Girls basketball: Northwest all-area team
Diamond Boyd Elk Grove
This diamond hardly had a rough time in her sophomore campaign. The 5-foot-10 Boyd averaged 9.7 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.1 steals. “The most exciting thing about Diamond is that she is just starting to tap into her potential,” said Grenadiers coach Ryan Kirkorsky. “Alison (Schultz, assistant coach) and I would talk after practice about how we had never seen a player improve so much on a day-to-day basis.” Kirkorsky calls Boyd a smart, competitive and extremely coachable player. “As her confidence grew, she started to recognize that she could take over games,” he said. “With her versatility, there are no limits to what she can do on the basketball court.”
Emily Cho Buffalo Grove
As Cho kept getting better, so did the Bison, who finished the season by winning 16 of their last 24 games. “Emily's confidence throughout the season grew and grew,” said BG coach Pat Dudle. “She became more comfortable in leading the team at the point guard position.” The 5-foot-6 Cho averaged 7.8 points a game while leading the Bison in assists and steals. “Emily connected on many clutch free throws to ice games in the closing minutes,” Dudle added. “That's a great quality in a point guard. Her quickness changed games with her ability to disrupt an opponent on the defensive end, and also get into the opposing team's paint on offense.”
Brittany Collins Maine West
What a rookie debut Collins made in Des Plaines. The 6-foot forward scored the most points of any freshman that Derril Kipp has coached in 39 seasons. Collins led the Warriors with a 14.3 average and 10.1 rebounds. “Brittany's biggest asset is her ability to compete and learn the game,” Kipp said. “She worked very hard at the skill levels of basketball.” Collins had 17 double-doubles this season. “I knew she'd be on the varsity coming into the season but didn't realize she'd be our top scorer and rebounder. It was a very pleasant surprise. It can all be attributed to her work ethic. She will get much better once she learns to put the ball on the floor and go to the basket which she started doing in our last few games,” Kipp added.
Nicole Collins Barrington
Collins was a 5-foot-7 junior playing with four senior starters, but who could tell? “Nicole is very heady,” said Barrington coach Babbi Barreiro. “She knows how to take advantage of players' weaknesses, how to take advantage of someone who is off-balance and little things like that.” Collins averaged 6.9 (227 points in 33 games) and was third on the team with 52 steals. She also had 66 rebounds and 22 assists. “We're obviously very excited to have her back for another year. She just keeps getting better and better. She may have been recognized as an offensive threat but she was a very solid defender, too.” Collins shot a team-high 44 percent from floor and 81 percent from the free throw line. “She makes everyone around her better,” Barreiro added. “There were times when she would be pouring her heart and soul out there and I think she felt like a senior. But thankfully for us, she's not.”
Megan Gray Fremd
The heart and soul of a balanced offense and defense, Gray averaged 8 points, 6 rebounds as a 6-foot-1 senior forward for the Mid-Suburban League champs. The three-year starter was a team captain and got to play in back-to-back MSL championship games. Gray led the Vikes with 14 points in their MSL title game win at Hersey. “Megan shuts down whoever she is matched up with each game,” said Fremd coach Dave Yates. “She has been a defensive backbone for our team the last three years three years. Megan is an incredible competitor. She brought everything she had each and every time she stepped on the court and this was contagious among our team. Megan's work ethic and leadership will be very difficult to replace.”
Jen Hall Hersey
Hersey coach Mary Fendley said this 5-foot-5 point guard spent lots of time working on her game in the off-season. The benefits sure could be seen as Hall (7.2 ppg, 2.5 rebounds) helped lead the Huskies to the Mid-Suburban League championship game. The junior's 15 3-point baskets were second most on the team behind all-stater Megan Rogowski. Hall also qualified for the state 3-point shooting contest in Normal. “Jen worked really hard in the off-season,” Fendley said. “It really paid off, as her ball-handling, passing, and scoring made her an excellent point guard for us.” Hall's 63 assists were third-highest on the team. She scored a career-high 15 points against Niles West and Chicago Latin.
Sarah Hunt Prospect
Hunt will spend the next four years playing Division I volleyball at Cornell, but the past few years fans got to see her excel in another sport, too. Hunt was second on the Knights in scoring (8.8) and rebounding (6.5). The 6-foot-2 forward also blocked 2.7 shots per game and collected five double-doubles. “Sarah was a great inside presence offensively and defensively,” said Prospect coach Martha Kelly. “She had the ability to change opponents' shots and she did a great job getting rebounds and starting our fastbreak. Offensively, she was one of the best post players in the area.”
