The Daily Herald Northwest Suburbs All-Area Girls Basketball Team

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Joy Bergstrom St. Viator</b>Bergstrom, an East Suburban Catholic all conference selection for the second straight year, led the Division-1 heavy conference in scoring 120 points. "Joy garners a lot of attention from opposing teams," said Lions coach Jason Raymond. "She continually draws the best defender from the other team and still manages to score at a high clip." Bergstrom averaged 17.3 with 53 3-pointers and shot 80 percent from the foul line and averaged 4.5 rebounds. "She is a deadly shooter and is dangerous in the open court," Raymond said. "Joy is only scratching the surface of her abilities. She is a hard worker. As her game evolves over the next couple of years you can expect even bigger things from her in her junior and senior seasons."

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Becky Colmenares Leyden</b>Colmenares made a major impact on both sides of the floor this season. Eagles coach Stephanie Kuzmanic said her point guard did a "tremendous job running the floor." She averaged 12 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2.2 steals. "Becky is an extremely skilled scorer and finds creative ways to get into the paint," Kuzmanic said. "On defense she leads our team in both steals and deflections in addition to often having to guard the best player on the opposing team." Colmenares was all-tourney at the St. Viator Blenner Classic. She had a career-high 25 points in a win over Proviso West.

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Angela Dugalic Maine West </b>The Warriors' two-year captain was an integral part of her team's success. "She is a leader on and off the court, and a difference maker in every game she plays in," said Maine West coach Kim de Marigny. Dugalic, the Northwest suburbs' All-Area Team Captain, averaged 20.8 ppg, 11.4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2.8 steals and 1.6 blocks per game. "She is a scoring threat from anywhere on the court, as she will post up, shoot threes, or drive to the basket with authority," de Marigny added of the Oregon recruit. "She is a tremendous player, but an even better person - just the complete package of athlete and individual."

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Chloe Drozdz Wheeling</b>Averaging 14.3 points per game (16.2 in the Mid-Suburban League), Drozdz made tremendous strides her senior year. She shot 78 percent from the free-throw line (82 percent in the MSL) and averaged 3 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.4 steals. "Chloe was forced to carry the load in every facet of the game," said Wheeling coach Matt Weber. "She drew a lot of attention from opposing defenses and still was able to average double digits." Weber called Drozdz a very unselfish player always looking to get her teammates in a position to score. "She is a one-man press break because she is one of the quickest guards in the area," he added. "Chloe is a true competitor and I am very thankful to have coached her for the last four years and am very grateful for what she has done for the Wheeling program."

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Katy Eidle Hersey</b>Despite being a freshman, there were a lot of high expectations placed on Eidle. She certainly rose to the occasion. Eidle led the Huskies in scoring (15.3 ppg.) despite defenses geared to stop her. "Her six consecutive 23-plus point games is the most impressive stretch I have ever witnessed," said Hersey coach Mary Fendley. "Her skills are so refined that she often looks effortless. Her impressive abilities are perfectly complimented by her effort, attitude, and ability to mesh with a new team." Eidle's 42.6 3-point shooting percentage broke Megan Rogowski's school record. She also had 149 rebounds and 95 assists. "The sky is the limit for Katy," Fendley said. " We are so lucky to have her back for three more seasons"

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Mary Kate Fahey Hersey</b>Fahey took her talents a step further this season. "Whereas she has always been a leader on the court, this season she stepped into a leadership role off the court," said Heresy coach Mary Fendley. Fahey has been the ideal point guard for Hersey since her freshman year. This season she averaged 12.7 points with 145 assists and 108 rebounds. "Her ball-handling is stellar," Fendley added. "Her lack of turnovers led her to the highest assist-to turnover ratio (2.16) of anyone I have ever coached (edged out Kelly Weyhrich and Gina Miklasz). Mary Kate spends countless hours doing anything she can to improve our team. Whether it's watching tapes, or motivating her teammates, she is a special player who continues to amaze me."

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Macy Floro Buffalo Grove </b>While she hurt many teams with her offense, Floro's defense is what really put the hurt on opponents. She ended up fourth in steals in program history and has a chance to climb even higher on that list. "Macy's athleticism and physical abilities are hard to match," said BG coach Steve Kolodziej. Floro averaged nearly 12 points a game with 3.5 steals and 3.1 deflections per game. She is only 75 points away from 1,000 in her career. "Macy brings the energy and enthusiasm each and every day," Kolodziej said of the junior who helped lead BG to a co-championship in the Mid-Suburban East. "Her passion is contagious."

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Niamh Gardiner Maine South</b>Maine South coach Jeff Hamann called Gardiner's season 'exceptional'. Her 48 3-pointers placed her in the Top 20 for a Maine South single season. "Niamh is able to score from inside and outside," Hamann said. "She also rebounds extremely well, is willing to share the ball and anticipates very well on defense. She has been special for us because she is able to defend multiple positions." Gardiner averaged 10.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 2 steals. "Niamh is extremely athletic and fast," Hamann added. "The combination of all of those elite skill sets is a true luxury for our team."

