With the game still in doubt and the third quarter coming to an end, Melanie Marquardt started with the ball at the top of the key, drove right, stuttered her dribble, hesitated and then blew past the Rockford defender for a lay-up and her 1,000th career point. Marquardt, a 5’5′ junior point guard for the Kimball Cubs is now the third player in Kimball girls basketball history to tally 1,000 career points. Jane Konz, Kimball girls basketball all-time leader in scoring, was the first to reach 1,000 career points, ending with 1,269 points, playing from 1983-1987. Heidi Schwichtenberg was second, finishing her career with 1,065 points. So far, Marquardt ranks third with 1,008 career points. Melanie is truly a special player. She has done more for this team than just score; she is our primary ball-handler and over the past three seasons she has led us in assists. Last year, Melanie set a new Minnesota individual state record for steals in a season with 203. Melanie uses her quickness and basketball instincts to harass opposing guards into turnovers and to keep every one of her teammates involved in the game. Melanie expects perfection from herself and will put in the extra work needed to make herself a better individual and team player. I am so proud of everything Melanie has achieved over her career and what she has done to help improve the girls basketball program. Melanie was an important part in what this team has accomplished over the past few years. Congratulations again, Melanie; many people other than myself are very proud of you and your teammates. We still have more goals we can meet, keep working hard. You and your teammates deserve everything that has happened over these past few years. All of you have worked so hard to get to this point. Let’s keep it going!
