By Dan Hardenbrook
They were once strangers from opposite corners of the world. Newberry Lady Indians basketball players Allie Whalen and visiting international exchange student Lucie Rabochova became teammates and friends, before forming a bond like only sisters can share. Now they’ve earned the same honor: both have been named to the 2024 All UP Girls Basketball Teams.
The Upper Peninsula Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association made the announcement last week after their annual basketball meeting in Marquette. Each year the group selects an All Class five-player Dream Team, along with a five-player 1st Team and 10-player 2nd Team in Divisions 1-3 and Division 4. Whalen and Rabochova were selected in Division 4 by the panel of local sports reps across the Upper Peninsula.
Rabochova instantly caught the attention of fans, coaches, and opposing players. Listed at 6-1, but with abilities to run the floor and handle the ball like a guard, she became an impact player on both ends of the floor. Rabochova had multiple double-doubles and threatened the single game blocked shot record (11) several times, finishing twice with 10, once with 9, and twice with 8. She led the Lady Indians in rebounding (8 per game) and averaged 4.8 steals and 4.2 blocks per contest.
She was a 1st Team All Conference and All Defensive Team player in the Straits Area Conference and earned Special Recognition in the EUP. Rabochova’s all-around play earned her a 2nd Team All UP selection from the UPSSA.
Whalen was the top returning player for the Lady Indians after earning the Chris Nance MVP Award last season as a sophomore. She resumed play this season red hot, with a stretch of four straight 20+ point scoring games. Whalen broke the 30-points-per-game mark during the year and was a top scorer in the U.P., averaging 19.7 points per game.
Her ability to shoot the ball drew attention, but as the season went on Whalen became impossible to slow down on the fast break, creating her own opportunities off the dribble and getting to the basket.
Whalen was also a 1st Team SAC pick, and earned All Conference honors in the EUP as well. Despite a strong season, Whalen was snubbed a bit in the All UP Voting after being chosen only as an Honorable Mention in Division 4, which still makes her among the top small school players in the Upper Peninsula. Whalen should have plenty of opportunities next season, as she will once again lead the way for the Lady Indians.
The Newberry girls finished the varsity season at 12-9 overall. They finished runner up in both the EUP and SAC, where they finished ahead of perennial powerhouse St. Ignace and Division 2 school Cheboygan. Newberry won two MHSAA tournament games before falling to Munising in the Division 4 District Finals.
