Scobey High Lady Spartans: A Grit-Fueled Run to the State Tournament
The 2024–2025 basketball season for the Scobey High Lady Spartans was a testament to grit, depth, and resilience. Under the leadership of Head Coach Jedd Lekvold, the Lady Spartans forged a remarkable campaign that culminated in a 20-9 overall record and a fourth-place finish at the Montana Class C State Tournament—defying expectations and overcoming adversity every step of the way.
Early Season Challenges and Steady Growth
The season began under challenging circumstances. Injuries plagued the team early and often, with several key players sidelined at different stages of the year. However, what could have derailed the season instead became a proving ground for the team’s depth and character.
Coach Lekvold credited this adversity as a catalyst for the team’s development. “The injuries provided opportunities for other girls to step up, which they did,” he explained. This ‘next player up’ mentality became a defining theme of the season, particularly as the postseason approached.
Key Contributors and Emerging Stars
One of the cornerstones of the team’s success was senior post player Kaytie Aanstad. As the lone senior on the roster, Aanstad’s presence in the paint allowed the team to run an inside-out offense. “She was capable of scoring down low, and teams keyed on her defensively,” Lekvold said. Her scoring ability and rebounding prowess opened up opportunities for the Lady Spartans’ perimeter players. Aanstad’s leadership and impact will certainly be missed next season.
Versatility was another strength of this team, personified in junior Camrie Holum. Described as the most adaptable player on the roster, Holum played multiple positions with ease, bringing the ball up the floor, posting up, and defending any position. Her presence was felt on both ends of the court, giving the team flexibility in any lineup.
Sophomore Kayla Carney also played a crucial role, especially as a steadying presence at the guard position. Her ability to handle pressure and anchor the offense helped guide the team through high-stress situations. Defensively, Carney often drew the assignment of guarding the opponent’s top offensive threat and delivered consistently.
But perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Lady Spartans’ season was how many young players stepped into the spotlight. Eighth grader Emery Rouse made an immediate impact off the bench, showing athleticism and defensive versatility. Freshman McKenna Nieskens was thrust into a starting role during the district championship after a season-ending injury to starter Kennadi Cromwell. Despite the pressure, Nieskens rose to the occasion.
Other major contributors included Claire Lekvold, who brought energy and momentum off the bench, Chloe Handran, whose late-game heroics helped seal a divisional semifinal win over Circle, and Avery Wolfe, who delivered an offensive spark in the divisional challenge game against Bainville.
Turning Points and Postseason Heroics
The district tournament was the true turning point of the season. Entering as underdogs, Scobey faced Circle in the semifinals—a team that had defeated them twice in the regular season. But this time, the Lady Spartans flipped the script, locking down Circle with stifling defense and holding them to just 26 points. Their bench, particularly freshman Ava Stentoft, stepped up when foul trouble forced several starters out of the game.
The district championship pitted Scobey against powerhouse North Country, four-time district champions and back-to-back defending state champs. Once again, the Lady Spartans delivered a defensive masterclass, limiting North Country to 27 points and claiming the title. “Once we were able to win those games playing the way we did, I think our confidence grew and the girls knew we were capable of potentially making a deep run,” Coach Lekvold said.
They carried that momentum into divisionals and then into the state tournament in Butte. Scobey opened state play with a first-round win, eventually finishing 2-2 and taking fourth place—an impressive feat considering they were unranked throughout the season.
The Heart of the Team: Senior Leadership
While Aanstad was the only senior on the roster, her influence extended far beyond the stat sheet. Her leadership, poise, and dedication were essential to the team’s success. “She allowed us to do so many things on offense and defense. We’ll definitely miss her next season,” said Lekvold. Her example helped mold a young and talented group into a cohesive and confident unit.
Looking Ahead: A Promising Future
With Aanstad the only graduating senior, the Lady Spartans return the core of their team for the 2025–2026 season. That experience, especially the postseason exposure, bodes well for the program’s future.
“I’m excited that the girls got to experience a state tournament,” said Coach Lekvold. “It’s hard to get there in Class C, especially coming out of the extremely competitive Eastern C Division. But now they’ve seen what it takes to play on Saturday night at State.”
There is cautious optimism regarding the health of Kennadi Cromwell and Dylon Allestad, both of whom suffered season-ending knee injuries. If both players can return to full strength, they will provide even more veteran leadership and scoring punch.
Coach Lekvold also noted the strength of the program’s pipeline, with several younger players showing promise and hunger to contribute. “There are many capable ball players coming up,” he said. With the depth we have, it’s nice to know that someone different every game can step up for this team.
Offseason Goals and Continued Growth
Heading into the offseason, the focus will be on sharpening offensive skills, specifically shooting and ball handling. With the foundation laid this past season, improvements in these areas could elevate the Lady Spartans from contenders to champions.
Coach Lekvold and his team aren’t taking anything for granted. The journey to the state tournament was hard-earned, and the work to return there has already begun.
Final Thoughts
The 2024–2025 Scobey High Lady Spartans were a team defined by perseverance, depth, and teamwork. They battled through injuries, trusted in each other, and delivered when it mattered most. With a fourth-place finish at State and nearly the entire team returning, the future looks exceptionally bright in Scobey.
As Coach Lekvold put it best: “This group now knows what it takes. I hope that motivates and drives them this offseason to try to get back there.”
Fans can follow the team’s progress and stats on Hudl. One thing’s for sure: the Lady Spartans are just getting started.
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