More than 1,500 votes were cast in last week's contest and Maine South's Nina Duric was proclaimed the winner. 

Duric led the Hawks’ balanced scoring attack with 14 points and nine rebounds in Maine South’s 55-43 win over Champaign Centennial to claim the State Farm Holiday Classic title. This marks the first time Maine South has won the championship in school history.

The Maine South basketball star received more than 700 votes, or about 47 percent.

Honorable Mention:

Malachi Nix, junior, basketball guard, Niles North – Nix had 13 points in the first quarter and 23 for the game in Niles North’s 62-48 win over Vernon Hills in the Wheeling Hardwood Classic consolation game. The Vikings are now 8-5 on the season as they head into CSL North play.

Leonard Garron, senior, basketball center, Evanston – Garron had the game-winning basket for Evanston in the Wildkits’ 60-57 win over Bolingbrook. He also blocked Bolingbrook’s last-second three-point attempt and had 12 points and six rebounds in the victory.

Ross Chukerman, senior, basketball, Highland Park – Chukerman was named to the All-Tournament Team of the inaugural Hinsdale South Holiday Tournament last week. Highland Park took sixth place in the tournament and Chukerman had 46 points over the four-game stretch.

David Bragiel, senior, basketball guard, New Trier – Bragiel was part of the Proviso West Holiday Tournament’s Honorable Mention All-Tournament team after helping lead New Trier to a second-place finish. It was the best result in school history. Bragiel had 11 points in the Trevians’ semifinal win over Morgan Park.

We need pictures!

If you have a picture of a nominee, please email them to georges@patch.com or rjacobson2010@gmail.com. 

Like to Nominate An Athlete For Next Week? Email nominations to Sports Reporter Ross Jacobson (rjacobson2010@gmail.com). Nominations must be received by noon on Sunday for consideration. E-mails must include a picture of the athlete and detailed information (links to other media coverage are welcome) on why he or she is a deserving candidate for the weekly award