20
utorak
rujan
2011
Nirvana's special night, special woman
They are coming from as far away as Australia to see a show that has long been sold out. Right away, people knew this would be historic.
But to those who were here when Nirvana exploded, when "Nevermind" went from an album released to a monster unleashed, Tuesday night's 20th anniversary performance of the album at Experience Music Project (EMP) is really a night for Susie.
Susie Tennant, 49, Nirvana's onetime publicist and a staple of Seattle's cultural community (she has worked at Sub Pop Records, EMP and Town Hall), is being treated for ovarian cancer.
Plans to have different bands perform "Nevermind" in its entirety had just started to take shape when Tennant was diagnosed in May. It made sense to turn this global event into a hometown fundraiser.
We're lucky that way, you know. Seattle's musical impact may be far-reaching, and time-stretching, but the people who stood witness to Nirvana and the bands that exploded at the same time are, for the most part, still here. It was like a tornado ripped through town, and they all found each other after. They hold their memories close, and their friends closer.
And they are well aware of the impact that era had on people, bands, culture.
So when I went to see Tennant the other day at her West Seattle home to talk about what it was like to be at the heart of the night, to have her name mentioned in Billboard and Rolling Stone, she waved me off.
"I don't think it's about me," she said. "It's about everyone who was part of the community then, coming together. It's going to be a night of tears and happiness."
In 1991, Tennant was the local rep for DGC Records and the host of the "Nevermind" release party at Rebar.
The band got kicked out for having a food fight, so they all retreated to Tennant's Capitol Hill apartment.
"The special thing about that is that she was their peer and their fan," said Tennant's friend, Carrie Montgomery, whose brother, Craig, was Nirvana's tour manager. "It wasn't some major label thing with old, stuffy men.
"We were all the same age and we were young and it was all on David Geffen's credit card," she said. "It was heaven."
Montgomery talked about lead singer Kurt Cobain's strong musical opinions, and how, after his suicide in 1994, "he turned into this thing that has nothing to do with who he was."
But it was hard to get Tennant to say much about Cobain, bassist Krist Novoselic and drummer Dave Grohl. She blamed it on "chemo brain" and said the treatments are hard on her cognitive memory. So I didn't push.
But the next day, Tennant sent me an email, apologizing for not wanting to share "'remember when' stories."
"It was a very special and very complex time of my life that I am still sorting out twenty years later," she wrote.
" It's hard for me to talk about it because I never want to dishonor the personal experiences that I shared with so many people that I love."
Instead, she directed me to the speech Novoselic made at the opening of the exhibit "Nirvana: Taking Punk to the Masses," now at EMP. He spoke of how Cobain worked as a janitor to pay for the band's first demo.
"He was compelled to be an artist," Novoselic said. "He had a natural talent, and it compelled him to share so many things with so many people. I owe him so much, I can't even start."
Novoselic will play Tuesday night with The Presidents of the United States of America. Bands that will cover songs from "Nevermind" include The Fastbacks, Duff McKagan's Loaded, The Long Winters, Visqueen and Champagne Champagne.
Others are donating items to be auctioned off on www.charitybuzz.org: a 7-inch record signed by all three members of Nirvana, donated by the owner of Sonic Boom Records. A guitar signed by Pearl Jam. An oceanside state room on the Weezer Cruise.
More items will be auctioned off at an event in November.
All proceeds will go to the Susie Tennant Fund, set up to help with medical and family expenses. (To donate: http://susietennantfund.bbnow.org).
Organizer Ben London said that without Tennant at the center of their efforts, the night could have easily turned into a memorial. For Cobain, for Nirvana, for the music that never was.
"Rather than remembering a tragedy, of someone who died," he said, "we are celebrating someone staying alive."
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19
petak
kolovoz
2011
Let's Get Some Shoes
Shoes. Shoes. Shoes. Shoes — oh my God. Now all you need is a pair of shoes that don't suck. Skip the mall; that place is for high schoolers. You're a college student now. You've graduated up to shoe heaven, better known as King Street.
If you're flush with scholarship money, go to Bob Ellis, where you can scoop up premier designer looks for your every college need: cushy Giuseppe Zanotti flats for the library, trendy Miu Miu clogs for the caf, and bejeweled Louboutins for Silver Dollar. The bouncer will be so busy staring at your glistening feet that he might not even notice your ID is fake. As Kelly would say, these shoes rock, but the high price tags suck. Let's get 'em ... after they go on sale.