Jackie Kemph Rolling Meadows
Proving to be one of the top freshmen to play for a Rolling Meadows girls basketball team, the 5-foot-6 Kemph led the Mustangs with 10.7 points, including a career-high 22 points against Hersey and Buffalo Grove. “At just 5-6, Jackie helped lead us to the second most wins (19) in school history,” said Mustangs coach Todd Hatfield. “Jackie's play rarely resembled that of a typical freshman. In just her first year she has established herself as a true point guard.” Kemph was one of the area's leaders in assists with 4.2 per game. “Yet it's Jackie's ability to come up with big baskets that makes her special,” Hatfield said.
Abby Kirchoff Barrington
Kirchoff put herself among the all-time best scorers in Barrington girls basketball history. The 5-foot-11 Mid-Suburban West Player of the Year finished fifth on the Fillies' all-time scoring list with 1,272 points in a three-year varsity career. Her 78 percent career free throw percentage ranks second all time. “One of the best we've had play at Barrington,” said 18-year coach Babbi Barreiro. “Offensively, she is able to create so well and she plays with such a drive and intensity. She just doesn't let up. That's what makes her so special. And she's really an all-around player.” Kirchoff led the Fillies with 15.0 ppg this season, shooting 42 percent. She had 84 steals, 27 blocked shots, 489 points and was an 84 percent free throw shooter. Her 165 rebounds were second best on the team.
Bridget Kubis Fremd
Fremd coach Dave Yates had the confidence in the 5-foot-7 Kubis to defend some of the top scoring threats in the state. And sure enough, they wouldn't always be at the top of their game, thanks to Kubis' non-stop hounding. “The best perimeter defender in the area,” Yates said. “She is the smartest and toughest defender I have ever coached.” Kubis (5 ppg, 3 rebounds, 2 steals) is a two-time all-conference selection and served as a captain this season. “Bridget was a tremendous leader and an even better teammate,” Yates said. “She proved that you can impact a game significantly on the defensive end and she locked down a who's who of Division I and all-area players all season long.”
Kellie Kuzmanic Wheeling
Kuzmanic, who played on back-to-back Mid-Suburban League champions as a freshman and sophomore, was the Wildcats' team leader all season in her junior campaign. The 5-foot-10 two-year starter led the team with 9.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. She scored a season-high 19 points against Elk Grove late in the season. “She had eight double-doubles this year all while taking over the point guard position, which she had never played until this season,” said Wildcats first-year coach Julissa Hernandez. “Kellie was our go-to player all season. She can play inside and outside. She brought up the ball, scored in the paint and crashed the boards. She was our floor leader.”
Kelly Lomas Conant
Enjoying a breakout season, Lomas went from averaging 6 points as a junior to a team-high 13.0 as a senior. “Kelly has developed the athleticism and basketball skills that have allowed her to beat defenders off the dribble,” said Cougars coach Dan Travers. “She also possesses an excellent outside threat which opponents had to respect.” The 5-foot-8 Lomas shot 38 percent from the 3-point range and was 70 percent at the free throw line. “She is also an exceptional defender and leads the team in steals,” Travers added of the tri-captain. “She was an outstanding role model for all girls in the Conant basketball program. She is an amazing young woman (4.66 GPA on a 4.00 scale and ranked 21st in her class); in addition to playing varsity basketball and soccer, she is involved in numerous extra-curricular activities.”
Sarah Mass Barrington
Her statistics may not have been big, but her play sure was. “The thing that separates Sarah is just her maturity level, she is like a second coach on the floor,” said Fillies coach Babbi Barreiro. “Her leadership in the last two weeks of the state playoffs was immense. She really shined in that capacity.” The 5-foot-8 Mass shot 43 percent from the floor while averaging 5.4 points. She handed out a team-high 61 assists and grabbed 67 rebounds. “Sarah really doesn't have flashy numbers but what she brings are the big intangibles which were a huge part of our success,” Barreiro said. “Whether it's a backdoor cut or great pass to a teammate, she just understands the game of basketball very well, and most importantly, she led our players on the floor.”
Ashley McConnell Fremd
There isn't much McConnell can't do on the basketball floor. And she will be doing it for two more seasons on the high school level. The 5-foot-9 sophomore standout averaged 11 points, 4 assists and 2 steals for the Mid-Suburban League champs. She was also a 78 percent free throw shooter. “Ashley is a complete player,” said Fremd coach Dave Yates of his two-year starter. “She can score, shoot, and defend. She is one of the top point guards in the area. She is at her best in our most challenging games.” McConnell had a career-high 23 points against Jacobs. “Ashley stepped up and made big shots or huge free throws that were instrumental in our team winning so many close games,” Yates added.
