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The Northwest All-Area Girls Basketball Team

Ashley Adams Prospect

In addition to her 10.4 scoring average and 70 rebounds this season, Adams made things easy for coach Marie Miller in her first year on the job. "Ashley has been a dream to coach," Miller said. "Her leadership and toughness is what helped bring us success this year both on and off the court." At only 5-foot-8 in the post, Adams was able to shoot 67 percent from the field despite often seeing double or even triple-team coverage. "On the defensive end, Ashley often guarded post players much larger than she but her intensity was never a question," Miller added "The bigger the game, the bigger Ashley played."

Joy Bergstrom St. Viator

Only a freshman, Bergstrom played like a senior from day one and helped lead the Lions to their first sectional title in program history. She averaged a team-best 14.6 points with 4.1 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 64 deflections. Bergstrom shot 43 percent from the field and tossed home 75 3-pointers. Going into the sectional final, she had a single-season record 467 points. "Joy was a great two-way player in her freshman season," said Lions coach Jason Raymond. "She is the kid you want on your team. She always works hard and is always locked in. She has a tremendous maturity for a freshman basketball player."

Emily Collins Hersey

Collins came through with a stellar season, leading the Huskies with 12.6 points per game and also pulling down 126 rebounds. "Emily was the engine that made us go," said Huskies coach Mary Fendley. "She led our team on and off the court with her calm, but inspiring demeanor." Collins also got the job done on defense, collecting 71 deflections and 41 steals. "Whether she was consistently guarding our opponent's best guard, or leading our team in scoring. Emily took care of things on both ends of the court." Collins tied a school record with 12-of-12 free throws in a game. "Emily is evidence that you do not have to be loud to be a great leader," Fendley added. "She is a total team player. Her efforts were a major reason for our success."

Alexa Davis Rolling Meadows

Davis was a jack-of-all-trades for the Mustangs and coach Ryan Kirkorsky wouldn't trade her for anyone. "Alexa had a tremendous senior year," the veteran coach said. "We asked so much of her this year, and she responded in every possible way." Davis led the Mid-Suburban East champs in scoring (14.4), assists (112) and steals (89). On top of that, she was busy defending the opponents' best perimeter player in most games. "Alexa improved each year as a player and as a leader," Kirkorsky said. "And we were fortunate to have her represent our program the last four years."

Ariana Doroskin Schaumburg

A two-year starter for coach Jacqui Strauch, Doroskin captained the Saxons this winter - and quite well. "She led our team with her natural ability to get to the basket and make big plays," Strauch said. Doroskin racked up 251 points to average 9.0 and also pulled down 131 rebounds (4.5 per game) She handed out 70 assists with 49 steals. "Ari manages to be in a part of almost every play whether it be a steal to ignite offense, grabbing a big rebound, or finishing a 3-pointer," Strauch added. Doroskin will study kinesiology in college, hoping to be an athletic trainer.

Angela Dugalic Maine West

Dugalic came in with tons of promise as a freshman and she has lived up to every bit of it. The highly recruited junior has won a sectional in all three of her seasons. This winter she has averaged 12.7 points, 8 rebounds, 2.9 steals and 2.3 assists. "Angela is the total package player - she has height, athleticism, speed and desire to succeed," said Warriors coach Kim de Marigny. "She is capable of playing any position on a team and in dominating fashion. She is a total difference-maker in the paint, yet can step out and hit a three to keep you honest."

Mary Kate Fahey Hersey

When it comes to taking care of the basketball, Hersey coach Mary Fendley feels in good hands with Fahey. "I think MK is the best ballhandler in the area," said the hall of fame coach. "While often being guarded by an opponent's best defender, she deftly broke presses, handled pressure, and hit shots." Fahey handed out a team-high 97 assists while averaging 10.3 points. She also collected 69 rebounds and 26 steals. "She is a pass-first guard, but is a very capable scorer as well," Fendley added. "Although only a sophomore, she ran our offense like a skilled upperclassman. She continues to improve so I feel so lucky to have her back for two more seasons."