If you're a Southern girl all the way (or if you are one now that you've moved to Charleston), head across the street to Copper Penny Shooz for some Lowcountry style. The store stocks sorority girl fav Jack Rogers in styles ranging from the yuppilicious "Sag Harbor" flats to the uppity "Black Label" platforms, and, of course, the iconic JR thong sandal. Michael Kors' chic designs run the gamut from playful platforms and knee-high boots to strappy sandals and flirty espadrilles. For those ladies who adore primary colors and polka dots and feel naked without at least one bow per ensemble, the Kate Spade shoe collection is a must. With precocious pumps and spotty flats, all you need is Sarah Palin and you'd have a tea party.
Those with an extra crunch to their step love the sturdy, practical, outdoorsy goodness of Phillips Shoe Store, the downtown supplier of Birkenstocks, Toms, and Tevas. Meanwhile, co-eds of all creeds swarm to Phillips each semester for the seasonal essentials: Rainbow sandals and Ugg boots. Toe hers rejoice.
College life is hard on footwear. Spilled beer eats away at your soles and before you know it, your right shoe has been tossed out the window and is dangling precariously from a tree branch. If you're lucky, you get your feet washed — but your shoes will just get tossed. Save your precious money and head to Rack Room Shoes, a discount shoe warehouse where you can get name brand footwear, from Asics to Zigi, on a student budget. Whether you're looking for ambiguous velcro sneaks to wear as stage crew in the school play or platform flip flops to lose in Panama City, Rack Room has you covered below the ankle.
Watch out freshman: Those dreaded 15 pounds are gaining on you. Stay a step ahead in a custom fitted pair of running sneakers from The Extra Mile. Whether you're sprinting around campus or hiking the Ravanel Bridge, a great pair of kicks is essential. Keep the rubbing and chaffing where it belongs — on the common room couch. Sneakers from Extra Mile will keep your feet protected and supported well into your fifth year of college.
If you retain one lesson from your higher education, let it be this: You can never have too many shoes. So let's get 'em, betch!
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18
četvrtak
kolovoz
2011
Vick taken first in NFL.com Experts league draft
NFL.com held it’s annual experts league draft on Tuesday, and honestly, some of the results were a bit of a shock. From Michael Vick coming off the board with the first overall selection to Dez Bryant going in Round 2, there were more than a few stunners. The standard scoring league consists of Dave Dameshek, Elliot Harrison, Michael Fabiano, Adam Rank and Andrew Siciliano of NFL Fantasy LIVE, NFL.com senior analyst Gil Brandt, NFL.com senior editor Craig Ellenport, actor/writer Nick Bakay, NFL Network’s Jamie Dukes, NFL.com Fantasy Preview Guide contributors Jim Buckley, Jim Gigliotti and Matt Marini. Each team must start one quarterback, two running backs, three wide receivers, one flex (RB/WR/TE), one tight end, one kicker and one defense.
You can find the full results here, but here’s a look at my round-by-round picks with analysis:
Round 1 (No. 3) — Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings: I was shocked to see Vick and Aaron Rodgers come off the board with the first two picks, so Peterson was still on the board and an absolute no brainer. He’s the most reliable running back in fantasy football, and to me, he’s an absolute steal with the third overall selection.
Round 2 (No. 22) — Hakeem Nicks, WR, Giants: I almost always take a top-notch wideout in Round 2, and Nicks was the best one on the board. The third-year player out of North Carolina showed flashes of brilliance last season, and I think he’ll put up huge numbers in 2011 — assuming, of course, he can avoid the trainer’s room.
Round 3 (No. 27) — Greg Jennings, WR, Packers: I mistakenly thought Larry Fitzgerald was drafted ahead of me, so I grabbed Jennings thinking he was the best receiver on the board — that’s what happens when you draft while you’re working! Hopefully that doesn’t burn me too much, but Jennings should be solid.
Round 4 (No. 46) — Knowshon Moreno, RB, Broncos: I think Moreno could have his best season as a pro under coach John Fox, who loves to run the football early and often. While he does come with some risk due to durability issues, I feel pretty good about landing Moreno here — especially because of his big upside.
