Daily Herald Fox Valley All-Area Girls Basketball Team

Caris Alan, Elgin

A junior, Alan averaged 8.1 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game for the Maroons. This all-Upstate Eight Conference nominee also shot 25 percent from the 3-point line and scored a season-high 30 points against South Elgin. "Caris has good ball handling ability and a tremendous ability to see the floor," said coach Angie Hudson. "She was our main press-breaker. We never had to worry about breaking a press. She had a great ability to do that. If we don't have her, we would have been in some trouble. She really showed leadership on the floor with being our point guard and handling the offense."

Cory Bazany, Burlington Central

A repeat all-area selection, this Burlington Central senior was the fifth leading scorer in the area at 12.7 points per game. Also led her team with 7.8 rebounds per game and her 75 steals was second for the 19-11 Rockets. "She was our emotional leader," said coach Darlene Guyett. "Her practice habits were second to none. She was our only returning starter and she was a great leader for us. He had a refuse to lose attitude."

More Coverage Links Northwest Co-captains: BG's Ellen Ayoub, Maggie Mocchi finish with flair [02/29/09] Northwest Suburban All-Area Team [02/29/08] DuPage Co. Captain: Lake Park's Arnold strong on the court, in the classroom [02/29/08] DuPage Co. All-Area Team [02/29/08] Tri-Cities Captain: SCN's Smith's stands above them all [02/29/08] Tri-Cities All-Area Team [02/29/08] Fox Valley Co-captain: C-G's Smith became the complete player [02/29/08] Fox Valley Co-captain: Wave's Yohn flourishes in leadership role [02/29/08] Fox Valley All-Area Team [02/29/08]

Katie Bergquist, Huntley

This Huntley senior graduates as the top 3-point shooter in program history with 102, and in the top five in career scoring with 832 points. The 5-11 guard/forward averaged 9.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.8 steals per game this season for a Huntley team that won 20 games again and its second straight regional title. A repeat all-area selection. "Katie had a very steady year for us," said coach Steve Raethz. "A lot of people looked at her just as a scorer but she elevated her game all-around on both ends of the floor. She's been a solid part of our success the last three years and we'll miss her."

Alyssa Burns, Larkin

Larkin's 5-6 senior floor leader was the second leading scorer in the area at 14.6 points per game. She also averaged 2.5 assists, 3.1 steals and 3 rebounds per game for the Royals. "She was a very intense, strong competitor," said coach Amy Silverman. "When we needed a basket we wanted the ball in her hands. She has great vision on the floor and she can really get the offense going. When she wants to take a game over she can certainly do that."

Jill Cole, Cary-Grove

Cary-Grove's 5-foot-10 senior forward was one of the key components of a 26-4 team that went 10-0 in Fox Valley Conference Valley Division play and won a regional title. She averaged 10.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and was a 58 percent field goal shooter. "It was a banner year for her," said Trojans coach Rod Saffert. "This is the first year Jill didn't get injured. She was really durable for us this year and having her and Jamie (Kuhl) inside was really hard for teams to defend against."

Alex Dumoulin, Hampshire

One of two freshmen on the all-area team, this 5-7 forward burst onto the scene this season by averaging 9 points and 5.6 rebounds for a Hampshire team that went 19-9 and won the Big Northern East championship. "We call her the A-Train because you just need to get out of her way when she's on the floor," said coach Sue Ellett. "She'll score a basket and then be the first one back to the other end of the floor. Every time I asked her to do something she did it and did it well. She really grew as a player this year and I'm excited to have her for three more years." Was a special mention selection to the IBCA Class 2A all-state team.

Jacki Gulczynski, Bartlett

One of two freshmen on the all-area team, this 6-foot center became Bartlett's most consistent player this season, averaging 12.4 points (8th in the area) and 7.1 rebounds per game, shooting 50 percent from the field and 67 percent from the free-throw line. Was third on the team in steals and had a high game of 25 points. "She's already 10 points and 10 rebounds from making our Top 10 list," said coach Denise Sarna. "Jacki was a breath of fresh air. She has a great attitude, she's very hard-working and very coachable. She stays after practice and puts in time and she was very consistent for us this year. It'll be great to have her for three more years."

