Scoring Sensation (Alex Kneeland)

This week's Taco John's Athlete of the Week put some big numbers up at the Class “B” State Girls basketball tournament in Watertown. But that's nothing new for Alex Kneeland of Summit. Kneeland is just a junior but she's already made her mark on some of the state's most prestigious records. This year, she posted an all-class tournament record with one hundred four points.

Coach Mark Amdahl says, "I've seen many great players and coached great players and she ranks right there at the top."

Kneeland put up 39 points in round one to edge Wall in overtime. In the semi-finals the junior scored 36, including all 16 of her team's points in the first quarter. And although the Eagles came up short in the finals, Kneeland led the defending state champs with 29 points.

Alex Kneeland says, "I'm willing to do whatever it takes and that's why my one main goal is to make my team better and take us as far as we can."

This straight "A" student doesn't mind the pressure of the big stage. While some players see the bright lights of the state tournament once or twice in their high school careers, Kneeland has already been there five times.

Kneeland says, "I like the pressure. I want the ball in my hands when the game is on the line. Some how it always works out, maybe someday my luck will run out but I hope not."