By Matt Browning

Karenna Gerber of Halstead was chosen as the Shelter Athlete of the Month for April. Gerber led the Dragons to the 3A state tournament, where they defeated Scott City 45-42 in double overtime in the first round.

Gerber, who is just a junior, scored 12 points in the state game and was one of Halstead’s leading scorers this season.

“When I am not playing my other sports, I am playing basketball,” Gerber said. “During the spring and summer I play with my club team (Next Level Eclipse), and go to lots of tournaments with them. I also spend a lot of the summer with my Halstead team doing workouts and going to camps. Individually, I have gone to camps that I have been invited to, and I spend a lot of time in the gym before school and after practices.”

Standing 6-0 tall, but also having the ability to play the perimeter, Gerber is a matchup nightmare for opponents.

When asked what would be the scouting report on her, Gerber said her size and length is what makes her most difficult to defend.

“I feel like I am someone that can score on the block and have been working on a more consistent jump shot,” Gerber said. “My favorite part about my game is being able to make plays in transition and I actually enjoy playing defense. I am fortunate enough to be blessed with size and length, and I like to think of myself as someone who is coachable and has been taught to play the game the right way.”

Gerber, who was selected to VYPE’s 3A All-State team, wants to play basketball in college and has considered following in her dad’s (education) or mom’s (nursing) footsteps.

“I have had a lot of correspondence with great coaches, and I really have enjoyed the recruitment process up to this point,” Gerber said. “Finding somewhere to play basketball that I feel is the best fit for me is the most important factor in finding a college.”

Aside from basketball, volleyball and running track, Gerber is also involved in Student Council, Kay Club, Bel Canto, Theater and Yearbook at Halstead.