Renegade Senior Sets All-Class, All-State Rebounding Record

An athlete's senior season is always memorable, but few players have an all-class, all-state record to add to their list of accomplishments.

Dawn Klabenes, captain of the Chambers/Wheeler Central girls basketball team, wrapped up her high school career Thursday at the state tournament and added to her all-class, all-state single season rebounding record. 

"To me, rebounding is primarily effort and hustle," Klabenes said. "Setting a record like this is so rewarding. It honestly means so much, and as a senior. I'm so thankful that all of the work I put in to become a better rebounder has paid off."

With 404 rebounds, Klabenes - the daughter of Steve and Kerri Klabenes - easily surpassed the previous mark of 385, set by Jessica Shepard of Fremont in 2014.

Klabenes had 390 rebounds heading into Thursday's Class D2 state quarterfinal against Wynot and added 14 more in the loss. 

Her coach, Laurel O'Malley said Klabenes has been a special player to coach. 

"I am so fortunate to have coached a player like Dawn," O'Malley said. "Her work ethic and dedication the last four years really paid off this year. She contributed in every way possible to our team's success. She was a great scorer, defender and rebounder. Her ability to rebound prevented a lot of second shot opportunities for other teams. I am so proud of her for breaking the state rebounding record. It was quite an achievement."

Klabenes entered the state tournament averaging an impressive 19.4 points and 15.6 rebounds per game.