Monday, March 27, the Kimball boys?Äô basketball program held their end-season banquet at Kimball Area High School. A potluck meal was served for the players, their parents and the coaching staff. Awards were handed out, as coaches reflected on their seasons.
This past year, the varsity team finished the season with a record of 23 wins and 6 losses overall. Kimball had a record of 11-3 in the Central Minnesota Conference, finishing in third place. Kimball was the number two seed in Section 5A south sub-section for the playoffs. Kimball advanced to the sub-section final, losing 61-55 to Browerville. It was the second time in four years that Kimball advanced to the sub-section final. Also, it was the sixth time in seven years that the boys?Äô team won a first round playoff game. Twelve team records were set during the season and one individual record was broken.
There were 19 players on the varsity team this past year.
Members of the team included letter winners (seniors) Del Guerrero, Keali?ÄôI Kapoi, Parker Peglow, Levi Sodergren, and Darius Westrich, letter winners (juniors) Hunter Ahlrich, Hayden Gagnon, Weston Hine, Michael Hoffmann, (sophomores) Drew Gustafson (letter winner), Noah Jurek (letter winner), Carl Blanchard, Casey Gohmann, Riley Miller, Thomas Pearson, Zach Streit, Jake Traurig and Jevonte Victor and freshman Chase Gustafson.
A number of awards were given out the night of the banquet. The Cubs had four players named to the Central Minnesota All-Conference Team. Del Guerrero, Drew Gustafson and Darius Westrich were first team all-conference and Hayden Gagnon was second team all-conference. Noah Jurek was a member of the Academic All-Conference Team. The Offensive MVP Award went to Del Guerrero. Defensive MVP went to Hayden Gagnon. Riley Miller was named Most Improved Player. Keali?ÄôI Kapoi received the Hustle Award and Drew Gustafson received the ?ÄúCub?Äù Award. Kimball had four players named Central Minnesota Conference Player of the Week during the season, Darius Westrich, Del Guerrero, Hayden Gagnon and Drew Gustafson.
Two Kimball seniors will be participating in All-Star games. Darius Westrich will be participating in the Central Minnesota Conference All Star Game which will take place in Foley Saturday, April 8. Del Guerrero will be participating in the North Central All Star Game in Bemidji Saturday, April 8.
The basketball banquet put the finishing touches on a very successful season for the Kimball boys?Äô basketball program. All the coaches would like to thank the players, the players?Äô parents, everyone who helped with the program, and all the fans for making the season very special and one to remember.