advertisement

Girls basketball: Northwest all-area team

Maggie Berigan HerseyCall it a breakout season for Berigan, who led the Huskies with 6.3 rebounds per game. "Maggie went from being a contributor as a sophomore to being a difference-maker this year," said Hersey coach Mary Fendley. "Her presence in the post forced opponents to alter game plans for her." Berigan was among the top 10 scorers in the strong Mid-Suburban East with her 10.4 points per game. Berigan's career-high came against Buffalo Grove, when she scored 19 points in the championship game of the Bison Classic. "I have no doubt that her work ethic will lead her to even bigger things next year," Fendley said.

Alondra Chavarria LeydenChavarria has been a mainstay in the Eagles' program the last four years. She finished her career by averaging 15.8 points and 3 steals this season. The 5-foot-7 guard scored 20 or more points in seven games. She was all-tournament in the Fenton-Addison Trail Thanksgiving Tournament and St. Viator Snowflake Holiday Tournament. "Leading our team in both points and steals, Alondra has proved that she can excel on both ends of the floor," said first-year Leyden coach Stephanie Kuzmanic. " Her natural athleticism and dedication to the game have shaped her into what I believe to be one of the best basketball players to come through Leyden."

Myia Clark St. Viator It was quite a debut for the rookie from Hoffman Estates, who averaged 13.8 points a game as a freshman. "You can count the ways Clark can hurt an opponent," said first-year Lions coach Paul Missavage. "She can score from almost anywhere on the court. She was our primary scorer and go to girl in crunchtime." Going against some of the top players in the state, Clark hit 3-pointers, went strong to the basket and was able to got put backs with her rebounds. She also shot well from the free throw line. "Myia often had to defend the best guards in the East Suburban Catholic Conference," Missavage added. Clark was the ninth-leading scorer in the ESCC. "Myia has a great start to chase the all-time St. Viator girls scoring record (Denise Walker with 1,552 points)." Missavage said. "And she still three seasons to go. There was a lot of pressure on her to score and rebound for us. She responded very well."

Tatiana Doroskin SchaumburgDoroskin produced on both sides of the court for the Saxons this season. "She was one of our most efficient players at both the offensive and defensive end of the floor," said Schaumburg coach Curtis Goodwin. "Her versatility, including her ability to pass extremely well for a post player allowed her to play out of the low post and high post giving our offense different looks and enhancing opportunities for her teammates." Doroskin was second on the team with her 7.7 points per game while shooting a team-high 49 percent. She also grabbed a team-high 5.6 rebounds and averaged 2.5 blocked shots. "Defensively, she anchored us, providing a strong rim protecting presence," Goodwin added, "and also lead our team in rebounding. Her active defensive made us much better as a team when she was on the court. She also served as a senior captain for the team and did a great job as a leader throughout the season."

Nireet Dhillon ConantDhillon, only a junior, appears on the all-area team for the second straight season after averaging 9 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds and 3 steals. "She is as unselfish and as hard of a worker as it comes," said Conant coach Deirdre Naughton of the three-year starter. "Nireet is constantly in the gym improving her game and it shows in her consistency game in and game out." Dhillon shot 46 percent from the field and 42 percent from 3-point range. "She has the ability to score in bunches both from 3 and taking the ball to the basket but its her ability to make every player on the floor better that is also so impressive," Naughton added. "Her athleticism and ability to push the ball in transition, combined with her decision making in the open floor is exceptional and makes the game fun to watch. Nireet leads by example and we are thrilled to have her lead our team for one more year."

Haley Gorecki FremdGorecki, is one of the finest to play the game at Fremd, leading the Vikings to four straight Mid-Suburban West crowns and three straight MSL crowns. The school's second all-time leading scorer is going out in style with a trip to the state's final four, its first appearance since 1977. This season, Gorecki averaged 22.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 3.7 steals. The four-time all-area selection has been the MSL West Player of the Year the last two seasons. Gorecki's 2,127 points are second best in school history to 2001 Fremd grad Maggie Fontana, who went on to play at Holy Cross. Gorecki will continue her career at Duke University after playing the final two games of her high school career at Illinois State's Redbird Arena this weekend in the Class 4A state finals.

