Imposing inside presence for two-time state champs. ... Averaged 11 points, 8.4 rebounds and five blocked shots. ... Had 21 points, 10 rebounds and five blocked shots in state title game. ... First-team All-Southwest Division pick. ... Third-team all-state pick as a sophomore.
Gorman coach Sheryl Krmpotich said: "She was just amazing this season. Defensively she alters shots, she makes it difficult for people to drive in and penetrate. And she's a rebounding machine."
Chelsea Hopkins, Mojave (5-7, Jr., G)
Extremely quick guard led the Rattlers in almost every statistical category. ... Averaged 27.3 points, 7.9 rebounds and 7.8 assists. ... First-team All-Northwest Division selection. ... Second-team all-state as a sophomore.
Mojave coach Rochuel Grayson said: "She brought quickness and a lot of energy. She was a leader on the court, a high scorer. She read the floor real well. She led the team in like everything."
Lindy La Rocque, Durango (5-8, Jr., G)
All-around performer for the Trailblazers, led team in scoring, rebounding and assists. ... Range extends well beyond the 3-point line. ... Averaged 21.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.9 assists. ... Southwest Division Most Valuable Player. ... Second-team all-state as a sophomore.
Durango coach John Bartleson said: "Her range -- I've never had anybody, boy or girl, have the range that she does from 3-point land. And to be able to do it running off screens running full speed is a pretty tough thing for a girl or a guy to do."
Italee Lucas, Centennial (5-9, Sr., G)
Terrific ballhandler with the ability to get her own shot at any time. ... Averaged 24.3 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists. ... Northwest Division MVP. ... Signed with North Carolina. ... Selected to play in the McDonald's All-American Game. ... Class 4A state Player of the Year as a junior.
Centennial coach Karen Weitz said: "Anyone who has seen her play and watched her play over the years that's got the sense of the game would say she's got something special."
Monique Oliver, Cheyenne (6-2, So., C)
Inside force averaged 26.7 points and 13 rebounds in leading the Desert Shields to the Sunset semifinals. ... Scored 38 in an upset win over Centennial. ... First-team All-Northwest Division pick. ... Third-team all-state as a freshman.
Cheyenne coach Marcus Conard said: "She carried us. She scored sometimes in the 30s and pulled down 20 rebounds. Without her, we probably wouldn't have been the type of team that was going to be very competitive. We just probably wouldn't have had that type of opportunity."
Taylor Sylvester, Bishop Manogue (6-0, Jr., C)
Northern Region co-Player of the Year, along with Reno's Angela Ceccarelli and Raimy Novacek. ... Three-year starter averaged 18 points and 10 rebounds this season.
Manogue coach Bill Ballinger said: "I've seen flashes of it, but I know she can continually get better. Hopefully (the postseason awards) will inspire her to be the player she can be."
COACH OF THE YEAR
Sheryl Krmpotich, Bishop Gorman
Guided the Gaels to their second consecutive state championship. Gorman finished 31-2 and lost just one game to a Nevada school.
SECOND TEAM
Player, School
Pos
Ht
Yr
Stats/Highlights
Ashley Armstrong, Bishop Manogue
F
5-10
So.
15 ppg, 10.4 rpg
Johnna Brown, Centennial
G/F
6-0
So.
15.3 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 3.6 apg
Angela Ceccarelli, Reno
G
5-7
Sr.
9 ppg, 4.3 apg, 2.8 spg; North co-Player of the Year
Darriel Gaynor, Bishop Gorman
G
5-6
Jr.
15 ppg, 6.2 apg, 5 spg
Raimy Novacek, Reno
G/F
5-8
Jr.
8.6 ppg, 5 rpg, 4 apg; North co-Player of the Year
