Most Valuable Player Helps In Regional Win

For the longest time, Fillies basketball lore was defined by a short list of athletically gifted talent. Senior guard Abby Kirchoff just made the list one name longer.

Kirchoff's Barrington High School record setting single game scoring performance (35 points), and her recent naming as player of the year for the Mid-Suburban League West, only highlight this ultra talented player's on-court skills that helped lead the Fillies to an 18-11 record overall, an impressive 8-2 in conference record and just helped the Fillies to a 54-38 win over Highland Park in the Grant Regional.

In an incredible week 10 of basketball, this 5'11'' multifaceted guard had an incredible game against Palatine by scoring 31 points on Jan. 28. As if that wasn't enough offensive productivity, just 24 hours later, Kirchoff found a way to improve on the previous night's incredible gameby scoring 35 points against Fenwick. The 35 points were the most points scored by an individual player in a game in Fillies history and equals the feat accomplished by Erika and Ashley Berggren, and Lindsay Richards (who was the last to register the record setting performance).

"I think [Abby] is extremely deserving of the honor," Barrington's coach Babbi Barreiro said of her most valuable player recipient. "I also think she is one of the most skilled guards we have had wearing the Barrington uniform."

The stellar 66 points scored didn't go unnoticed, nor did the rest of her offensive productivity throughout the year and divisionalplay. Not just one-dimensional on the court, Kirchoff's pestering defensive and tenacious rebounding were other reasons she earned the west division's most valuable player award.

"I truly believe Abby takes the court every game, all year, with a determination and drive to be the best she can be, and to do whatever the team needs," Barreiro said.

But Kirchoff quickly proved why she was worthy of the league's highest honor when on Wednesday, Feb. 16, she scored a game high 17 points in Barrington's 54-38 victory over 11th ranked Highland Park in the Grant Regional.  Kirchoff also chipped in five rebounds and three assists.

"Hopefully we will make a nice run in the post season, and of course Abby will have a big role in that," Barreiro said.

Number six seeded Barrington (19-11) will be playing in the Grant Regional Championship game against #3 Stevenson on Friday, Feb. 18 at 7:30 pm.   A rematch from earlier in the season, Stevenson beat Barrington during the Holiday Showcase 46-43.