PIERRE – 8th-grade wrestler Kezrey Benning and junior basketball player Lincoln Kienholz are the Pierre Athletic Coaches Association-Avera Athletes of the Week for the week ending February 5.
Benning was 27-14 through February 5, including wins after she had been bumped up in weight class. Governor Girls Wrestling Head Coach Matt Thorson said, “Kezrey loves the sport of wrestling and is always inquiring about what she can do to get better. During tournaments, she pulls me to the side to watch film on previous matches to see what she did wrong. She is very humble on the mat and is just starting to realize the potential she has in the sport. She is a great role model for other Middle and High school wrestlers by leading by example. She works hard and says little during practice. She is always doing whatever the coaches ask of her at the drop of a hat and without question. Her commitment to the girls in the room are unmatched and she truly is loyal to the team. It’s been a lot of fun coaching Kezrey and watching her develop her skills on the mat.”
Kienholz had 33 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and two steals in a home win over Yankton on February 4. Boys Basketball Head Coach Brianna Kusler said, “Lincoln has continuously adapted his game to create more opportunities for himself and his teammates offensively throughout the season. As a reserved individual, he has embraced the challenge of becoming more of a vocal leader, but most frequently can be found leading by example on and off the court. The confidence he plays with coupled with his ability to create on and off the ball continues to boost our competitiveness in practice and games. We are proud of Lincoln’s adaptability and dynamic approach on and off the court and look forward to seeing the growth he and his teammates continue to have this season.”
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