Spring Hill Survives Maize South Comeback Bid

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The fourth-seeded Spring Hill Broncos advanced to the Class 5A semi-finals with a hard-fought win over No. 5 Maize South 61-56.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Broncos built a sizeable first-half lead but had to fight tooth and nail to earn the win after trailing in the fourth quarter. A couple of key defensive stops and crucial free throws ultimately served as the difference in the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here is a look at four Spring Hill athletes who stood out in the win over Maize South.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This report concludes today's coverage from the 5A Tournament. I plan to scout the first two games of the Class 2A State Tournament tomorrow in Manhattan and will have more coverage from this tournament on Friday morning.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='773206' first='Isla' last='Herman']</strong>, 5'9”, CG, Spring Hill, ‘26</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Herman is a solid prospect who can play both guard positions. She buried a couple of early 3-point baskets. I really like her physicality. She does not shy away from contact. &nbsp;Herman furiously attacked the defense every chance she got and played like she was willing to carry her team throughout this postseason. Herman entered the game averaging 17.1 points per game and scored 12 in the first half as Spring Hill built an early 34-22 lead. Herman finished with 16 points, shooting 5-of-16 from the field. &nbsp;The Spring Hill junior also collected 12 rebounds to record a double-double. She is ranked No. 110 overall in the Kansas Class of 2026. Look for her to move up the rankings when they are updated in April.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='616731' first='Sydney' last='Buscher']</strong>, 5'10”, SF/PF, Spring Hill, ‘25</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Buscher hit the boards early and often for the Broncos. She is committed to Washburn University to play volleyball. I have scouted her for Prep Dig, but this was the first time I have seen her play basketball. Her athleticism and jumping skills are quickly noticeable. She created problems for the Maverick defenders, and she scored a couple of hard nosed buckets in the paint. She led the team in scoring with 26 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. She shot an impressive 12-of-14 from the free-throw line and recorded a double-double.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kallie Rodden</strong>, 5'9”, C, Spring Hill, ‘25</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rodden is a workhorse on both ends of the floor. She has the physicality of a baby Rhino and a high basketball IQ. She worked the glass for Spring Hill, grabbing five rebounds. She chipped in 9 points and shot 3-of-4 from the free-throw line. She had a tough match-up inside as one of the defenders who worked against her had a size advantage, and the other had a speed advantage. She just grinded and kept her composure throughout the entirety of the contest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='906565' first='Aubrey' last='Meder']</strong>, 5'9”, SF, Spring Hill, ‘27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Meder is arguably the top defender for Spring Hill. She did a nice job slowing down the Maverick's guards. She scored eight points and shot 6-of-12 from the free-throw line. Meder finished with eight points, but she hit two free throws with less than a minute left to give Spring Hill the lead and ultimately the victory. &nbsp;Meder also added three assists and one rebound to her stat line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->