Bailey North Buffalo Grove
North became one of the area's top post players this season. The 6-foot sophomore forward led the Bison with 7.7 rebounds per game in addition to averaging 10 points per game. “Bailey has been a tremendous inside presence for us,” said Buffalo Grove coach Pat Dudle. “She continues to be relentless on the boards and developed some interior moves to add some finesse to her power around the basket.” North struck for a career-high 22 points when the Bison handed Mid-Suburban East champ Hersey its only conference loss. “I can't wait to see what is in store for Bailey next season,” Dudle added. “She impressed me very much in her work ethic in the off-season between her freshman and sophomore year. Bailey's game will continue to grow.”
Nia Pappas Palatine
When Pappas came in as freshman, she was given a tall task — run the offense for Palatine. Not only has she done that, the 5-foot-5 sophomore has become on the of the best guards in the area. She led Palatine with 10.4 points per game this season with 76 rebounds. Her favorite stat? The 81 assists. “Her first choice would be to be a passer,” said Palatine coach Leslie Schock. “I'm the one who pushed her to shoot. We need her to score being our point guard but she would prefer to pass.” Pappas tossed home a team-high 43 3-pointers. “Nia is a pleasure to coach,” Schock added. “She gets nothing but total respect from all her teammates. Coming in as a freshman and having to take over at point guard is a hard position to fill. Nia has shown massive improvement this season. I'm looking forward to seeing nothing but improvement from Nia the next two seasons.”
Megan Rogowski Hersey
Rogowski completed the most prolific offensive career in school history with a record 2,365 points and 271 3-pointers. The 5-foot-9 guard was a first-team Associated Press all-stater and honorary captain of the Daily Herald all-area team. “With 13 school records, Megan has set a new standard in excellence,” said Hersey coach Mary Fendley. “Her work ethic, commitment, and tremendous abilities will hopefully inspire future Huskies for years to come.” One year after leading Hersey to fourth place in the Class 4A state finals, Rogowski led the Huskies to their first Mid-Suburban East crown in six years as she averaged 23.5 points per game.
Alyssa Saklak Schaumburg
Saklak had a breakout year, having an impact in almost every game she played after returning from an ankle injury that sidelined her the first four games of the season. The 5-foot-10 Saklak averaged 11.5 points, 9.2 rebounds and 3.4 steals while clicking for a career-high 22 points against Naperville Central. “Alyssa is a dynamic player who has the ability to change the flow of the game,” said Saxons coach Ashley Berggren. “Her athleticism, competitive edge, and pure determination set her apart. The possibilities are endless if she continues to refine her skills and becomes a complete player.”
Taylor Skala St. Viator
Despite suffering a stress fracture that sidelined her for three weeks in the middle of the season, Skala ended up leading the Lions with 12 points per game. The 5-foot-9 guard also grabbed 3.9 rebounds per game while collecting 47 steals and 35 assists. “She's a great kid,” said Lions coach Paul Bjerkness. “She is tenacious, quick, unselfish and has a great desire to win.” Skala will take those traits to Rockhurst University in Kansas City where she will join former teammate and all-area selection Susan Hohenadel. “Taylor is a great competitor who was willing to do whatever it took to try and win a game,” Bjerkness added. “That could mean scoring points, distributing the ball, going after a steal, getting a stop on defense or grabbing a rebound. She did what she had to do. She provided great leadership qualities.”
Jada Stotts Hoffman Estates
One of the finest athletes in the state, Stotts probably could have performed at the Division I level in volleyball, basketball or track and field according to coach Mike Nocella. She chose to play volleyball at Austin Peay, but Nocella was sure glad she chose to play in his program for four years. Stotts ended up with 1,056 points while averaging 12.2 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals this season. She shot 51 percent from the field and 69 percent at the free throw line. “She was our sixth player as a freshman, and worked her way into the starting lineup as a sophomore,” Nocella said. “There's nobody in the conference as fast as her — she has blazing speed and leaves a lot of players in the dust. She showed a lot of leadership this year. Even though she's 5-foot-10, she jumped center for us and won most jump balls. She was a great role model for our program. She defines what a true athlete is.”
