Fox Valley All-Area girls team

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Katie Burton

Crystal Lake South

%%%%Burton, a 5-9 senior guard-forward, played a critical role on both ends of the floor for the Gators this season. Burton averaged 10.3 points (second-best on the team) and 2.2 assists per game and also had 73 steals in 29 contests, while finishing as the team's third-leading rebounder with 105. "Katie is a kid I like to say fills a state sheet," said South coach Kyle McCaughn. "When you get done with a game, it's not very often that you look at the sheet and she is not first or second in every statistical category for us. She's solid on both ends of the floor. She gets the big rebound, hits the big bucket and gets that big defensive stop. She doesn't believe in flash or boasting about herself. She's the ultimate team player. She's all about the team and winning first and doing it the right way both on and off the court. She does all the right things and I'm not sure teams realize all of the things she does for this team."

Hailey Cnota

Jacobs

%%%%A cornerstone of the Jacobs program for four years, Cnota helped lead the Golden Eagles to a 24-7 season and the program's first conference championship as they shared the Fox Valley's Valley Division title with Cary-Grove. This season, she averaged 10.9 points per game, led the team with 35 3-pointers, pulled down 3.2 rebounds per game and had 3.3 assists per game. Also shot 72 percent from the free-throw line and added 42 steals. "Hailey is by far one of the best all-around players I've had the opportunity to coach," said Jacobs coach Ed Haugens. "She's just a very unselfish player and she was the backbone of our defense. She has a phenomenal knowledge of the game and court awareness. She's just a great all-around kid and basketball player." A repeat all-area selection, Cnota will continue her career at Judson University in Elgin. Finished her Jacobs career with 795 points.

Taylor Colby

Burlington Central

%%%%Burlington Central senior guard/forward expanded her game this season and helped the Rockets to a 17-11 campaign under first-year coach Stephanie Smith. Averaged 12.9 points and 7.2 rebounds per game as well as 2.2 assists and 1.7 steals. "Taylor is a like a diamond in the rough," said Smith. "She's a tough kid. We worked on her midrange game and people had to come out and guard her. She was one of our best rebounders and her size gave teams matchup problems. She's a great kid who does everything you ask her to with no questions asked. She's been a great leader and captain for us."

Kristin Conniff

Bartlett

%%%%One of the pleasant surprises of the area this season, this 6-foot Bartlett sophomore got better and better as the season went on, helping the Hawks to a 21-10 campaign that ended with a sectional final loss to Fenwick. Averaged 9.6 points and 4.6 rebounds and shot 44 percent from the field. Stepped outside to hit eight 3-pointers as well. Shot 82 percent from the free-throw line and tied for the team lead in steals with 61. "Kristin really came along, especially at the end of the season," said Bartlett coach Denise Sarna. "She's such a quiet kid who just works hard and goes about her business. She's a phenomenal shooter and she's very intelligent."

Rachel Doby

Westminster Christian

%%%%Doby, a 5-10 senior forward, averaged a double-double with 11.2 points and 10.6 rebounds per game this season. Doby snatched a total of 106 offensive rebounds in 27 contests. She also averaged 1.8 blocks per game and 1.7 steals per game to go with a total of 27 assists. Doby finished her Westminster career as the school's all-time leader in blocked shots (124). Her career average of 9.4 rebounds per game ranks second in school history as do her 49 blocked shots this year. Doby, who is headed to the Air Force Academy, finished as the school's third all-time leading scorer with 726 career points.

Alex Dumoulin

Hampshire

%%%%One of the driving forces behind Hampshire's 29-2 season that ended in the sectional finals, this 5-foot-7 power forward/center averaged 12.3 points and 7.7 rebounds this season for the Whip-Purs and will enter her senior season with 898 career points. This season, she also shot 57 percent from the field and 72 percent from the free-throw line and had 75 steals in helping Hampshire to another Big Northern East crown. "She plays a lot bigger than her 5-7 frame," said Hampshire coach Sue Ellett. "She rebounds with a purpose and uses her body real well. She takes pride in being the boss of the paint for us. She got some confidence in the post and she's got a nice set shot from 15 feet. She realized this year that we needed her scoring as much as her rebounding." A repeat all-area choice.

