June
17, 2003
March 21,
 |
| Eastside's Essence Carson is the best girls basketball players and one of the best in the country. |
Female
Athlete Of The Season:
Essence Carson, Eastside Basketball
Essence Carson has been one of the most sought-after basketball going back to junior high.
Although
she was a "can't miss"
Division 1 prospect who was talent was obvious the first time she stepped
on a high school basketball court, she really came of age during the 2002-03
season, her junior year.
Carson, a 5'11" swing player, would have dominated on both ends of the floor, and also set the example for her teammates. She dove for loose balls, set solid screens, drew the defense and foundnd an open teammate for a lay-up or a short jumper.
Besides the leadership she provided on and off the floor, Carson also led Paterson Eastside to both the Passaic County championship and the North 1 Group 4 crown.
Point totals of 35-40 in any game is certainly within her abilities, but the junior standout has embraced the concept of teamwork with open arms and she has single-handedly brought back the Eastside program. She has not only turned heads throughout New Jersey, but she has caught the attention of the best college coaches in the country.
Two-time defending national champion UCONN has shown lots of interest and national powerhouses Rutgers and Texas are among several top programs vying for the opportunity to snag the versatile guard/forward. She will showcase her talents this week in Colorado Springs, Colorado as part of the USA East squad during the USA Basketball Women's Youth Developmental Festival. In mid-July, she will also participate in the Adidas Top-10 Invitational Camp.
Runner-Up:
Marisa Carey, County Prep Basketball
Before Marisa Carey entered County Prep as a freshman four years ago, the Hurricanes were not on the map in their own conference. To win a section title, let alone a Division crown, were almost laughable thoughts.
But the 5-9 forward stepped into the starting lineup as a freshman and made an immediate impact, especially defensively. Carey, who averaged over four steals a game this season, has continued to improve year after year culminating with County Prep's best season in the history of girls basketball program.
She scored her 1,000th point this past season, but the personal milestone was not what she was searching for. County Prep's record improved in each of Carey's four years, but the Hurricanes had never won a state tournament game.
County Prep ripped through an undefeated regular season to grab the HCIAA-Seglio Division as Carey earned the Conference's Player of the Year Award. She then led the team to wins over Ridgefield and Glen Rock in the state tournament, and carried the Hurricanes to the section finals before they lost a classic contest to Cresskill.
Honorable
Mention:
Caitlyn
Smith -- IHA Track
Janell Fabor -- Paterson Catholic Basketball
Melissa Czorniewy -- Holy Angels Basketball
Kelly Fazekas -- Northern Valley/Demarest Track
Tariah Williams -- IHA Basketball
Heather Zurich -- Pascack Valley Basketball
Serena Ham -- Indian Hills Swimming
Beth Mayo -- Bayonne Basketball
Any suggestions, questions, or comments about the awards? Add a game for consideration? Contact richbarton@northjerseysports.com.
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