All-Area girls team | Cook

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Gianna Abruzzo FremdIn one season, Abruzzo went from a reserve to an all-area selection. The junior guard averaged 11.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.2 steals while shooting 51 percent from the field. "Gianna worked extremely hard on her weaknesses in the offseason," said coach Dave Yates. "Although she plays undersized in the post, she has one of the quickest first steps in the area and she's a good finisher around the basket. She plays with a tremendous amount of passion and leaves it on the floor every game."

Samantha Acosta Maine WestAcosta put herself into the school record books with a single-season 71 3-pointers. The junior sharpshooter averaged 14.6 ppg and shot 44 percent from 3-point range. She also shot 78 percent from the free throw line. "We're looking forward to having Sam back on the perimeter next season," said Warriors coach Derril Kipp. "She is a good 3-point shooter and also has good ability taking the ball to the basket. She also rebounded better (3 per game) this year."

Megan Bernardoni Hoffman EstatesAfter a season serving as a key reserve, Bernardoni moved into a starting role as a junior and led the team with 60 steals while also averaging 7.3 points and 3.9 steals. She also handed out 70 assists. "Percentage-wise, Megan was our best shooter (54 percent from the floor)," said Hawks coach Mike Nocella. "She is a good 3-point shooter (24 3s) and she can put the ball on the floor and go to the hoop. A lot of times on defense, we put her on the other team's most challenging player."

Janelle Cannon WheelingWhether it was handing out assists from all over the court, hitting buzzer-beating 3-pointers, finishing nifty moves to the basket, or making a block, Cannon (15.8 ppg, 5.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 3.9 steals) knew how to get the job done. "Janelle has vision like no other point guard I have seen," said coach Shelly Wiegel "She sees openings and gaps that no one else does, and she slices the ball into the perfect spot to create opportunities for her teammates. She can also score in such a variety of ways, it makes her nearly impossible to defend. She is a joy to coach. Janelle electrifies the crowd and keeps everyone on the edge of their seat."

Ashley Capotosto Elk GroveOnly a junior, Capotosto became the school's all-time leading scorer in girls basketball with 1,493 points. She also has 830 career rebounds. "Ashley was the focal point of every team we played and she continued to be dominant on both ends of the floor," said first-year coach Ryan Kirkorsky. " Ashley loves the game and because of her work ethic, her potential is unlimited." Capotosto averaged 18. 3 ppg and 11.5 rebounds.

Megan Fischer Hoffman EstatesFischer finished a standout four-year varsity career as the school's all-time leading female scorer with 1,549 points. She also set school marks for career free-throw percentage (84 percent), single-season free throws (160) and career 3-pointers (72). "I've had girls who could shoot as well as Megan but none who had her offensive attitude," said Hawks coach Mike Nocella. "She will shoot if she misses, it doesn't matter. She just keeps going. And she was not afraid to distribute the ball."

Taylor Glassmann FremdThree-year starter Glassmann was a solid floor leader as the junior point guard averaged 10.7 points, 2.3 assists and 2.1 rebounds. She connected for 34 3-pointers at a 41 percent success rate. "Taylor improved in all facets of her game from last season," said coach Dave Yates. "We needed her to step up offensively this year and she consistently did that all season. I feel she is one of the top point guards and shooters in the MSL and we are lucky that she is only a junior. Taylor has put a tremendous amount of time and effort into improving herself and I look forward to her continued development."

Alyssa Glennon ProspectProspect's Martha Kelly calls Glennon the type of player all coaches wish to have. "Every day, whether it is practice or a game, she gives you 100 percent effort," Kelly said. Glennon (7.0 ppg) led the Knights in assists (61) and steals (52) and was third in rebounding (89). "Alyssa is very coachable. Not only was she a tough defender, but she was tough to defend on the offensive end as well," Kelly said. "She was a big reason why we were successful this season."

Susan Hohenadel St. ViatorAn East Suburban Catholic All-Conference selection, Hohenadel was also the Lions team MVP. The junior guard, a three-year varsity player, led Viator (16.1 ppg) in scoring in 23 of its 30 games. She scored 20 or more points six times and was in double digits 26 times. Hohenadel poured in a career-high 26 points (15-of-15 free throws) against Marist and had a streak of 35 consecutive free throws. "Susan is a strong and gifted player," said Lions coach Paul Bjerkness of the two-year starter who helped lead the Lions to 18 wins. "She can score from the inside, the outside and the free throw line. She is a player who wants the ball in her hands at the end of the game."

Sarah Kellermeyer SchaumburgThe 6-foot senior could always be counted on to give a spark to the Saxons' offense. Kellermeyer averaged 14.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists. "Sarah has worked really hard over the past few years to improve her game," said Saxons coach Jay Colloton. "She paid her dues last year as a sub and stepped in ready to go this season." Kellermeyer improved her post game and also showcased an eight-foot jumper which made her that much more effective. "She is a tough kid who loves to battle in the post," Colloton added. "Sarah is a team captain and leader who makes people around her better. She is a great kid who makes everybody laugh and always has a smile. We will miss her a lot next year."

