By Angela Brunk
Junior guard and forward Kalyn Ifland of Smith Center High School has proven herself to be one of the most versatile players on the court. Although she typically plays the 1 and the 4 positions, Ifland’s ability to step into all five roles makes her a key asset to her team. Her adaptability and high basketball IQ allow her to impact the game in multiple ways, from handling the ball to battling in the paint.
This season, Ifland has embraced the challenge of competing with a roster of just eight players. Despite the limited numbers, she has been proud of her team’s growth and resilience. “Our improvement has been amazing,” she said, noting the excitement of facing tough competition to close out the season. The team’s goal was to secure a winning record and push past the hurdle of falling just short in close games.
Individually, Ifland set her sights on becoming a more complete player. She focused on improving her perimeter shooting and building confidence through consistent form shooting and repetition. Her dedication paid off as she tied her school’s assist record with 10 assists in a single game.
During the offseason, Ifland competes in club basketball, attends practices, and commits to workouts. Playing in larger tournaments against high-level competition has helped prepare her for the demands of the high school season.
While she has explored potential college opportunities, she remains open-minded about her future, focused on continuing to grow her game and compete at the highest level possible.
