Columbus North’s Kenna Conrad (2) takes a shot while guarded by Silver Creek’s Brooklyn Renn (14) during a girls basketball game Jan. 22 at at Columbus North.
Mike Wolanin | The Republic
Kenna Conrad had to play a much bigger role this season.
The Columbus North girls basketball team had little in terms of size with their tallest returning player, Miley McClellan, out for the season with an ACL injury. Conrad, a 5-foot-9 junior, had to fill the void this year.
So far, she’s been the leading rebounder and shot blocker for the Bull Dogs in the regular season as the team switches gears to concentrate on postseason play.
North finished the regular season 16-7, which is its most regular-season wins since the 2018-19 season. It’s also a big improvement from the 11-13 record last year that ended up being the first losing season since 2004-05.
“I think we’ve competed in almost every game that we’ve played. We work hard, so I think we’ve done well as a team,” Conrad said.
Columbus North’s Kenna Conrad shoots against Southport Nov. 19, 2024 at Columbus North. Paige Grider for The Republic
Paige Grider | For The Republic
A big piece of the defense inside, Conrad leads the team in rebounds (6.0), steals (1.7) and blocks (0.7) per game. She’s also been one of the team’s best defenders, often guarding people taller than her. She also averages 6.5 points a game and is second on the team in assists (2.0).
“Kenna has been really steady for us. She’s gives us a little bit of everything,” North coach Brett White said. “Sometimes she’ll give us scoring. She consistently rebounds for us. She’s been in the top two or three in assists in a number of games. She’s one of those girls that does a bit of everything, and whatever we ask her to do, she’s willing to try to do for us.”
Conrad’s production has gone up as a result after she averaged 3.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.6 steals, 0.4 blocks and 1.3 assists per game as a sophomore last year.
“It’s being able to move the ball up and down the court and look for my teammates and find open spots,” Conrad said.
Conrad started playing basketball in the first grade. She also played volleyball from seventh grade until her sophomore year before giving up that sport to focus on basketball.
The Bull Dogs drew a bye and will play in semifinals of the North Sectional at around 7:45 p.m. Friday. They will take on winner from Tuesday night’s first-round game between Columbus East and Whiteland.
Franklin and East Central will play in the first semifinal matchup at 6 p.m. Friday. The sectional final will be at 7:30 p.m. Saturday.
The Bull Dogs are the favorite to win their first sectional title since 2017, which coincidentally was on their home floor, too.
“We’ve been building up for the sectional all season, and we’re looking forward to it,” Conrad said. “I think it’ll be one of the best things if we could win at home, and our whole crowd will be here to support us.”
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