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Nicole Gardiner Maine South</b>Gardiner's 73 3-pointers this winter moved her into fourth place for a single season at Maine South. "She is one of the best 3-point shooters in school history," said Hawks second-year coach Jeff Hamann. "Nicole also rebounds very well and is willing to share the ball. She is very athletic." Gardiner averaged 10.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.1 steals. "Nicole had an exceptional season," Hamann added. "She is able to effectively defend multiple positions. Not only is she our leading scorer but she is an elite defender because she leads our team in steals and deflections. Like her sister (Niamh), Nicole has a unique combination of skills in basketball that helped propel us to have a very successful season."

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Olivia Hill Fremd </b>The Bowling Green recruit made a huge impact on the Vikings' success the past four years. "No one has worked harder and improved more over the four years she has spent on varsity," said Vikings coach Dave Yates. "Olivia's work ethic and energy are truly contagious." Hill averaged 8.7 points and 5.8 rebounds and 2 assists this season. "Her energy was on full display in the MSL championship this year when she willed us to victory (scored 14 of her 16 points in the second half),"Yates said. "Her rebounding and aggressive style of play have played a major role the past three seasons. As one of our captains, Olivia set the tone each practice and game and provided leadership to our entire team. I can't wait to see Olivia's continued improvement and impact at the college level."

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Susannah Holifield Rolling Meadows</b>A lot of Meadows' success over the past three years was due to Holifield, whether it was her terrific work on the boards (9.8 rebounds per game) or scoring prowess (8.8 ppg.). "Susannah has had an incredible three-year career," said Mustangs coach Ryan Kirkorsky. "She is one of the best rebounders in the state, and her game evolved to the point where she not only led us in rebounding, but also assists (2.1) and steals (2.3)." Holifield was also a 44 percent 3-point shooter. "And she was our best help defender," Kirkorsky said. "Beyond her on-court contributions, she is a beloved teammate who always prioritized the team's interests. We've been fortunate to have Susannah Holifield represent our program."

Emily Klaczek Fremd

Not too many players from the Mid-Suburban League have this on their resume: Three-time MSL West 'Player of the Year. "Emily has had an amazing career at Fremd (played in three MSL title games)," said Fremd coach Dave Yates of Klaczek (12.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.2 steals). Klaczek started as a freshman on Fremd's 2017 Class 4A third-place team and became the backbone of the program the last three seasons. "Emily has left quite a legacy of success in four years," Yates said. "Emily's accomplishments speak for themselves. She has risen to the occasion time and time again when this team needed her most. She is the engine that makes us go. The best compliment I can give her is that she made everyone around her better. She has also been an amazing leader and mentor for so many kids during her time on varsity. Emily has been a joy to coach and I look forward to her success (Alabama-Birmingham) at the next level."

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Grace LaBarge Fremd</b>LaBarge was one of the Vikings' most improved and consistent players this winter. The 6-foot-3 junior worked extremely hard on her overall athleticism during the offseason. The hard work paid off as she averaged 9.5 points and 3 rebounds while shooting 33 percent from 3-point range for the MSL and sectional champs. "Grace has deep range and can score at all three levels," said Fremd coach Dave Yates. "She has length that creates problems on both the defensive and offensive sides of the ball. Grace has developed into a strong defender who can guard multiple positions. I am excited to see Grace's continued improvement as she continues to grow as a player. I feel she is just scratching the surface of her potential."

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Kendra Lee Buffalo Grove</b>Lee finished her standout career as the eighth all-time leading scorer in program history with more than 1,100 points and fifth all-time in rebounding. She averaged 14.1 points and 9.4 rebounds this winter. "Kendra does all of this while being one of the most unselfish players I have ever coached," said Bison coach Steve Kolodziej of the three-time all-conference selection who was this year's Mid-Suburban East Player of the Year. "She has continually put team success over individual success which led to us being MSL East co-champions."

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Mary McGrath Hersey</b>McGrath went from being a role player last season to the Huskies' go-to player on both ends of the court this winter. She had the task of guarding the opponents' biggest offensive threat, whether she was a post or a guard. McGrath was first or second in virtually every statistical category, leading the team in rebounding despite often being matched up against taller players. "Mary is so unassuming on offense, but she can score from anywhere," said Hersey coach Mary Fendley. "She is a terrific athlete who is constantly elevating her game. I think even bigger things lie ahead for Mary. She is truly a joy to coach."

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Megan Murray Elk Grove</b>Offense or defense, Murray made the Grenadiers go. The talented multisport athlete averaged a team-high 12.6 points, 3.8 assists and 3.6 steals this winter. "Megan is a true point guard," said Grenadiers coach Jen Buxton. "She handles the ball with ease and sees the floor phenomenally. This is showcased by her ability to distribute the ball to her teammates so well." On top of that, her defensive efforts were on display with 3.6 steals per game. Megan is a one person press break and she will be dearly missed here at Elk Grove."

