Okarche’s Neiderer has big week
OKARCHE — Kinsey Neiderer understandably felt some pressure when she moved from Hennessey to Okarche.
A new team with unfamiliar faces was a good reason. But the success of the Warriors under coach Cherie Myers topped the list.
“There’s a lot of pressure with being at Okarche, but it’s OK,” Neiderer said. “I think we’re doing a great job right now.”
Neiderer had a big week for No. 1 Okarche last week, scoring 23 points in each of the two games to earn The Oklahoman’s Girls Basketball Player of the Week honor. The junior forward helped Okarche win the Three Rivers Conference title over rival Cashion 57-49 and later advance in the Class A playoffs with an 88-38 demolition of Maud for a district championship.
Neiderer has taken some time getting used to Okarche’s intense practices and style of play. Now, she’s turned into a big leader for the team.
“She’s figuring the game out,” Myers said. “She hit 3s, she went inside, she made steals on defense. She’s just turning into a complete, total player for us.
“When we get struggling on offense, she’s the one that steps up and finds a way to score. She did it when we were playing Seiling. We didn’t win that game, but she got us back in that game. She’s just really turned into a consistent player for us.”
Neiderer said her teammates and Myers are the reasons why she’s now comfortable.
“My teammates are just doing a really good job of finding me when I’m hot,” she said. “If I’m not hitting, then I’m going to find them. We’re working really well together and going into the playoffs, that’s a great thing to happen.”