On Saturday, March 2nd, the girls’ basketball team played in the biggest game of the season: the state championship. Junior Kara Kudlacz played a vital role in earning the team’s fourth state championship title.

In the fourth quarter, Elkhorn North was down by eight points when Kudlacz got an offensive rebound followed by a put-back which she made. When doing this, she was fouled and went to the line for a free throw. These three points made all the difference. 

“Once she made that and one there was a huge momentum shift and we all got super excited for her,” junior Mallory Hansen said. “That just carried through the rest of the game.”

The student section and the Elkhorn North crowd came to life as people realized there was a chance for another state title. Kudlacz gave the team hope and an opportunity to make a comeback. The extra momentum led the team to win the game with the final score of 49-47.

“This year we had a couple of starters that got injured and each time Kara stepped up and filled their spot,” assistant coach Laura Dischler said. “When she wasn’t starting, she came off the bench with lots of energy ready to do whatever the team needed to win.”

Kudlacz had a total of five points after she ran the floor and made a tough layup earlier in the game.

“I think she’s just super determined,” Hansen said. “She wants it more than anybody and I feel like she just brings a certain energy and passion to the game.”

Kudlacz was recognized by Hurrdat Sports and was given the “big game chain” for making a big impact in the game and paving the way to a win. She also makes a big impact on her teammates every day.

“She’s super nice and you can talk to her about anything,” Hansen said. “She’s really encouraged me as a player on and off the court.”

Dischler said that Kudlacz is very important to the team and works hard to improve outside of practice.

“She is extremely unselfish and humble on and off the court,” Dischler said. “Kara has great character and represents what our program stands for!”