2014-15 All-Liberty League Women's Basketball
The Liberty League has announced its 2014-15 All-League awards for women's basketball as voted by league coaches. The major award winners and all-league teams are listed below.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Kara McDuffee, Sr., F, St. Lawrence University *
St. Lawrence University senior Kara McDuffee has been selected as the unanimous Liberty League Player of the Year. McDuffee led St. Lawrence in scoring (14.1 ppg), rebounding (12.7 rpg) and blocks (22) while playing a team-leading 32.3 minutes per game. She earned Liberty League performer of the week honors twice this season while also ranking in the top 10 in the league in scoring (6th), rebounding (2nd), free-throw percentage (3rd), steals (9th) and minutes played (9th). In two Liberty League tournament games, McDuffee averaged 15.5 points and 17.0 rebounds in two Liberty League tournament games, including a 21-point, 20-rebound performance in the Saints' semifinal win over Union. Her 343 rebounds were a St. Lawrence single-season record.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Allison Cady, Sr., G, St. Lawrence University
Regarded as one of the top shut-down defenders in the Liberty League, St. Lawrence University senior guard Allison Cady was selected as the Defensive Player of the Year. Cady was assigned to guard the top perimeter player on the opposing team. By playing positionally, studying opponents and forcing them to play outside their strengths, Cady limited the effectiveness of some of the best players in the league.
CO-ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Kelly Donnelly, Fr., G, Skidmore College
Skidmore College freshman Kelly Donnelly was selected as the Liberty League's Co-Rookie of the Year. Donnelly finished second on the Skidmore team in scoring (10.1), rebounding (8.4) and blocked shots (33) while leading the Thoroughbreds in steals (39). A two-time selection as Liberty League rookie of the week, Donnelly recorded eight double-doubles, including both Liberty League tournament games. In the league championship, she had 14 points and 13 rebounds as Skidmore beat St. Lawrence in double-overtime for its first Liberty League title.
CO-ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Ariella Rosenthal, Fr., F, Vassar College
Vassar College freshman Ariella Rosenthal shared Liberty League Rookie of the Year honors. Rosenthal averaged 11.1 points and 6.1 rebounds while also shooting 81.2 percent from the free throw line. Her numbers were even better in Liberty League play where she averaged 12.1 points and 6.6 rebounds. Rosenthal was named Liberty League and ECAC Upstate rookie of the week after averaging 16.5 points and 5.0 rebounds as the Brewers closed the season with a pair of wins.
COACHING STAFF OF THE YEAR: Clarkson University – Maureen Webster, Head Coach
Clarkson University first-year head coach Maureen Webster and assistant coach Kathleen Payne were recognized as the Liberty League Coaching Staff of the Year by their peers. Webster inherited an experience team and directed it to an 18-8 overall record a year after the squad went 9-15. The Golden Knights tied for the second-best record in Liberty League play at 11-5, earning their first Liberty League tournament berth. Clarkson was a tough team on the road where it went 6-2 in Liberty League away games. The Golden Knights led the Liberty League in scoring, field goal percentage, 3-point field goal percentage, turnover margin and steals.
ALL LEAGUE – FIRST TEAM:
F- Angela Botiba, Skidmore, Sr.
G- Caitlin Drakeley, Vassar, Jr. *
G/F- Amanda Lynch, RPI, Sr.
G- Cara Manfredi, Clarkson, Sr.
F- Kara McDuffee, St. Lawrence, Sr. *
ALL LEAGUE – SECOND TEAM:
G- Allison Cady, St. Lawrence, Sr.
F- Chloe Hayter, William Smith, Sr.
F- Ashley Loggins, Clarkson, Jr.
G- Molly McLaughlin, Skidmore, Sr.
F- Tytravia Riley, Bard, Jr.
ALL LEAGUE – HONORABLE MENTION:
Jenni Barra (Union), Fr.; Ashley Clough (RPI), Jr.; Ashlynn Palmitesso (RIT), Jr.; Lauren Quattrocchi (St. Lawrence), Jr.; Kate Thompson (Union), Sr.
ALL-ROOKIE TEAM:
G- Jenni Barra, Union
G- Kelly Donnelly, Skidmore
G/F- Jessica Glaz, RIT
F/C- Shaina Iton, RPI
G/F- Ariella Rosenthal, Vassar
* denotes unanimous selection