Girls basketball: March 2009 Archives

It can often be a little bittersweet for basketball coaches to see their players graduate and move on to new horizons. Naperville Central coach Andy Nussbaum is no different.

In talking to the Sun about Kelley Hendrick, the 2008-09 Girls Basketball Player of the Year, Nussbaum admitted he's having a hard time accepting that his four-year varsity star won't be suiting up for the Redhawks anymore.

"My daughter (Jess) is the same age as Kelley, so I've seen Kelley play since the seventh grade," Nussbaum said. "It's disappointing to me that she has to graduate. I know Kelley has to graduate -- and not only Kelley, but the whole class -- I know they have to move on. But that doesn't mean I have to be happy about it. In a selfish sense."

Hendrick leaves as the school's third all-time leading scorer with 1,369 points. She trails only Candace Parker and Erica Carter on the list. She also finishes as the career leader in 3-pointers with 153, which includes a season-record 71 as a senior.

Led by Naperville Central senior Kelley Hendrick, four local players were among those earning all-state honors from the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association.

Hendrick was named to the IBCA Second Team, while teammate Emma Ondik earned Special Mention honors. Joining Ondik on that list were Neuqua Valley senior twins Brittany and Morgan Williams.

The Associated Press all-state team was also recently released, but did not include any Naperville area players.

Waubonsie Valley placed two players and Neuqua Valley one on the All-Upstate Eight Conference girls basketball team.

Senior Rachel Bostick and freshman Keiera Ray earned the nod from Waubonsie, while Neuqua senior Morgan Williams was also honored.

Waubonsie Valley placed two players and Neuqua Valley one on the All-Upstate Eight Conference girls basketball team.

Senior Rachel Bostick and freshman Keiera Ray earned the nod from Waubonsie, while Neuqua senior Morgan Williams was also honored.