Jessi Wiedemann Fremd
At 6-foot-1, Wiedemann is capable of scoring from anywhere on the floor. That's one reason numerous Division I schools are recruiting the junior who helped lead Fremd to a Mid-Suburban League championship with 11 points per game, including 50 3-point baskets. Wiedemann tossed in a career-high 28 points against Hinsdale Central, including 15 points in one quarter. She also averaged 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals per game. “There are not many 6-1 players who can play numerous positions and shoot the ball like Jessi does,” said Fremd coach Dave Yates. “Jessi has worked very hard to elevate her game to an elite level. She has the ability to score in bunches and can do it a number of ways. The scary part is that she is only a junior and eager to get better.”
Sarah Winans Prospect
A four-year varsity player, Winans enjoyed a stellar season for the Knights, leading their balanced offense with 11 points per game and handing out a team-high 2 assists per game. “Sarah has great court vision,” said Knights coach Martha Kelly. “She did a fantastic job leading the team offensively and defensively (1.2 steals per game).” Adept at taking the ball to the basket, Winans shot a team-high 87 free throws (74 percent). Kelly also appreciated the “little things” her 5-foot-8 senior did. “She was the first one to go up and give someone a high-five for a great play,” Kelly said. “Sarah firmly believed in putting the team first. She was a great all-around team player.”
Destinee Young Hoffman Estates
Young belied her name and played like a seasoned pro. The sophomore forward led Hoffman with 407 points (15 ppg) and 10 rebounds per game while shooting 61 percent from the field. “Destinee is already one of the premier forwards in the conference,” said Hawks coach Mike Nocella. “Her potential for the future is unlimited. She is already very dominating on the boards and she is also very athletic.” Only twice was the 6-foot Young held under 12 points in a conference game. She scored a career-high 31 points in a Thanksgiving tournament game against Elk Grove. “She can run the floor and has good leaping ability,” Nocella said. “Anybody who played against her knows what Destinee is capable of doing and has made comments about her great potential.”
Eileen Zydek Hersey
All season, Hersey coach Mary Fendley would use Zydek to try to contain the opponent's top player. The 5-foot-9 forward was always up the to the challenge. “Eileen guarded some of the top players in the state,” Fendley said. “Her defensive skills and intelligence on the court made her a go-to player.” Zydek loved playing defense and getting the ball to her teammates, handing out the second most assists (76) on the team. She also blocked 10 shots while averaging 6.3 points and 4.6 rebounds (142 total) for the Mid-Suburban East champs. “Eileen has the ideal attitude,” Fendley added, “and she is always a leader by example.”
All-area team roster
Player School Pos. Yr.
Diamond Boyd Elk Grove F So.
Emily Cho Buffalo Grove G Jr.
Brittany Collins Maine West F Fr.
Nicole Collins Barrington G Jr.
Megan Gray Fremd F Sr.
Jen Hall Hersey G Jr.
Sarah Hunt Prospect F Sr.
Jackie Kemph Rolling Meadows G Fr.
Abby Kirchoff Barrington G Sr.
Bridget Kubis Fremd G Sr.
Kellie Kuzmanic Wheeling F Jr.
Kelly Lomas Conant G Sr.
Sarah Mass Barrington G Sr.
Ashley McConnell Fremd G So.
Bailey North Buffalo Grove F So.
Nia Pappas Palatine G So.
*Megan Rogowski Hersey G Sr.
Alyssa Saklak Schaumburg F Jr.
Taylor Skala St. Viator G Sr.
Jada Stotts Hoffman Estates F Sr.
Jessi Wiedemann Fremd G Jr.
Sarah Winans Prospect G Sr.
Destinee Young Hoffman Estates F So.
Eileen Zydek Hersey F Sr.
*All-area team captain
Special mention
Brooke Chandor (Barrington), Maddie Conlin (Rolling Meadows), Andrea DiPrima (Buffalo Grove), KC Dunne (Buffalo Grove), Jaimie Groot (Fremd), Maggie Hogen (Hersey), Amanda Hoye (Maine West), Amanda Kelly (Schaumburg), Katherine Kusner (Maine West), Lauren Rooney (St. Viator), Katie Gavin (St. Viator), Katelyn Mayer (Palatine), Kelly Naughton (Elk Grove), Precious Ogunleye (Hoffman Estates), Marissa Pettenuzzo (Prospect), Mary Pettit (Hoffman Estates), Jennifer Pomagier (Schaumburg), Alyssa Rawleigh (Conant), Ashley Wabik (Prospect) Shelby Whigham (Barrington), Jenny Vliet (Rolling Meadows), McKenzie Wiedemann (Palatine)