Round 6 (No. 51) — Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Steelers: If you have read my draft strategies column, you know that I always wait on quarterbacks. And many times, I end up with Roethlisberger. The Steelers signal-caller should post great totals in an offense that can throw the football — despite the run-first historical reputation.
Round 6 (No. 70) — Joseph Addai, RB, Colts: I was really hoping that Vernon Davis fell to me at this spot, but he went at No. 65 overall so I altered my strategy and grabbed Addai. Yes, there is some cause for concern about his lack of durability. But the fact that he’ll be my flex starter makes him well worth the risk in this spot.
Round 7 (No. 75) — Jeremy Maclin, Eagles: There’s a point in all drafts when you have to take a gamble. That’s what I did with Maclin, who’s status for the start of the season is a question mark due to a mysterious illness. If he comes back without issues, Maclin will be an absolute steal. This is clearly a risk-reward selection.
Round 8 (No. 94) — Reggie Bush, RB, Dolphins: Once again, I was looking to add a tight end. And once again, the tight end I wanted (Owen Daniels) was drafted just a few spots ahead of me. Instead, I drafted Bush to be my No. 4 running back. I’m not expecting much, but he’s a decent option off the bench in a worst-case scenario.
Round 9 (No. 99) — Steve Smith, WR, Panthers: I needed some insurance in case Maclin isn’t ready to roll in Week 1, so I took Smith as my fourth wideout. I don’t see how he can’t improve on his awful 2010 totals, but I’m certainly not expecting Smith to return to his once elite level, either. He was worth a roll of the dice here.
Round 10 (No. 118) — Michael Crabtree, WR, 49ers: Remember when I said there’s a point in all fantasy drafts where you need to take a gamble? Well, that’s what drove this pick. Crabtree’s injured foot continues to be an issue for the Niners and owners, but his upside is big and at this point I felt like he was worth the risk.
Round 11 (No. 123) — Willis McGahee, RB, Broncos: I added McGahee as a pure handcuff for Moreno. No more, no less. In fact, I might end up dropping him for a hot free agent as long as Moreno is healthy.
Round 12 (No. 142) — Rob Gronkowski, TE, Patriots: I sat on this position because all the more attractive tight ends were gone. I’m not thrilled with him, but Gronkowski was the top option.
Round 13 (No. 147) — Donovan McNabb, QB, Vikings: I’m set at quarterback with Roethlisberger, but I needed to grab a backup for bye week or injury. McNabb was the best signal-caller on the board.
Round 14 (No. 166) — Dustin Keller, TE, Jets: I was hoping Zach Miller would fall to me, but again, I was left with a secondary option. Keller will serve as my No. 2 option behind Gronkowski.
Round 15 (No. 171) — Chargers defense: Simply put, the Chargers were the best defensive unit left on the board. Unless this team goes off, I’ll likely play the matchups at defense on a weekly basis.
Round 16 (No. 190) — Nate Kaeding, K, Chargers: Kaeding was the best kicker on the board at this point, so I grabbed him. If you take a kicker before the last round, well, you’re wasting a pick!
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17
srijeda
kolovoz
2011
The Popular Color of UGG Boots
Since UGG snow boots be popular nowadays, a lot of friends have asked what color of UGG snow boots is good-looking. What color is more popular?
Today I will gave you some advice about it, actually it’s hard to say whether a color is beautiful or not. As the people’s color of skin, shape, the clad collocation is different, so it cannot treat as the same. Today I can give you a help is just give you a number, and tell you what a UGG color is popular among people. These data are all from the statistical data of authority, but is just for reference. Popular UGG boot has UGG chestnut, UGG black, UGG sand color, UGG chocolate color…
Originally chestnut and sand color UGG boots in big brands is neck-and-neck sales, but for TV actress wearing sand color image is too deep in our heart, so the popularity of online or slightly tall color boots is sand color. But chestnut color also has its advantage aspects. You know, Chestnut color is not easily dirty as sand color and will be flavor collocation after inside hair down.
Here comes the importance, pink is often the first choosing of lovely girl who buy the snow boots because pink color can dress up people beautiful and sweet. In this year, I also introduced some amaranth UGG, this color is very rare series and can grab an eye. I strongly recommend that the goods are not so many in overseas residents. So come and choose one quickly.Actually, the black and chocolate color both sales equal. In fact, the entire brunet department sells well.
