Kimball Boys Will Miss 5 Seniors

The 2018-19 Kimball High Boys Basketball team had a hard time securing wins this past season, ending up with seven wins and 14 losses.

It wasn't because of lack of effort as the Longhorns played hard each time out, but oftentimes the shots just didn't fall, and there were too many miscues, especially in the closing minutes of games.

Coach Luke Dea offered some of his thoughts on the year.

"It was a very trying season, on and off the court," Dea said. "This group overcame a lot of distractions and obstacles and was able to finish the season playing its best basketball.

"One of the reasons athletics are associated with schools and education is to build character. I believe that happened this year for most of our kids. Through the ups and downs, this team always played their hearts out. Regardless of final scores, this team never quit. You would be hard pressed to find games where we were outworked. This is a testament to our seniors, who will be greatly missed. These seniors were reliable and led by example."

The five seniors that coach Dea is talking about include Izaac Reuter, Brady Kilgore, Zane Anthony, Corey Travis and Jaren Winstrom.

At times in the season, all five played vital roles as starters. Reuter was Western Trails All Conference and Honorable Mention SPVA. As might be expected, a lot of this year's stats were built around these five players.

Reuter led the team in scoring with 206 points averaging 9.8 points per game and also led the team in rebounds with 131 averaging 6.2 per outing. He also was high in steals with 53 and assists with 42.

Brady Kilgore scored 82 points, Zane Anthony 59, Corey Travis 53 and Jaren Winstrom 22. This means that 422 points of the team total scored this year of 951 departs with the seniors.

The other seniors were also high in the rebound stats, steals and assists, not to mention their play on defense as a whole, and their leadership and attitude. Anthony had 55 rebounds, 46 steals, and 27 assists. Kilgore 54 rebounds, 26 steals and 26 assists. Travis 64 rebounds, 17 steals, and 24 assists. Winstrom 10 rebounds, four steals and two assists.

That being said, all is not bleak for next season as a very strong unit of this year's junior class will return for their senior year. This class has some good height, plays well together, and actually shoots the ball fairly well.

Beau Hanks, at 6'3" was the second high scorer this season with 180 points, averaging 9 points per game. He can hit outside to go with his strong inside game and had 10 treys. He was also second best rebounder with 126, led the team in blocks with 16, and had 34 steals and 18 assists. He could come back even bigger and will be one of the areas top big guys next year.

Brayden Tyan, at 6'2" scored 155 points this season and hit eight treys. He ended with 64 rebounds, 22 steals and 27 assists.

Brendan Walker at 6'2" scored 85 points and was 74 percent at the foul line making 14 of 19 attempts. He had 71 rebounds, 22 steals and 14 assists. These three all had starting roles at times, too.

Other juniors with talent who played well this season and who will be called upon for more varsity roles next season include Sam Cajero, who scored 63 points and had 28 rebounds, 22 steals and 17 assists. Then there are Jacob Withrow with 27 points, Austin Lulf, a long range artist who scored high for the JV team, and sophomore Javon Coyle, who has athletic ability as does Cole Henton, and freshman Thomas Muldoon and Cole Heim.

Hanks and Tyan were Honorable Mention All Western Trails Conference selections.

In team stats for the season, the Horns scored 951 points, averaging 45.3 and allowed 1,001 points for 47.6 a game. They shot 40 percent from the field on two point field goals, and only 18 percent on three point attempts, making 58 of 325 attempts, At the line, they averaged 48 percent, converting 171 of 359 attempts.

They did a good job on the boards, averaging 29.8 rebounds a game, along with 12.4 steals, and 9.5 assists. In the turnover department, they had 371 for 17.6 per game.

Coach Dea commented on what next year could be.

"Next year will see the return of several regular and big contributors on varsity: Beau Hanks, Brayden Tyan, Samuel Cajero, and Brendan Walker," he said. "It will also include Austin Llf and Javon Coyle, who carried the scoring load for the JV this season. The team will also be looking for a couple other athletes to step up to be reliable contributors as depth could be a major issue."

The Longhorns will have somebody else heading up the boy's program next year as Coach Dea and his wife Tiffani have both accepted new positions with the Gothenburg school system after spending the past 13 years at Kimball.

Coach Dea will be the head softball coach for the Swedes and also be involved with the basketball programs. Kimball will have to find a replacement for Tiffani as well to take over the position of Cheer Squad leader. Both of their teaching positions also will have to be filled.

They have both been so valuable to the Kimball system, and we wish them the best in their new endeavors. I personally want to thank Coach Luke Dea for his cooperation in making sure I got the game stats and any other information I needed through out the basektball seasons.

By the way, Luke will still be in charge of the baseball/softball youth programs this summer before making the move to Gothenburg.