (4A)

Good size for a guard and she packs plenty of scoring punch. She helped lead the Lady Cardinals to one of their best seasons ever and #2 state ranking. Just a freshman, Dee Dee will only get better next year. Averaged 10.4 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 3.5 apg, and 3.4 spg. Selected All-Area 1st Team by The Times.
 
MARSHAY JOLLY
5’9, G, JR, MERRILLVILLE (4A)

Had an outstanding year. Helped lead the Lady Pirates to a great season advancing all the way to the Sectional Championship Game at Portage. 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. Named All-Area 1st Team by The Times and Post-Tribune. Was an RRR All-Region 2nd Team selection last year. Averaged 14.5 ppg, 5.4 rpg, and 1.8 spg this season.
 
CASSIE KERNS
6’3, C, SOPH, VALPARAISO (4A)

Started the season injured but came back in a big way helping Valparaiso turn around their season and capture the Portage Sectional Championship. Gets better every year and should be a dominate force in the paint next season. Averaged 10.3 ppg and 8.7 rpg this year. Selected All-Area Honorable Mention by both The Times and Post-Tribune. An RRR All-Region Honorable Mention selection last season.
 
BRITTNEY MOORE
6'1, C/F, FR, MERRILLVILLE (4A)

Many were expecting big things from this young lady even before she set foot on the Pirates' floor in a uniform. She did not disappoint late in the season, coming up big several times as the perfect complement to the outside game of teammate Marshay Jolly. Her future is bright with the Pirates, and she could be the first player out of Merrillville in quite some time to go big time D1. Averaged 9.8 ppg, 9.0 rpg, and 3.2 bpg.
 
JERNITA MOORE
5’10, C, SOPH, EAST CHICAGO CENTRAL (4A)

An awesome rebounder who will only get better as she matures. One of the big reasons East Chicago Central went undefeated this season and ended the season ranked #2 in the state poll. A definite force in the paint with her shot blocking ability. Averaged 13.1 ppg, 7.0 rpg, and 1.1 bpg. Selected All-Area 2nd Team by The Times and 3rd Team by Post-Tribune.
 
CASSIE PRUZIN
5’7, G, SOPH, CROWN POINT (4A)

One of the quickest guards in the state. Gave opponents fits with her in-your-face defense and quick hands. Averaged over six steals a game. Considered by some to be one of the top point guards in the Class of 2005. A definite Junior All-Star candidate next year. Could join former stars Webster, Roller, Kvachkoff, and Cowan from Crown Point who ended up on the DI level. Selected 3rd Team All-Area by Post-Tribune. Was an RRR All-Region 2nd Team selection last year. Averaged 9.6 ppg, 4.5 apg, and 6.1 spg this season.
 
JEN VANDERZANDEN
5’11, F, JR, LAKE CENTRAL (4A)

Had an outstanding year. Helped lead the Indians to a great season against a brutal schedule. 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 by the Post-Tribune. Was an RRR All-Region Honorable Mention selection last season. Averaged 13.5 ppg and 7.6 rpg this year.
 

 

     

4A- 3A Second Team All-Region

 
JONIQUE BARNES - 6’0, C, GARY WIRT, SR (4A)

CAT CAMPBELL – 5’7, G, CHESTERTON, JR (4A)

CLARISSA FARR – 5’8, G, GRIFFITH, SR (3A)

GENAE GLASPER – 6’1, C, HAMMOND GAVIT, SR (3A)

LANI EDMONDS – 5'7, G, EAST CHICAGO CENTRAL, SR (4A)

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

LINDSAY HUMES – 6’3, C, VALPARAISO, SO (4A)

ALLISON ISAILOVICH – 5’8, F, CROWN POINT, SR (4A)

NIKKI McDONALD – 5’6, G, PORTAGE, JR (4A)

KATIE MITCHELL - 5'7, G, LAKE CENTRAL, SO (4A)

LISA SCHULFER – 6’0, C, LOWELL, JR (4A)

LINSEY SMITH – 5’9, G, LAKE CENTRAL, JR (4A)

KELLY SWISHER – 5'5, G, ANDREAN, SR (3A)

CHANDRA TIMBERLAKE – 6’1, C, CALUMET, SR (3A)

MEGAN WALCZAK – 5’8, G, HOBART, JR (4A)

      

 

     