Girls, after understanding these UGG color’s popularity, which UGG color do you like? No matter you are like brunet department or light color fastens, you will find your UGG color in here!
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12
petak
kolovoz
2011
Court releases Warren Jeffs audio sex tapes
Court officials have released the chilling audiotapes that prosecutors say depict convicted child rapist Warren Jeffs training the girls he claimed were his "spiritual wives" to have sex with him.UGG Australia Outlet
The audiotapes, that were key pieces of evidence in Jeffs' trial, brought some jurors to tears during Jeffs' trial.
Last week, a Texas jury sentenced Jeffs to life in prison for aggravated sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl and 20 years in prison for the sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl.
Jeffs, 55, had perverted his position as the head of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to "satisfy his own personal appetites and desires," prosecutor Eric Nichols said.
Jeffs talks about those desires on audiotapes that authorities seized from his car and the church's Yearning For Zion Ranch compound in Eldorado, Texas.
The tapes, that were obtained by many media outlets including the Salt Lake Tribune and CNN affiliate KSTU on Thursday, contain what prosecutors say is evidence of Jeffs instructing underage girls to have sex with him.UGG Australia
At one point, Jeffs is heard saying God instructs "for quorums of wives to be with me, to assist me. To be a comfort. Yes, even physically."
Several times, Jeffs refers to having sexual relations with him as "heavenly sessions," and he instructed the young ladies that they also "must assist each other" during these sessions.
"You have to know how to be excited sexually," Jeffs said. "The Lord has intended that my ladies, all of my ladies be trained."
During Jeffs' trial, an FBI agent read from a journal that Jeffs kept in which prosecutors say prove he knew his behavior would be frowned upon.
Jeffs allegedly wrote: "Things are happening so quickly. There is an even younger girl that the Lord wants me to take. She is 13. For some reason, the Lord is sending me these girls that can be worked with."UGG Australia Boots
Jeffs also wrote: "If the world knew what I was doing, they would hang me from the highest tree," according to evidence presented in court.
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26
utorak
travanj
2011
t. Ignatius' Lee could get the call in the NFL draft
Don't be surprised if the roller-coaster athletic career of St. Ignatius graduate and record-setting City College of San Francisco quarterback Zac Lee takes another twist later this week.
The 2010 Nebraska backup just might get drafted.
College reserves rarely are picked in the NFL draft, but the athletic 6-foot-2, 215-pounder showed extremely well at Nebraska's pro day in front of scouts from all 32 NFL teams last month.
Lee was 28-for-30 throwing, ran the 40 in 4.59 and recorded a 36-inch vertical jump. The last two marks would have ranked third best among quarterbacks had he been invited to the NFL combine.
That might have happened if he hadn't torn the flexor tendon in his right elbow during his junior season, when he started all but one game. Lee led Nebraska to its first 10-win season since 2003 and a 33-0 win over Arizona in the 2009 Holiday Bowl, when he accounted for 248 yards and two scores.
Lee had surgery five days later and lost his starting spot to freshman Taylor Martinez. By all accounts, Lee's arm is healthy now as he showed in a workout with the 49ers on Wednesday.
A two-time first-team All-Academic Big 12 performer, Lee is working on his MBA in Lincoln and taking a rather Zen-like approach to the week's proceedings. If he doesn't get picked, he'll probably get tryouts.
"I've done everything I could possibly do," said Lee, who turns 24 today. "I've learned over the years that you can't worry about what you can't control. I'll take a wait-and-see approach."
Lee, who will be inducted into the San Francisco Prep Hall of Fame on May 21, didn't receive a Division I scholarship offer out of St. Ignatius.
He grayshirted at CCSF before recording the best season in the school's history - 248-for-384 passing for 3,723 yards and 34 touchdowns - leading the Rams to the state title game. In the first half of that game, he threw for 348 yards and four TDs, before tearing his ACL in the third quarter.
That set him behind when he arrived at Nebraska, but by his junior season, he had earned the starting job.
CCSF offensive coordinator Dan Hayes, who has groomed 16 Division I quarterbacks the past 19 years, said Lee is as good as he has coached. Hayes believes Lee was in the wrong system at Nebraska.
"Between his athletic ability, leadership and ability to read defenses, there's no question he can play at the next level," Hayes said. "He just needs a chance."
