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Atlanta Dream Begins Girls' High School Basketball Team of the Week Program

February 1, 2016 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Atlanta Dream News Release


ATLANTA - The Atlanta Dream has selected Lakeview High School in Cortland, Ohio, as the inaugural recipient of the "Addie" Award. The honor will be presented weekly during the WNBA offseason to a girls' high school basketball team that exhibits exceptional on-court performance, academic achievement and an unquestioned passion to advance the sport.

The award was inspired by Lakeview's team captain and senior Addison Becker, who averages a team-leading 18.4 points per game. Becker contacted the Dream about her concern for the lack of coverage and recognition she perceived regarding the accomplishments of female high school athletic programs in her area, as well as nationally.

The passion Miss Becker displayed in wanting to be a part of creating awareness and fostering change was unquestioned, so the franchise has decided to name the Atlanta Dream's Girls' High School Basketball Team of the Week Award as the "Addie," to recognize her commitment in bringing more attention to the dedication, talent and accomplishments of female athletes.

"I am writing because something has come to my attention that I feel can no longer be simply ignored," Becker wrote. "I play basketball for myself and for the love of the game. However I have noticed that less girls are picking up a basketball in our community. I feel this is due to the lack of attention, recognition and most importantly the support they receive. Female athletes are just as dedicated as their male counterparts and I feel it is time young people brought attention to this matter. I want to change this mindset and what is now a social normality, so I am reaching out for help."

The Lakeview High Bulldogs have excelled both on and off the court this season as the squad boasts an overall record of 18-2, which includes a 10-1 league mark, as well as a 3.7 combined cumulative grade-point average. Five players on the team boast a perfect 4.0 GPA and a total of nine student-athletes were named to the academic honor roll for their effort in the classroom. The Bulldogs are currently ranked No. 13 in the state of Ohio Division 2 poll and have clinched the No. 1 overall seed in the upcoming District Tournament.

In addition, the Bulldogs have been an example in giving back to the community as the team hosts an annual summer camp for kids, as well as a winter weekend basketball tournament for local youth.

The Atlanta Dream would like to congratulate Addison Becker, Jensen Silbaugh, Cammie Becker, Kylee Mann, Leah Franks, Annie Pavlansky, Lindsay Carnahan, Lexi Rygalski and Tori Wells for their exceptional efforts and for earning the inaugural Atlanta Dream Girls' High School Basketball Team of the Week Award. The Lakeview High School coaching staff includes Adam Lewis, Sarah Brugler-Lewis and Jason Senedak.

The Dream will honor one team a week moving forward during the high school girls' basketball season. Each winner will receive 10 complimentary tickets to the May 22 season opener vs. Chicago and be recognized on-court at Philips Arena and the 2016 Atlanta Dream Girls' High School Basketball Team of the Year will be recognized.

In addition, each weekly winner will enjoy a postgame meet and greet with a Dream player on May 22 as well as a visit by Atlanta Dream mascot "Star" to their school.

To nominate your team for the honor, please visit AtlantaDream.net for the nomination form.

The three-time Eastern Conference Champion Atlanta Dream is entering its ninth season in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).

The Dream plays their home games at Philips Arena. Atlanta has qualified for the playoffs six times, winning conference titles in 2013, 2011 and 2010.

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