The polls are now closed for the February Athlete of the Month challenge.
Congratulations to Michaela Schmidt on being named our North Shore of the Month! Michaela will receive a commemorative plaque presented by Country Financial and be featured in this week’s edition of Pioneer Press. Thank you to all of our challengers and voters!
This program is governed by these rules. Voting results are considered preliminary and are not final until winners are announced at the end of the voting period.
Looking for your school? Find the correct zone.
More: Official rules | Athlete of the Month: FAQ | Questions? Concerns?
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Name: Michaela Schmidt
Year in school: Junior
School: Highland
Sport: Basketball
Position: Center
Season stats: 19.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.3 steals
Best game: Had 38 points, 15 rebounds and seven steals Jan. 3 as Highland beat Hammond 61-36.
Quote: “She’s always been very coachable and her skill level has always been there,” Highland coach Tracie Mezera-Juarez said. “It was just a matter of speeding things up and kicking them up to the next level.”
Name: Lauryn Kallay
Year in school: Senior
School: Chesterton
Sport: Swimming
Best result: West Virginia recruit won the 100-yard freestyle (52.5) and 200 free (1:51.74) and was part of the winning 200 free (1:39.66) and 400 free (3:34.98) relays Jan. 13 as Chesterton took its 19th straight Duneland Athletic Conference title.
Quote: “My teammates have been pushing me all season long,” Kallay said. “It’s insane to see how kids step up every year, even in years where we’re not expected to do much. It’s very exciting.”
Name: Brandon Newman
Year in school: Junior
School: Valparaiso
Sport: Basketball
Position: Guard
Season stats: 25.2 points, 10.2 rebounds
Best game: Division I prospect had 39 points and 15 rebounds Jan. 6 as Valparaiso beat Penn 76-61.
Quote: “I don’t know that I’ve seen a player improve as much as he has from last year to this year,” Lake Central coach Dave Milausnic said. “I hope he makes the Indiana All-Star team. He looks like an all-star to me.”