Claire Gritt HerseyGritt, only a sophomore, makes her second appearance on the all-area. Even more impressively, she did it despite getting a little extra attention from opposing teams. She was often guarded by the opponents' best player. Gritt still led the Huskies with 13.1 points. She also was the team leader in steals and free-throw percentage (73.3). "Claire continually displays a 'team-first' mentality," said Hersey coach Mary Fendley. "She can score from inside or out, and often makes it look effortless. It's exciting to think about getting to coach Claire's talent for two more seasons." Gritt is also a skilled cross-country runner and soccer player. "Yet I have no doubt she will continue to improve during the off-season in an effort to lead her team to even more success," Fendley said.

Bryana Hopkins FremdThe Northwestern University recruit showed profound versatility for a 6-foot-2 forward. "Bryana's size and versatility help this team in so many ways," said Fremd coach Dave Yates. "Not many teams have a 6-2 forward who can pull rebounds and go coast to coast and finish." Hopkins, who has not lost a conference game while playing for Fremd, averaged 10.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 2.4 steals per game. "Her vision and passing skills are the envy of many guards," said Yates about the two-time all-area selection. "Her range and scoring ability keep improving. She had a great season. I am very excited to have her another year."

Julie Jambrone Buffalo GroveJambrone has been a four-year starter who played a key role in the year-to-year improvement for the Bison. Her teams have gone from 5 to 10 to 16 to 21 wins this winter, when the senior guard averaged 8.2 points and 4.5 rebounds. She has been the captain for back-to-back regional championship teams under coach Steve Kolodziej. "Julie was hampered by injuries throughout her playing career and you would have never known it," Kolodziej said. "She is one of the most selfless athletes I've ever coached. Her effort on the court during games and practices was second to none, she only knows how to give her all. She will be missed next year."

Annie Korff HerseyHersey won 49 games in the past two seasons and Korff was ever so instrumental. "Annie is the catalyst," said Hersey coach Mary Fendley of her 5-foot-10 senior guard. "She is a fantastic athlete (also plays tennis and soccer) whose strength and competitiveness have driven our team." The Korff sisters (Kathryn, class of 2010) have added themselves to an elite group of families that have had tremendous impact on Hersey's girls athletic programs. "Annie's 11.4 points and 6.1 rebounds a game will be missed next season." Fendley said. "But not as much as the intangibles that she has given us the past three seasons."

Deanna Kuzmanic WheelingThis season ended an 11-year run of Kuzmanic sisters in Wheeling's starting lineup. And what a way for Deanna to finish it off, going out as the school's second all-time leading scorer. Her 595 points this winter gave her 1,736 for her career. The Alabama-Birmingham recruit averaged 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4.4 assists while shooting 47 percent from the field, 37 percent from 3-point range and 72.8 percent from the free throw line. "Deanna can score from anywhere on the court and is a great defender," said Wildcats coach Matt Weber, whose team went 21-8. "She is the true leader of our program. She is always working on improving her game and asking questions on how to help her teammates." Wheeling benefitted from Kuzmanic's leadership and her teammates improved because of her. "She makes everyone on the court with her better," Weber said. "Deanna represents everything a coach would want in an athlete: a great competitor, a great leader, and a great teammate."

Brianna Lewis FremdAs a freshman, Lewis hit the game-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer to lift Fremd to the first of three straight MSL championships. Now a junior, she is still thriving in the Vikings' backcourt where has become a two-time all-area selection. This season, Lewis averaged 8.3 points, 2.9 assists and 1.3 steals per game. "Brianna made huge strides this season," said Fremd coach Dave Yates. "Her assist-to-turnover ratio is 2-1, which is the gold standard for point guards. Her ball pressure and ability to break down a defender are unmatched in the MSL." Lewis' knack for hitting the big shot has also continued throughout her career. "She is a warrior and one of the toughest, hardest working kids on our program," Yates added.

