By Pat Garry, Staff Writer
The Kimball boys basketball team had a split-decision week. On Tuesday, Jan. 11, the Cubs defeated Holdingford, 66-45. Then on Thursday, Kimball lost to a formidable Milaca team, 72-61.
Holdingford game
“Our defense really dictated the course of the game from the start. We were able to force a lot of turnovers and did a nice job of contesting shots. This helped start our offense, and we were able to get a lot of easy looks at the basket. When we substituted, there was no let down on defense or offense. Our bench played with great energy and it was infectious. It was a real team effort to snap our five-game skid. In the second half we tried to work on some different defenses that we will need to rely on in future games. This allowed Holdingford to cut the margin to 18 at one point, so we switched back to our original defense and closed out the game,” explained Coach Jay Klein.
Kimball stats
Owen Mortenson, 1 point, 3 rebounds; Jamison Tubridy, 8 points, 3 assists; Gabe Becker, 9 points, 6 rebounds; Devin -Waldorf, 6 points, 3 rebounds; Lucas Jansky, 12 points; Skylor Gruba, 6 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists; Jed Spaulding, 22 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists; Ty Gustafson, 2 points; (Kimball led 44-15 at halftime).
Milaca game
“The game was close throughout the first half, and we struggled again with turnovers and rebounding. In the second half we were tired and they capitalized, building the lead to 20. We made a late run and never quit. We ended up on the short end of a 72-61 game. I was very proud of the effort we gave until the very end. We faced a very good team tonight and competed,” Coach Klein expressed.
Kimball stats
Owen Mortenson, 2 points; Jamison Tubridy, 3 points, 4 rebounds; Devin Waldorf, 7 points; Lucas Jansky, 16 points, 4 rebounds; Jed Spaulding, 17 points, 7 rebounds; Ty Gustafson, 16 points, 3 assists; (Milaca led 38-32 at halftime).