Lily Greifenstein Rolling Meadows

When the game was big, so was Greifenstein. One example was a season-high 30 points against Hersey in a game that kept the Mustangs in first place in the MSL East. "Lily consistently produced over the last two years and played her best on the big stage," said Mustangs coach Ryan Kirkorsky. "Lily has a complete game with the ability to shoot from long range or attack the rim." Greifenstein averaged 12.2 points with 71 rebounds, 40 assists and 36 steals. "Lily was an efficient scorer who played her best in games that helped us secure the MSL East title," Kirkorsky said of the Elmhurst recruit. "We'll miss Lily's competitiveness and leadership, and we look forward to her having a great career at Elmhurst."

Olivia Hill Fremd

You could say Olivia kept climbing the Hill this season. "Olivia might have been our most improved player on our team this year," said Fremd coach Dave Yates. "She has worked extremely hard to add to her game.' Hill averaged 7.5 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals this winter, and produced plenty of clutch basketball in big situations. "Her ability to stretch defenses with her 3-point shot combined with her finishing around the rim made added a ton," Yates said. "Olivia's biggest contribution might have been the energy she brought to everything we did - whether it was in the weight room, at practice, and of course during games. Every college coach that has watched us immediately notices that she competes at a different level than most. We are very excited to have her back for one more year at Fremd."

Susannah Holifield Rolling Meadows

Holifield didn't care about any of her statistics. Instead she helped make the stats of her teammates better. The junior forward got the offense rolling with one of her team-high 268 rebounds and she also handed out 61 assists. "Susannah is the consummate team player," said Meadows coach Ryan Kirkorsky. "She is one of the best rebounders in the area, and she can do everything on the court. She can score from all three levels and can guard one through five." Holifield averaged 7.6 ppg and also produced 54 steals. "Susannah is 100 percent about doing what is best for the team, and her teammates love playing with her. We're excited to have Susannah back for her senior year."

Elise Horbach St. Viator

Horbach, the Lions' only senior starter, played her role perfectly for the first team in program history to win a sectional. She knocked down 74 3-pointers (second most on team) and was the team's second-leading scorer in a well-balanced offense with 8.1 ppg. The four-year varsity player has been a part of four regional titles and served as one of three captains this winter. "Elise has been a huge part in the success of the program the last four years," said Lions coach Jason Raymond. "She is a gritty on the ball defender. She possesses a quick release and did a tremendous job spacing the floor for us."

Nosa Igiehon Wheeling

Igiehon will go down as one of the all-time top rebounders in program history. Her 1,063 rebounds rank in the top five all-time at Wheeling. The Rose Hullman recruit also scored 886 career points after averaging 11.8 points this winter. She also pulled 10 rebounds per game as a senior and had 1.2 blocks per game. "Nosa was always someone who opposing teams had to prepare for and would find herself guarded by multiple defenders whenever she touched the ball," said Wildcats coach Matt Weber. "On defense, she forced opponents to adjust their shots because of her length. She was a great teammate and hard worker and will be missed at Wheeling."

Jocelyn Jacob Maine West

Jacob came off the bench and always gave the Warriors the lift they needed. The Warriors' super sub averaged 8 points (44 percent shooting from 3-point line), 1.4 steals and 1.4 assists per game. "Jocelyn would be a starter on any other team," said Warriors coach Kim de Marigny. "But she has totally embraced her role as a weapon off the bench." Jacob connected for a career-high 15 points from five 3-pointers against Rockton Hononegah in the semifinals of the Komaromy Classic at Dundee-Crown. "Jocelyn can change a game in a matter of minutes with her deadly 3-point shooting," de Marigny added.

Rachel Kandefer Elk Grove

Elk Grove enjoyed a strong third-place finish in the Mid-Suburban East and Kandefer was one of the major reasons. Whether it was her scoring or rebounding, Kandefer kept the Grens in many games. "Rachel stepped up huge for us this season," said Grenadiers coach Jen Buxton. She became more physical in the post." Kandefer, also an all-conference volleyball player, averaged 9.5 points and 8 rebounds. "Rachel helped us break presses with her height and good passing," Buxton added. "And she frustrated offensive players in the lane averaging 3.5 blocks per game."