Cassie Dumoulin

Hampshire

%%%%One of the senior leaders of 29-2 sectional finalist Whip-Purs, Cassie Dumoulin etched herself in Hampshire history as one of the hardest working players and toughest defenders the Whips have ever had. While drawing the toughest defensive assignment every night, she still averaged 10.6 points per game as well as 4.6 rebounds. Had 78 steals and shot 50 percent from the field as the Whips won another Big Northern East championship. A repeat all-area selection. "About midway through the year, Cassie got really aggressive taking the ball to the basket and she took on more of a ballhandling role for us," said Hampshire coach Sue Ellett. "She's probably the best kid in the area of being able to guard anybody and she draws everybody's best every night. She was not a one-dimensional player." Will graduate with 838 career points on Hampshire teams that went 89-26 in her four years. Will likely continue her career at Elgin Community College.

Sierra Dunner

Jacobs

%%%%This senior guard was one of the unsung heroes of a Jacobs team that went 24-7 and won the program's first conference championship, sharing the Fox Valley's Valley Division title with Cary-Grove. Averaged 8.2 points per game and 4 rebounds. Also had 45 steals and 67 assists. "Without a doubt, Sierra was the glue that held us together," said Jacobs coach Ed Haugens. "She wouldn't accept any excuses for failure and was a very integral part of our team."

Jacki Gulczynski

Bartlett

%%%%The honorary co-captain of the all-area team and the Upstate Eight Conference Player of the Year, Bartlett's 6-foot-1 junior became an even more complete player this season. She averaged 17.4 points and 9.5 rebounds for the 21-10 Hawks, who reached a sectional final for the first time since 2005. In drawing interest from several mid-majors, Gulczynski also earned Associated Press honorable mention all-stated honors for Class 4A. "She's a coaches dream," said Hawks coach Denise Sarna. "She does everything a coach wants and more." Scored a season-high 31 points against South Elgin and now has 1,2709 career points.

Chrissy Heine

Hampshire

%%%%The honorary co-captain of the all-area team, this 6-foot senior was the backbone of a Hampshire team that went 29-2 and reached a Class 3A sectional final. Averaged 13.7 points and 6 rebounds per game while shooting 53 percent from the field for the Big Northern East champs. Voted to The Associated Press' second team all-state for Class 3A and graduates as one of Hampshire's all-time leading scorers with 1,279 career points. "She's a self-made player who truly enjoys playing basketball and has a lot of comfort on the court," said Hampshire coach Sue Ellett. Will continue her career at Saint Xavier University.

Claire Jakubicek

Cary-Grove

%%%%Cary-Grove coach Rod Saffert labeled Jakubicek, a guard-forward, the team MVP. "Claire is just one of the most consistent players I have ever known," said Saffert. "She gets her job done every game. I have been so impressed with her progress the past 3 years as a player. She takes her game to a new level each season. The 6-0 Jakubicek averaged 16. 8 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 3.1 steals per contest, while shooting 45.6 percent from the floor. An all-Fox Valley Conference selection, Jakubicek earned all-tournament honors at the Mundelein Holiday Classic and surpassed the 1,000 career point plateau this season. She'll enter her senior season with 1,096 career points (the school record is 1,232 held by 1980s player Eve Barry).

Olivia Jakubicek

Cary-Grove

%%%%The younger sister, of Claire, the 5-10 Jakubicek made a major impact for the Trojans as a freshman. This all-Fox Valley Conference selection led the Trojans in conference rebounding. Overall, Jakubicek, like her sister a guard-forward, averaged 8.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.8 steals per contest. "Olivia did not play like you would expect a freshman to play," said Cary-Grove coach Rod Saffert. "She showed a composure that many seasoned varsity players don't show. Olivia is also a very consistent player, and for a freshman, that is amazing. She scored some big points for us in critical games and always got us numerous rebounds all year long. With the tutoring of her big sister, the sky's the limit for her."

Callie Johnson

St. Edward

%%%%St. Edward sophomore came into her own on a young team this season, averaging 8.5 points and 5.5 rebounds while also playing stellar defense. "Callie really improved tremendously as the season went on," said St. Edward coach Michelle Dawson. "Her speed and quickness were really an asset for us. Her jump shot improved and she was a very consistent role player for us this year."

