This recent grad will making the jump from the Lady Bears to the Hawkeyes this fall.

The greater Chicago area has produced dozens of top-notch basketball players in recent years. A recent addition to that long list is Johanna Solverson, a 6-2 power forward from Lake Zurich High School, which is located north of the Windy City.

A versatile player, Solverson not only has a strong inside game, she also can handle the ball well and hit the outside jumper. Thatıs why a number of high school hoops gurus had her highly ranked among the top players in the country last year.

As a junior, Solverson averaged 17 points and seven rebounds per game while leading Lake Zurich to a 25-6 record and the sectional finals. She racked up a string of honors, including Nike All-American and Street & Smith All-America Honorable Mention, and was selected to the Chicago Sun Times, Chicago Tribune, and Daily Herald All-Area Teams.

Solversonıs senior year was even more impressive, as she led the Lady Bears to 34 straight wins before the team fell to Hinsdale Central in the state semifinals. She also upped her scoring average to 18 points per game.

Again, a host of accolades followed for Solverson, including a second-team Parade All-American selection and being named Daily Herald All-Area Forward. She was also chosen to play in the first-ever McDonalds Girlsı All-American game, in which she scored seven points.

Last November, Solverson signed a Letter of Intent to play for the University of Iowa. "Some say Johanna may be one of the best athletes in the Midwest, and we agree," said Iowa Head Coach Lisa Bluder. "She can play so many different positions. She can handle the ball like a point guard, she can shoot the three, but is also strong enough and big enough to post-up inside. She will be one of the most versatile players that I will ever have the opportunity to coach."

Article written by Gball Associate Editor Jim Catalano.

Nominate someone you know as a High School Hero. Email us at info@gballmag.com.