Lee's teammate at Nebraska, running back Roy Helu (San Ramon Valley-Danville) is another local who could be drafted. He has been projected in the fifth round. The top Bay Area prospect is Deer Valley-Antioch running back Taiwan Jones (Eastern Washington), whose stock is rising. He might go as high as the second round.
Other possible local draftees: quarterback Jeremiah Masoli (Mississippi State, Oregon, CCSF, Serra), receiver Ryan Whalen (Stanford, Monte Vista-Danville) and quarterback Kyle Havens (Massachusetts, Ygnacio Valley-Concord).
Zac Lee and Bob Lee - an NFL quarterback and 1963 Lowell graduate - are the first father-son combination to be honored by the San Francisco Prep Hall of Fame.
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23
subota
travanj
2011
NFL draft spotlight may shine brightly here
On Thursday evening at Radio City Music Hall in New York, 32 players will be selected in the first round of the NFL draft. There could be as many as five with ties to the St. Louis area, making it a banner — and perhaps unprecedented — draft year for the region.
Two of the five played high school football here: Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert (Parkway West) and Iowa defensive end Adrian Clayborn (Webster Groves).
Gabbert, a 6-foot-4, 234-pounder, left Mizzou after his junior season. He should be a top-10 pick; in fact, some mock drafts have had him going No. 1 overall to the Carolina Panthers, although Auburn quarterback Cam Newton's is emerging as the late favorite for that spot.
Still, Gabbert could wind up with Arizona (No. 5), Tennessee (No. 8) or Washington (No. 10).
Defensive end Justin Smith (Cincinnati, 2001) and tackle Russ Washington (San Diego, 1968) each went No. 4 overall in the draft, the highest picks in Mizzou annals.
Speedy MU defensive end Aldon Smith also figures to be a first-round lock, perhaps a top-10 pick. He and Gabbert would become Missouri's fourth and fifth first-round draftees in the last three years, joining linebacker Sean Weatherspoon (Atlanta, 2010), wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (Philadephia, 2009) and defensive tackle Ziggy Hood (Pittsburgh, 2009).
Clayborn's stock has dipped a bit, as some teams apparently are concerned about his shoulder, weakened by Erb's palsy, a congenital ailment.
Still, his pass-rushing prowess could well land him a spot in the first round.
Illinois defensive tackle Corey Liuget is projected to go in the top half of the first round; the Rams are known to have strong interest. And Illini running back Mikel Leshoure, who has been inching up the charts, also could be one of the first 32 selected.
Other former St. Louis high school standouts who could get a shot at earning NFL contracts are Wisconsin cornerback Niles Brinkley (Beaumont), Northwestern linebacker Quentin Davie (Cardinal Ritter), Mizzou cornerback Carl Gettis (Fort Zumwalt West), Murray State wide receiver Marcus Harris (Kirkwood), Nebraska tight end Mike McNeill (Kirkwood), Arkansas-Pine Bluff wide receiver Raymond Webber (Miller Career Academy) and Nebraska guard Keith Williams (McCluer North).
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03
četvrtak
ožujak
2011
Girls basketball all-area team 2010-11
The Chicago area produces some of the country’s top girls basketball talent, and this season was no different.
The 2010-2011 ESPNChicago.com all-area high school girls basketball team is full of national stars again.
Whitney Adams, Montini, Senior, Forward
Few can match Adams’ outside game. She knocked down 61 3-pointers for the state-bound Broncos. She also averaged 10.8 points and 5.3 rebounds. She had 22 points and 10 rebounds against Bolingbrook. She is the 35th-ranked forward in the country by ESPN and is signed with North Carolina.
“I’m very proud of Ms. Adams and the growth she has made in four years,” Montini coach Jason Nichols said. “She’s a quality kid and a quality player.”
Crawford led Proviso East to its best season ever. Behind her 18.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.6 steals and 1.1 blocks, the Pirates won their first sectional title in the program’s history. She was also named the team’s MVP for the third consecutive season. She is ESPN’s 34th-ranked guard and will play at Illinois next season.
“Ivory has had an outstanding career as a three-year starter,” Proviso East coach Ezra PridGeon said. “She’s a combo guard, who is very unselfish, athletic, has great ball-handling skills and a player who knows how to score.”