Maddie Kerr

St. Edward

%%%%Another of St. Edward's promising sophomores, Kerr led the Green Wave in scoring with a 12.2 per game average. Also made 40 3-pointers and had a 4.1 rebound average. "Maddie is a very versatile player," said St. Edward coach Michelle Dawson. "She has a good outside shot, she had responsibilities helping out at point guard and she's the type of player who can also post up. Night in and night out she'd have one of the toughest defensive assignments. We relied on her a lot and she really contributed a lot to our team."

Kadie Lowery

Huntley

%%%%Lowery, a 5-11 junior guard-forward, averaged 11.1 points per game, while also chipping in 3.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.0 steals per contest. A two-time all-Fox Valley Conference pick and a repeat Daily Herald All-Area selection, Lowery also canned 39 3-pointers and now has 118 career 3s for her career. She'll go into her senior season as a strong candidate to join the 1,000-career point club (she has 655 points). "Kadie did a nice job this of elevating her game in a lot of different areas," said Huntley coach Steve Raethz. "She improved this season at becoming a more versatile scorer and that's something I think she will continue to get better at as she heads into her senior season. She has the potential to step out on the floor each night and be a real threat scoring the basketball. We are really excited to have Kadie back for one more season. I know she is going to work hard this off-season to improve all facets of her game."

Jordan Maisto

Burlington Central

%%%%Burlington Central's senior point guard was coined the "best point guard in the Big Northern Conference for three years," by Hampshire coach Sue Ellett. A three-time all-area choice, Maisto averaged 13.2 points and 5.9 assists per game for the 17-11 Rockets. She also canned 57 3-pointers, giving her 119 in the past two seasons. Graduates with 1,085 career points, good for second on BC's all-time scoring list. Also had 2.1 rebounds and 3.7 steals per game this season. "She was a four-year varsity player who is a great kid and a great role model," said Rockets coach Stephanie Smith. "She's a great point guard who developed into a complete player this year. She picked up her defense and kept improving. She was a great kid to have as a point guard and as a team captain and she was a pleasure to coach."

Alyssa Pena

Elgin Academy

%%%%Pena combined with teammate Lauren Steimle to give the Hilltoppers two key scoring threats. Pena tallied 22 points in Elgin Academy's sectional semifinal win over Morgan Park Academy. "Lauren and Alyssa are a great 1-2 punch," said Elgin Academy coach Vicente Pena. "They played tough on the defensive side of the ball and this turned into easy offensive possessions. They both learned to be relaxed on offense, but still play with a sense of urgency." Pena, who averaged 10.5 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, was also lauded for her gritty play on the court. "Alyssa plays the game as if it was her last," said Vicente Pena. "She was the rock of the team. She was always taking a hard hit for the team, sometimes hurting herself for weeks just to make a play in a game." Pena helped lead the Hilltoppers to a regional championship and an appearance in a Class 1A sectional championship game.

Sarah Rodgers

Westminster Christian

%%%%A 5-5 senior guard, Rodgers averaged 12.0 points, 4.1 steals, 3.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game for a Westminster team that won 11 games. Rodgers finished her career at Westminster as the program's all-time leader in steals with 249. Her 110 steals this year also set a new single-season program record. Rodgers will continue her career at Trinity next season. Both (Sarah and Rachel Doby) were team captains and led our team to our most successful season in 9 years," said Westminster Christian coach Ken Flickinger.

Emma Schmidt

Streamwood

%%%%Streamwood went, for the most part, as Schmidt went this season and that turned out to be 14 wins and a berth in a regional final for the first time since 2002. This junior workhorse averaged 14 points and 9.6 rebounds per game and will enter her senior season with 916 career points for the Sabres. She also had 47 steals and 33 blocked shots this season. Selected to the Upstate Eight all-conference team. "Emma is developing into the complete player and team leader," said Sabres coach George Rosner. "She's our go-to person. She wants the ball and in crunchtime we look to her. She has a great attitude and great dedication and she works hard all year round."

