Player Profile-Kennedy Benne
Let’s just get this out there right now; Kennedy Benne can put the ball in the basket. A four year starter for Class C2 Oakland-Craig, she has been scoring at a high level ever since she stepped on the varsity…
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Continue ReadingLet’s just get this out there right now; Kennedy Benne can put the ball in the basket. A four year starter for Class C2 Oakland-Craig, she has been scoring at a high level ever since she stepped on the varsity floor for the Knights. After averaging 10 points a game as a freshman, she more than doubled her scoring output to 21 points a night until she tore her ACL late her sophmore season. Coming back her junior year, she averaged 15 points a game alongside Super-Stater Dacey Nelson as they lead Oakland-Craig back to the state tournament, where they finished third after losing a heartbreaker to the eventual state champion Hastings St. Cecelia’s 72-68 in the C2 semi-final.
With Nelson graduating, the Knights are now Kennedy’s team. Prep Girls Hoops got a chance to catch up with her recently:
What first drove you to basketball? What inspired you to pursue the sport?
I grew up watching my uncles play college basketball and was dragged to all of my oldest brother’s games. After spending so much time around basketball I gained an interest for the game. There was one coach that inspired me from a young age to play basketball. When I was in first grade, Merritt Nelson invited me to play with the second-grade team. I felt super cool, but also very nervous about playing with the older girls. At my first practice with my new team, Merritt complimented my crossovers in front of everybody. This gave me confidence in myself and provided the spark for my love of basketball. I have thought about this moment a lot over the years. I also have to credit my parents because without them pushing me to do what I love and providing me with opportunities I wouldn’t be where I am today.
Who is your club coach and program you play for? How long have you played for them?
I played for Northeast Nebraska Hoops and was coached by Trevor Osten. I have been New part of the Northeast Nebraska Hoops family for the past three years.
What do you feel you do well on the floor? What are the areas of your game that you are working to improve upon?
If I’m forced to talk about myself I would say that I’m an aggressive player who can get to the hoop. I love to play defense which leads to my offense. I used the summer to improve my shooting, especially my midrange and threes.
How do you feel about this year’s team? What are some of your goals?
We graduated a dominant class last year but I don’t think people outside of the Oakland-Craig community realize the talent we have returning. We’ve got a lot of girls coming back with varsity experience and we have an amazing coaching staff. From the very first summer team camp, I knew the upcoming season would be special. We’ve got a lot of talent, from our seniors to freshmen, and we work extremely well together. Our goals are to build off last year, have fun, and bring home a state championship.
Who are some of the tough teams and/or tough individuals that you will have to face in the upcoming season?
It’s tough to narrow it down to specific teams and players because we have a lot of solid teams on our schedule and the East Husker Conference is always strong. BRLD, Humphrey Lindsay Holy Family, and North Bend Central will be tough this year as they all had a great season last year and are returning some key players.
Sidney Swanson from West Point-Beemer is a great basketball player and will be a tough matchup. She’s a very well rounded player and sees the court well. I look forward to going against these teams this upcoming season.
What other sports/activities do you do?
With Oakland-Craig being a small community I try to be as involved as I can. I am a part of volleyball, play production, National Honors Society, Student Council, band, and track.
What schools are you looking at for college? Are you planning on playing? What would you like to major in?
I’ve been looking at smaller colleges that are close to home like Briar Cliff University and Midland University. I do plan on continuing my basketball career after high school. As of right now, I’m thinking of majoring in biology.
Anything else you would like to add . . .
Just watch out for the Oakland-Craig Knights!