Amber Lindfors Elk Grove Any time the ball went inside, Lindfors was going to make her presence felt. The 6-foot-4 senior center capped off her three-year varsity career by averaging 12.2 points and 10.7 rebounds. She also had 4.2 blocks per game (122 for season). "Amber is the type of player that always made an impact on the game," said Grenadiers coach Jen Guth of the Southeast Missouri State recruit. "If it was scoring inside, grabbing big boards or blocking shots, she was always a force to be reckoned with. Every teams game plan was always around trying to stop her inside. She is a great player and I was lucky to work with her. Elk Grove will miss her."

Monica Masini PalatineAfter four years on the Palatine varsity, Mansi is set to take her shooting and rebounding skills to Carthage College in Kenosha. The 6-foot-2 senior center led the Pirates in scoring (10.5 points) and rebounding (6.1) this winter. "She was our foundation," said Palatine coach Mark Johnson. "Monica was the person we built our offense around. We tried to get the ball in her hands as much as we could." Masini tossed in a season-high 22 points in the Pirates' 49-44 double overtime win over Deerfield at the Warren Christmas tournament. " I think going to Carthage is an absolutely perfect fit for her and she will thrive in her college career. She was a co-captain for us and did a fantastic job. She led by example and by her words. She did great."

Allison Pearson Maine WestPearson stepped right in as a freshman point guard this winter and played like a veteran. The 5-foot-7 guard averaged 11.5 points and 4.5 assists. "She's come a long way," said Maine West coach Derril Kipp. "There's a lot of pressure on a point guard, especially a freshman point guard, and we were going against some challenging teams." Kipp liked the way Pearson controlled the game. "She did a good job controlling the tempo," he said. "And she will get even better at that." Pearson improved on limiting her turnovers and picking up her assists. "That's the important thing," Kipp said. "Every thing starts with the point guard. She is the most important person on the team."

Catherine Sherwood ProspectShe is a standout triple jumper in track and field. On the basketball court, she is a triple threat - offense, defense and rebounding. While averaging 14 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 block and shooting 46 percent from the field, Sherwood became the eighth girls in school history to reach 1,000 career points. "To achieve 1,000 points in just three seasons says so much about her determination in reaching that goal and the type of talent she had on the offensive end," said Prospect coach Ashley Graham. "She could score in a multitude of ways and she improved an area of her game each year. Catherine's presence both on and off the basketball court is going to be greatly missed next year and the kids coming up in our program have huge shoes to fill." Graham said Sherwood is one of the most athletically gifted players she has had the privilege to coach. "This year was by far her best and most dominant year. Along with Taylor (Will), she led us in every offensive and defensive category. Each and every game we could count on her to be a go to scorer for us, while also stopping the other teams best post player."

Kyra Spiwak Rolling MeadowsWith the graduation of his top eight players from the previous season, Rolling Meadows coach Ryan Kirkorsky had to placed a great deal of responsibility on Spiwak's shoulders. The sophomore guard carried the weight like a champion. She averaged a team-high 12.4 points, team-high 3.7 rebounds and 2.8 assists. Spiwak also hit 43 percent from the field and 76 percent at the free throw line while competing in one of the toughest conferences (Mid-Suburban East) in the state. "Kyra consistently exceeded expectations," Kirkorsky said. "She was also one of our best defenders. The best thing about her is that she seeks out coaching and puts in a great deal of individual time to work on her game." Kirkorsky is excited for the next two seasons. "She has just touched the surface of what she will be as a player and leader," he said. "And I'm excited to see the continued impact she will have on our program."

Sammy Stejskal Buffalo GroveIt seemed whenever Stejskal was scoring, the Bison were rolling. The junior guard could provide instant points for a high-energized Bison offense. "Sammy was a tremendous asset to our success this season," said Buffalo Grove coach Steve Kolodziej. "When she scored, we scored." Stejskal could score from anywhere, whether it was a quick move to the basket or lone range 3-pointer. She ended her junior season averaging 12.1 points with 6 rebounds and 2 steals. "She was a dual threat and matchup nightmare for our opponents," Kolodziej added. "Sammy had a huge junior year and I expect big things for her next year."