4A- 3A Honorable Mention All-Region
Amy Goetz, Kim McCloskey - Andrean
Nicole Rapier – Bishop Noll
Michelle Fortenberry – Calumet
Shea Bardeson, Stephanie Boyle, Mandi Loving - Chesterton
Kaitlyn Sertich, Keri Cuculich, Amy Zondor, Jill Weiand, Jen McMullin – Crown Point
Bernettra Grayer, Michelle Hamblin, Isabelle Rhenwick, Ashley Cheairs – Gary West Side
Kenya Moffet, Twanette Ingram – Gary Wirt
Shartice Caradine – Gary Roosevelt
Rochelle Huber, Sarah Planer - Griffith
Marian Smith, Mattie Herron – Hammond
Amy Yoder – Hammond Clark
Cassie Holmes, Sarah Keilman – Hammond Morton
Jessica Hamman, Mary Sutliff, Cassie Siska, Georgiean Michels, Lindsay Plikuhn - Highland
Brittany Drobac, Jessica Boyles – Hobart
Antionette Scott – Horace Mann
Aimee Menne, Kayte Mebust, Erin Parker – LaPorte
Sharon Houston – Gary Lew Wallace
Brandi Shields - Lake Central
McKensey Wietbrock – Lowell
Melissa Borum, Britney Ursery, Jessica Gallinatti, Tianna Coleman – Merrillville
Ashley Edinger, Jherika Harvell, Tekisha Martin – Michigan City
Kaitlin DeCero, Jennifer Hostetter-Wolak – Munster
Leigh Cotton, Chrissy Kornacki, Amy Samplawski, Carly Ristich – Portage
Leslie Bryant, Katie Ramirez, Megan Rose – 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

Christi Gladdis

5’8 G - WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, SR. (1A)

As a freshman, Christi Gladdis suffered through a 1-19 season. It would have been easy to give up and move on to other things, but Christi endured, and 3 years later as a senior helped Washington Township capture its first Regional Championship title in school history. One of the Porter County Conference’s top players since her freshman year. Selected to The Times and Post-Tribune 2nd Team All-Area squads. An RRR 1st Team All-Region selection last year. Averaged 18.6 ppg, 4.7 rpg, and 2.7 apg.
  

 


2A-1A First Team All-Region
AMANDA ALEXANDER,
5’9, F, SR, RIVER FOREST (1A)
 
Quietly had a great year for the Lady Ingots. 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 Honorable Mention for both The Times and Post-Tribune. Was an RRR All-Region 2nd Team selection last year. Averaged 15.9 ppg and 7.7 rpg. This year.
  

MEGAN BROWN
5’8, G, SR, NORTH JUDSON (2A)
 
Teamed with Tifffany Trusty to help North Judson dominate opponents over the last four years. One of the area’s top three-point shooters. Selected All-Area Honorable Mention by The Times this year. Was a RRR All-Region 2nd Team selection last year. Averaged 12.2 ppg this season.
  

LAUREN CUROSH
5’8, G, JR, WHITING (1A)
 
Teamed with Becca Papach to help turn around the developing program at Whiting over the last few years. Helped Whiting make it all the way to the Sectional Finals this season. Can score from anywhere on the floor. Selected All-Area Honorable Mention by the Post-Tribune. Was an RRR All-Region Honorable Mention selection last season.
 

AMY DUNBAR
5’9, F, OREGON-DAVIS, SR (1A)
 
A rebounding machine for the Bearcats who is a blue collar player in the paint. She led the state in rebounds at 20.0 per game, including a season single-game high 34. Helped O-D to a first-ever Semi-State appearance.
  

BRITTA JOHNSON
5’10, F, SR, OREGON-DAVIS (2A)
 
Excellent wing player who controls the boards, and can score from anywhere on the floor. Had an excellent year and led the Oregon Davis to the Regional Championship Game. Averaged 16.2 ppg this year.
JENN KELLER
5’7, F, SR, BOONE GROVE (2A)
 
Had an outstanding season this year and was one of the big reasons that Boone Grove played in its first-ever Semi-State Championship Game. An aggressive defender who picked up her scoring this season to help the team. Selected All-Area Honorable Mention for both The Times and the Post-Tribune. Was an RRR All-Region Team Honorable Mention selection last year. Averaged 9 ppg this year.
KASSIE KOSELKE
5’11, G, SR, NORTH NEWTON (2A)
 
Followed in her sister’s footsteps to become one of North Newton’s finest players ever. A silky smooth style of play. Can post up or hit the outside jumper. Will follow her sister to Marian College. Selected to The Times All-Area 1st Team. Was an RRR All-Region 1st Team selection last year. Averaged 15.7 ppg and 3.1 apg.
 