Octavia Crump, Zion-Benton, Junior, Forward
Crump was a near double-double machine all season for the Zee-Bees. She averaged 12.1 points and 8.7 rebounds while helping Zion-Benton downstate for the first time. She had some of her biggest games during the playoffs, including a 14-point, 14-rebound performance in the super-sectionals. She’s uncommitted.
“She is a special player with her athletic quickness and speed,” Zion-Benton coach Tanya Johnson said. “She has been our leading rebounder all season - a monster on the boards. Octavia presents a match-up nightmare for most opposing coaches. I'm just glad she's on our team.”
Melissa Dixon, Johnsburg, Senior, Guard
Dixon finished as the all-time leading scorer in McHenry County with 2,146 points. She also set school career records with 273 steals and 276 3-pointers. She averaged 23.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.7 steals this season for the Skyhawks, which won a regional title. She is ESPN’s 79th ranked guard and is an Iowa recruit.
“She made a commitment to be the best she could be, and her work ethic and dedication to the sport was unlike any others,” Johnsburg coach Mike Toussaint said. “A true competitor in every way, she had a great career and was a pleasure to coach. Iowa is getting a winner. But even more important is that she is a classy young lady. We're going to miss her.”
Katie Faught, Loyola, Senior, Guard
Amidst plenty of competition, Faught was named the GCAC player of the year. She averaged 12.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and two steals for the Ramblers. She also shot 40 percent from 3-point range. She is ESPN’s 90th-ranked guard and will play next season at Loyola.
“She earned many individual honors throughout her career, but I believe her biggest accomplishment was winning 68 games during that three-year span,” Loyola coach Jeremy Schoenecker. “Katie has a tremendous work ethic which was infectious to many student-athletes in our program.”
Jacki Gulczynski, Bartlett, Senior, Forward
Gulczynski was the leader for one of the best teams in the state. She averaged 14 points, seven rebounds and one block this season for Bartlett, which went 28-2. She was named the Upstate 8 player of the year for the second consecutive season. She also made the ESPNChicago.com all-area team last season. She is ESPN’s 34th-ranked guard and will play at Wisconsin next season.
“Jacki is dedicated, hard working, intelligent, loyal and a very talented basketball player,” Bartlett coach Denise Sarna said. “Jacki really understands the game. She takes her knowledge and uses it to make herself and her team better. She has grown into a leader who demands a lot of herself, her team and teammates.”
Shannise Heady, Hillcrest, Junior, Forward
Heady keyed Hillcrest’s second consecutive run downstate. She averaged 15 points, six rebounds, six assists and four steals this season. She was the first back-to-back Hillcrest holiday tournament MVP since 1998. She was also named the conference player of the year. She is uncommitted.
“Shannise is a difference-maker on both ends of the floor and is one of the most dynamic performers we have ever been fortunate to have at Hillcrest,” Hillcrest coach John Maniatis said.
Whitney Holloway, Montini, Senior, Guard
Holloway is one of the top point guards in the country. She averaged 14.1 points and 4.6 assists this season while leading Montini downstate for the second consecutive season. She scored a season-high 28 points against Marian Catholic. She was an all-area selection last year as well. She is ESPN’s 25th-ranked guard and is a Notre Dame recruit.
“She’s brilliant on the floor and off the floor,” Montini coach Jason Nichols said. “She made me a better coach.”
Claire Jakubicek, Cary-Grove, Senior, Forward
Jakubicek was one the area’s most potent scorers this season. She averaged 19.5 points to go along with 3.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 3.7 steals and one block. She owns the school’s career scoring record. She will play at Northern Illinois next season.
“She is a game-changer who is the most consistent player I have ever seen,” Cary-Grove coach Rod Saffert said. “I cannot recall her ever missing a game. Her attendance to practices and games is unmatched. We were never out of a game with her on the court. She is certainly one of the best, if not the best, player to come through this program.”
Chanise Jenkins, Whitney Young, Senior, Guard
Jenkins is one of the top guards in the country. She averaged 16.5 points, three assists, four rebounds and three steals while helping Whitney Young to another trip downstate. She is ranked 64th overall in the Class of 2011 by ESPN and will play at DePaul next season.
“Chanise missed the majority of her junior season due to a knee injury, but with hard work over the offseason she is back leading our team and playing in one of the best backcourts in the country,” Whitney Young coach Corry Irvin said.
