Valley players honored by Northern Lights Conference

WASILLA — Opposing coaches in the Northern Lights Conference used to know Nikki Vanni as “orange shoes.” Now they know the Wasilla sophomore as the most valuable player in the conference.

Vanni was named the NLC girls’ player of the year following the conference championships last Saturday in Soldotna.

“Any coach who thinks of Wasilla brings her name up,” Wasilla head coach Amber Craig said. “Nikki had such an impact as a freshman, people knew who she was last year. And she continues to improve.”

Craig joked that Vanni immediately stuck out because of the bright orange cleats she wore a freshman. But it didn’t take long until her play earned her attention. Now, as just a sophomore, Vanni has evolved into a top player.

“Every coach recognizes she controls the midfield no matter what,” Craig said.

Craig was also recognized, earning coach of the year honors. “It was definitely a nice surprise,” Craig said of her honor. “It’s definitely do to how the girls are playing.”

Ashlynn Frizzelle and Krizia Verplancke also earned first-team All-NLC honors for Wasilla. Kamarae Kaina, Rachel Kennedy and Celeanna Powder were named to the second team for WHS.

Brittany Anderson, Krystal Heimerl and Sara Kenley were named to the first team for the Knights. Colony’s Katie Gonski, Jamie Krediet and Meghan Riopelle received second-team honors.

Megan Stark and Kendal Venzke were named first-team for the Moose.

Colony senior honored

Colony senior Oliver Querin was named the NLC’s boys player of the year.

Querin leads the undefeated Knights, who won their ninth NLC title last Saturday, with 34 points (11-23-24), but head coach Jeremy Johnson said its Querin’s soccer I.Q. that sets him apart.

“He’s got the skill level, and he understands and reads the game so well,” Johnson said. “He seems to be two passes ahead of everybody else.”

Querin beat Soldotna senior Blaine Carver, the defending player of the year, in the race for the honor.

“I felt like Oliver deserved it,” Johnson said. “I’m glad he received it.”

James Meaney, Jesse Krey and Logan Smith were named to the first team for Colony. Jonas Madsen and Aaron Richardson earned second-team honors.

Jake Barber and Paul Sliwa were named to the first team for Wasilla, while Dustin Hout was named second-team All-NLC.

Zach Zegzdryn was named first-team for Palmer, and Ryan Conroy was a second-team selection.

Contact Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.

2010 All-Northern Lights Conference

Boys player of the Year: Oliver Querin, Colony.

Boys coach of the Year: Jim Coburn, Nikiski.

Boys’ first team:

Jake Barber, Wasilla; Blaine Carver, Soldotna; Jordan Edwards, Grace; AJ Ewing, Kenai; Jesse Krey, Colony; Stefan Krogseng, Nikiski; James Meaney, Colony; Paul Sliwa, Wasilla; Logan Smith, Colony; Robbie Smithwick, Soldotna; Sam Taylor, Nikiski; Mark Walsworth, Homer, Zach Zegzdryn, Palmer.

Boys’ second team:

Justin Calhoun, Kenai; Ryan Conroy, Palmer; Dom Eubank, Kenai; Tyler Houston, Grace; Dustin Hout, Wasilla; Jonas Madsen, Colony; Aaron Richardson, Colony; Eli Tingstad, Wasilla.

Girls player of the Year: Nikki Vanni, Wasilla.

Girls coach of the Year: Amber Craig, Wasilla.

Girls’ first team:

Brittany Anderson, Colony; Ashlynn Frizzelle, Wasilla; Molly Graves, Kenai; Krystal Heimerl, Colony; Katelyn Houston, Grace; Megan Janorschke, Skyview; Sara Kenley, Colony; Angie Parrish, Nikiski; Shawna Powell, Soldotna; Kaili Sholin, Soldotna; Megan Stark, Palmer; Kendal Venzke, Palmer; Krizia Verplancke, Wasilla.

Girls second team:

Jenna Calhoun, Kenai; Hannah Christensen, Grace; Casey Coupchiak, Soldotna; Katie Gonski, Colony; Kamarae Kaina, Wasilla; Rachel Kennedy, Wasilla; Jamie Krediet, Colony; Madison Lash, Grace; Allie McGahan, Kenai; Shannon McNamera, Grace; Celeana Powder, Wasilla; Meghan Riopelle, Colony; Jessica Samskar, Nikiski; Brittany Tuttle, Nikiski; Alicia West, Skyview.