Barrington's Hasanov finishes career with seven medals

Barrington's Abby Hasanov has always made the most of her chances, and the Fillies senior certainly did that again on Saturday in the high school girls gymnastics state meet finals at Palatine High School.

Hasanov picked up a pair of second-place medals, completing her career with a school-record seven state medals.

Hasanov started the night by reaching new heights with her Yurchenko layout in taking second on the vault (9.8), and the Fillies senior ended her night by taking second on the floor (9.65).

"I felt really good, I put everything I had into it," said Hasanov, who surpassed Barrington 2000 graduate Stacey Magiera, who earned six state medals. "I was really satisfied."

Prairie Ridge co-op rolled to its second consecutive state title with 150.60 points followed by DeKalb (148.075) which took the second-place trophy. Carmel (146.775) held off Glenbard West (146.10) for third place.

Barrington finished sixth with 144.10 points and Fremd took seventh (143.775).

Hasanov earned a second-place medal in the all-around on Friday and kept the momentum going on Saturday.

She was also honored by the Illinois High School Girls Gymnastic Coaches Association as gymnast of the year to cap a special career.

"She is an absolute success story," said Barrington coach Jason Loeffler of his senior standout. "You couldn't really ask for more."

But Hasanov, who will be competing for Illinois-Chicago next year, still found a way to offer more on Saturday, when she hit on vault and then added a new skill on her final pass, hitting a 1½-step layout to secure her medal.

"I just wanted to finish it off with a bang," said Hasanov who rebounded nicely after recording a fall on beam. "I took a lot chances at the end and I was just hoping for the best."

Hasanov earned a pair state titles - on bars in 2014 and on floor in 2015 - and definitely gave herself a chance for another on Saturday.

"State has always been my goal," said Hasanov, who also finished eighth on bars (9.35) and 10th on beam (9.025). "Sure, I would have liked to have added another first-place finish, but second is not too bad."

Rolling Meadows senior Kelly Johnston and Conant junior Melynda Meyrick also came up big by tying for fifth-place medals on beam (9.425).

Johnston, who won the beam title last season, came back from a nasty fall on bars in early January to secure her second state medal.

"I had a little bit of doubt in my mind after the injury," said Johnston, who had to make up for lost time after sitting out 10 days in mid-January.

But after hitting her flip-flop-layout to start the series on Saturday, the Mustangs senior didn't look back.

"It definitely gave me some confidence," said Johnston, who will competed for Winona State next year. "I am just really happy with my performance tonight and how it ended."

A Rolling Meadow gymnast had not earned a medal in 22 years before Johnston broke that streak with back-to-back medals the past two seasons.

"Her preparation going into the state meet couldn't have been better," said Rolling Meadows coach Michael Costa of his senior star. "I think Kelly has pretty much redefined Rolling Meadows High School gymnastics."

Meyrick has also given Conant a pretty huge lift this season. The junior, who competed in club gymnastics her first two seasons, opened many eyes this season with her performance that included the Mid-Suburban League all-around title.

She kept things going through the state series, ending her season on the podium.

"I was nervous at first but the coaches really helped me," said Meyrick who finished her beam performance with a round-off full. "It was a different season but my teammates were always there to support me."

Meyrick became the first Conant gymnast to earn a medal since Allison Buckley took first on the beam in 2007.

"I am just so happy for her and the effort she put in all season," said Conant coach Anthony Avella of his junior star who started her series by nailing a flip-flop layout. "As soon as she nailed it, I thought 'This is going to be good.' She is just a great competitor."

Glenbard West freshman Maddie Diab, who won the all-around title on Friday, added first-place finishes on the vault (9.9) and beam (9.525).

Prairie Ridge co-op junior Nikke Baars took first on the bars (9.575) while DeKalb junior Aleah Leman won the floor (9.725).