Along with Chanise Jenkins, Johnson formed one of the nation’s top backcourts. Johnson averaged 15 points and five assists for the 27-2 Dolphins this season. She also made ESPNChicago’s all-area team last season. She is the 55th ranked overall player in the Class of 2011 by ESPN and will play at Michigan State next season.
“Kiana has run the show for the team all season long,” Whitney Young coach Corry Irvin said. “She is able to change her game to what we need her to do, whether it's scoring, passing or getting a defensive stop.”
Abby Kirchoff, Barrington Senior, Guard
Kirchoff keyed Barrington’s surprise run to the Mundelein sectional championship. Kirchoff was clutch in Barrington’s sectional semifinal win over Fremd, hitting 9 of 10 free throws in the final two minutes. She also had 24 points and four steals in the Fillies’ regional championship win. She had back-to-back games of 31 and 35 points in January. She was named the Mid-Suburban League West player of the year.
Simone Law, Marian Catholic, Senior, Forward
A two-time all-area selection, Law was one of the premier post players in the state. She averaged 17.8 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.4 blocks while helping the Spartans to another sectional title. She has led Marian Catholic in scoring and rebounding for the past three seasons. She will play at Loyola in Chicago.
“In my opinion, she is one of the best post players in the state,” Marian Catholic coach Annie Basic said. “She has unbelievable touch around the basket and is so aggressive on the boards. Her best basketball days are still ahead of her. Simone will be hard to replace.”
Rebekah Llorens, Grayslake Central, Senior, Center
Llorens was a major reason why Grayslake Central went 28-4 and won a sectional championship this season. She averaged 14.5 points and 8.9 rebounds. She shot 59 percent from the field. She had 37 points and 19 rebounds against Johnsburg in a sectional championship win. She is uncommitted.
"Bekah was a dominant presence for us,” Grayslake Central coach Steve Ikenn said. “Whether it was scoring, rebounding, taking a charge or just being a hard-working leader, she was always giving it her all. Bekah is a great player and a pleasure to coach."
Jewell Loyd, Niles West, Junior, Guard
Loyd is one of the most dangerous offensive players in the country. She scored 28.8 points a game this season. She also averaged 15.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 4.5 steals and 3.1 blocks for the Wolves. She had 24 double-doubles and one triple-double this season. She had a season-high of 46 points and scored 40-plus points five times. She was an all-area selection as a sophomore, too. She is ranked No. 6 overall in the Class of 2012 by ESPN and is being recruited by nearly every top program in the country.
“Jewell is the best player in the great state of Illinois,” Niles West coach Tony Konsewicz. “The most impressive stat amongst her many jaw-dropping numbers is Jewell's points per game average. Night in night out, teams know that they have to stop Jewell Loyd. She is double-, and, at times, tripled-teamed on the offensive side of the floor and yet she averaged an amazing 28.8 points per game and 4.1 assists per game. She is truly very special and the best player in the state.”
Ariel Massengale, Bolingbrook, Senior, Guard
Massengale is the ESPNChicago.com 2010-2011 Player of the Year. As one of nation’s top point guards, she averaged 14.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 6.3 assists for the top-ranked Raiders. She will be the state’s lone representative in the McDonald’s All-American girls game. Bolingbrook has gone 103-11 and won two state championships and will be shooting for a third this weekend in Massengale’s four seasons on varsity. She was an all-area selection last season. She is the 4th ranked player in the Class of 2011 by ESPN and will play next season at Tennessee.
“Ariel was a true leader for us, “ Bolingbrook coach Tony Smith said. “She took ownership of this team. It was great to see her grow as a leader.”
To go along with the inside threat of Simone Law, Matthews provided Marian Catholic with a dynamic outside threat. Matthews connected on 57 3-pointers this season and will be competing in the 3-point competition downstate this weekend. She also averaged 13.9 points. She will play at Bowling Green next season.
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“Jasmine is one is the hardest workers I have coached in the Marian Catholic program,” Marian Catholic coach Annie Basic said. “She has been our floor captain her last two years. She has worked very hard to get herself to where she is right now and it shows.”
