Senior forward and South Dakota State recruit led Titans to runner-up finish in state A tourney
TEA — Katie Vasecka of Tea Area High School is the 2023-24 Gatorade South Dakota Girls Basketball Player of the Year.
The award, which celebrates the nation’s top high school athletes for excellence on the court, in the classroom and in the community, distinguishes Vasecka as South Dakota’s best high school girls basketball player.
The 6-foot-1 senior forward led the Titans (20-4) to a runner-up finish in the state Class A touranment. Vasecka averaged 22.4 points, 9.5 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 3.0 steals and 1.7 blocks.
Ranked as the nation’s No. 50 recruit in the Class of 2024 by Prospects Nation, she is a three-time First Team All-State selection. She finished her career with more than 1,900 points.
Vasecka is an active member of her church youth group and has volunteered locally on behalf of The Banquet, helping to feed the less fortunate. She has also donated her time at Boom Athletics in addition to organizing a youth basketball camp to raise funds for Feeding South Dakota.
“Katie is a unique talent with her combination of size and perimeter skills,” Sioux Falls Washington head coach Jamie Parish said. “Her ability to shoot it and put the ball on the floor requires you to put a quick perimeter defender on her. Her size, ability to cut to the rim and finish requires you to put someone with size on her. She is a matchup nightmare.”
Follow Watertown Public Opinion sports reporter Roger Merriam on X (formerly known as Twitter) @PO_Sports or email: rmerriam@thepublicopinion.com
This article originally appeared on Watertown Public Opinion: South Dakota's Gatorade Girls Basketball Player of the Yer
