Senior Jordian Leahy, for the second season, was voted Most Valuable Player by her 2022 Spring Grove basketball teammates. Senior Ava Olerud also repeated with her second Lion Attitude honor. Eighth grader Kylie Hammel was the choice for Most Improved while eighth grader Siri Konkel was voted the Hustle Award. Eight of the 11 letter winners earned Academic All-Conference honors.
Photos by Lee Epps
Leahy (MVP), a 5-foot-6 senior guard, who was First Team All-Conference, led Spring Grove for the second straight season in three categories: scoring at 13.8 points per game, free throw accuracy (64%) and free throws made (67). She ranked second in steals (2.0 spg), field goal accuracy (34.8%), 3-point accuracy (33.9%) and 3-point field goals (39). She scored a career-high 33 points against Lyle/Pacelli, one of only seven SG girls to score that many points in a single game. First lettering as an eighth grader, Leahy earned her fourth letter as a senior in 2022.
“Jordian has been a staple in our program for years,” said head coach Kody Moore. “Her passion and dedication to the game of basketball paid off and was evident in her play on the court throughout her career. She was our go-to on offense when we needed a bucket and no doubt set the tone for our team.”
Olerud (Attitude) a 5-4 senior guard was again honored for her inspirational contributions during practice as well as games. The two-year letter winner was a reserve who saw action in 21 of the 27 games.
“Ava was a steady leader for us,” said her coach. “Day in and day out, she came to work and improved. She helped set the tone in practice and was a leader that our younger girls looked to for advice. Her willingness to ask questions helped everyone gain a greater understanding of the game.”
Hammel (Most Improved), a 5-9 eighth grade guard/forward earned more varsity playing time as the season progressed. Appearing in 19 of the 27 games, she was one of the first reserves to enter the game late in the season.
“As an eighth grader, Kylie made huge strides from the beginning of the season to the end,” said Moore. “She did a variety of things well on the floor. She can be a scoring threat; she passes well, and she is a solid rebounder. The all-around game will be a major asset in the program moving forward.”
Konkel (Hustle), a 5-0 eighth grade point guard, had a breakout season while moving into the starting lineup in mid-season. She appeared in all 27 games with 14 starts. Konkel sparked the offense with a team-high 35% from 3-point range while also ranking second in both assists (1.7 apg) and free throw percentage (59%).
“Siri was our spark plug this year,” added Moore. “She brought energy, fire, speed and ball handling that allowed our offense to thrive at times. It was an impressive season, and big things are expected in her career moving forward for the next four years.
Eight Lions earned Academic All-Conference acclaim with at least an A-/B+ grade point average during the academic quarter of the basketball season. The scholar athletes were seniors Olerud and Leahy along with juniors Lydia Solum and Addyson McHugh plus sophomore Katelyn Kraus and freshman Kendal VanMinsel in addition to eighth graders Konkel and Hammel.
Leahy received her fourth varsity letter. Juniors Lydia Solum and Addyson McHugh plus sophomore Katelyn Kraus and freshman Emerson Ingvalson each earned a third letter. Two-year letter winners are Olerud and freshman Sydney Holland. Receiving their first varsity letters were senior Cierra Blaskowski, freshman Kendal VanMinsel and eighth graders Konkel and Hammel.
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LION LEADERS
Scoring (points per game)
Jordian Leahy 13.8
Addyson McHugh 10.3
Katelyn Kraus 6.1
Emerson Ingvalson 3.9
Siri Konkel 3.6
Lydia Solum 3.5
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Rebounding (rebounds per game)
Katelyn Kraus 5.5
Lydia Solum 5.2
Addyson McHugh 4.1
Jordian Leahy 3.5
Kendal VanMinsel 3.5
Emerson Ingvalson 3.4
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Assists (assists per game)
Lydia Solum 2.2
Siri Konkel 1.7
Emerson Ingvalson 1.5
Addyson McHugh 1.5
Sydney Holland 1.4
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Steals (steals per game)
Addyson McHugh 3.4
Jordian Leahy 2.0
Katelyn Kraus 1.9
Emerson Ingvalson 1.3
Lydia Solum 1.1
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Field Goal Accuracy (minimum 30 attempts)
Lydia Solum 34.7826%
Jordian Leahy 34.7826%
Katelyn Kraus 34.3%
Kylie Hammel 34.1%
Addyson McHugh 33.3%
Kendal VanMinsel 32.7%
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3-Point Accuracy (minimum 20 attempts)
Siri Konkel 35.0%
Jordian Leahy 33.9%
Addyson McHugh 32.7%
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3-Point Field Goals
Addyson McHugh 50
Jordian Leahy 39
Siri Konkel 14
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Free Throw Accuracy (minimum 15 attempts)
Jordian Leahy 64.4%
Siri Konkel 59.1%
Kendal VanMinsel 58.8%
Emerson Ingvalson 56.5%
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Free Throws Made
Jordian Leahy 67
Katelyn Kraus 41
Addyson McHugh 15
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Hustle Points
Addyson McHugh 74
Lydia Solum 71
Jordian Leahy 65
Katelyn Kraus 51
Siri Konkel 41