Kimball Junior High Girls Hoops Shows Promise

Despite not having winning season, the Kimball Junior High girl’s basketball teams showed promise under the direction of coaches Danielle Reader and Tori Ingram. Coach Reader’s 7th grade team ended with a record of 4 wins and 5 losses, while coach Ingram’s 8th grade team wound up with a 3-6 record.

Low numbers was a problem with only 7 girls on the 7th grade team consisting of Ema Goodwin, Julia Winstrom, Shannon Marks, Katie Kilgore, Aspyn Kiefer, McKenna Bowron, and Jasmine Gawith.

The 8th grade team 8 girls including Emma Patterson, Jayden Paxton, Sara McCallum, Keara O’Brien, Charlotte Hargreaves, Halsey Clark, Alyssa Paxton, and Kaitlynn Allen-VanPelt. Due to low numbers, Makayla Woolington played for both teams as needed.

Thank you to Coach Reader and Coach Ingram for providing the following information.

Reader says the following about the 7th grade team, “The girls’ fundamental skills really improved throughout the season. Ema Goodwin was the leading scorer but the girls really played together as a team making some great passes and playing good defense. Julia Winstrom played aggressive defense and rebounded well. McKenna Bowron and Shannen Marks were point guards and did a great job seeing the floor. I really appreciated Katie Kilgor’s attitude – it was rare to find her without a smile! Aspyn Kiefer played good defense and had great ball sense which led to many steals. Jasmine Gawith joined us mid-season and really contributed on both the offensive and defensive sides. Makayla Woolington rounded us out with her versatility, playing post and wing. I really appreciated Carlee’s help as manager – she had a great attitude and did a great job for her first year taking care of the scorebook!”

Ingram said for the 8th grade team, “The girls showed tremendous improvement as a team and as individuals throughout the season. I threw a lot at the girls and they did their best to try each new play I would give them, sometimes in the middle of a game. They worked hard all season and will be ready to compete at the high school level! Jayden was quick and gave every game her all. Emma was always aggressive and read the court very well.”

“Charlotte always tried her best and always found a positive after every game, win or lose. She stepped up as a point guard whenever we needed her to and did great! Sarah always cheered on her team and made everyone smile. She had great defense and caused some turnovers. Keira always did her best and never complained. She showed tremendous versatility and would play any position we needed her to, and did so successfully. Halsey always had the most positive attitude and was a threat on offense because of that left hand. Alyssa was very coachable and really worked hard on post moves through the season – she will be a threat underneath at the next level! Makayla played a couple of games with us and really helped out in both the post and wing positions. Kaitlynn only got to play one game with us but I appreciated the extra help during our last game! Angel was a great manager for us, helping in both practices and games. All in all – it was a great season!

Final Records and Scores for both teams.

7th Grade ended up 4-5 and the 8th grade ended up 3-6.

For the 7th grade a loss to Pine Bluffs 11-17 with Ema Goodwin five, Shannen Marks four, Katie Kilgore two points. A big win against Gering 32-14, Ema Good win with 14, Julia Winstrom 10, Aspyn Kiefer six, McKenna Bowron with two points. Winning against Bridgeport 25-6, Goodwin 13, Marks four, Winstrom four, Woolington and Bowron with two. A loss against Ogallala 14-40, Goodwin eight, Winstrom, Bowron, Kiefer all with two points. A redemption win against Pine Bluffs 20-11, Goodwin eight, Kiefer four, Kilgore, Gawith, Bowron, and Winstrom all with two. A one point loss to Morrill 15-16 with Goodwin scoring all 15 points. Losing to Bayard 8-14, Goodwin with four, Kiefer and Winstrom with two. A tough loss against Sidney 22-36, Goodwin eight, Winstrom six, Marks, Woolington, Kiefer, Gawith all with two again. A final win to end the season against Mitchell 30-15, Goodwin with a huge 20 points, Winstrom six, Kiefer and Gawith two.

For the 8th grade starting with a loss against Pine Bluffs 18-36, Charlotte Hargreaves six, Jayden Paxton, Emma Patterson, Halsey Clark, and Alyssa Paxton all with two points. A win against Gering 18-14, Hargreaves eight, A. Paxton, Clark, Patterson and J. Paxton all with two. A loss to Bridgeport 14-49, Hargreaves and Patterson with four, J. Paxton, Clark and A. Paxton with two. A nice win by one point over Ogallala 30-29, Clark with 10, J. Paxton eight, Patterson seven, Hargreaves four, and A. Paxton one. A very large win over Morrill 34-6, Clark leading the way with 18, Hargreaves and A. Paxton with six, and J. Paxton rounding it out with four. Another loss to Pine Bluffs 8-23, J. Paxton five, Patterson one, A. Paxton two. A big loss to Bayard 45-2 with Hargreaves the only scorer with the two. Loss to Sidney 14-52, Hargreaves six, Patterson and J. Paxton with three, Clark with two. Another loss to Mitchell 29-41, Hargreaves nine, A. Paxton and Clark six, Patterson and J. Paxton four.