Megan Talbot BarringtonSo often, opponents' defense gave extra attention to Talbot. But the 6-foot-1 junior would never back down. "Game in and game out Megan is faced with defenses that double team her every time she touches the ball," said Barrington coach Babbi Barreiro. "She has done a nice job of finding open teammates and distributing the ball as opposed to forcing shots when the defense is on her." Talbot was the Fillies' leading scorer and rebounder. She averaged 10 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocked shots and shot 70 percent from the free throw line. "Her ability to play interior defense as well as handle the basketball makes her an excellent all-around player who just keeps getting better," Barreiro said. "Her future not only next season but in college is very promising."

Grace Tworek FremdTworek steadily improved in her second year on the varsity, averaging 5.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.8 steals and 1.7 blocks. "We are a different team when Grace Tworek is healthy and in the lineup," said Fremd coach Dave Yates. "Her ability to impact the game goes way beyond points scored." Tworek's rebounding, steals, blocked shots and assists are a huge part to the Vikings' success. "She has made great strides in her offensive game, but that really wasn't what this team needed from her," Yates added. "She is just scratching the surface of her potential and it will be fun to watch her grow into a more prominent role in the future."

Jorie Wachal ConantOnly as sophomore, Wachal stepped up big to complement her veteran teammates She averaged 10 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals and shot 80 percent from the free throw line. Wachal was one of the most improved players in the area, averaging 14 points after Christmas. "As only a sophomore Jorie's versatility and strength make her not only a shooter, but a scorer," said Conant coach Deirdre Naughton. "Jorie also takes pride in being a defensive stopper, guarding the other team's best player game in and game out. Her competitiveness, fearlessness, and maturity as just a sophomore make her such a special player." Naughton is looking forward to the next two seasons. "With her work ethic and love for the game, she has a really bright future and we are excited to have her back for two more years," the first-year coach said,

Maddie Welter Buffalo GroveWith her outstanding shooting touch from the outside, Welter proved to be a valuable piece in Buffalo Grove's first 20-win since 2008. The junior guard averaged 12.8 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4 assists. "Maddie is one of the best shooters in the Mid-Suburban League," said Buffalo Grove coach Steve Kolodziej. Welter led the MSL East in 3-point field goals and she has advanced to the IHSA 3-point shooting state finals, She also led the league in free throw percentage while shooting 91 percent in conference play. For the season, she shot 86 percent. "Her basketball IQ is through the roof," Kolodziej said. "And she will be returning next season with high hopes and big expectations."

Kelly Weyhrich HerseyThe 5-foot-2 point guard stood tall in her coaches' eyes. "Kelly was the director of one of the best offensive teams I have coached," said Mary Fendley, who completed her 17th season with 353 career wins. "Always displaying unselfishness on the court, Kelly's contributions were a key part of virtually every possession. Her phenomenal passing and ball-handling made it hard for me to take her off the court." Weyhrich led Hersey in assists, 3-pointers made and 3-point percentage while also becoming an outstanding defender. "She packs so much heart and hustle into her small frame," Fendley added. "Our team 'quarterback' led us to big results this year."

Haley Will ProspectThe younger sister of Prospect's all-time leading scorer Taylor Will, Haley was provided plenty of assists to help Taylor reach 1,746 points. "Haley is a kid who would run through a wall in order for our team to be successful." said Prospect coach Ashley Graham. "She has an unbelievable motor and goes 110 percent all the time. She is one of our hardest workers in practices and that translated into the success she had this year on the court." Haley averaged 6.7 points, 2.2 assists and 2 rebounds per game while shooting 34 percent from the field. "Haley adds such a fun-loving spirit to our team," Graham said. "Offensively, she knows exactly whose hands we need the ball in and she has a high basketball IQ." Graham loves Haley's attitude. "Haley adds such a fun-loving spirit to our team," she said. "She is a kid who loves the game of basketball and puts in a lot of energy and work outside of just practices. The bond she shared not only with her teammates, but Taylor, was so special. I feel so fortunate that I got to coach two Wills on the same team for two straight years. They are just wonderful kids who have been raised the right way and have such a drive to make themselves, as well as our team the best it can be."

