Keira Benck, Sr., Guard, GHEC/T/ML

Another explosive guard in the area, Keira Benck’s senior season was filled with a handful of highlights for the Jaguars. On top of reaching the 1,000 career point mark, Benck’s 50 made 3-pointers is the largest single-season amount in program history. Benck also holds the record for most career 3-pointers made. She finished the year averaging over 18 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.4 steals and 2.7 assists per game, earning Tomahawk-Valley Conference, Valley Division Player of the Year honors. GHEC/T/ML finished with a 14-13 record while going 9-3 in conference play, placing third in the Valley Division behind Nicollet and Martin County West.

Londyn Bowers, Sr., Forward, GHEC/T/ML

The second Jaguar to join this list, Londyn Bowers strung together a noteworthy season of her own during her final year with the program. The four-year varsity player joined the 1,000-point club this season after averaging just over 15 points per contest. Bowers also stuffed the stat sheet with nearly nine rebounds, three steals and two assists per game, often times getting placed on the opposing team’s best player for defensive purposes. Bowers joined Benck on the Tomahawk-Valley, Valley Division All-Conference team.

Maddie Carlson, Jr., Forward, Martin County West

The departure of Martin County West’s Emily Anderson meant someone needed to step up for head coach Cliff Anderson and his Maverick team this season. Maddie Carlson took this role in stride during her junior season, doubling her points per game output while anchoring the MCW frontcourt in multiple ways. Carlson finished the season averaging 14 points on a 56% shooting from the field. She also brought down over eight rebounds per game while tallying 50 assists and 41 steals. Carlson earned a spot on the Tomahawk-Valley, Valley Division All-Conference team. MCW’s 9-3 conference record was good for second place in the Valley Division.

Brylee Miller, Sr., Guard, Fairmont

Senior do-it-all player Brylee Miller capped off her Cardinal basketball career on a high note. Guiding Fairmont to its most impressive season in the past decade, Miller’s averages of nearly 26 points, 10.6 rebounds, 4.9 steals and 4.7 assists led to a 28-3 record and Section 3AA Championship appearance against New London-Spicer. She not only passed the 2,000-point threshold, but eclipsed Mitch Pfingsten for the most points (2,113) in Fairmont basketball program history. Miller’s season put her on the Minnesota Girls Basketball Coaches Association’s Class AA All-State team.

Ainsley Ulrich, Jr., Guard, North Union

North Union star guard Ainsley Ulrich had an even more impressive campaign during her junior season for the Warriors. Improving on a handful of statistics from the year prior, Ulrich upped her points-per-game total to 20 while collecting over five rebounds and two steals a contest. Her shooting splits increased as well, finishing the season at a 41% clip from the field and 34% from behind the arc. Ulrich earned another First Team Top of Iowa Conference, West Division honor while making the Class 1A Northwest All-District team. North Union finished the season with a 15-9 record, falling to the undefeated Lynnville-Sully Hawks in the Class 1A, Region 5 Championship game.

Honorable Mention

Bria Williamson, So., Forward, Fairmont (10.1 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.9 apg)

Shallie Walders, Jr., Guard, North Union (9.5 ppg, 5 rpg, 5 apg, 3.1 spg)

Makayla Lowry, Sr., Forward, Fairmont (7.2 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 2.2 steals)

NOTE: The All-Sentinel Girls and Boys Basketball Players of the Year will be announced in Saturday’s edition of The Sentinel.