Three Lady Buffs named all-conference

Kennedy Craft, Perla Rodriguez and Ashtyn Chapman have been honored by being named to the Northwest all-conference team at the end of the 2023-24 basketball season. This is the second year Craft has been selected for the elite squad.
Mataia Henderson was an honorable mention selectee.
All four were important competitors on the Lady Buff squad this year, and all four were worthy of the honor.
Coach Jeff Hunt also recognized his seniors for their work and dedication to the team.
“Kennedy had a great year,” he said. She earned spots in the top 10 in Greybull, finishing her career with 605 points, 410 rebounds, 182 steals and 56 3’s. “She has been one of the leading scorers in our conference over the past two seasons. She was also one of the leading rebounders.” Coach Hunt noted that Kennedy “leaves some pretty big shoes to fill next year.”
Chaise Benasky started the year injured, but came back more than ready to play. Coach Hunt described her as “a great defensive player and one of our top rebounders. She is so athletic and has come a long way these past four years.” Benasky earned herself a spot in the top 10 in Greybull with 56 blocks; 44 of those came last season.
“Chaise was a great role player as she could play just about every position we needed her to.”
Ashley Gomez, according to her coach, was one of the Buffs’ “most improved players. She earned herself a starting spot this season and was one of our top scorers in a few games, and our top scorer in a few games. She scored in double digits several times. She was a great leader and was so good with our younger girls,” said Hunt.
Angie Atilano, Hunt said, had a rough couple of years plagued by injuries. “She didn’t get a lot of action this year due to an ankle injury and a concussion. But she was one of the best players I’ve ever coached when it came to anticipating passes.”
Sarah Murph was described as a player who was “tough in the key. She played very aggressive defense and worked hard to box out every shot. She persevered over the season and never gave up and fought until the final buzzer.”
Hunt said he and the team will miss the graduating seniors. However, “We have a lot to look forward to. We were by far the most improved team in the west. We are bringing back several key players next season,” including two All-conference players and a premier 3-point shooter.
“I am so proud of our girls this season. It’s easy to quit when things aren’t always going how we would hope, but this group showed so much tenacity and perseverance over the season. We never gave up and fought until the final buzzer in every game,” Hunt said.