Class of 2013 accolades

Brittney Cato: 5’6” PG–Latin High School–Chicago, IL
Brittney was rated one of the top 50 players in the state of IL by the Chicago Sun Times a year ago. She netted 1st team All-Conference as well as IBCA 4th team All-State honors her senior season and has the potential to be a big part of the future of this Loras team with her leadership and playing abilities. A regional qualifier in the states 3-pt. contest, she has a fluid jumper and possesses the quickness and body control to score off the bounce as well.

Ania Dylewicz: 5’9” SF–Glenbrook North High School–Northbrook, IL
Ania brings an incredible spirit to the program. Her teammates like her, she works extremely hard, and is physically ready for the college game. She will play the 3 in our style and because of her “want” will benefit from every coach on staff. Ania moves very well without the ball and can do some things others cant because of her length. She rebounds well, will not back down from a little banging, and brings a unique mix of hustle and athleticism to the program. Ania is majoring in physical education

Haylea Halverson: 5’10” SG–La Crosse Aquinas High School–La Crosse, WI
Haylea, by order of list here, is the first in our talented Wisconsin recruiting class. A versatile scorer, she topped the 1,000 point mark in her storied high school career that tallied 1st team All-Conference, All-City, and All-State selections. Haylea has a great basketball mind, moves very well without the ball, and can score from anywhere. Her skill set will allow her to play a variety of positions. She has a very quick release, will consistently shoot high percentages, and has the potential to impact our program for years to come.

Shannon Hennelly: 5’7” SG–Prairie Ridge High School–Crystal Lake, IL
When I think of Shannon’s game, I keep referencing the fact that I do not want to play “HORSE” with her 🙂 A dead eye shooter with very extended range, Shannon garnered All-Area and All-Conference accolades throughout her high school campaign and also make three trips to the IL Queen of the Hill finals. A three-time team MVP for the Wolves, Shannon adds that zone buster mentality and carries with her great commitment and love for the game of basketball! She is also one of the Loras Class of 2013 brightest students and is enrolled in our honor’s program and will double major in Secondary Education and Chemistry.

Melissa Herrmann: 6’3” C–Hinckley-Big Rock High School–Hinckley, IL
Melissa comes to us fresh off a IL State Championship and would leave a pretty nice impression at Loras if, during her four years, we win as many games as she did while in high school. A All-State, All-Conference, and All-Area selection a season ago, she will bring size to our 5 spot and is very polished in the paint. She can use both hands very well and has the understanding of the game to see and use opportunities on the block. In addition, the 1,000 point scorer has a very soft and consistent jumper than can extend well beyond the paint. She is not only 6’3″ but has a very long reach and should be a presence on the defensive end as well. Melissa plans to double major in Secondary Education and Biology.

Sarah Kellermeyer: 5’11” PF–Schaumburg High School–Schaumburg, IL
Sarah comes to Loras after a very strong senior campaign for the Saxons and has both big game experience and the mental understanding of the game. She will contribute on the glass for us and is a competent scorer down low. Sarah uses her body extremely well which allows her to play against bigger competition. The Elementary Education major was selected to All-State, All-Conference, and All-Area teams as a senior. As she grows with the pace and physicality of the college game, Sarah will fit in well and be an impact player for the Duhawks in her career at Loras.

Brittany Kent: 5’10” PF–Pecatonica High School–Blanchardville, WI
A season ago, the program benefited from a player that kind of went under the recruiting radar and I think Brit is the player from this class that did the same. A 1st team All-Conference member and 1st team All-Area recipient, she can hurt opposing teams a variety of ways. She is a very polished post player already and can take her game outside without problem as well. She can beat you one on one, sees the floor well, and understands the game at a very advanced level. Brit is very dedicated at always improving her level of play and a teammate every program needs. The WBCA All-Star and 1,000 point scorer for the Vikings has the qualities to be a good leader and, as she gets more comfortable with styles and pace, will be valuable to the Duhawk philosophy. Brit will be majoring in Athletic Training.

Rachel Kerchefske: 5’8” SG–Manitowoc Lutheran High School–Manitowoc, WI
Rachel joins the class of 2013 as one of its purest offensive players. She has the ability to take over a game with her jump shot and despite being the focal point of every defense she played against at MLHS and playing through her senior season on a broken foot, she still managed 1st team All-Conference and 1st team All-County honors while surpassing the 1,000 point mark. The Rehab Plus female athlete of the year nominee last year, Rach will be an excellent college athlete. A Sports Management major, she has a drive that will set her apart and the “yes coach” mentality I love. I look forward to coaching her and developing her game to very high levels!