Megan Podkowa, Trinity, Junior, Forward
An all-area selection as a sophomore, Podkowa continued to take her game to another level this season. She led the Blazers in nearly every statistical category while helping them a school-record 28 wins. She averaged 18 points, 10 rebounds, three steals and three blocks. She had 38 points and 15 rebounds against Marist. She is being recruited by a number of Big Ten and Big East schools.
“There are great players in the Chicago area, but I humbly feel Megan is the most complete team player out there,” Trinity coach Eddie Stritzel said. “Megan will only get better as she is only a junior. The nucleus of our team is back next year, and we should be able to contend for state run once again.”
Megan Rogowski, Hersey, Senior, Guard
Rogowski will go down as one of the state’s most prolific scorers. She scored 2,365 points in her career, ranking in the state’s top 50 all-time leaders. A two-time all-area selection, she averaged 23.6 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.7 steals this season. She also made 89 3-pointers. She is the 67th-ranked guard by ESPN and will play for DePaul next season.
“With 13 school records, Megan has set a new standard in excellence,” Hersey coach Mary Fendley said. “Her work ethic, commitment, and tremendous abilities will hopefully inspire future Huskies for years to come.”
JeTaun Rouse, Marist, Sophomore, Guard
Rouse is the lone sophomore on the all-area team this season. She averaged 16 points for Marist, which was among the area’s top teams this season. She was an all-conference selection and is being recruited by some of the nation’s top programs.
“JeTaun is a very special player and had a great sophomore year for Marist High School,” Marist coach Mary Pat Connolly said. “She matured not only on the basketball floor, but as a very good teammate. JeTaun can score points, but she is just as thrilled throwing a great pass. I think what I liked most about JeTaun's game this year is she realized, very humbly, that she has the ability to change a game.”
Erika Tatum, Bishop McNamara, Senior, Forward
Tatum again was key to the Fighting Irish advancing downstate in Class 2A. She averaged 15.4 points and 4.8 rebounds this season. She had eight games of 20-plus points and scored 16 of her team’s 29 points in its third-place victory.
“Erika was a great scorer, scoring over 1,000 points in her career,” Bishop McNamara coach Jeff Bennett said. “She led Bishop McNamara her junior and senior years to a fourth-place and third-place finish in the 2A state tournament at Redbird Arena.”
Savannah Trees, Libertyville, Senior, Guard
Trees was the catalyst behind Libertyville’s undefeated regular season and 29-1 overall season. She averaged 13.8 points, 3.5 steals and 2.5 steals while running the point. She also shot 55% from 3-point range. She is uncommitted and is being recruited by schools at all levels.
“Savannah is one of the most talented, competitive and hardest working players that I have had the pleasure of coaching,” Libertyville coach Kathie Swanson said. “She did a great job of leading us as point guard and always stepped up in the biggest moments. We could always count on her to provide steadiness and intelligence on the court.”
Morgan Tuck, Bolingbrook, Junior, Forward
Tuck is one of the top juniors in the country. She averaged 20.7 points and 6.3 rebounds for the top-ranked Raiders this season. She was also named to the all-area team as a sophomore. She is ESPN’s No. 12 overall player in the Class of 2012 and is committed to Connecticut.
“Morgan Tuck has been a double-double every night,” Bolingbrook coach Tony Smith said. “She was a force inside all year long. Morgan is one of the best post players in the 2012 class.”
Sarah Williams, Fenwick, Senior, Guard
Despite graduating last year’s ESPNChicago Player of the Year Tricia Liston, Fenwick remained one of the area’s top teams thanks to Williams. She averaged 14.2 points, 5.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.5 steals this season for the Friars, which won a regional title. She will play next season at Lehigh.
“She not only absorbed some of the offensive load that graduated with Tricia, but she was also clutch in some big games this year,” Fenwick coach Dave Power said. “She just had a great year. She was one of the reasons Fenwick was a surprise this year. People thought we would be a little bit down. We made a great run.”
Kat Yelle, Geneva, Senior, Guard
A two-time all-area selection, Yelle averaged 17.5 points, three assists and 3.3 steals this season for the Vikings, who won a sectional championship. She was named the Upstate 8 River MVP. She started all four years and led Geneva to a 109-17 record. She is ESPN’s 98th ranked guard and will play at Ohio next season.
“She has continued to be our floor leader game after game,” Geneva coach Gina Nolan said. “Kat's tenacity on the court and her willingness to do whatever it takes for our team to be successful have been amazing to watch.”
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