Danielle Bird, Sr., Guard Lawrence High

The older of the two Bird sisters at LHS enjoyed the best season of her career in 2007-08. In addition to averaging 11.2 points and finishing second on the team in assists (80), Bird flashed her defense, as well. She often guarded bigger players in the post and held her own, recording 32 blocks and 5.4 rebounds a game.

Tania Jackson, Jr., Forward Lawrence High

Jackson may have been the most consistent – not to mention dangerous – weapon the Lions had this season. Her 9.8 points and 6.8 rebounds per game only told half the story. Jackson also tallied 26 blocks, 29 assists and 47 steals while leading the team in charges taken with seven.

Taylor Bird, Jr., Guard Lawrence High

The younger Bird sister’s numbers don’t do justice to what she meant to this team. After finishing second in the Sunflower League in scoring as a sophomore, Bird took a step back in the scoring department and became more of a complete player during her junior year. She averaged 9.3 points and 4.3 rebounds per game and threw in 78 assists and 49 steals on the season.

Shannon Carlin, Sr., Forward Tonganoxie High

Carlin was one of a handful of consistent threats for the Chieftains this season. She followed up her strong junior season with totals of 12.3 points , 6.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.6 steals per contest.

Liz Baska, Sr., Guard Tonganoxie High

While running the show for the Chieftains, Baska turned in one of the best individual seasons of her career. She finished with averages of 13.7 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, while adding 2.6 assists and 2.1 steals per game.

Nicole Rockhold, Jr., Guard Oskaloosa High

Rockhold was a do-it-all player for the Bears. While guiding the team to the Delaware Valley League title, she averaged 14 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals per game. Her offensive abilities landed her on the Jefferson County North all-tourney team early in the season, and her defensive abilities led her team to one of its most memorable seasons in years.

Hailey Kelly, Fr., Guard Oskaloosa High

While taking over at point guard during her first season in high school, Kelly averaged 10.1 points, 2.8 rebounds , 4.1 assists and 2.9 steals per game. In just her first season of high school ball, this 5-foot-3 sparkplug combined with Rockhold to score 522 of the team’s 970 points.

Kara McFarland, Sr., Forward Ottawa High

McFarland was far and away the Cyclones’ team leader in 2007-08. She averaged 12 points and eight rebounds per game while shooting 55 percent from the field and 85 percent from the free-throw line. In addition, she chipped in with 3.1 steals per game and 37 blocks on the season.

Missy Rome, Sr., Forward McLouth High

Rome was one of the area’s biggest dual threats during the 2007-08 season. Her 19 points-per-game average was tops in the area, and she added 8.7 rebounds a contest while controlling the boards. In addition, she chipped in three assists and three steals per contest, showing that she was much more than just a dominant inside presence.

Chantay Caron, So., Forward Free State

During her first season with the Firebirds, the 6-foot sophomore forward was spectacular at times. Her athleticism and raw ability often made her the most dangerous player on the court. Caron nearly averaged a double-double per game in points and rebounds, putting her among the best in both categories in the Sunflower League.

Honorable Mention

Cassie Potter, Haley Parker, Jasmyn Turner, Lawrence High; Ashli Hill, Ashleigh Allam, Free State; Emily Heston, Oskaloosa; Abby Annis, McLouth; Kristen Hendrickson, Ottawa; Emily Ballock, Nikki Snider, Haley Epperson, Eudora; Kristie Tiegreen, Veritas; Colby Heckathorne, Heather Garcia, Tracie Weege, Baldwin.