Basketball Preview
Eagles are back with a vengeance after last year's rough season

by Clint Dick
 
With basketball being one of Kingman High’s most spirited and energetic sports, it is easy to say that this year’s B-ball season is nothing short of heavily anticipated. Last year, both the boy’s and girl’s teams failed to get above .500 at seasons end, with the boys going 5-16 and the girls finishing with a 9-13 record. Still, KHS is looking up as Eagle fans are expectant of what is shaping up to be a successful season.

The Lady Eagles got off to a quick start last year coming out victorious in their first three games and winning the Eagle Classic. They then proceeded to qualify for Sub-State, but fell victim to the Colby Eagles, the 06-07 state champions, in the second round. This year, seniors Krystal Gantz, Anna Govert, Kristen Wollen, Lindsey Smith, and Tana Cash look to be the backbone of the team, while juniors Tina Molitor, Steph Funke, Emma Beat, Sarah Schrag, and Jess Miller will see ample game time. Sophomores Amelia Govert, Morgan Roser, and Hayley Mertens will also be key players as they move up to the varsity level. It will be interesting to see how things fall into place as Kingman squares off against some of the toughest opponents in division 4-A basketball.

It is never satisfying to finish with a losing record, let alone a 5-16 record, but it was an intense, hard fought season for the boy’s basketball team last year. Though Kingman struggled to put up wins, the Eagles proved their talent in a number of close, last second losses to opponents Andale, Buhler, and Clearwater. With this year’s team only losing one starter to graduation, Kingman will get another shot at a captivating season. Senior leadership will come from Luke Adelhardt, Hunter Hageman, Sam Clouse, Beau Gault, Tate Henry, Riley Milford, and Jared McGinnis. Kingman looks strong with a team primarily consisting of experienced seniors, the hope is that the Eagles can finish games and get back in the win column.