Rachel Kent Maine West

The four-year varsity starter served as the all-area honorary captain for the second straight year. She averaged 14.3 ppg, 4.7 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 2.7 assists. "Rachel has been the cornerstone of our program since donning the Maine West uniform in 2015," said Warriors coach Kim de Marigny. "She exemplifies hard work and its contagious effect on those around her. She will definitely be remembered as one of the greatest players in Maine West history."

Emily Klaczek Fremd

After an all-area season as a sophomore, Klaczek hardly disappointed as a junior, averaging a team-high 12 points with 4 rebounds, 3 assist and 2 steals. "Emily had a great year for us," said Fremd coach Dave Yates of the MSL West Player of the Year for the second straight year. "She ran the show for us and improved in every statistical category from last year to this year." The three-year starter shot an amazing 43 percent from the 3-point line. "Emily made huge improvements in her shooting this year," Yates said. "It seems like Emily has been at Fremd forever (3rd year starting on varsity), I can't wait to see what she has in store for next season. A very unselfish player at heart, Emily began to understand when this team needed her to take over games and she did that countless times for us. She makes those around her better which is a trait all the great ones have. Her ability to attack the basket and locate her teammates is a natural gift that is fun to watch."

Kendra Lee Buffalo Grove

Buffalo Grove coach Steve Kolodziej called Lee a 'difference-maker' for the Bison this season. And there was no better example than when she hit the game-winning baseline jumper in the final second to give her team a win over MSL East champ Rolling Meadows. Lee had 24 points in that game and tossed home 20 in a loss to Elk Grove. She averaged 11 points and 8.3 rebounds. "Kendra is a dynamic student-athlete who really made huge gains this season," Kolodziej said. "She was not only a leader on the floor but off the floor as well."

Stephanie Mazurek Conant

Mazurek was at the center of everything the Cougars did in Todd Strauch's first season as the Cougars' coach. "She is one of the best defenders in the area and made things very tough on opposing teams," the coach said. "Her athleticism and aggressiveness really allowed her to step up offensively this year." Mazurek averaged 9.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.3 steals and 1.6 assists. She tossed home a season-high 19 points with four 3-pointers at St. Viator. "Steph's instincts are tremendous which led to her being our leading rebounder despite her height," Strauch said.

Ruthie Montella Fremd

Montella made significant improvements, even after an all-area campaign as a freshman. "I think just getting a year under her belt helped her a ton," said Fremd coach Dave Yates. "Ruthie (9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals per game) is one of the best downhill attacking guards in the area. She can finish with either hand and with strength and power that is very rare. Ruthie was our lock down defender all year. She took up the challenge to shut down whoever the other team's leading scorer was. She can guard four different positions and might be one of the smartest players I have coached. There was nothing about Ruthie that would lead you to think she was only a sophomore."

Megan Murray Elk Grove

Murray can handle the basketball with the best of them and sees the floor as well as anyone. That is exemplified with her 4 assists per game. But Murray also knew how to put the ball in the basket, too. She averaged 11 points per game, including a career-high 23 points against Buffalo Grove. "Megan is so important to our team with her phenomenal ballhandling skills," said Elk Grove coach Jen Buxton. "She directs our offense and sees the floor so well. She also was a big part of defense and averaged 3.7 steals per game."

Jamyah Tate Leyden

When the Eagles were successful, you can bet Tate was part of it. The talented two-way player averaged 10 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 2.5 steals. "She was vital to our team's success this season," said Leyden coach Stephanie Kuzmanic. Defensively, Tate was a lockdown defender who led Leyden in deflections and steals. Her season bests came in four wins: 20 vs. conference rival Morton, 16 against Ridgewood, 15 vs. Von Steuben, and 15 against Glenbrook North. "She does a little bit of everything," Kuzmanic added. "In addition to running a lot of the offense, she often has the task of guarding the best player on the team."

