Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
Observations all along the line - Kimball & the Southern Panhandle First
A “SHOUT OUT” to Garrett Pedersen today for his awesome showing at the District Wrestling Tournament. The young sophomore is a state qualifier for Kimball High and now has the opportunity to become a three time State qualifier and three time state medalist. The State Tourney starts today in Omaha and we will all be cheering for you.
(See all the results in a complete story)
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I enjoyed the exciting basketball played at Pine Bluffs this past week. The Pine Bluffs boys and girls are both experiencing winning seasons this year and both are threats to win it all at their State Tournaments. The Kimball teams both gave such good effort at the Hornets Nest and fans were treated to some outstanding High School basketball.
I have been anxious to see Hunter Thompson in action and he didn’t disappoint as the 6’10” junior showed he can do it all, from long range to the many slam dunks. His rebounding, and ball handling, and dead eye passing, he excels in all categories.
At times I feel he is almost too unselfish as he looks to distribute the basketball to team mates. He has already attracted national attention and he will have his choice of several Division One schools before it is all over. A nice young man blessed with basketball height and talents. Pine Bluffs is fortunate to have him, and Hunter is fortunate to have a good surrounding corp of players. You fans are fortunate to be able to follow both the boys, and girls, as they rack up the wins.
Speaking of fans, the Kimball-Pine Bluffs contests have drawn good crowds through the years and it is always fun to see the fans and students interact. Lots of friends and lots of fun between the two communities.
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Kimball held a Senior Parent’s Night this past week for the Kimball High Girls Basketball players and the senior varsity cheer leaders. The five senior Lady Longhorn players were Arica McCloud, Madison Biesecker, Danika Daum, Myriah Tyan, and Kailey Dickerson. Exchange student Guro Litlere was also mentioned and Kayla Schoenemann, a four year student manager and coach Chauncey Pedersen’s ‘Right Hand Woman,’ Kayla makes certain everything is ready to go with the help of her young group of assistants. This entire group will be missed greatly as they have given Kimball fans a lot to cheer for through their four years.
I can’t say enough about the senior cheer leaders either and especially to Arica McCloud, Raylyn Soper and Ali Hunsaker, the trio of senior cheer leaders. The cheer squad, under the direction of coach Dea, has excelled since she took over the program and best wishes going out to them at their state competition.
It will be Boy’s Senior Parent’s Night this Friday when the Horns close out the regular season hosting Mitchell. Like the girls, there are five senior varsity boys including Angel Flores, Jaikob Cole, Trent Rutledge, Tyler Magninie, and Creg Barker. Also student manager Chris Pile.
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On the subject of Senior Player Nights, our own Kendall Ferguson had senior night at Hastings College this past weekend and his entire family, almost, were on hand to witness him being honored. A tough week for the Hastings club as they lost to number 6 ranked Briar Cliff 89-77 but Kendall hit double figures with 12 points on 5/7 shooting from the field going 2/2 on 3 pointers, and led the team in rebounds with 8 and in blocks with 5.
Despite scoring 96 points a few days earlier, Hastings still lost 108-96 to Nebraska Wesleyan. Kendall again led the team in rebounds with 7 and had a perfect shooting night with 4/4 from the field and 2/2 at the line for 10 points. He also charted 5 steals and 3 assists.
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Mike Daum continues to excel at South Dakota State University. In a 96-92 loss at UNO he scored 20 points in his 18 minutes of play hampered by some early foul problems. He was 6/7 from the field and a perfect 4/4 on 3 pointers and 4/4 at the foul line.
In a 85-68 win over South Dakota,this past Saturday, he had 23 minutes of play, scored 24 points going 7/11 from the field and 1/3 from 3 point land, was 9/9 at the line, had 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 blocked shot. You gotta love how these two former Kimball High standouts are still standing out!