ICYMI: Class AA State Tournament MVP, Stock Riser & Underdog

ICYMI: Class AA State Tournament MVP, Stock Riser &#038; Underdog

Greg Shoultz

March 17, 2021 @ 01:06 PM

MVP Award– Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda 6'2" | SF Sioux Falls Washington | 2022 State SD was the MVP of the tournament. In the semi-final game she finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists. Her consistency, willingness to take over and calm demeanor was on full display. Not only did she take over games, she did it with class and grace. Mwenentanda was vocal the entire tournament. Keeping her team focus on the prize and big picture. Every timeout, every whistle, every chance she got to huddle with her teammates, she did. As teams made runs or when she would go to the bench after a sub, you can hear her say “We Good, We Got This!” At time she would play the point, which was extremely effective. Her 6’2 frame allowed her to see the defense coming from all angles. High screen and rolls, pin down, post-ups, drives and more were all at her disposal.

Coming Out Party Award– Mahli Abdouch Mahli Abdouch 5'7" | PG O'Gorman | 2024 State SD had her coming out party! The freshmen proved that she belonged on the big stage. Every game Abdouch came up with big baskets. She led the Knights in scoring in the semi-finals game with 18 points, coming off the bench. Open threes, baseline attacks, counter moves and even some impressive finished around the rim, Abdouch showed it all. She kept the Knights in every game. Not sure if that was the game plan but she stepped up and took on the challenge.

Underdog Award– Rapid City Stevens wasn’t supposed to be in the championship game, right? Well not to them. First, they upset Harrisburg in the first round. The Raiders used their athleticism to smother and harass Harrisburg all game long. Then they took on a solid Brandon Valley squad. It started off shaking until they put their press on Brandon Valley and never looked back. They would hold on to win, unbothered by the late surge from BV. Finally, they met Sioux Falls Washington in the championship game. Although they would lose, the Raider showed why they got to that point. Senior Kenadi Rising Kenadi Rising 5'10" | SG Rapid City Stevens | 2021 State SD gave it her all, in which would be her last high school game. The silver lining is they will return key contributors back next year for another run at it.