Northstar Top Performer Week of December 18-22

<p>This is our statewide weekly award, not to be confused with our SW Metro poll, which we also launched today. For the past week, our top 5 performers include:</p> <p><strong>Carmen Backes, Chicago Lakes, 6-2, senior, forward</strong></p> <p>Backed is Back(es). Coming back from 2 major injuries the past 2 years, she&#39;s gradually getting into shape and getting her rhythm back. Her 23 points in a 59-46 upset win over #3AAA Mahtomedi was a huge milestone. She is the 1st forward to outplay Mahtomedi&#39;a Emma Grothuaus in a long, long time. Grothaus scored 18 for the Zephyrs in this one.</p> <p><strong>Kacie Borowicz, Roseau, 5-10, junior, point guard</strong></p> <p>After 3 early losses, the defending Class AA state champs are also bouncing back. For one, 6-2 senior post Victoria Johnson is back from injury. For another, Kacie Borowicz came up huge last week with 62 points against 2 tough opponents, Thief River Falls and Mountain Iron-Buhl. Roseau won both games.</p> <p><strong>Frannie Hottinger, Cretin, 6-0, junior, post/power forward</strong></p> <p>Hottinger outscored South Dakota State-bound post Jordan Ferrand of White Bear Lake by a ridiculous 25-3, and the Raiders White Bear 51-42.</p> <p><strong>Erica Hicks, Champlin Park, 5-8, senior, combo guard</strong></p> <p>Hicks scored 23 to lead the Rebels to a 58-54 upset win at Centennial.</p> <p><strong>Monika Czinano, Watertown Mayer, 6-2, senior, post</strong></p> <p>Czinano continued a series of dominant games, scoring 19 as Watertown Mayer surprised then #3AA Norwood Young America 45-41.</p> <p><strong>The Envelope, Please</strong></p> <p>Our top performer this week is Frannie Hottinger of Cretin, who dominated a solid opponent on both sides of the ball.</p>