Parade honors Bjorklund

University junior Angie Bjorklund has been named a Parade magazine high school basketball All-American for the second consecutive year.

Bjorklund, a 6-foot guard who has committed to attend the University of Tennessee, was one of 10 members of the magazine’s second team after earning third-team honors last season.

“I’ve got one more,” she said, laughing, alluding to her senior season. “If I keep improving, hopefully I’ll make it to the first team next year.

“I’ve had great people in my life get to where I’ve been,” she said. “Hard work pays off and it helps a lot having great parents and … great coaches, all through from elementary school to high school.”

The Parade team, which has been named for 30 years, is considered the most prestigious of all national high school all-star squads. Other West Coast girls honored include two from California on the first team, another on the second and J.J. Hones of Beaverton, Ore., on the third.

Bjorklund, recently named the Associated Press’ Washington girls basketball player of the year, led the Titans to a 25-4 record and a third-place finish in the state 4A tournament in March. The Titans finished sixth in state in 2005.

“If the pattern holds next year,” Bjorklund said, noting U-Hi improved three spots in the state tournament, “we can win a state title. That would be awesome.”

The team will be featured in this Sunday’s Parade magazine.