Taylor Will ProspectProspect's all-time leading scorer (1,746 points) often left her coach speechless. "What can I really say about Taylor Will that will sum up what she has accomplished over the course of her four years and how much she has meant to this program?" said Knights coach Ashley Graham. "Taylor is the type of kid and player I may never come across again. She not only made everyone around her better, but she made our team chemistry better by her leadership ability and positive attitude." Will averaged 17.2 points, 5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2 steals this winter and shot 45 percent from the field. "I do not know if I will ever coach a kid who is truly about the team, an exceptional leader and a coach's dream, while also being the team's best player," Graham added. "I believe it is safe to say she is the best player to ever go through Prospect High School. She had it all and she is going to be very successful at Brown, and I look forward to watching her career because I know it will be a great one. It was an absolute blessing and honor to have been her coach and she is going to be deeply, deeply missed in every aspect of our program."

All-area roster

Player School Pos. Yr.

Maggie Berigan Hersey F Jr.

Alondra Chavarria Leyden G Sr.

Myia Clark St. Viator G Fr.

Tatiana Doroskin Schaumburg F Sr.

Nireet Dhillon Conant G Jr.

* Haley Gorecki Fremd G Sr.

Claire Gritt Hersey G So.

Bryana Hopkins Fremd F Jr.

Julie Jambrone Buffalo Grove G Sr.

Annie Korff Hersey G Sr.

Deanna Kuzmanic Wheeling G Sr.

Brianna Lewis Fremd G Jr.

Amber Lindfors Elk Grove C Sr.

Monica Masini Palatine C Sr.

Allison Pearson Maine West G Fr.

Catherine Sherwood Prospect F Sr.

Kyra Spiwak Rolling Meadows G So.

Sammy Stejskal Buffalo Grove G Jr.

Megan Talbot Barrington F Jr.

Grace Tworek Fremd F So.

Jorie Wachal Conant G So.

Maddie Welter Buffalo Grove G Jr.

Kelly Weyhrich Hersey G So,

Haley Will Prospect G So,

Taylor Will Fremd G-F Sr.

* - Honorary captain

Special mentionHaley Anderson (Conant), Jamie Berry (Rolling Meadows), Jada Blackwell (Schaumburg), Maddy Callahan (Buffalo Grove), Katie Conklin (Palatine), Hailey Dammeier (Wheeling), Hannah Dobrowski (Wheeling), Auri Grayson (Barrington), Mallory Gerber (Schaumburg), Catherine Johnson (Maine West), Kelly Katis (Barrington) Brenda Kendziera (Prospect), Megan King (Rolling Meadows), Bri Kolbus (Buffalo Grove), Erin Lenahan (Fremd), Katie Lomas (Conant), O'Rayn Macavoy (Elk Grove), Jennifer Nailor (Hoffman Estates), Kayne Stanley (St. Viator), Juliette Vainisi (Hersey), Julia Wacker (Fremd), Monraia Wilson (Hofffman Estates)

All-area choices and profiles by John Leusch

Alondra Chavarria
Myia Clark
Nireet Dhillon
Tatiana Doroskin
Haley Gorecki
Claire Gritt
Bryana Hopkins
Julie Jambrone
Annie Korff
Deanna Kuzmanic
Brianna Lewis
Amber Lindfors
Monica Masini
Allison Pearson
Catherine Sherwood
Kyra Spiwak
Sammy Stejskal
Megan Talbot
Grace Tworek
Jorie Wachal
Maddie Welter
Kelly Weyhrich
Haley Will
Taylor Will
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.