SALINA — Following the footsteps her sister left a year ago, Labette County’s Landry O’Brien represented the Grizzlies in Saturday’s Kansas Basketball Coaches Association All-Star Game at Kansas Wesleyan University.
O’Brien, who started for the Blue team, scored 10 points en route to Blue’s 70-61 victory over the Gold team.
The Tabor commit buried a 3-pointer early to get lathered up. O’Brien’s final statline included 10 points on 3-of-10 shooting, including 2-of-3 in the second half, two steals, two rebounds and an assist.
“I feel good. I was so happy,” O’Brien said. “It was fun. I was glad I hit that shot. I felt like I was back in it.”
Saturday’s girls game was a backand- forth affair. The lead changed hands 10 times with six ties for good measure.
“Both teams played hard and the other team got a ton of rebounds,” O’Brien said. “We started hitting more and had less turnovers. And we started boxing out.”
Anna Jueneman from Hanover led Blue with a dozen points while O’Brien and Oen Deters from Centralia added 10 apiece.
Valerie Norwood from Wellington led Gold with 16 points.
“It was amazing. All of Landry’s hard work paid off,” Labette County head coach Brianna Volmer said. “This game was a closing for a storied career. I can’t say enough good things about her work ethic and motor and what she’s done for Labette County High School.”
O’Brien’s sister, Kayton, played in the KBCA All-Star Game last year. Prior to that, the last player from Labette County to make the roster was Tristan Gegg in 2018.
“I struggle to find the words. It’s humbling to be represented in the last two seasons, especially given the few girls from Labette County that have played in this game,” Volmer said. “It showcases what the O’Brien sisters did for us. It’s amazing and awesome and humbling. And our program wants to be back here soon.”
Volmer was pleased with O’Brien’s play in Saturday’s tilt.
“She played great. She missed a few layups, but Landry did what Landry does,” Volmer said. “She showed her growth. She played with high energy and was a great teammate. She always had a smile on her face. That speaks to how she plays the game.”
A First Team All-SEK League selection, O’Brien led Labette County with 17 points and 3.2 assists per game.
“It’s an honor that I get to be a part of this legacy,” O’Brien said. “It’s an honor to share it with my sister. That’s really special to me.”
O’Brien will continue her career at Tabor College.
“I know it’s going to be super competitive,” O’Brien said. “I’m putting in lots of work this summer. I’m going to be successful in the next couple of years.”
As for the Grizzlies, O’Brien was part of a large outgoing class that leaves Labette County with a reshaped roster next winter.
“It’s a clean slate and we’re starting over,” Volmer said. “I’m learning a ton of things about our team this summer. Labette County female sports are known for having a ton of multi-sport athletes, so we want to try and get out injury free. But we’ll have a new offense. We’ll find what fits and find what we need to work on.”
Landry O’Brien of the Labette County Grizzlies drives towards the rim during Saturday’s Kansas Basketball Coaches Association All-Star Game at Kansas Wesleyan University in Salina. Sean Frye/Sun photo