Ashley Larson: 5’3” PG–Knoxville High School–Knoxville, IL
Ashley is a spark plug point guard that through her competitiveness and desire really plays more like she’s 5’9″ 🙂 She has one of the biggest hearts I have come across and will be a great addition to the roster. After breaking every assist record Knoxville has known and netting All-Conference and All-District honors, Ash will be a playmaker any time she is on the floor. She will undergo back surgery in a little over a week and, pending recovery, is planning to join us some time during second semester this year. In the meantime, while dabbling in Business Management, she will serve as a manager for our team that will allow her the chance to understand the game even more. With how well she played injured the past couple years, I can not wait to see what she can do at full strength!

Kelly McKay: 5’8” SG–Resurrection High School–Chicago, IL
Another All-Conference selection, I am very pleased at Kelly’s progress, even after 3 days! She is a coaches dream and will run through walls for her teammates. She packages a great academic and athletic punch and is a player will help us in the future. Kelly comes from a tradition-filled program and I strongly believe her best years are ahead of her. She is a very pure outside shooter, a capable defender, and each day packs a few “wow” moments into practice! In four years, it will be very fun looking back on her snapshots when she was a freshman because I think she will continue to improve and impress.

Niki Rivera: 5’6” SG–Sterling High School–Sterling, IL
Niki is one of the best athletes in our freshman class and will also impact our softball program. She is extremely quick and has already established herself as one of the teams best on ball defenders…picking up where she left off–as Sterling’s record holder for most steals in a game. A unanimous 1st team All-Conference pick, All-Area selection, Niki has a motor that never stops. Her jumper is a thing of beauty, you’ll have to see it in person to really appreciate it (and how long it stays in the air :). Majoring in Elementary Education and Psychology, Niki currently holds the Sterling record for most 3’s made in a career, and will be an asset to our team from the opening tip.

Kelly Rogowski: 5’7” PG–Hersey High School–Arlington Heights, IL
Kelly was hampered much of her senior season recovering from a torn ACL but has worked back into basketball playing shape and done so successfully. Despite the injury she was still recognized on the All-State, All-Area, and All-Conference lists. She surpassed 1,000 points and did so at the PG position for Hersey. She is a quiet scorer only because of her passing ability, don’t be deceived though, Kelly can fill it up in a hurry. She has a quick first step and uses her body well around the rim. The Secondary Education major has the potential to be a mainstay at the PG spot for us in the future.

Lindsey LaBadie: 5’8″ SF–Burlington High School–Burlington, WI
Lindsey transferred in this year as a sophomore and, after season ending shoulder surgery a year ago, has been itching to get after it again. She will bring a lot to the table during her three years here. As a senior for the Lady Demons, she earned 1st team All-Conference, 1st team All-County, and 1st team All-Area awards. An Athletic Training major, Lindsey is a talented player on both ends. She can score going to the basket and isn’t afraid of contact with or without the ball. More of a slashing guard, Lindsey is a great addition to our style of play.

Jenna Wehling: 5’9″ PF–Beecher High School–Beecher, IL
Jenna is a woman full of heart! I don’t know if I’ve been around a player that has a stronger “never give up” mentality. Because she is an undersized post, that attitude makes her the player she is. Jenna will never back down from a battle on the block and will not be outworked. She netted 1st team All-Area and 1st team All-Conference honors a season ago and is majoring in Biology at Loras. Jenna is an absolute pleasure to have on this team and this campus.

Katie Wheeler: 5’9” SF–Loyola High School–Wilmette, IL
Katie is the personality of this freshman class. She helped lead a very good Rambler team a year ago but was slowed by a mid-season injury. Back to near full strength, Katie will be a player to really watch as she transitions into the college game. She has so many tools and her versatility in being a “point-forward” will aid her tremendously. Katie netted All-conference honors and was named 2 time team MVP in one of the strongest girls basketball conferences in IL and is a great addition to the Loras campus and our program. Katie is majoring in Sports Management at Loras.

Jess Withey: 5’10” SG–Park Falls High School–Park Falls, WI
Last, but certainly not least, Jess is, in a few words, the “Loras prototype.” She brings amazing character to Loras and our program and will be an absolute pleasure to coach because of her personality and passion. Jess is a deadly outside shooter and throughout high school demonstrated just that, leading her conference in 3’s made and shooting percentage her junior and senior seasons. The aspiring doctor does it pretty well in the classroom too 🙂

-Coach J 🙂