APRIL AUSTIN
North Catholic
Point Guard, 5-6, Senior
Austin has led the Trojanettes to two WPIAL titles during her career as well as a PIAA Class A runner-up trophy in her final season. She is headed for Division I Dayton after averaging 14.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.2 steals and 5.4 assists per game this season. An Associated Press all-state first-team selection, Austin finished with 1,528 career points. She shot 75 percent from the free-throw line (82 for 109) this season while making 45 percent (69 of 156) of her 3-point attempts. "This season was the culmination of a great career for April," coach Molly Rottmann said. "She did everything that we asked and expected of her."

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AMY LONGO
North Catholic
Forward, 5-11, Junior
As the strength on the boards for the WPIAL Class A champions, Longo averaged 15.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. She shot 57.5 percent from the floor (205 for 356). This included an uncanny knack from 3-point range as Longo selectively made 75 percent (6 for 8) of her shots from behind the arc. A three-year letter-winner, Longo has another season to add to her career totals of 834 points and 425 rebounds. "She's made great strides in her game," coach Molly Rottmann said. "She was our go-to girl inside. She is one of the hardest-working players that I've ever coached." Kent State and several Ivy schools already have shown recruiting interest.

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RENEE BROWN
Mount Alvernia
Forward, 5-10, Junior
A transfer from Greater Works Academy (whose high school closed its doors last year), Brown became the missing piece to a puzzle that led the perennial contender Lions program to their first PIAA playoff berth in 18 years. Brown had 17 double-doubles. She averaged 14.9 points, 11.4 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.8 blocks and 2.7 steals per contest. She scored 33 points during a crucial 76-48 section victory against WPIAL runner-up Vincentian on Feb. 8. "Renee is a very talented player who works both ends of the floor very well," said assistant coach Bill Barker. "To have a double-double in 60 percent of our games is pretty remarkable."

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MELISSA MCQUADE
Shaler Area
Guard/Forward, 5-11, Senior
Averaging 16 points and 10 rebounds per game, McQuade led the Titans to the WPIAL and PIAA Class AAAA playoffs after a second-place finish in strong Section 3. "She has a good attitude and she works hard every day," Titans coach Eric Mozzetti said. "This season is just her reward for doing the things she's supposed to do as a team leader." McQuade netted 29 points during a close state playoff loss to Upper St. Clair and scored 15 points with 11 rebounds during a PIAA first-round upset victory against heavily favored Oakland Catholic. McQuade has also been a starter for Shaler's state championship softball teams in 2004 and 2006.

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AMY ACHESINSKI
Butler Area
Center, 6-0, Senior
Achesinski averaged 19 points and 8 rebounds per game, leading the Golden Tornado to a 17-7 playoff campaign. An excellent student, Achesinski is headed for Division II Mercyhurst College in Erie. She scored a season-high 35 points during a 60-52 non-section victory against Plum Dec. 14. Achesinski is a two-time All-Section 3-AAAA honoree. She scored 1,525 career points, third in school history. She also stands out in track and volleyball at Butler. In track, she was a WPIAL qualifier in the shot put and discus throws. In volleyball, she led Butler to the WPIAL playoffs as a middle hitter. She will finish her scholastic career with 12 varsity letters.