Girls basketball: All-area team, Fox Valley
Ali Andrews HuntleyThe Red Raiders' 6-foot-2 sophomore had another outstanding season, surpassing 1,000 career points and helping her team to a 27-4 season that ended in the sectional finals but also included the program's first Fox Valley Conference championship. Named the honorary co-captain of the all-area team along with her sister Sam, Ali averaged 18.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2 assists and 2.5 blocks per game. A repeat all-area selection, she also had 34 3-pointers, shot 53 percent from the field and 75 percent from the free-throw line. “She's the most talented player I've coached,” said Huntley coach Steve Raethz, “and she has such a high ceiling for growth.” Will enter her junior season with 1,111 career points, which ranks third in school history. Was also selected honorable mention AP all-state.
Samantha Andrews HuntleyThe honorary co-captain of the all-area team along with her sister Ali, this 6-foot senior closed out a fantastic career by helping her team to a 27-4 season and a berth in the sectional finals. The Truman State recruit averaged 16.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists while leading the area in free throw percentage at 84. Scored 1,465 career points, second in program history, averaging 15.7 ppg for her three-year varsity career. A three-time all-area selection, she led the team with 46 3-pointers. “She was the model of consistency and a tireless worker,” said coach Steve Raethz.
Elizabeth Arco BartlettBartlett's 6-foot-1 senior center enjoyed her best season yet in helping her team to a 17-12 record. Averaged 9.8 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. “She was a steady factor in the middle for us and she had some really big games for us,” said Hawks' coach Denise Sarna. “She was always our top rebounder and she finished in the Top 10 all-time (No. 8). Her physical presence was a factor inside. She's always a fighter and a great kid.”
Katie Barker Cary-GroveThis all-Fox Valley Conference Valley Division selection led Cary-Grove in scoring at 18.7 points per game. She also averaged 6.2 rebounds and 1.7 steals. Barker, a 5-10 junior guard-forward, had 24 double-digit scoring games, including outputs of 34 (McHenry), 29 (Lakes) and 28 (Lake Park) points this season. “The leap she took from last year to this year is unbelievable,” Cary-Grove coach Rod Saffert said. “She knew she would be our main weapon and she was double- and triple-teamed as the season went on. She's become quite the player. She is the epitome of what is possible if you work at it. She's obviously worked at it hard.” Barker's 77 3-pointers this season are believed to be a new school record.
Jennifer Barnec JacobsBarnec, a 5-8 junior guard, led the Golden Eagles in scoring at 7.3 points per game and also was tops on the team in steals. “Jenni stepped up huge for us this season,” said Jacobs coach Joe Benoit. “She led us in most offensive categories. She was a steady force for us. Jenni was especially good for us after Jan. 1 when we won five games. We appreciated her leadership with the young team we had this year.” An all-Fox Valley Conference Valley Division pick, Barnec averaged 11.5 points per game in conference action. A three-year varsity player.
Emma Benoit HampshireBenoit, a 6-2 sophomore forward, was an all-Fox Valley Conference Fox Division selection. “Emma improved her game immensely as the season went on,” Hampshire coach Mike Featherly said. “Her increase in range, along with her inside presence, made it difficult on other teams. If she continues to work hard in the offseason to improve her game she has the opportunity to be an outstanding player.” Benoit averaged 12.0 points and 8.4 rebounds per game while shooting .527 from the field. She had seven double-doubles (double figures in both points and rebounds), including a 26-point, 18-rebound effort against Westminster Christian.
Alison Colby Burlington CentralThe Rockets' 6-foot junior improved with every game, especially defensively, in helping her team to a 27-4 record and its first trip downstate, where they will play Montini Friday in the Class 3A semifinals. A repeat all-area selection, she averaged 8.2 points and 6 rebounds per game, and stepped outside to hit 10 3-pointers. “She has been a huge presence inside for us,” said BC coach Mark Smith. “Her improvement has been off the charts. She has a great mindset and a great attitude and she doesn't let things bother her on the floor. She has a mental toughness and she just goes out and plays. She has a lot of confidence in herself.”
Chanel Fanter Crystal Lake SouthOnly a sophomore, Fanter averaged 14.8 points per game for the Gators, who won 16 games this season. “Chanel is already in our top 15 all-time for scoring and she's only a sophomore,” South coach Kyle McCaughn pointed out. “She had a great season for us. She did a lot of the little things along with scoring. She's come along as an outside threat and her defensive game has shored up. She plays well beyond her years.” Fanter, a 5-9 guard, also led the team in steals and shot 105-for-135 from the free-throw line (77 percent).
Holly Foret StreamwoodThis 5-foot-9 senior came into her own as a scoring threat this season, averaging 11.7 points per game and leading the team with 51 3-pointers, fifth best in a single season in program history. Also averaged 3.2 rebounds per game. “We would not have had a winning record without Holly,” said Sabres' coach George Rosner. “Her outside shooting took people by surprise. With what we lost to graduation, she knew she'd have to step it up this year and she did.”
