Hawks hand out final awards

After qualifying for the state tournament this season, the Mid-Prairie girls? basketball team had plenty to celebrate at the Hawks? year-end banquet last week.

The Hawks got together and wrapped up their season?s successes by honoring most members of the team with honors that the girls had earned throughout this year.

Eight girls were named to the All-River Valley Conference Academic team this year.

Kessa Jones, Alex Rath, Shae Becker, Emily Cayton, Ali Butters, Creigh Rourke, Ireland Hostetler and Makensie Rich all excelled in the classroom to earn the nomination.

Alex Rath and Ali Butters were also given first-team All-South Division honors, with Addie Rath picking up honorable mention.

Butters earned multiple extra recognitions from the Iowa Girls? Coaches Association, being named third-team All-State, while claiming All-District honors.

The Iowa Basketball Coaches Association also gave Butters All-Region honors, while Emily Cayton was named to the IBCA?s Academic All-District team.

The Hawks also handed out their team awards at the event.

Addie Rath was honored for being the top rebounder, Victoria Ewerin was named the most improved player, Butters was tabbed the top offensive player and Cayton earned top defensive honors.

Ally Wertz was honored as the best teammate and Kessa Jones was the junior varsity MVP.

Alex Rath earned a pair of recognitions, with the top free-throw percentage, and also was named the varsity team?s MVP.

Rath participated in the IBCA All-Star game held at Dallas Center Grimes on Saturday, and has two more she is scheduled to participate in.

Rath will play in the Larry Niemeyer All-Star game on April 2, and the River Valley Senior All-Star game on April 10.