Taylor Thompson Barrington

Thompson repeats on the all-area team after averaging 14 points and 9.5 rebounds to lead the Fillies this season. "Taylor continues to be one of the most talented post players in the area, in my opinion," said Barrington coach Babbi Barreiro. "She is so strong inside and her ability to score when she wants to is awfully tough to defend." Barreiro said the Fillies didn't see a team that didn't determine its entire defense around stopping Thompson. "Most times, she does what she does with 2-3 defenders around her," Barreiro said. "Taylor is also a dominant rebounder and her vision makes her one of our most effective passers. She sees the floor and her teammates so well within the offense and she continues to develop her touch from beyond the arc. She has the potential to be one of our best if she works hard - she has a ton of talent."

Dylan Van Fleet Maine West

It was a breakout year for the Warriors' junior guard, who produced several clutch games in big situations. Van Fleet helped the Warriors secure a third-straight sectional title as she averaged 11.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.4 steals and 3.6 assists. "Dylan has the heart of a lion with her tenacious defense and tireless work ethic," said Maine West coach Kim de Marigny. "She works relentlessly to challenge players who may be bigger in physical stature, but she is unmatched in her courage and desire to succeed."

Raven Wilson Hoffman Estates

Wilson saw plenty of attention as the focal point of the Hawks' offense this winter. But she hardly batted an eye, going about her business to average 12.5 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game. She also shot 50 percent from the field. "I think that (50 percent shooting) was her most impressive stat considering she was double or triple teamed most times when she caught the ball," said Hoffman coach Mike Koester. "Raven worked really hard during the offseason and it definitely paid off for her. She has been an excellent leader during her time on varsity and has done a great job setting an example for the younger players to follow."

Brianna Wooldridge Fremd

Wooldridge took her spot in the long line of freshmen who have made their marks at Fremd. The rookie forward gave the Vikings an inside presence which was missing a year earlier. "Brianna's strength and athletic ability for a freshman made many coaches and colleges take notice," said Fremd coach Dave Yates. "Brianna had a great freshman season. Her ability to finish around the rim and rebound made us a very difficult team to match up with." Wooldridge averaged 7 points and 5 rebounds. "I had to constantly remind myself that she is only a freshman," Yates added. "The sky is the limit with Brianna. I am very excited to see where her work ethic leads her to during her career at Fremd."

Honorable Mention

Evelyn Abundes (Leyden), Vicky Aguirre (Schaumburg), Nora Ahram (St. Viator), Lena Albo (Maine West), Ella Burns (Fremd), Morgan Collar (Wheeling), Abbey Danciu (Prospect), Sam DeJulio (St. Viator), Abbey DiSalvo (Conant), Eliot Dojutrek (Prospect), Macy Floro (Buffalo Grove), Sydney Granby (Barrington), Elise Horbach (St. Viator), Anna Mae King (Barrington), Jessica Kowalczyk (Prospect), Stephanie Kowalczyk (Prospect), Grace LaBarge (Fremd), Mary McGrath (Hersey), Emma Morrisey (St. Viator), Megan Ng (Christian Liberty), Melanie Simon (Palatine), Alyssa Ramos (Buffalo Grove), Vanessa Reyes (Maine West), Hannah Shulman (Conant), Helen Siavelis (Prospect), Melanie Simon (Palatine), Madi Stark (Palatine), Isabella Tierney (Elk Grove), Talia Torosian (Schaumburg), Julia Wolke (Christian Liberty), Angie Zara (Fremd)

Joy Bergstrom
Emily Collins
Alexa Davis
Arianna Doroskin
Angela Dugalic
Mary Kate Fahey
Lily Greifenstein
Olivia Hill
Susannah Holifield
Elise Horbach
Nosa Igiehon
Jocelyn Jacob
Rachel Kandefer
Rachel Kent
Emily Klaczek
Kendra Lee
Stephanie Mazurek
Ruthie Montella
Megan Murray
Jamyah Tate
Taylor Thompson
Dylan Van Fleet
Raven Wilson
Brianna Wooldridge
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