Ally Giampapa BartlettBartlett's 5-8 senior guard, a repeat all-area selection, averaged 11.2 points and 2.3 assists per game and led the team with 48 3-pointers on 41 percent shooting from beyond the arc. “She has phenomenal offensive skills and she had some really nice moments this season,” said Bartlett coach Denise Sarna, whose team finished 17-12. “She moved here from North Carolina before her sophomore year and she just worked so hard on her game. She has a tremendous work ethic and she really improved over her three years here at Bartlett.” Will continue her career on scholarship at Olivet Nazarene University.
McKaila Hays Westminster ChristianHays, an IBCA Class 2A all-state special-mention selection, helped Westminster Christian to a 21-5 mark this season by averaging 12.5 points per game. She hit 53 3-pointers (43 percent), while also contributing 70 steals, 99 deflections and 60 assists for the Northeastern Athletic Conference champions. Hays, expected to be named all-conference Monday, also qualified for the Class 2A state 3-point shooting finals for a second year in a row. “McKaila is a gifted shooter,” said Westminster coach Ken Flickinger. “What separated her this year is she put in a lot of work in the offseason. She got in the gym and hit the weights and ran and was extremely committed. It showed in her ability to get open and shoot under pressure against tough defenses. She sees the floor really well.” Hays, a 5-6 senior guard, departs Westminster as the program's all-time assists leader.
Kylee Knox Harvest ChristianKnox, a 5-6 junior point guard, was named to the IBCA Class 1A all-state special-mention team and The Associated Press Class 1A honorable-mention team after averaging 20.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.5 steals and 3.7 assists per game. She took 32 percent of the Lions' shots this season, connecting on 46 percent of her 413 attempts. She also sank 55 3-pointers. Knox had 37 points in a game against Luther North and 33 against Berean Christian. “Kylee kept impressing us game after game,” said Harvest coach Kelly Friestad. “She was a big-time scorer for us and did a lot of other great things. She's a very good all-around player. She found a lot of ways to do a great job for us.”
Hannah McGlone StreamwoodStreamwood's 6-foot center will graduate as one of the top players in program history. A three-time all-area selection, she averaged 14.3 points and 13 rebounds per game while blocking 89 shots and dishing out 110 assists. For her career, the Winona State recruit had 1,142 points, 1,202 rebounds and 419 blocks. She's the only player in Streamwood history, boys or girls, to have over 1,000 points and rebounds and her blocks total is a program record as well. “Hannah is probably the most complete player I've ever coached,” said coach George Rosner. “Between her rebounding, her scoring, her shot blocking and her ballhandling, I've never had anyone like her. She had very few games with foul trouble this year. She was like having a coach on the floor and that's irreplaceable. We're really going to miss her a lot.”
Emily Michalski Dundee-CrownDundee-Crown's 5-11 senior center had a consistent season that helped her team go from 4 wins last season to 10 this season. Averaged 9.1 points per game on 48 percent shooting, as well as 8.1 rebounds and 3.6 blocks. “She always was a beast on the boards,” said D-C coach Sarah Miller. “She was a strong player inside and I wish I had a couple more years with her. We challenged her to be more vocal this year and she always worked real hard. She got better with her leadership abilities.”
Sara Mickow Crystal Lake SouthA repeat all-area selection, Mickow averaged a double-double (points and rebounds per game) for the third-straight year. For her high school finale, Mickow, a 5-11 senior forward, averaged 13.4 points and a staggering 15.6 rebounds per contest. She pulled in a season-high 27 rebounds in a game and had 10 games where she had 20 or more rebounds. Mickow was an all-Fox Valley Conference Valley Division pick for a third straight year. “Everybody knew they needed to stop Sara and keep her off the boards and she still managed to average 16 rebounds a game,” said South coach Kyle McCaughn. “She has an uncanny knack for getting into position and getting rebounds or tipping the ball to herself.” Mickow surpassed the 1,000-rebound mark this season (452 this season alone, including 179 offensive rebounds). Also surpassed the 1,000-point mark for her career, becoming the only player in Gator history to score more than 1,000 points and grab more than 1,000 rebounds.
Kennede Miller South ElginSouth Elgin's 6-foot-2 senior had a breakout season in helping her team to a 20-10 record and its second regional title in three year. A four-year varsity starter, she was part of 68 Storm wins in her career. This season, she averaged 10.4 points, 6.1 rebounds and was a 50 percent shooter who also stepped out and made 33 3-pointers. Graduates as the program's all-time leading rebounder (662). “Kennede is a very dynamic and versatile player,” said coach Tim Prendergast. “She ran the floor really well and had really good hands around the basket. She played the post early and then moved outside and developed into a really good 3-point shooter. She was like having a coach on the floor and she worked hard on her game day in and day out.” Will continue her career at Division III Emery University in Georgia.
