Turner happy to do the ‘grunt work’ for Metea

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Amira Turner (22) of Metea Valley coils to take a shot while double teamed by Andrea McNally and Uzo Okoro (top) of Hinsdale South. | Jon Cunningham~For Sun-Times Media

Updated: April 3, 2012 11:24AM

In a recent win over Hinsdale South, Metea Valley’s Amira Turner scored 16 points, well above her per-game average.

The 5-foot-11 senior forward is primarily there for the intensity she brings to the court and her willingness to do the “grunt work.”

“Amira is a huge asset,” said Mustangs coach Kris Kalivas. “She sets the tempo doing the dirty work. She plays tough D, usually on the other team’s best scorer. She gets after it on the board and gets on the floor to go after loose balls. And she’s a team-leader who communicates well on the floor. Her scoring is a bonus.”

“We have some good outside shooters on our team,” said Turner. “But I try to be the person who gets them open with a screen, fight for rebounds and get put-backs, and I love to get down on the floor because I know that can lead to important points for our team. I always try to keep us pumped up. People tease me about my intensity.”

Turner, an excellent student, said that intensity is also evident in the way she approaches her school work, as well as school and community activities and a part-time job.

She has played a vital role in the Mustangs’ improvement that includes a four-game winning streak and a tough four-point loss to archrival Waubonsie Valley. .

“We have really grown as a team,” said Turner. “We’ve been together a few years and that has made us stronger. Beating Waubonsie would have really shown what kind of a team we have and it would help give us momentum going into sectionals.”

Turner is one of several local “unsung heroes” who may not get the recognition given to the big scorers, but who’ve been major contributors to their teams.

Lazar helps Wildcats

Niki Lazar is a sophomore small forward/two guard who has in recent weeks played a more important role in the Neuqua Valley swarming defense that has led to its transition offense and a 19-5 overall record.

The 5-foot-7 Lazar, according to her coach Mike Williams, plays like a six-footer.

“She’s relentless,” Williams said. “She’s instant energy and she has no fear. She’s very strong, can box out and do a lot of things around the basket. She was fast for a small forward, but her speed and quickness have been even more valuable because we’ve been using her more lately as a two-guard. She’s invaluable in traps and full-court pressure.”

Lazar is also capable of putting it in from beyond the arc and she’s contributed more in the scoring column in recent weeks.

“She’s gaining confidence in her shooting,” said Williams. “We’re counting on great things from Niki from here on out.”

Ryan a top defender

Naperville Central’s Shannon Ryan is another contributor who has become more important to her team as the season’s gone on.

The Redhawks, who have been on a 10-2 run and are now tied for the DuPage Valley Conference lead with Wheaton Warrenville South, have benefited from Ryan’s all-around play, which usually includes guarding the other team’s best backcourt scorer.

Ryan, a sophomore, who is expected to take over the point guard duties when current quarterback Jill D’Amico graduates, offers the Redhawks a lot of benefits as the two guard this year.

“Shannon has been solid, especially during this streak,” said Naperville Central coach Andy Nussbaum. “She knows the game. She’s quick and tall (5-foot-8) for a guard. She has a nice reach.”

Nussbaum tells Ryan when giving her the defensive assignment “if you stop this girl, their team can’t beat us,” and she’s been carrying out that order consistently.”

“She only scores about five or six points a game,” said Nussbaum. “But she’s hit some important threes for us lately. She hasn’t gotten a lot of notice, but she’s played some nasty defense.”

Huskies’ hard worker

Briney Weizeorick of Naperville North is a true “blue collar player.”

She’s a great athlete (third at state in cross country), who works hard all the time and a battler on the boards and on the floor.

In her first year on varsity as a senior, Weizeorick is playing the same role her sister Ashley played for the Huskies several year ago.

“Britney is a competitor who always fights all the way to the end,” said Naperville North coach Jacquie Discipio. “She’ll run uphill through a wall. She’s our best defender. She can calm down the opponent’s big scorer and come up with the key steal. She’s a great team player who has great court sense and will make the extra pass. She’s hardnosed, old school.”

Weizeorick a 5-foot-6 forward, may score only five or six points per game, but her tenacity and leadership have been invaluable.

“She’s steady,” said Discipio. “She’s always upbeat and she’s a mature senior who can always be counted on to keep us level-headed and together.”