Buffs girl picked among best in Kansas

Senior Kristen Beckman (15) earned Kansas all-state recognition during another strong Rawlins County girls’ basketball season in 2019-20.

Steve Towery/McCook Gazette

WICHITA, Kan. — No Nebraska basketball foe should be surprised that Rawlins County senior Kristen Beckman gained Class 1A all-state honorable mention recently.

The Wichita Eagle recognized Beckman as she averaged 14.6 points along with 8.3 rebounds for a 15-7 Buffaloes team.

Beckman was at her best during the Buffaloes’ last visit to Nebraska in February.

She lit up Trenton with 23 points and 13 rebounds during a 56-41 win over Hitchcock County on Feb. 4.

One week later, Rawlins returned to the “Good Life” where Beckman tallied 21 points while clearing 10 boards in another strong 59-45 victory at Wauneta-Palisade. She earlier tallied 20 to help Rawlins nearly knock off Dundy County-Stratton, but those Tigers prevailed 65-61 on Dec. 17.

Beckman saved the best performance for her final home game at Atwood: 25 points, 15 rebounds and a 74-48 beatdown of Dighton Hornets.

Rawlins lost a 51-48 regional finale to Wheatland-Grinnell.