Junior High boys fall to Jackrabbits
By Seth Tumbleson
Saint Francis Indians junior high boys basketball team lost all three games to the Tribune Jackrabbits Thursday night, December 10, at home in the first game two spectators were allowed per family since KSHSAA’s ruling two weeks prior banning spectators from all athletic events for the start of the winter sports season.
Due to the spreading of COVID-19, KSHSAA decided November 24 to not allow spectators at junior high or high school winter sporting events from December 1, 2020 to January 28, 2021. Two weeks after the vote, KSHSAA held another vote December 8, 2020 which allowed two spectators per family, except at tournaments.
“Although the scores weren't in our favor, two things are certain: we have improved and have a lot of hustle and heart,” said Susan Dinkel, head junior high boys basketball coach.
“Tribune spends a lot of time in the gym shooting and that was obvious. We will get better, but it's going to take a lot of effort in the off-season. We don't have enough practice time to develop the needed skills, and to have a short season, that makes it even more difficult. For a few kids, last night was their first game due to quarantine, so they had more nerves than they normally would have had.”
A-Team Indians lost to the Jackrabbits 54-13.
A-team member Lucas Raile, 7, said they could have improved on running their offense better. However he was proud as well. “I was proud of us starting to score,” said Raile.
Shane Todd, eighth grade A-team player, said the team could have passed more to improve the outcome.
A-team player Joel Gilliland, 7, said the team could have screened and worked harder. “I’m proud of scoring a couple of baskets and making good passes,” said Gilliland
Dayton Fromholtz, seventh grade A-team player, said the team could’ve gotten open more and played better.
B-team tried hard, but also fell to Tribune 47-9. C-team was defeated 34-9.
Ethan Graham, seventh grade B-team player, said the team could’ve improved on guarding them better. “I was proud of the teamwork.” Graham stated.
The next junior high basketball game will be the NWKL tournament starting December 17 at 1 p.m.