HOLLY MARTIN
5’7, G, JR, NORTH NEWTON (2A)
 
Teamed with Danielle Doty to give the Lady Spartans 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 Honorable Mention selection last year. Averaged 11.0 ppg this year.
 
JILL McELMURRY
5’9, F, JR, 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 Honorable Mention selection last year. Averaged 13.7 points per game this season.
 
HEATHER MOY
5’10, F, SR, BOONE GROVE (2A)
 
Always under-sized in the post this season, Heather Moy played the entire year out of position against much taller opponents. She accepted the challenge and played extremely well. Voted to the PCC All-Conference Team. Selected All-Area Honorable Mention for both The Times and Post-Tribune. Was an RRR All-Region Team Honorable Mention selection last year. Averaged 10.4 ppg this year.
 
ALISHA POLITE
6’0, F, SOPH, WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP (1A)
 
Played big in the post picking up the scoring load. She is also an excellent rebounder . Handles the ball well and can score from the perimeter too. Voted to the PCC All-Conference Team. Selected All-Area Honorable Mention by The Times and Post-Tribune. Was an RRR All-Region Team Honorable Mention selection last year. Averaged 10.8 ppg this year.
 
BECCA PAPACH
5’10, F, JR, WHITING (1A)
 
Could end up being one of the best players ever from Whiting. Getting some looks from Division I programs. One of the area’s top scoring wings, she can shoot the three or slash to the basket to score. Excellent rebounder who averaged more than 10 rebounds a game. Selected to The Times and Post-Tribune All-Area 2nd Team squad. Was an RRR All-Region 2nd Team selection last year. Averaged 21.8 ppg, 10.8 rpg, and 2.4 spg.
 
CANDI RUST
5’6, G, SR, OREGON-DAVIS (2A)
 
One of the Bobcats top offensive threats this season, she can score and handles the ball very well. Helped her team to a great season this year. Averaged 14.5 points per game this season.
 
TIFFANY TRUSTY
5’6, G, SR, NORTH JUDSON (2A)
 
One of the big reasons that the Lady Bluejays have dominated the last several years. A prolific three-point shooter. An outstanding guard who put up some great numbers against a competitive schedule. Selected to the Post-Tribune All-Area 3rd Team. Was an RRR All-Region 2nd Team selection last year. Averaged 17.4 ppg, 5.5 rpg, and 4.2 apg.
 

KARISSA WALTER
5’5, G, SOPH, BOONE GROVE (1A)
 
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. Led her team to the Porter County Tournament and regular season Championship. Followed it up with a Sectional and Regional title. Could be one of the best ever from Boone Grove. Selected to The Times All-Area 1st Team and the Post-Tribune All-Area 2nd Team. Was an RRR All-Region selection last year. Averaged 15.1 ppg, 5 apg, and 4 spg.
     

 

     

2A- 1A Second Team All-Region

ASHLEY BALON – 5’10, F, SOUTH CENTRAL, SR (1A)

ALYSE BRUSZEWSKI – 5’8, F, WHEELER, JR (2A)

JENNY DANFORD – 5’8, G, NORTH JUDSON, JR (2A)

DANIELLE DOTY – 5’7, G, NORTH NEWTON, SR (2A)

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

RACHEL FOSTER – 5’5, G, MORGAN TWP, SR (1A)

MALLORY GORSKI - SOUTH CENTRAL, FR (1A)

KATIE KOSELKE – 5’9, G, LACROSSE, SR (1A)

JESSICA KRISTOFF – 5’8, G, KOUTS, JR (1A)

AMANDA LAWRENCE – 5’9, F, LAKE STATION, SR (1A)

AIMEE MISHLER – 5’4, G, WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP, FR (1A)

A. J. PULLER - 5’10, F, BOONE GROVE, SR (2A)

ALLISON ROPER - 5’9, G, WHEELER, SO (2A)

LINDSAY SCHIESS – 5’8, G, WHEELER, SR (2A)

