Showcasing a steady demeanor, Addie Siemsen builds reputation as trusted player for Mitchell girls basketball

Feb. 9—MITCHELL — There are multitude of reasons why the Mitchell High School girls basketball team is 15-0 to start the season.

Addie Siemsen's strong year for the Kernels is near the top of the list.

As opponents try to keep the Kernels' scoring leader Sawyer Stoebner in check, Siemsen is second on the team in scoring at 12.8 points per game, having posted five games with at least 16 points scored. She's also a factor from behind the 3-point line, shooting 34% from long range.

On the defensive side, Siemsen sits second on the Kernels in steals, averaging 2.9 per game. Taking charge on the floor as one of the team's leaders, Siemsen's ability on defense results from her work to improve her on-court awareness and the team's overall effort to better position themselves on defense.

"We work on shell (defense) every day, so we know where we're going to be in game-like situations," Siemsen said. "Being ready and paying attention, knowing that the ball's going to come to you, helps a lot as well."

Siemsen would rather steal the basketball away from an opponent than drain a corner triple, if nothing else, to bring a new level of positive energy to the Kernels both on the floor and on the sidelines. It also showcases the level of maturity she displays, not only for her age but also from her past experiences.

Kernels head coach Dave Brooks recalled a moment when Siemsen was first playing varsity basketball as an eighth grader in the Hoop City Classic. After being fouled at a critical point during one of the games, her actions gave those on the Mitchell bench an idea of the kind of player she could be.

"She had to walk almost the length of the court to get to the free-throw line," Brooks recalled. "Walking up, she stumbled and overaligned. I don't know if she was nervous, but she got to the line and made two free throws. She calmly knocked them down, and not a lot of kids could've done that."

Though she's now only a sophomore, Siemsen's experiences on the court have helped her develop confidence in her game over the years. Learning from those experiences has paid dividends this season in big spots.

Siemsen's performance was key in the Kernels' opening night comeback victory against Huron on Dec. 8, finishing with 19 points while going 8-of-10 from the foul line. Against Sioux Falls Jefferson on Jan. 30, despite a down shooting night, she scored 11 points and came through at the foul line again, draining a clutch free throw to tie the game in an eventual win over the No. 4-ranked Cavaliers.

Having proven to be able to come through in those situations, Siemsen credits her steady demeanor to being able to rely on her strengths and using her experience to not become stressed while out on the court during a game.

"Just trusting myself that even if the game is tied or we need a point, I can do it," Siemsen said, "and trusting everything (else). Having more experiences as (the season) goes on just helps you relax and not really be stressed about the game."

Brooks also notes that Siemsen's success is in part due to not having to be the main player on the floor, as the Kernels have worked on creating balance on both ends and having multiple players who can step up when called upon. But he does say when Siemsen gets the ball with a chance to fire a shot, she won't hesitate.

"Most of her shots are all kind of in the offense and not really forced," Brooks said. "She's one of those kids who's not afraid to take a shot.

"Some kids are just wounded differently. Some are pretty hyper, some are laid back, and Addie looks laid back," he added. "When she's running hard down the court, it looks like she's floating. She's pretty athletic."

Siemsen trusting herself and not being afraid to take a shot came full circle at this year's Hoop City Classic, when she tied the girls' scoring record and most 3-pointers made on Dec. 30. Against Campbell County (Wyo.), she finished with 30 points, going 7-of-11 from behind the arc, while also picking up six steals and a block.

"It's cool to have your name in a record book," she reflected about the game, "but you also have to remember your team who gave you the assist or the steal. You have to thank your teammate for the great play that you just did as well, and that they can trust you with their hard work to give you the ball."

The chemistry built between Siemsen and the rest of the Kernels reflects the team-centric atmosphere that has helped them during their strong start to the season. As the postseason inches closer, the focus is on improving the areas the team knows well.

"We'll just continue to get better and get practice in," Brooks said. "Can we shoot a little better? Probably. Can we play defense a little better? Probably. At this point, we're trying to refine what we have and try to host a SoDak 16 game."

Brooks will also look to Siemsen to continue her stellar form over the final few weeks. She also knows the Kernels, regardless of what happens the rest of the year, will help each other through whatever comes their way.

"We all trust each other enough," Siemsen said. "Even if we're all down at one point at the game, we know we're going to come back to be who we know we are. We can all pull through together; it's not just one person who is going to take it all. It's all of us, and that's how we get through all the ups and downs and stay motivated."