5A All-Idaho girls basketball team: Savvy point guards top all-state selections
Note: Coaches in each classification select the All-Idaho teams. The Idaho Statesman hosts the voting process and publishes the results.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR: ABBY LUSK, POCATELLO
The pick: The 6-2 senior point guard was voted player of the year in a repeat, averaging 20.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.8 steals and 1.1 blocks per game on the way to a second straight state title.
Coach’s comment: “She can score with her back to the basket, has a midrange game, can attack off the dribble, and can really get going from three,” Pocatello coach Sunny Evans said. “Abby is an incredible defender and rebounder and can change the game on both ends of the floor.”
What others are saying: “Abby took over games with not just scoring, but her ability to make others better, rebounding and shutdown defense,” Columbia coach Neal Robertson said.
What’s next: Lusk has signed to play for Gonzaga.
BRECKEN MIRE, SANDPOINT
The 5-9 junior guard moves up from the All-Idaho second team a year ago after helping the Bulldogs reach the state championship game. Rarely coming off the floor, she contributed 16.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.9 steals per game.
LEXI LONGHURST, MOUNTAIN HOME
A starter since her freshman year, the 5-4 junior point guard had a knack for creating for teammates and handling defensive pressure. She averaged 18.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.4 steals and 2.5 assists per game while shooting 36% from 3-point range.
KAIA KESLER, HILLCREST
She led the Knights to their first state tournament appearance since 2019. The 5-6 junior point guard put up 17.0 points, 4.3 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 83% from the free-throw line, 35% from beyond the arc and 41% overall.
KARSTYN KIEFER, LAKELAND
She guided the Hawks to the third-place trophy at the state tournament with standout speed and defensive excellence. The 5-7 senior point guard, who is committed to North Idaho College, averaged 10.2 points, 4.5 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game.
COACH OF THE YEAR: SUNNY EVANS, POCATELLO
She led the Thunder to back-to-back state titles despite losing the majority of her roster from last season.