Becca Smith

South Elgin

%%%%Talented South Elgin sophomore guard had another banner season statistically, averaging 20.3 points and 4.5 assists per game, including a season-high 32 points against Jacobs. Shot 42 percent from the field and also averaged 4.6 rebounds and 4.5 steals per game in drawing Division I interest from around the Midwest. "She did a lot for us," said Storm coach Tim Prendergast. "She did everything for us offensively and defensively. I thought she really developed her half-court game this year. She learned to maneuver and score in the half-court game. Becca is an explosive player who can really light it up. She's a very dynamic player who is fun to watch and coach. It'll be nice to have her back the next two years." Was selected to the Upstate Eight all-conference team and will enter her junior year with 966 career points. A repeat all-area selection as well.

Lauren Steimle

Elgin Academy

%%%%Steimle played a key role in the Hilltoppers winning the program's first regional championship and advancing to a Class 1A sectional championship game for the first time in program history. Steimle, who averaged 10.3 points and 3 assists per game, was Elgin Academy's leading scorer in the sectional championship loss to Hinckley-Big Rock. "Lauren is a born leader on and off the court," said Elgin Academy coach Vicente Pena, whose team went 14-10 this season and advanced farther in IHSA competition than any sports program in school history. "She always did what was best for the team and only looked to help the team in any way she could. She always gave 100 percent on and off the court and did what ever it took to put the team first. No coach could ask for anything more from a true captain like Lauren." Steimle also advanced to the Class 1A state 3-point finals in Normal. She made 27 3-pointers during the season.

Maria Tamburrino

Jacobs

%%%%Golden Eagles senior will graduate as one of the program's all-time leading scorers with 1,023 career points in three varsity seasons. A repeat all-area selection who will continue her career at Roosevelt University, Tamburrino averaged a team-best 12.1 points per game this season for the 24-7 Golden Eagles, helping them to the program's first conference championship as they share the Fox Valley's Valley Division title with Cary-Grove. Also led the team with 66 steals and averaged just under 4 rebounds per game. Made 29 3-pointers and shot 81 percent from the free-throw line. "Our offense was never set up around her so to be our leading scorer and score more than 1,000 points is remarkable," said Jacobs coach Ed Haugens. "That says a lot about her abilities."

Michelle Tomczak

Streamwood

%%%%Possibly the most improved player in the area, this 6-foot-3 sophomore went from scoring 47 points last season to 363 this season (11.7 average) in helping the Sabres to 14 wins and a regional championship game berth for the first time since 2002. Also led the team with 9.7 rebounds per game and 82 blocked shots. "Michelle barely got off the bench last year and decided she wanted to be a player this year, said Streamwood coach George Rosner. "She worked as hard as anyone I've ever seen to become a player and she made herself an impact player. She decided she liked this game and worked hard to become good at it."

Haley Videckis

Bartlett

%%%%This 5-foot-10 Bartlett sophomore improved with every game and became and inside and outside force for the 21-10 Hawks, who advanced to a sectional final for the first time since 2005. An all-Upstate Eight choice, Videckis averaged 10.2 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. Also contributed 17 3-pointers and tied for the team lead in steals with 61. "Haley is an intelligent girl and a student of the game," said Hawks coach Denise Sarna. "She really started to understand the game this year, especially on the defensive end. She's 100 percent pure hard work and she wants to win, get better and help our team. She made great strides this year."

Honorable mentionBartlett - Nicole Beck (Jr. G) Janessa Baker (So. G), Christina Carlson (Jr. F)Burlington Central - Katie McNutt (Sr. G), Alli Settanni (So. C)Cary-Grove - Liz Bart (Sr. G)Crystal Lake South - Jenny Hanrahan (Sr. F), Michelle Gaede (Sr. G)Dundee-Crown - Megan Fasanella (Sr. G), Ali Sanders (So. F)Elgin - Brandi Hernandez (Sr. G)Hampshire - Jessica Van Dorin (So. G), Karla Vietinghoff (Jr. F)Huntley - Hillary Johnson (Jr. F), CeCe Tsevas (So. G)Jacobs - Katy Cook (Sr. F)St. Edward - Enza Ranallo (So. G)South Elgin - Alyssa Krause (Sr. F), Dijon Smith (Sr. C)Streamwood - Melissa Oehlerking (Sr. F/G), Amanda Patterson (So. G) DuPage | Lake | Fox Valley | Tri-Cities