Horns Open Friday After Jamboree Scrimmages

A fun and exciting basketball season is in store for the Kimball fans as both the guys and gals teams appear motivated offensively and defensively and ready to play some great basketball.

In the Jamboree on Monday evening, Kimball played Alliance in the Nebraska Hall of Fame Game – technically considered a scrimmage.

Girls Game

With no senior leadership, the three juniors – Joey Perry, Grace Moore and Aubrey Culek – did everything possible to try to win the game but came up short, 41-30. The Longhorn girls battled hard all night, often getting close or even a point ahead, but never could get the momentum needed to close the gap.

Coach Jaclyn Burks said she was pleased with quite a few things but also indicated some things the girls needed to improve on.

"I thought our defense in the half-court set was much improved from last year," she said. "This week's main focus will be finishing around the paints, as if we had made half of those shots, the end of the game might have been different."

The plan is to be fast and push the pace of the game with defense and transition offense.

Burks said, "Last night (Monday) was a great gauge of how successful our season has the potential to be. We are so young as well, so last night was a great way for us to get our nerves worked through before our season opener on Friday against Leyton.

Lady Longhorns Stats

Faith Bohac – 8pts, 6 reb, 1 ast

Clarika Hottell – 5pts, 8 reb, 1 ast

Joey Perry – 5pts

Grace Moore – 5 pts, 5 reb

JaLeigh Bohac – 4 pts, 9 reb, 2 ast

Emmaline Tabor 1pt, 3 reb, 2 ast

Aubrey Culek 1pt, 7 reb

Karsyn Chesley 1pt, 2 reb

Boys Game

The Longhorn guys never gave up against a bigger, three-point shooting Alliance team, beating them 73-67. During the first quarter Kimball trailed by up to 9 points, but found their defensive and offense game in the second quarter to lead by two at the half. Third quarter was a back and forth game with the Horns eventually gaining on the Bulldogs and finishing the quarter with a 13-point lead. They maintained a lead throughout fourth quarter.

Considered a scrimmage game, Coach Trevor Anderson tracked only points: Braxton Miller – 18, Kyler Lusche – 17, Lincoln Behrend – 13, Trevor Fuss – 12, Ryker Behrend – 7, Greg Bingham – 4, and Luke Berger – 2.

Coach Anderson said, "After the first quarter, I thought our team did a much better job on the defensive side of the ball keeping Alliance out of the paint. In turn, we got more aggressive offensively as the game went on, got some nice run-outs in transition, and attacked the rim. Overall, I was pleased with our ball security, rebounding and effort, as these are three areas that stood out in the 73-67 win to start out our season.

"We will look to build off this positive momentum as we take on Leyton and Bayard in our home openers on Friday and Saturday this week."