Little River had no shortage of sparkplugs on a team loaded with championship-level experience, but Arika Feldman had a way of maximizing everything around her.

The 6-foot-2 senior was a driving force for a Little River squad that broke through for the Class 1A Division I state title after two straight runner-up finishes.

“She plays with passion, intensity and a lot of focus. Those are the types of leadership skills that flow into those around you,” Little River coach Cy Rolfs said. “I think a lot of them possess some of the same things, but Arika was definitely the one to lead the way a lot of times. 

“It definitely radiates across the team and gives everyone a boost when she is playing at her best.”

Feldman, a member of this year’s KSHSAA Covered All-State Top 5, was definitely at her best when the Redskins needed her most. She poured in 28 points to help Little River outlast defending champion Centralia in the semifinals. Feldman then recorded 20 points, 7 rebounds and blocked 6 shots in a 59-24 win over Wabaunsee that clinched Little River’s first title since its four-peat from 1995-98. 

Feldman and fellow seniors Havana Olander, Evie Look, Adelynne Strecker and Lucy Wright added the basketball title to go along with their four straight volleyball state championships. 

“This has been a dream of ours since I was little, and especially since our seniors have been in high school,” Feldman said. “It's so awesome. We all play in the same sports together, all go do stuff together. There's so much chemistry off the court as well as on the court. 

“We're best friends and being able to do this together is an amazing feeling.”

Feldman’s versatility was on full display in a senior season that saw her average 19 points, 6.4 rebounds, 3 steals and 1.5 blocks for the 27-2 Redskins. 

She shot 38.4% from 3-point range this year and also was a weapon in the post. 

“I think more than anything this senior year,  if I couldn’t get my outside shots to fall, it was about being able to go inside and be a threat there,” Feldman said. “If I can't score, then go grab rebounds and help my team and not be a one-dimensional player.”

Feldman became a standout as a sophomore on a Little River team that finished 24-1, falling to Frankfort in the state final. Taking on an even larger role as a junior, Feldman helped lead the Redskins back to another undefeated regular season before they fell to Centralia in the final. 

“We had a great group of girls before us, especially when I was a freshman and sophomore,” Feldman said. “Just seeing those girls ahead of us, how they led our group. I think it definitely clicked something in our brains that we would have big shoes to fill.”

Feldman developed into a more complete player by the time she was a senior. 

“It was pretty evident pretty quickly how great of a shooter she was,” Rolfs said. “She had a lot of skills already. She put in so much time outside of practice on her own that her all-around game has continued to grow. That’s what makes her so dynamic. 

“She has the skills to handle the ball really well and score inside and outside. The scoring closer to the basket really came along this year and was more consistent. Really fun to have a player that you can move all around the floor.”

Feldman finished her career with 1,401 points, ranking second on Little River’s career scoring list behind former All-Stater Nicky Ramage. She helped the Redskins go 90-6 during her career. 

“(Little River) had a great group back (in the 90s), so being able to bring the title back home and be a part of that great tradition feels great,” Feldman said. 

Feldman said she enjoyed volleyball more when she was younger but basketball became her favorite by the time she got to high school. She’ll be one of two Top 5 All-Staters to head to Fort Hays State along with Silver Lake’s Kailyn Hanni.

“I'm so excited,” Feldman said. “To cap my Little River career off with a state title is amazing, and I want to go to Hays and have the same success as I did here.”

Rolfs expects big things from Feldman at the next level.  

“Very happy she found a place that she feels real comfortable and confident about,” Rolfs said. “I have no doubt she’ll fit really well into that system and style of play in a great conference. I could see her having an impact pretty early. All the skills are there for her to have a lot of success.”