HISTORICALLY SPEAKING, THE CONCORDIA LUTHERAN GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM IS ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL TEAMS IN ‘SADER NATION. THE HOOP TROOP HAS REACHED THE PLAYOFFS FOR 25 STRAIGHT SEASONS.
That streak remained intact in 2024, as the Lady Crusaders advanced to the TAPPS-6A Regional Round and finished 2024 with a record of 27-9.
Among the plethora of skilled performers in the group, no player was more vital to the team’s success than senior-to-be Kenley Benson.
Considering her passion for the hardwood, it might come as a surprise to know that basketball wasn’t even Benson’s first sport.
“I competed in just about every sport for most of my life, ranging from cheerleading to soccer and track,” she said. “Once I got into high school, I got tired of it and just went straight to basketball and I’ve grown up in the program ever since. I’ve tried to model my game after one of my favorite all-time players, Paige Bueckers (UConn).”
It would seem Benson’s decision paid off, earning a first-team, all-state selection in 2024.
However, her initial choice to join ‘Sader Nation’s basketball program wasn’t just made on a whim.
“Since my time in middle school at Trinity Klein, I’ve always wanted to play basketball for coach (Matt) Neidigk,” Benson said. “I was a freshman on varsity, which I was super blessed to be a part of.
Those girls who were seniors that year – like Maddie Mueller – I looked up to them dating back to middle school, so it was really exciting to have the opportunity to play alongside them. I’m just really happy to keep the tradition they’ve set moving forward.”
While she has undoubtedly found her footing on the court, this Concordia Lutheran guard has high expectations after the collegiate level.
“Initially, I thought I wanted to play in college,” said Benson. “At a certain point, I realized that I needed to turn my attention towards my studies since I hope to one day become a doctor or in the medical field.”
After all, Benson has shown to be nothing if not meticulous towards her future.
“If I could give my freshman-self some advice, I’d tell her to keep making those connections with the older girls that I did make,” she said. “Not only did it benefit me now, but I’m super close with all of my current and past teammates now, which has only made me a better player and person up to this point.”
When she’s not binging her favorite Marvel movies or spending time with family this upcoming year, expect Kenley Benson to lead Concordia Lutheran back to the postseason in the final stretch of her exemplary high school career.