Wauwatosa West girls announce 2015-16 award winners

The Wauwatosa West girls basketball team recently named its award winners at the end-of-the-season banquet.

The 2015-16 Trojans finished the season with a 4-20 overall record. Over the course of the season, they faced eight teams from both conference and nonconference competition that were state-ranked at some point in the season.

"Always up for the challenge," coach Ashley Imperiale said, "the ladies worked hard every day and grew as a team in many ways.

"Highlights of the season included a grueling team effort to complete a battle-tested boot camp; a thrilling, down-to-the-buzzer heartbreaker against cross-town rival Wauwatosa East; a unique opportunity to play on Marquette's Al McGuire Center floor against Whitefish Bay; a successful first-ever girls alumni game; and leading the setup of the Salvation Army's holiday feast dinner.

"This group not only worked hard on the court but in the classroom as well, with a team cumulative GPA of 3.64."

Award winners

The team votes on end-of-the-season awards. This year's results follow:

Most Valuable Player:The player who has had the largest impact on the team on and off the court in a positive way. Winning this award should encompass dedication to the team; putting teammates and coaches first; maximum effort at the player's position; and contribution to the team being victorious. Winner: Gaby Zabala.

Most Improved Player:The player who has most increased the impact she had on the team in a positive way from the beginning to the end of the season. This is done by improving the overall skill level of play, but other factors, such as attitude toward teammates and coaches, are also taken into account. Winner: Emma Elliott.

Nail Award:The player that consistently is mentally "tough as nails," who can play through being tired, always hustles, is first to dive for loose balls and never complains or shows weakness. Winner: Emma Clough.

Glue Award:This award focuses on team aspects and symbolizes the "glue that binds the team together." The winner of this award consistently had the best team attitude, demonstrated by encouraging her teammates or making individual sacrifices. Winner: Emily Katula.

Trojan Award:This award goes to the player who best represents the Trojan Way — being responsible, respectful, connected and engaged — regularly displays Trojan pride and spirit and is a positive ambassador for the school. Winner: Libbi Fassbender.

Looking ahead

West graduates eight seniors: Clough, Zabala (three-year varsity starter), Katula, Lindsey Starrett, Olivia Starrett, Amanda O'Rourke, Anna Rogahn and Megan Stoffel.

The Trojans junior varsity team posted a 14-2 conference record this year and should give the varsity squad multiple scoring threats from outside.

"Combined with two sophomores (Elliott and Emily Wagy), who got significant varsity minutes, and the leadership and poise of Fassbender and Cheri'A Adams, it should be an athletic, high-energy team that poses a real threat on the offensive end," Imperiale said.