Montini's Thomas picks up MVP accolades

Montini freshman Tatiana Thomas is this week's Daily Herald MVP for girls basketball.

Tatiana Thomas, Montini: The 5-foot-11 freshman helped the Broncos to three victories while putting up eye-popping numbers. She had 17 points, 20 rebounds and 9 steals against DePaul Prep. She had 15 points, 11 rebounds and 6 steals against Rich East, then added 7 points, 13 rebounds and 8 steals vs. Aurora Central.

Kendra Lee, Buffalo Grove: In addition to scoring a career-high 24 points, Lee's final basket was the decisive one in Buffalo Grove's triumph over Class 4A state-ranked Rolling Meadows. The junior forward hit a 14-footer from the baseline just before the final buzzer sounded to give BG a dramatic 55-53 win on the Mustangs' floor.

Kelby Bannerman, Hampshire: The 6-foot-1 sophomore post led the Whip-Purs to a 3-0 week. She started with 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting and 6 rebounds in a win over Jacobs, then posted 16 points on 5-of-10 shooting with 11 rebounds against Crystal Lake Central. Bannerman capped her week with a team-high 15 points on 6-of-8 shooting plus 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals in a 40-38 overtime win over Palatine.

Ella Gilbertson, Lake Zurich: The 5-foot-11 junior guard/forward is still seeking her first college scholarship offer, but they figure to come soon if she keeps playing like she has in the first month of the season. The three-year varsity starter had a career-high 26 points (14 of 16 from the line) and 12 rebounds in a 51-46 win over Lake Forest. She followed up by scoring 17 points in a 56-29 loss to Maine West.