Little River Sub-State Semifinals Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Little River 1A Division I sub-state semi-final games included the top three ranked teams in the state. Defending 1A Division I state champion, second seed, and #3 ranked Pretty Prairie took on defending 1A Division II state champion, third seed, and #2 ranked Central Plains in the first game. Top-seed and #1 ranked Little River took on a formidable 14-7 St. John/Hudson team in the night cap. It was a big night for big performances as Central Plains and St. Johns/Hudson found ways to get wins and advance to Saturday's sub-state championship game. Enjoy a look at standouts from the two games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='522439' first='Bailey' last='Young'], 6'0", PF, Pretty Prairie, 2023 - Young struggled to box well inside but was effective elevating and competing on the glass. She was absolutely dominant inside offensively and showed herself to be a solid three point threat. I really liked the variety of post moves she showed around the basket and finishing ability through contact. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='597040' first='Trinity' last='Kruse'], 5'6", PG, Pretty Prairie, 2023 - Kruse's quickness and transition speed showed how much improved they are since the past season. A very good three point shooter, she let the team's late charge to take a one point lead. Kruse finished with athleticism and creativity. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='94959' first='Brynna' last='Hammeke'], SG, Central Plains, 2023 - I would have liked to have seen more effectiveness from the line but Hammeke showed a strong game in a variety of ways. She seized opportunities to get to the basket off the bounce, used the glass well on the finish, and made strong passes down the floor to get the help get the team transition baskets. Hammeke also showed a very quick release and a high-arched softness on her perimeter shot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='335932' first='Marilyn' last='Soeken'], 5'7", PG, Central Plains, 2025 - Soeken had a terrific game being active on the glass, making good decisions with ball in transition, and exploited defender weaknesses to get to the basket off the bounce. She scored well in a variety of situations and was a solid mid-range and three point threat. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='192785' first='Alaina' last='Eck'], PG, Little River, 2024 - With her teammates struggling to generate and make shots Eck seized opportunities to attack the basket with energy, shoot the ball effectively from the perimeter, and get the team into their transition game. She scored well in a variety of situations, showed quick feet and hands, and terrific hops. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Elsie Boughfman</strong>, 5'10", Little River, 2025 - Boughfman is strong, broadly built, and athletic. She showed an offensive mindset to attack off the bounce and look to score with her jumper. Her quickness and speed were on display playing on the top of the press. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='606248' first='Heidi' last='Fisher'], 5'6", PG, St. John/Hudson, 2024 - Fisher showed an effective behind the back dribble to create advantages in full- and half-court situations. Looking to take defenders off the bounce, she showed finishing ability with both hands. A high IQ ball handler.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='539006' first='Lydia' last='Reed'], 6'2", C, St. John/Hudson, 2025 - Reed used her length to effect rebounding and cleared the boards well. Displaying good hands to catch and finish, she kept the ball high on catches and rebounds. Reed also showed solid enough handles to help in the back court versus pressure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jade Portillo</strong>, 5'6", CG, St. John/Hudson, 2023 - Portillo used her strength, build, and senior experience play a big factor in the Tigers' success. From handling the ball 1-on-1 full court to hustling in transition to working with teammate [player_tooltip player_id='539006' first='Lydia' last='Reed'] to clog up the paint. Portillo did a little bit of everything and did it well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->