TONYA WESTMORELAND – 5’6, G, RIVER FOREST (1A)
    

 

    

2A- 1A Honorable Mention All-Region
Rachel Jenkins, Becky Keller, Sara Martinovich – Boone Grove
Toni Lindley, Heide Freund, Lauren Kalis - Hebron
Sarah Redelman – Kouts
Mallorie Schoon, Whitney Young - LaCrosse
Amanda VanderZee – Morgan Township
Whitney Cole, Nicole Dobson –North Judson
Claire Christenson – North Newton
Laura Kensinger, Sherri Kensinger – Oregon-Davis
Leanna Anderson, Whitney Gorski – South Central
Ashley Taylor, Jennifer Smith – Washington Township
Sarrah VanSickle - Westville
Maggie Schultz - Wheeler

      


NWI's Future Stars

There was a nice group of freshmen (Class of 2006) who emerged as decisive factors or promising prospects for their respective teams this season.  Although freshmen will make those famous "freshman mistakes", these girls show great promise for making an even bigger impact for their respective teams next year.

ERICA HUMES 5'11 F
VALPARAISO (4A)
The funny thing about freshmen is that they don't know they're supposed to be fearful in pressure situations. No freshman displayed that fact more than Valpo's Erica Humes, who launched the rock in the tightest situations, giving Coach Greg Kirby a few heart flutters along the way. But the athletic forward connected on a lot of those shots to keep the medics at bay and the Vikings on top of the DAC. Humes could be the centerpiece in the Valpo offense for the next three years.

BRITTNEY MOORE 6'1 C/F
JESSICA GALLINATTI 5'5 G
MERRILLVILLE (4A)
My, my the future is bright for the Pirates. Not too many teams can boast the type of talented young center/forward that Coach Bob Maicher welcomed with open arms into his lineup this season. Brittney Moore will be a dominant force in the paint for the Pirates the next three years and has D1 recruiters chomping at the bit already. Also giving very good minutes off the bench in her rookie season was Jessica Gallinatti, a versatile PG/2G that averaged 5.0 points at a 43.8% clip from the field and 87.9% from the line.

DEE DEE JERNIGAN 5'9 G/F
KELLY WATTS 5'8 G/F
EAST CHICAGO CENTRAL (4A)
A #2 state ranking your freshman season is pretty heady stuff, especially when you're part of the reason for the ranking. But getting knocked out early by Gary West Side will make these two frosh extremely hungry the next three seasons. Jernigan's got all the moves and Watts loves to mix it up no matter where she is on the floor. They will keep the EC fans in the stands for awhile to come.

KELLY PELLER 5'10 F
CHESTERTON (4A)
She didn't put up very big numbers at all (2.8 ppg), but Coach Jack Campbell will tell you he is expecting big things in the future from this athletic forward.  The varsity game can be a bit of a shocker to some freshmen, but Peller showed flashes of what we can expect to see from her over the next few years once she gets comfortable on the floor.

MALLORY GORSKI 5'4 G
ANNA KAMMRATH 6'0 F/C
WHITNEY ANDERSON 5'6 G
SOUTH CENTRAL (1A)
First year coach Dan Huizenga can only be looking pleasantly toward the future with this solid group of frosh. Gorski (11.8 ppg) was second only to senior Ashley Balon in scoring, while post Kammrath (6.8 ppg) and Anderson (4.5 ppg) contributed nicely during their rookie campaigns. Watch out for this team the next few years.

AIMEE MISHLER 5'4 G
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP (1A)
 This little dynamo emerged as the second leading scorer on the team, popping in just about 10.0 ppg. With the graduation of senior RRR MVP Christi Gladdis, Mishler may have to step into a much bigger scoring role next season.

HEIDI FREUND 5'7 G
LAUREN KALIS 5'6 G
HEBRON (1A)
 The Hawks are rebuilding and two that will measure into the new layout of the Hawks offensive lineup are these two freshmen. Although not putting up huge numbers, Freund (7.8 ppg) and Kalis (5.7 ppg) can only get better under Coach Bechtold's system over the next three years.

ASHLEE EDINGER 5'9 G/F
MICHIGAN CITY (4A)
This frosh led her team in scoring (8.3 ppg) despite the presence of eight upperclassmen on the roster. The Wolves will look to this emerging talent for a better showing in the extremely competitive DAC next season. 

 

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