MLPS/MLC Wolverine boys basketball team players lead into Elementary Night with annual tradition
Mountain Lake Area (MLA) Wolverine boys basketball players continued their annual tradition of a “basketball court-to-classroom-connection” this past week as they punctuated the importance of classroom learning by spending time mentoring elementary students ahead of the Saturday, January 25 Elementary Night. A total 41 varsity and B-squad players, in grades nine through 12, assisted teachers in elementary classrooms from kindergarten-to-sixth-grade each day school was in session this past week at both Mountain Lake Public Elementary (MLPS) and Mountain Lake Christian Elementary (MLC).
Shawn Naas, Mountain Lake Area Wolverine boys basketball head coach, began the tradition when he took over the top coaching spot 21 years ago as a way for the high school players to tutor and provide role models for the younger students.
This year’s group of Wolverine basketball players participating as classroom assistants, and their grade in school, included:
Mountain Lake Public Elementary
Shelly Condon’s kindergarten classroom – Jose Gonzalez (12).
Nicole James’ kindergarten classroom – Alex Gerdes (12).
Kim Blomgren’s first-grade classroom – Josh Fast (12), Ruben Fentanez (9) and Tommy Kraemer (9).
Kelli Tucholke’s first-grade classroom – Josh Grev(12), Ryan McCue (10) and Dylan Hanson (10).
Crystal Fast’s second-grade classroom – Tylor Duerksen (12), Leo Zarate (10) and Luke Rogers (10).
Kristine Friesen’s second-grade classroom – Andrew Hempeck (12), Eric Wenner (11) and Alex Sunderman (9).
Jennifer Fast’s third-grade classroom – Demar Rodney (12), Andrew Hempeck (12) and Nathan Regier (9).
Marilyn Tusa’s third-grade classroom – Levi Jahnke (11) and Christian Hampel (10).
Matt Anderson’s fourth-grade classroom – Zach Dickens (12), Ben Grev (11) and Chris Boyd (10).
Stephanie Willaby’s fourth-grade classroom – Levi Blahnik (12), Austin Wallert (10) and Jose Sanchez (10).
Krystina Peterson’s fifth-grade classroom – Andrew Hempeck (12), Carter Kirk (12) and Jared Saunders (11).
Cheri Strom’s fifth-grade classroom – Tiger Sengmany (10) and Sam Hirsch (9).
Kyle Blomgren’s sixth-grade classroom – Andrew Hempeck (12), Derek Harder (11) and Sam Xayanoroum (10).
Annette Kunkel’s sixth-grade classroom – Logan Johnson (11) and Hunter Dahna (9).
Principal Karl Wassman’s noon hour duty – Aaron Fast (9), Sam Grev (9), Andrew Fast (9) and Shadrick Hoek (9).
Mountain Lake Christian Elementary
Sheryl Fast’s kindergarten classroom – Aaron Walzak (11).
Brenda Adrian’s and Rachel Knutson’s first- and second-grade classroom – Caleb Bargen (11).
Nordis Olson’s third- and fourth-grade classroom – Caleb Bargen (11) and Levi Stoesz (9).
Karin Stoesz’s fifth- and sixth-grade classroom – Dustin Klassen (10).
Nicole Meyer’s elementary physical education classroom – Cody Klassen (12) and Aaron Walzak (11).
Aaron Petersen’s elementary music classroom: Cody Klassen (12).
The highlight of the week was the special game night set aside for elementary students from both schools to converge on the public school auditorium as the Wolverines were slated to take on the Ellsworth Panthers. A special section in the “red seats” was reserved just for elementary students. Prior to the varsity game, Mountain Lake Public School sixth-grade students, led by the school’s vocal instructor, Andrea Brinkman, shared the National Anthem. There was halftime entertainment for both the B-squad and varsity games. At the half of the B-game, kindergarten-through-third-grade Saturday basketball players showed off their skills. At the mid-game mark of the varsity game, winners of both the MLPS and MLC grades 3-6 boys and girls Free Throw contest winners were announced. Also at the varsity half, prizes were given away to registered elementary students.
Free throw champions recognized include:
Mountain Lake Public Elementary
Third Grade – Johnna Gardiner and Keegan Classen
Fourth Grade – Chloe Anacker and Tanner Koetzle
Fifth Grade – Anika Fast and Ethan Nickel
Sixth Grade – Margo Stoesz and Anna Kirk, and Spencer Khamvongsa
Mountain Lake Christian Elementary
Girls – Miriam Rete
Boys – Abraham Stoesz
Here are a few photographs of some of the Wolverine boys’ mentoring moments:
