Salina Central's Aubrie Kierscht named Miss Kansas Basketball, plays final game in hometown
When Aubrie Kierscht got the phone call from Salina Central coach Chris Fear that she was named Miss Kansas Basketball, she was in the gym continuing to craft her basketball skills.
That hard work and determination continue to pay off for Kierscht as she was formally introduced as Miss Kansas Basketball on Saturday night at Mabee Arena. She then went on to score 16 points as a member of the Blue team in its 95-89 loss to the Gold in the KBCA All-Star Game.
"To get that call when you're in the gym is just proof right there," Kierscht said. "I think it's certainly a blessing."
Kierscht leaves Central as the Mustangs' all-time leading scorer, with 1,685 points, while also holding single-season records for points with 518, and made 3-pointers with 113. She owns the school record with 317 career 3-pointers, plus single-game marks for points with 40 and made 3-pointers with 12 as well.
Playing one last time in Salina
When the season ended at the Class 5A state tournament in Emporia, Kierscht didn't believe she would play a game in Salina ever again.
That was not the case as she was one of four girls from Class 5A schools to represent at Saturday's KBCA All-Star Game.
More: Kansas' best high school seniors play in Kansas Basketball Coaches Association's All-Star Games
"Getting to do it one more time, it's definitely something again just (to) remember," Kierscht said. "It's definitely a journey that I'll remember. It's just the next step (and) part of the journey.
"I think it's a great experience for all of us. We're getting to be coached by a lot of great coaches. I think it's definitely an opportunity to remember."
Kierscht got to interact with some of the best seniors in the state, playing beside Sterling's Kali Briar on the Blue team and against Goddard's Maycee James of the Gold, who faced Central four times in the last two seasons.
"It just goes to show the talent we have here in Kansas," Kierscht said. "I think it's a blessing to be named with those players. We were having fun all day.
"Honestly, when we were shooting and stuff, we were just going back and forth with shots and stuff. (Briar is) a great player. It was really fun getting to play alongside her. She certainly has a great career ahead of her."
Kierscht had lots of family, friends and teammates in attendance and appreciated that all of them came to support her in the final game of her high school career.
"It's a blessing," Kierscht said. "I've been supported by this whole community. Just to end it all here and seeing them all there and their support for me, it's just a blessing. I'm thankful that God placed them in my life."
Kierscht was coached by Pat Stiles in the game
One of Kierscht's coaches in the all-star game was Central Plains' Pat Stiles.
Kierscht was glad to be coached by Stiles, who has led Central Plains to eight consecutive state championships.
"It was pretty cool," Kierscht said. "I definitely got excited when I was. He's a legend. Being coached by him was a great experience."
Kierscht's next chapter
Kierscht will have just two weeks at home before she reports to Presbyterian College on July 5. She committed there in April after decommitting from Navy.
Kierscht said the experience of playing in the KBCA All-Star Game with great players and being coached by some of the best coaches in Kansas will help set her up for success later on in her life.
Dylan Sherwood has been a sports reporter for the Salina Journal since August 2019. He can be reached at dsherwood@salina.com or on Twitter @DSherwoodSJ
This article originally appeared on Salina Journal: Salina Central's Aubrie Kierscht named Miss Kansas Basketball
