Bennie Horsch of Sterling was voted the Salina Area Girls Basketball Player of the Year. Horsch received over 2,700 votes, which was more than 40 percent of the overall vote.

Horsch, who is a junior, was first team all-league and second team All-VYPE Salina Area.

“Being voted for this, really overwhelmed me,” Horsch said. “I am beyond happy for all the support and couldn’t be more proud of my teammates and my coaches. If it weren’t for them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I could never have imagined being in this position. I’m very thankful.”

Sterling won the 2A Championship and Horsch was crucial in the Black Bears’ season. She averaged 15 points and six rebounds per game, while shooting 46 percent from the floor and 76 percent from the free throw line.

Horsch is usually a guard, but because of a preseason injury in Sterling’s frontcourt, she had to predominantly play in the post this season.

“I went into this season with very high hopes,” Horsch said. “Due to an injury of one of our very talented seniors, I had to transition from being a guard to stepping into her place as a post player. At the beginning of the season, I was struggling, and made mistakes, but I worked hard and grew into the player I am now.”