By Matt Browning

Bennie Horsch of Sterling was voted the Salina Area Preseason Girls Basketball Preseason Player of the Year. Horsch received over 1,200 votes, which was more than 53 percent of the poll.

Horsch was the Player of the Year in the Salina Area last season.

“It makes me feel very grateful and very appreciative,” Horsch said of being voted the preseason player of the year.

Last season, Horsch was a first team all-league selection, as well as a second team all-state selection. She averaged 15 points and six rebounds per game for the Black Bears, who won the Class 2A title.

This season, Horsch wants to be able to be efficient using both hands with her moves in the post so that Sterling can continue its success.

I think that the key to continue what we started, is to stay focused and play as the team we are,” Horsch said.

Next year, Horsch will be playing volleyball at Barton County Community College. She was an all-state volleyball player this year for the Black Bears.