INF: Kennedy Kokenge, Jr., Harrisburg 

.531 AVG, .597 OBP, 1.203 SLG, 1.800 OPS, 4 2B 3 3B 11 HR 37 RBI 28 R 1 SB 

Kokenge is one of the most powerful bats in South Dakota, ripping 11 home runs to finish second statewide. The South Dakota State commit provided consistent on-base skills when she wasn’t launching the ball over the fence for the top-scoring offense in Class AA. Kokenge also mixed that with the smoothness to play a quality shortstop for Harrisburg. 

“Kennedy Kokenge possesses all the tools of a premier infielder,” Harrisburg head coach Keith Flemmer said. “She has exceptional range, the ability to get to nearly any ball and the arm strength to make throws from anywhere on the field. Combined with one of the quickest and smoothest glove-to-hand transfers I’ve ever seen, she makes difficult double plays look routine. At the plate, Kennedy is equally impressive. She batted .531 this season while tying the team record with 11 home runs. She also struck out just once all year, showing how powerful and consistent she is.”

INF: Kjerstin Kyte, So., Sioux Falls Washington 

.535 AVG, .638 OBP, .887 SLG, 1.525 OPS, 6 2B 5 3B 3 HR 28 RBI 43 R 18 SB 

Kyte was the engine for a Sioux Falls Washington team that made the Class AA state championship game for the second year in a row. The sophomore had to anchor the offense as the leadoff hitter and the defense as the shortstop. She has two years left to help the Warriors get over the hump and win their first softball state title. 

“There are many things that make Kjerstin special,” Washington head coach Kim Bazata said. “For starters, she’s a great competitor. On the rare occasion she makes a mistake in the field, the pitcher better watch out because she is making up for it with her bat. She is constantly stepping up to make things happen for our team. It could be a diving play or an extra base hit. She’s definitely our spark plug. She is very tough to defend at the plate as well. She can hit one over the fence or beat out a bunt. Always a tough out.” 

OF: Cydni Kudrna, Jr., Castlewood 

.627 AVG, .689 OBP, 1.173 SLG, 1.862 OPS, 10 2B 8 3B 5 HR 37 RBI 36 R 7 SB 

Kudrna moved to the leadoff spot for Castlewood this season and flourished as the table-setter. She ripped off 23 extra base hits and helped the Warriors slug their way to the Class B state championship. Kudrna also stepped up as a leader and led Castlewood to its second state title. 

“Cydni is a very determined, focused person,” Castlewood head coach Craig Horn said. “We talked with her at the beginning of the year about staying focused throughout the whole game and she increased her batting average by 200 points this year. She clicked all season long. Besides being an incredible talent, she’s a great leader. She would put in the most work at practice and stay after to help the younger kids.” 

OF: Kassidy Smith, Jr., Sioux Valley 

.537 AVG, .642 OBP, .805 SLG, 1.447 OPS, 7 2B 6 3B 1 HR 26 RBI 43 R 13 SB 

Smith spent the first half of the year bouncing around positionally, but she stuck in the outfield in the back half and shined in all phases of the game. She led off and consistently populated the bases for the middle of Sioux Valley’s order, which knocked her in a ton. Smith has one more year to add even more juice to her offensive profile and become one of the top players in the region. 

OF: Josalyn Traupel, So., McCook Central/Montrose 

.613 AVG, .663 OBP, .838 SLG, 1.501 OPS, 11 2B 2 3B 1 HR 44 RBI 38 R 8 SB 

Traupel broke out as a sophomore in a potent McCook Central/Montrose lineup. The Fighting Cougars led Class B in runs scored per game, and a lot of that was because of the sophomore’s ability to deliver with runners on. She, like Smith, can add a little more pop to her bat as she ages to become a truly feared hitter.

“Josalyn has made tremendous strides this season, particularly in the outfield where her confidence and consistency have taken a major leap forward,” McCook Central/Montrose head coach Nick Morrison said. “She approaches every play with confidence, energy and a strong desire to make the next play. Josalyn’s growth, production and competitive mindset have made her an invaluable part of our team. Her ability to impact the game both defensively and offensively sets her apart.”