Sweetwater Athletics

BY GAGE HANSON

Note: The All-Idaho teams are chosen by each classification’s coaches. The Idaho Statesman hosts the voting process and publishes the results.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: MADISON SHEARS, PRAIRIE

Why she is player of the year: A key cog in a 17-4 season, the junior point guard was a threat both inside and outside. She averaged 16.8 points, 4 rebounds, 3 steals and 3 assists per game to lead the Pirates to a second-place finish at state. She scored 20 points in the state semifinal game.

Coach’s comment: “Madison is a great floor leader and our leader at the point position. … She made key shots that showed the type of leader she is,” Prairie coach Lori Mader said.

What others are saying: “She is tough to stop and a really good overall player,” Raft River coach Cody Powers said. 

What’s next: She will return for her senior season and another shot at a title.

KC LUSSORO, LAPWAI

The senior wing led Lapwai to a title with her scoring (13.0) and defense, where she was often asked to guard the opposing team’s best player. Her all-around contributions were key in Lapwai’s state-leading offense (64.4 ppg).

MANIAH CLEGG, GRACE

She was a dominant force on the block for Grace, averaging a double-double of 12.4 points and 11.0 rebounds. Her 6-foot frame gave the junior center an edge she capitalized on and helped Grace to a third-place finish at state. 

MADISON HODNETT, LIBERTY CHARTER

The Western Idaho Conference player of the year makes her third appearance on the state team. Even constant box-and-one defenses couldn’t stop the 6-2 junior forward from dominating; she averaged 20.7 points, 16.4 rebounds and 3.4 blocks per game.

GRACE SOBOTTA, LAPWAI

The 5-8 sophomore guard graduated from the second team to the first team this year. She led the Wildcats to another state title, finding a way to the basket whenever she needed. She averaged 10 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. 

COACH OF THE YEAR: ADA MARKS, LAPWAI

She led Lapwai to its state-record 10th title after taking over the team on an interim basis.

SECOND TEAM

Player School Height Year Position Stats

Glory Sobotta Lapwai 5-7 Junior Point guard 9.4 ppg, 1.4 ast, 1.3 stl

Sintia Varela Rimrock 5-8 Junior Wing 17.6 ppg, 4.6 stl, 3.7 ast

Breanna Hill Grace 5-6 Senior Point guard 13.1 ppg, 2.8 stl, 1.8 ast

Bailey Leseman Genesee 5-6 Junior Guard 12.5 ppg, 2.7 reb, 2.6 stl

Kamri Ottley Raft River 5-8 Senior Guard 14.2 ppg, 6.8 reb, 3.8 ast

Read more here: https://www.idahostatesman.com/sports/high-school/girls-prep-basketball/article241726166.html#storylink=cpy