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WEST AMWELL: Albanir gets kudos for athletic prowess

By John Tredrea, Special Writer
   WEST AMWELL — Each year, the National Association for Girls and Women in Sports recognizes one outstanding senior girl athlete from each high school across the nation.
   This year’s winner from South Hunterdon Regional High School is Kelly Albanir, who excels in field hockey, basketball and softball. Kelly, who received her award recently at Seton Hall University, was chosen for the honor by a team of high school staff members.
   Kelly is on her way to winning 12 varsity letters — a very rare accomplishment — said South Hunterdon Athletic Director Dan Ruvolo. He noted that, after last fall’s field hockey season, Kelly was named first-team All Conference. Coaches choose the members of that team.
   ”Kelly is a top-ranked student as well as a tremendous athlete,” said Mr. Ruvolo, “She’s a fun athlete to watch. She hustles, plays with passion and gives you 110 percent.”
   He noted that Kelly also is a member of the 4-H Club, Future Farmers of America, is a representative on the high school’s student government and sings with the school chorus.
   Frank Schermerhorn, girls basketball coach, said “Kelly is very organized and passionate about everything she does. She gets 25 hours out of the 24-hour day. She’s always on the move — practicing sports or in games, doing her homework or being involved in her other activities and organizations.”
   He said Kelly’s role with the basketball team has changed a lot this year. “She always was a strong rebounder for us. This year’s she’s a fine scorer as well. She’s our number-one option on offense. She’s carried us offensively.”
   The coach said Kelly is as smart a player as she is a determined one, almost another coach on the floor. “She’s a physical presence out there, but there’s also a cognitive aspect to her play. She’s always in the right spot and gets other players in their right spots.”
   She has fine leadership qualities, the coach said, and is co-captain of this year’s hoops squad.
   THE ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT at South Hunterdon Regional High School recently congratulated the school’s basketball teams “for their impressive finishes in the 2011 holiday tournaments” held Dec. 27 and 28.
   — Varsity girls basketball — second place finish in the Over the River Holiday Classic. Brett Lelie and Kelly Albanir received “All-Tournament” recognition.
   — Varsity boys basketball — first place finish in the Over the River Holiday Classic. Javon Mitchell received “All-Tournament” recognition. Max Whitaker received “All-Tournament MVP.”
   — Middle School boys basketball — third place finish in the Delaware Township Holiday Tournament.
   — Middle School girls basketball — first place finish in the Delaware Township Holiday Tournament.