Chrissy Heine, Hampshire

Just a sophomore, this 6-foot forward/center led Hampshire with a 10.6 per game scoring average and 7.8 rebounds per game. Was also second on the team with 80 assists. "For just being a sophomore, I keep expecting things out of her that I expect of juniors and seniors and she delivers," said coach Sue Ellett. "She's a self-made basketball player. She can play all five positions and she gives everything she has every practice and every game." Was voted to the IBCA fourth team all-state for Class 2A.

Shannon Hennelly, Prairie Ridge

A three-year varsity player, Hennelly averaged 9.9 points and recorded 65 assists and 49 steals for a Prairie Ridge squad that went 11-18 overall. Hennelly also grabbed 91 rebounds, hit 47 of 67 free throws (70.1 percent) and connected on 55 three-pointers (29.1 percent) to lead the area. An all-Fox Valley Conference Fox Division selection, Hennelly, a junior, led the Wolves in games played and minutes played. "Her leadership was one of her biggest assets," said coach Steve Rick. "We asked her to be the primary point guard and that allowed us to do what we needed to do on the offensive end. She improved in all areas and she still has room to grow. We're looking forward to that next year."

Daisy Jara, Huntley

This 6-foot Huntley senior was a big reason behind another 20-win season and another regional title for the Red Raiders. Averaged 9.6 points, 8 rebounds and 2 steals per game. "What I admire most about Daisy is her unselfishness and her willingness to do whatever it took for us to win," said coach Steve Raethz. "She really improved her offensive post play this season and she's always been a solid defender. We'll really miss her contributions of the last three years."

Carly Juliano, Crystal Lake South

CL South's 5-10 junior was thrust into a different role just before Christmas when point guard Kaitlin Hardie went down with an ACL injury. "Carly became our defensive stopper when Kaitlin went down," said coach Kyle McCaughn. "She had to take on a different role for us at that time and she still ended up being our leading scorer. Her point production went down when we had to move her to that defensive stopper role but she embraced the role because all she wants to do is win. She's a very selfless player." Averaged 8.7 points and 4.5 rebounds and led the 21-9 Gators with 60 steals.

Mallory Koster, Hampshire

The lone senior on Hampshire's 19-9 Big Northern East championship team, this 5-10 guard/forward averaged 10 points and 4.4 rebounds per game in earning all-conference honors. Also led the Whip-Purs with 21 3-pointers. "She gave us a lot of weapons both offensively and defensively," said coach Sue Ellett. "Defensively she could guard different kids and she wasn't your typical guard. She presented matchup problems for teams. She didn't feel like an outsider being the only senior and she really got a chance to blossom this year."

Alexa Kruel, South Elgin

South Elgin's 5-8 senior floor leader helped the Storm achieve its first .500-plus season, finishing 15-14 in its second varsity season. Averaged 10 points per game as well as 3.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.3 steals and was a 72 percent free throw shooter. Also led the team with 36 3-pointers. "She was really versatile," said coach Tim Prendergast, "Defensively we always put her on the other team's best scorer and she led our team in steals. She was a good shooter who really opened it up on the outside for us. She was a hard worker who would stay every day after practice to work on her game."

Jamie Kuhl, Cary-Grove

Cary-Grove's 6-2 senior center and co-captain had a breakout season, averaging 10 points and 5.7 rebounds per game for a Trojans team that went 26-4, winning the Fox Valley Conference Valley Division undefeated and claiming a regional title. "She meant a lot of rebounds for us," said coach Rod Saffert. "This was by far her best year and not just statistically. She also had some double-double games and could be a scoring threat as well."

Cortney Kumerow, South Elgin

A repeat all-area selection, the 6-1 Kumerow turned into one of the dominant post players in the area this season, and she has a year left to go. Averaged 11.1 points and 7.9 rebounds per game and was one of the top free throw shooters in the area at 77 percent. Also had 40 blocked shots. "She really did everything for us and was one of our team leaders," said coach Tim Prendergast. "She just works so hard and she really loves the game. She's getting more and more comfortable in the post and really developing before my eyes. Her dad is 6-7 and she might not be done growing yet."

Melanie Laird, Burlington Central

Returning from missing her junior season with an ACL injury, this Burlington Central senior center averaged 11.6 points and 5 rebounds per game for the 19-11 Rockets. "Mel made the most of her opportunity and had a great season coming back from a torn ACL," said coach Darlene Guyett. "Mel is a very good back-to-the-basket type player. I wish I could have coached her longer. She was a great kid to coach."

