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He directed the team's offense, and had the option of scoring in several different ways - either on slashing drives to the basket for layups, pulling up and hitting a jumper from 12 to 10 feet out or bombing away from 3-point range.

Denike averaged nearly 20 points a game making baskets in all of those ways as the Warriors surprised quite a few people by finishing tied for second place in the Ski Valley Conference.

Showing his leadership abilities, Denike was often at his best in the big games and tight situations for the Warriors.

Although an underclassman, Denike commanded unswerving respect from his teammates.

Given his own physical abilities and keen court awareness, the upperclassmen never questioned his snap decisions. They often proved right.

Denike was recently named to the All-Conference First Team, although his only goal was helping the Warriors win.

But he had the numbers to go along with the moves, leading Forest Area in scoring average, steals and assists.

Honorable Mentions went to Denike's teammates Bob Hatfield, Sam Runkel and Mitch Core.

All played key support roles for the Warriors.

Core and Hatfield gave the Warriors a strong inside presence, and both were tough rebounders.

Despite their height, both were also excellent outside shooters, capable of hitting from any distance - including beyond the 3-point arc.

Runkel was one of the Warriors' most versatile players, able to not only muscle inside to take second-chance baskets off offensive rebounds and hit from the perimeters, but also bring the ball down the floor.

"It was a great season, and I was happy to see so many of our players win AllConference awards,"Forest Area head coach Bobby Nix said. Runkel and Hatfield are seniors who graduate in June, and the Warriors will miss their presence on the court.

Core and Denike are expected to return, and with Carl Snyder and Matt Kelly form a strong foundation for next season.