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Alyssa Orozco Schaumburg</b>Only a sophomore, Orozco was the Saxons' leader in scoring and rebounding. She averaged 14 points along with 6 rebounds. "Alyssa was a huge all-around contributor to our team," said Schaumburg coach Jacqie Strauch. "As our leading scorer and rebounder, Alyssa is constantly around the ball." Orozco shot 43% from the field (50% from 2-point range and 35 percent from 3-point land). She connected for 50 3-pointers and shot 72 percent from the free-throw line. "She is a true playmaker and an asset to our program," Strauch said. "Alyssa not only excels on the court, but she is a great teammate and continues to grow as a leader. We are excited to see what she brings in her final two years as a Saxon."

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Bridget Rolla Rolling Meadows</b>After fighting through injuries throughout her career, Rolla did whatever she could to be on the court her senior year. She averaged 9.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.9 steals. "Bridget's love for the game of basketball absolutely distinguishes her," said Mustangs coach Ryan Kirkorsky. "She's one of the smartest players I've coached, on and off the court." Rolla set high standards for her teammates, coaches and opponents. "Her competitiveness raises the level of everyone around her," Kirkorsky said. "Bridget has been a driving force for Rolling Meadows girls basketball since her feeder basketball days and her impact on our program will resonate for years to come."

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Madi Stark Palatine</b>Not only did Stark lead the Pirates in scoring, assists and steals this winter, Palatine coach Mark Johnson gets the talented post player back for a couple more years. "Lucky for me, I've got her for two more years," Johnson said. "She's a pleasure to coach and I'm excited to see how she progresses over the next two seasons." Johnson calls Stark one of the better total athletes in the area. "She has completely grown as a scorer and leader this season," he said. "She is a nightmare to guard because she can get to the rim and also knock down the occasional 3-pointer. Stark was also the team's second-leading rebounder. "She is such a complete player," Johnson said.

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Sophie Swanson Barrington</b>Swanson didn't waste any time introducing herself to the Mid-Suburban League. "Sophie made her impact on the team immediately felt from the day she walked in the gym at Barrington," said Fillies coach Babbi Barreiro. "She is a ballhandler and a special scorer. I am not sure I saw anybody this season who could really stay with her in the open court." Swanson scored 462 points (14.5 ppg.) and averaged 6 rebounds and 3 steals. "Sophie is special," Barreiro added. "She works so hard out on the court and is so skilled with the ball in her hand. I believe she is going to make quite a name for herself these next three years. She had a great first season and was pivotal in our success this year."

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Taylor Thompson Barrington</b>Thompson etched herself into the program record books (single-season record 362 points) and single-game (36). "Taylor got it done for us all year long," said Fillies coach Babbi Barreiro. "She dominated in the post night after night, most of the time with two defenders on her." Thompson finished fourth all-time with 1,620 points and second in rebounding with 1,043. She had an incredible 24 double-doubles in 32 games, averaging 18 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks. "Taylor's numbers are simply remarkable," Barreiro said. "She has played like the best of the best in this area and I am proud of the season she had," Barreiro said. "She made her teammates and her team better each game she played this year and that is the sign of a true talent. She has had an excellent four-year varsity career and we will miss her greatly.

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Dylan Van Fleet Maine West</b>Only 5-foot-6, Van Fleet can get to the basket against the best of them. And she can swipe the ball from the best of them. "She plays much bigger than her size indicates," said Maine West coach Kim de Marigny. "Dylan has a never-give-up attitude and the hardest work ethic of anyone on our team." Van Fleet averaged 14.4 points, 5.2 steals, 4.7 assists and 3 rebounds. "She is a competitor through and through," de Marigny added. "She has a huge heart but don't be deceived, she wants to win, no matter who we are playing. She is a true warrior."

HONORABLE MENTION

Evelyn Abundes (Leyden), Nora Ahram (St. Viator), Lena Albo (Maine West), Ella Burns (Fremd), Jordan Carlquist (Hersey), Mahima Chokshi (Maine East), Becky Colmenares (Leyden), Eliot Dojutrek (Prospect), Megan Fontanetta (Buffalo Grove), Emina Hanic (Maine East), Katie Hansen (Fremd), Brianna Hernandez (Maine West), Aubrey Horbach (St. Viator), Neeha Kakuturu (Conant), Anna Mae King (Barrington), Kora Kipley (Buffalo Grove), Natalia Kubsic (Hersey), Rachel Kutella (Conant), Laura Mahlum (Barrington), Niki Manolis (Maine South), Greta Miller (Maine South), Kayla Miotk (Palatine), Ruthie Montella (Fremd), Megan Ng (Christian Liberty), Madi Niedbala (Rolling Meadows), Chikere Oduocha (Conant), Colleen Oribello (Maine East), Liz Prigge (Fremd), Summer Reid (Schaumburg Christian), Ellen Sherwood (Prospect), Melanie Simon (Palatine), Sarah Skaggs (Prospect), Isabella Tierney (Conant), Talia Torosian (Schaumburg), AJ Trausch (Elk Grove), Shanna Turczynski (Barrington), Andie Will (Prospect), Julia Wolke (Christian Liberty)