Advertisement

Ellsworth - Nine players of the Ellsworth High School girls basketball program have received All Conference status in the Northern Lakes Conference under head coach Mark Essenberg.

Ê Selected First Team All-Conference were junior Kelcie Drenth and sophomore teammate Jayln Ingalls . Drenth, playing the forward position, averaged 8.5 points per game, 4.5 rebounds, and produced a game average of 3.3 steals.

"You never have to question her effort," Essenberg said. "You always know what you're going to get from Drenth."

Playing guard, Ingalls was close behind with 3.2 steals, but led the Lancers in scoring by averaging 9.3 points per game. She also hauled down 2.3 rebounds per contest. Two of the better players for Ellsworth, Ingalls and Drenth assumed leadership positions on the team, according to Essenberg.

"Nobody really stood out this season," he said. "We had six players who could lead us in scoring on any given night. The season was one team effort."

For their efforts, juniors Kysha Keehn and Katelyn Seaney, and eighth-grader Emily Veenstra achieved Second Team All-Conference. Labeled a solid offensive producer by Essenberg, Keehn averaged 8.1 points per game and 4.1 rebounds. Seaney put in 5.8 points per game and averaged 4.3 rebounds. Veenstra contributed 6 points on average, with 5.6 rebounds.

"One thing I don't have a problem with are the grades," Essenberg said. "The girls take care of business in the classroom."

That much is evident for the Ellsworth girls, as four team members were elected for the All-Conference Academic Team.

Sarah Barraw, Maggie Piellusch, Amber Keller, and Callie Guntzviller represented the Lancers, who have a history of academic success, according to their coach.

"I think our team had the best combined grade-point average in the state two years ago," Essenberg said. "And we got honorable mention this year."

Many bright ballplayers for Ellsworth will be returning next year, providing Essenberg with a more seasoned lineup.

"We should have a lot of experience coming back," he said. "We're looking forward to a bright future."