—Chiefs boast an overall record of 22-3 and boast an overall team grade-point average of 3.5–

ATLANTA (Feb. 26, 2016) — The Atlanta Dream has selected Omaha Nation Public School in Macy, Neb., as this week’s recipient of the “Addie” Award.  The honor is 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 Chiefs have enjoyed sustained success on and off the court this season as it currently boasts an overall record of 22-3, including a perfect mark in district action entering a showdown tonight against Fullerton (Neb.), who enters the contest at 23-1.

In the classroom the team has also excelled, boasting a combined team grade-point average of 3.5, led by Alexandria Guevara, who boasts an overall GPA of 3.8.

Tyesha Parker paces Omaha Nation with a team-high 20.0 points per game average.  In addition, Cheyenne Webster (15.0 ppg), Mira Parker (12.0 ppg) and Shailece Porter (13.0 ppg) each notch double-figure scoring averages to complete a well-balanced offense.

The Atlanta Dream would like to congratulate the entire Omaha Nation Public School girls’ basketball program and head coach Brad Vogt for their exceptional efforts in earning this week’s Atlanta Dream Girls’ High School Basketball Team of the Week Award.

In addition, the first-ever Sioux Empire Wacipi will be taking place in the area this weekend.  It include more than 500 tribes in the United States and Canada and also feature a guest appearance from the Atlanta Dream’s own Shoni Schimmel.

The award was inspired by Lakeview High School (Ohio) 2016 team captain and senior Addison Becker.  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 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 or CLICK HERE for the nomination form.

Atlanta Dream season tickets are available now by logging for more information on at Atlanta Dream Membership Central or clicking HERE to buy directly via Ticketmaster. 

 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.