By By ADAM FISHER / Niles Daily Star
Sarah Dreher's play has been big for Niles' girls' basketball team all year. She's seemed to get even better, however, when it matters most - the postseason.
Dreher leads the Vikings this season, averaging more than 18 points per game. She was a major component in Niles' three victories in the district tournament last week, helping the Vikings capture their eighth straight district title.
For her solid performance in the playoffs, Dreher has been named the Niles Daily Star Athlete of the Week for Nov. 14-20.
Not only was Dreher the Vikings' leading scorer in the district playoffs, but she got better each game. In the opening game, Nov. 15 against Berrien Springs, Dreher scored eight points.
The following game against Lakeshore, she reached her average of 18 points.
Her biggest game came in the district championship against St. Joseph. She scored 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, both game highs, to led the Vikings to their eighth straight regional championship.
Dreher led Niles with an average of 16.5 points per game during the district tournament.
Each week, the athletics directors from Niles, Brandywine and Buchanan nominate players for the Athlete of the Week.
The sports editor of the Niles Daily Star then selects a boys' and girls' winner for each week.
Each senior winner will be eligible to apply for the scholarship at the end of the school year. Each week's winners will also receive a month's subscription to the newspaper of the community they represent.
In April, each senior Athlete of the Week winner from all three sports seasons will submit an application for the scholarship.
Leader Publications will then select a boys' and girls' Athlete of the Year from either Niles, Brandywine or Buchanan.
The two athletes will receive a scholarship for an as yet to be determined amount. The winners will be named in May.
Questions regarding the Athlete of the Year scholarships can be directed to Mary Cooper at 687-7732 or Daily Star sports editor Adam Fisher at 687-7703.