Lauren Buchholtz (5’9” junior G/F, Kingsland): After playing alongside a good group of seniors for two years, the keys to the Knight girls basketball car were given to Buchholtz. The ultra-fast and high-jumping Lauren leapt and sped her way to a break-out junior season. She became the ninth Knight to top 1,000 career points (1,086). Paisley Larson’s 1,296-point record is well within distance. Buchholtz led her team in scoring (19.3 per), rebounding (9.2 per), assists (3.8 per), steals (3.3 per), and threes made (31). She nearly doubled all of her numbers from sophomore year (10.3 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.8 SPG). L.B. was very busy, getting up over 500 shots in 28 games. She scored 20-plus 16 times and had 14 double-doubles. And that coming from a girl who is 5’9”, but not too much on the other side of 100 pounds. Lauren shot an impressive 221 free throws, making a solid 153 (69%). Her game-high totals were 33 (points), 20 (rebounds), 9 (assists), and 8 (steals). Buchholtz was the sixth person on last year’s All-County team. She’s number overall this year while repeating as All-TRC.
Alyssa Rostad (5’5” junior G/F, Houston): After playing on teams that struggled to consistently find victories for three seasons, the hard-working Rostad finally got to win. The strong guard led the ‘Canes to their best season ever (22-5) and their first SEC girl’s title (East champions). She was team’s leading (18.9 PPG) by attacking the three-point line (80 of 222, 36%) and the free throw line (106 of 138, 77%). Rostad also averaged a team second-best 5.8 rebounds with 2.0 assists, and 2.3 steals. Alyssa scored in double figures in all but one contest (nine points versus state champion L/P). She had 13 20-point games, hit three-plus trifectas 15 times, and five-plus free throws 11 times. Along the way, Rostad became Houston’s sixth girls 1,000-point scorer (1,233). Kelly Jerviss’ girl’s school record (1,258) looks smash-worthy. After being 2nd team All-County and 2nd team All-SEC as a sophomore, she is 1st team for both this year.
Payton Danielson (5’4” sophomore G, M-C): It was a transition year for M-C girls hoops. A year after all-time leading scorer Coranda Vickerman graduated, a sophomore was the best player. The small and quick Danielson is already well on her way to a noteworthy career (with two seasons left). Payton led M-C in scoring (12.1 per), rebounding (6.7 per), assists (2.5 per), and steals (4.5 per). She authored three 20-plus point games, five 10-plus rebound games, and ten 5-plus steal games. She’s now played since seventh grade (four letters) and is just short of 950 career points. Payton earns All-County first-team a first time, All-SEC 2nd team a second time.
Amber Chapel (5’10” senior F/C, Houston): The Hurricanes’ second leading scorer (11.6 per). The athletic senior nearly tripled her points-point-game output from junior year (4.1), making her the ‘Canes’ most improved offensive player for sure. Chapel never scored less than six points in a game this past season (again, averaged 4.1 PPG as a junior). She had 17 double-digit scoring efforts after just one as a junior. Hit 26 three-pointers after hitting zero as a junior. Also averaged 3.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 3.0 steals per game. Hit 66% of her free throws (43 of 65). An All-SEC Honorable Mention selection.
Macy Pederson (5’4” senior G, Chatfield): Led Gophers in scoring for a second straight year (11.1 PPG). Chipped in 3.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. Hit double figures 14 times. Made 73 of 103 free throws (71%) and 43 of 123 threes (35%). Hit three or more trifectas in a game eight times. In her last home game ever, scored a career-high 26 points in a good win over St. Charles. An All-TRC selection.
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