Victoria Patterson LarkinPatterson, a senior guard, averaged 15.4 points and 8.5 rebounds per game for the Royals. She connected on 123 of 166 free throws (74 percent) and also averaged 4 steals and 2 assists per game. She also sank 16 3-pointers. “Victoria is a pure competitor,” said Larkin coach Ruben Flores. “She has a drive and desire to compete. She has a motor that just won't quit. On top of that, she has a good understanding and knowledge of the game. At times she would come back to the bench and let the coaches know what she saw on the court and we would make adjustments.”
Samantha Pryor Burlington CentralThis Rocket sophomore is one of the most improved players in the area this season after not being a starter last year. She is averaging 14.4 points and 5.9 rebounds per game going into today's Class 3A state semifinal, where her 27-4 team will take on Montini. A second-team all-state selection Associated Press, Pryor also hit on 55 3-pointers (42 percent shooting) and is an 82 percent free-throw shooter. “She has a burning desire to be really good,” said Rockets' coach Mark Smith. “She just loves to play, a real gym rat. She can go inside or outside and her confidence builds via her work ethic and practice.”
Cecile Rapp St. EdwardThe Green Wave's 6-foot-3 junior center came back from serious injuries sustained in an early-season car accident to help her team to a 19-9 season, second place in the Suburban Christian Gold and a berth in the regional finals. Averaged 12.4 points and 9 rebounds per game. “We're lucky to have her, period,” said coach Michelle Dawson. “Our team was lucky enough to have her come back and contribute to our success down the stretch. She did a lot of scoring and took over our rebounding with her presence in the paint. We're looking forward to her getting better and stronger for next year.”
Kayla Ross Burlington CentralThis 5-foot-7 sophomore emerged as not only Burlington Central's point guard but also the team's defensive stopper, helping the Rockets to a 27-4 record and the program's first trip to an IHSA state final tournament, where they will play Montini Friday in the Class 3A semifinals. A repeat all-area selection, she averaged 7.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2.4 steals per game. Also made 18 3-pointers. “She's so fast and just a great athlete,” said coach Mark Smith. “Her demeanor is off the charts with her competitiveness and her ability to defend. She loves to take it to the hole and she'll get better at that. She's also developing into a great leader.”
Katie Swanson St. EdwardOne of the most complete athletes in the area, this Green Wave senior was the catalyst behind a 19-9 season that included a second-place finish in the Suburban Christian Blue and a berth in the regional finals. Averaged 12.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game and had 29 3-pointers, rebounding from a 2012-13 season that was limited due to a back injury. “She really finished her high school career at the top of her game,” said coach Michelle Dawson. “She's such a dynamic player both offensively and defensively. It will be tough to fill her shoes next year. She was consistent all year long and really played her best basketball this year.”
Savanah Uveges South ElginOne of the area's most complete athletes, this Storm senior came back from an ACL injury to play a complete season and help her team to a 20-10 record and its second regional title in 3 years. A four-year starter she was part of 68 South Elgin wins in her four years. This season she averaged 10 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4 assists and 2.4 steals per game. Shot 48 percent and made 15 3-pointers. “She's just a tremendous athlete who was really able to bring it on defense more than anything,” said coach Tim Prendergast. “She was very active with her hands and long arms and her athleticism and explosiveness allowed her to accelerate on our fastbreak. She's a quality kid that epitomizes the selflessness of basketball.” Will play soccer on scholarship at the University of Nebraska.
Maddie Versluys Westminster ChristianVersluys, a 5-10 sophomore power forward, led Westminster Christian in scoring (15.2 points per game) and rebounding (9.1 per game). She shot 43 percent from the field and 69 percent from the free-throw line, while also leading the team in steals. Versluys was an IBCA Class 1A all-state special-mention selection who helped the Warriors win 21 games and a conference championship. “Maddie is a player who makes you smile,” said Westminster coach Ken Flickinger. “We thought she would be pretty good when she was a freshman. This year, we knew teams would know who she was and they would focus on her. That didn't matter. She does everything within the flow of our offense and is a tremendous offensive rebounder. She has the natural ability to go to space. She is the best player I have had in terms of moving without the ball. She knows where to go and where to cut. She plays some of the best defense I've seen. She has the ability to help us with our transition defense.”
Bethany Zornow HuntleyWith the graduation of Haley Ream, the Red Raiders needed someone to step up and be the defensive stopper and Zornow, a senior, did just that, shutting down opponents' top scorers night in and night out in helping her team to a 27-4 record, a berth in the sectional finals and the program's first Fox Valley Conference championship. Averaged 4 points, 2.5 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game. “She was an excellent defender for us and she was always up to the challenge of guarding the other team's top scorer,” said coach Steve Raethz. “She was one of the toughest players I've coached. She brought so many intangibles to our team that contributed to our success.”