Stephanie Leddy, Jacobs

This Jacobs senior is proof that statistics don't mean everything. "Her leadership was incredible," said coach Ed Haugens. "The girls would follow her anywhere. She's just a blue collar kid who does all the little things that don't show up on a stat sheet but that you appreciate as a coach. When she's on the court you know she's gonna get the job done. All the kids on the team voted her the second best player on our team." Leddy averaged 4.4 points per game for the 17-11 Golden Eagles, helping them win a regional championship despite having to play the postseason with a dislocated kneecap.

Jordan Maisto, Burlington Central

After a productive freshman season learning the varsity ropes, this Burlington Central sophomore point guard became one of the best in the area at her position this season. The 5-3 sparkplug averaged 10.3 points per game, was second in the area with 52 3-pointers, dished out 3 assists per game and led her team with 78 steals. "It's hard to put into words the season she had for us," said coach Darlene Guyett. "She had to step into more of a scorer's role for us and she made great strides. She's a quiet leader, very coachable and I think she earned a lot of respect this year. I see her doing a great job again next year."

Caitlin Mize, Crystal Lake South

A repeat all-area selection, this 5-11 CL South junior averaged 5.6 points per game and led the 21-9 Gators with 6.7 rebounds per night. "Her presence was important for us both offensively and defensively," said coach Kyle McCaughn. "During the conference season she became a dominant offensive player and she really bought into our defensive philosophy. She gave us a consistent effort and a lot of energy every night."

Markie Rahn, Jacobs

This Jacobs senior had some of the best individual games in the area this season and helped lead the Golden Eagles to a 17-11 season and a regional championship. Averaged 14.5 points per game (3rd in the area) and was fourth in the area with 39 3-pointers. "She's without a doubt one of the best all-around players I've ever coached," said coach Ed Haugens. "She was our leading scorer and did so much for us offensively, but she also did a tremendous job on defense."

Danielle Smith, Cary-Grove

The honorary co-captain of the all-area team and a three-time all-area selection, this 6-foot senior standout ended her three-year varsity career with 1,073 points. This season, she led her balanced team in scoring with an 11.9 per game average in helping lead the Trojans to a 26-4 record, an undefeated Fox Valley Conference Valley Division title and a regional championship. She was also a 72 percent free throw shooter, had a team-high 20 3-pointers, and led the team with 3.3 assists per game. "She just learned how to do it all this year," said coach Rod Saffert. Finished her career with 97 3-pointers.

Robyn Staudenmaier, Dundee-Crown

Returning from two surgeries to repair a torn ACL, this Dundee-Crown senior started the season slowly but finished with a flourish. "Had she been able to play at the beginning of the year like she did after Christmas things might have been different for the team," said coach Joe Komaromy. "She finished very strong. I think she averaged 16-17 points per game after Christmas. Robyn showed a lot of courage, especially after the second surgery." The 6-footer finished the season averaging 13.8points (4th in the area), 4.5 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game. Was also fifth in the area with 37 3-pointers. Finished her injury-shortened career with 837 career points. "I really think her best basketball is still ahead of her," Komaromy said. Is being recruited by Cardinal Stritch and the University of Idaho, where former Dundee High School player Mike Divilbis is the head coach. A two-time all-area selection.

Celeste Von Ahnen, St. Edward

St. Edward's 6-3 senior center had another fine season, averaging 12.8 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game for the Green Wave. "We're really going to miss her," said St. Edward coach Michelle Dawson of Von Ahnen, who is in contention for the school's Valedictorian honor. "Celeste was our go-to post player offensively and defensively. Her presence in the lane made teams alter what they wanted to do. She gained a lot of confidence in her three years on varsity. She's a great kid and very coachable."

Katie Yohn, St. Edward

The honorary co-captain of the all-area team, this 5-10 Green Wave junior will enter her senior season with 1,127 career points. Led the area this year at 20 points per game and also averaged 5.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 4.2 steals and 1.3 blocks per game. Was third in the area with 40 3-pointers and now has 90 career 3s. "Her work ethic is incredible," said coach Michelle Dawson. "She brings up the level of play of everyone around her." Is being recruited by several majors, including Iowa and Wisconsin. A two-time all-area choice.