Athlete of the week: Menning stepping into big role for Corsica/Stickney

CORSICA — Hope Menning is described by her coach in one word — perfectionist.

And it has paid off for the sophomore so far this season.

Menning has led the Corsica/Stickney girls’ basketball team in scoring in all six games this season.

“She’s a perfectionist when it comes to how she wants to play the game,” Corsica/Stickney head coach Lorisa Broughton said. “She really pushes herself to do well.”

Last week, the 5-foot-9 guard scored no lower than 15 points in all three of the Jaguars’ games.

Menning has scored in double figures in every game and led all players with a season-high 25 points in a 62-46 win over Viborg-Hurley Dec. 18.

She again had a game-high 19 points in Corsica/Stickney’s 43-26 victory over Wessington Springs Dec. 20.

Menning also had a team-high 15 points in a 47-44 loss to Parkston Friday.

For her efforts, Menning has been named The Daily Republic’s athlete of the week, an award that’s voted on by the newspaper’s sports staff.

“She’s one of those naturally good shooters,” Broughton said. “You don’t find that very often.”

This is Menning’s first year as a starter for the Jaguars (3-3). She came off the bench during her freshman year but has come into her own this season.

“Because she’s such a good shooter, we expected her to step up into that leadership role on the court,” Broughton said. “She has really stepped up big for us this year.”

The Jaguars play Highmore-Harrold in the Parkston Classic at 10 a.m. Friday in Parkston.

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