Second half rally leads to Cub’s win
By Jay Klein, Coach
The Kimball boys’ basketball team traveled to Milaca Monday, Dec. 14, to take on the Wolves. The Cubs struggled in the first half and trailed by 10 at halftime (25-35). It was a different story in the second half. Kimball picked up their defensive intensity and shot the ball much better. The Cub’s took the lead with about five minutes remaining and went on to a 65-55 win.
The Cubs placed three players in double figures in scoring led by Neil Helgeson with 17. Brett Ostby and Dillon Menson each added 12 points. Menson also grabbed 11 rebounds. Helgeson passed out six assists and had three steals. Pat Libbesmeier contributed two blocked shots. The section victory gives the Cubs a record of two wins and one loss overall.
Upsala’s pressure defense gives Kimball problems
In the first round of the Kimball Holiday Tournament ,the Cubs faced the Cardinals from Upsala. The game was very competitive in the first half with the Cardinals holding on to a four-point lead (34-30). Kimball managed to cut the deficit to three (36-39) when Brett Ostby hit a three-pointer early in the second half. However, 10 consecutive turnovers by the Cubs led to a 20-0 Upsala run as the Cardinals went on to an 80-51 victory.
Neil Helgeson filled up the Kimball stat sheet with 23 points, six assists, six steals, and five rebounds which led the team in each category. The loss put the Cubs at a record of 2-2 and in the third-place game facing Long Prairie/Grey Eagle.
Kimball’s comeback falls short against Thunder
In the third-place game of the Kimball Holiday Tournament, Kimball faced Long Prairie/Grey Eagle. The first half remained close throughout, with Neil Helgeson making a shot just before the halftime horn. Kimball trailed by two at the half 22-24. The Thunder stretched the lead a little in the second half before the Cubs rallied late. Trailing by one, Kimball was forced to foul with just five seconds remaining. A Thunder player missed both free-throws, but a desperation heave at the buzzer was off target and the Cubs fell by a score of 40-41.
Alex Fischer and Neil Helgeson led the rebounding effort with six boards each. Bret Ostby handed out three assists. Helgeson also led the Cubs with 22 points and five steals. The loss puts the Cub’s record at two wins and three losses on the season. The next game for Kimball will be Jan. 5, as they host Eden Valley/Watkins.
Helgeson named to all-tournament team
Neil Helgeson represented the Kimball Cubs on the all-tournament team. In the two games Helgeson collected 45 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists, and 11 steals. Also selected to the team was Cody Warner from Long Prairie/Grey Eagle. D.J. Schrupp and Spencer Nelson from the first-place team, Norwood/Young America, and Billy Krivenek and Isaac Schultz from second-place Upsala rounded out the squad.