Emma Loos ConantLoos did it all for the Cougars, just ask her coach Dan Travers. "Emma was 'all-everything' for us this season," he said. "She is one of the most competitive mentally tough players in our league." The three-year varsity performer led the team with 11 points per game and also averaged 3 steals and was second in rebounding with 5 per game. "Anyone who has seen Emma play knows of her tenacity, competitiveness and will to win," Travers added. "She led us all season by her actions at practice and in games. She showed her versatility by guarding the other team's best players regardless of their position. Emma has been a tremendous role model for all of our younger players."

Abby Kirchoff BarringtonOnly a sophomore, Kirchoff has already established herself as one of the top point guards in the Mid-Suburban League. She led the Fillies with 13 points a game this season and also averaged 5 rebounds, 2.4 steals and 2.4 assists. "Not only did Abby lead us in most categories statistically, but also with her hard play and determination on the court," said coach Babbi Barreiro. "She handled the ball, full-court presses and anything else opponents threw her way." Barriero said Kirchoff gave 100 percent every second on the floor. "She is very coachable," the coach added. " I am looking forward to watching her the next couple of years as she continues to develop all facets of her game."

Megan O'Neill Maine WestO'Neill made tremendous strides since her sophomore year and led the Warriors with her 19.4 points per game and 8.6 rebounds. The 5-10 junior forward shot 49 percent from the floor and 78 percent from the free throw line. She poured home a career-high 33 points against Schaumburg. "Megan dominated games for us," said Maine West coach Derril Kipp. "She has the ability to shoot inside as well as outside."

Heather Nisbet Buffalo GroveIn her third year starting for the Bison, Nisbet averaged 10.7 points per game while connecting for 66 3-pointers. The junior guard also shot 76 percent from the free throw line. "Heather's role changed from previous years when she was an off-guard to becoming our point guard this season and her all-around game improved tremendously," said Bison first-year coach Pat Dudle. "Her basketball skills just keep getting better and better. And we're excited to have her back next year."

Jenny Schnack BarringtonNot only did Schnack provide valuable offense with her 11 points per game and 2.5 assists, but she also was a force on the other end of the floor. "Defensively, she made a lot happen for us.," said coach Babbi Barreiro. "She has excellent court awareness and anticipation which allowed her to force turnovers and create steals for herself and her teammates. So many of our points came from turnovers she forced." Due to teammates' injuries, Schnack was forced to play down in the post area more often. "Not only did she hold her own there but she also became a scoring threat," Barreiro said. " I considered Jenny a quiet presence, but someone who came to play hard every night."

Jada Stotts Hoffman EstatesOnly a sophomore, Stotts played a prominent role in the Hawks' Mid-Suburban League championship season. The 5-foot-8 forward was the team's second leading rebounder (6 per game) and also averaged 7.3 points along with 59 assists and 53 steals. "Jada is very athletic," said coach Mike Nocella. "She is a nice outside shooter and she can drive to the hoop. She has a great jump shot and has good foot speed. She is very mature for her age. It's great to have her back for two more years."

Bianca Szafarowicz WheelingSzafarowicz, who made the reverse layup her signature move on offense, averaged 14 points, 2.6 steals and 2 assists per game. On defense, she often guarded the opposing teams best players. "Bianca's all-out hustle and willingness to do whatever the team needed were a major factor for the team's success," said coach Shelly Wiegel. "Bianca has the heart and drive of a champion. She was a captain and led by example every day."

Megan Rogowski HerseyRogowski, who led Hersey in scoring (18.1 ppg) and steals (74) and was second in rebounding (151) was one of the most exciting players to watch in the area. Her 74 3-pointers set a single-season school record. "Sometimes at practice, or games, I would catch myself just watching in amazement at Megan's talent," said coach Mary Fendley. "She has been so much fun to coach the past two years. As she continues to get even better, I know that the next two years could be even more astounding." With Kelly (her sister) graduating, I'll really miss the Rogo-to-Rogo combination - as I know Megan will miss playing with her sister. I am just grateful that she is on my team and I do not have to worry about trying to stop a player that is sometimes seemingly unstoppable."

Kelly Rogowski HerseyHersey coach Mary Fendley calls Kelly the "ideal point guard. She always puts her team ahead of herself," Fendley said. "Amazingly, she became a 1,000 point scorer without ever really being known as a scorer. Her leadership and court presence were invaluable." Rogowski averaged 11.2 points a game and her 103 assists were second best on the team. "Her teammates really looked up to her for her ability, her leadership, and her positive spirit," Fendley said. " I do not know if we'll be able to replace her next year but I know how lucky I am to have been her coach for four years."

Ashley Wilson WheelingA four-year starter, Wilson made her last season her best, averaging 18.4 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.3 steals and 3.1 assists. A four- time all-area selection, she rewrote the record books at Wheeling, collecting nearly 1, 900 career points and more than 1,100 rebounds. As a two-time captain, she led the team to its most successful season in school history and its first trip to the state finals. "Ashley spent all summer getting ready for her senior year," said Wheeling coach Shelly Wiegel. "She made it known that this was going to be the best year in Wheeling history and she was going to do whatever was needed to help our team break through in the playoffs."