February 9 was a big night for the Two Harbors boys’ basketball program, especially for the eight seniors honored during their Senior Night celebration. The Agates added to the excitement with a dominant 83-32 win over Mesabi East, a game that saw 14 players score as the bench erupted with every basket.
Senior Nights are always a mix of pride and nostalgia, as players, families, and fans reflect on the years spent growing up in the sport. The goodbyes will come quickly, but the impact these seniors leave behind will shape the program long after they graduate.
The Seniors
Captain Jace Gomez began playing basketball in Kindergarten and reached a major milestone this season, passing 1,000 career points in a game against Cromwell-Wright at the end of January. His favorite memory is the 2022–2023 season, and he offers simple advice to younger athletes: “Don’t be stupid.” Gomez plans to study aviation at LSC before transferring to UND for his bachelor’s degree.
Captain Tommy DeChantal started playing in 4th grade. His favorite memory is a banquet moment when a close friend gave a speech about him and was moved to tears. After graduation, he is headed to UW Stout to study criminal justice and compete in track and field.
Captain Noah Mecklin picked up basketball in 2nd grade and looks back on the Rock Ridge Middle School Tournament as his favorite memory. His advice is to “Participate in everything you want to do.” He plans to study economics in college.
Captain Cooper Nelson also began playing in the 2nd grade. His favorite memory came this season at the Ely tournament. He encourages younger players not to let stress or fear take away their skill. Nelson plans to become an electrician after high school.
Alex Kaczrowski is also pursuing an electrical career and will attend NDSCS. He started basketball in 5th grade, stepped away, and returned as a senior. His advice is straightforward: “Don’t argue with the refs.”
Timmy Mensing began playing in 6th grade and reminds younger students that time passes faster than they think, so take advantage of it. His favorite memory is the team itself, saying, “My favorite memory isn’t a specific memory. It’s how the team was a team. Everyone worked together and really set a good standard for real-life teamwork.” Mensing plans to attend college and then medical school.
Carter Nelson started playing in 2nd grade and encourages students to play as many sports as they can because “you will make lots of friends and memories that you will have for a long time.” One of his favorites was winning the junior high tournament at Rock Ridge. He is headed to UMD after graduation.
Alejandro Rivera began his basketball journey in 9th grade on the C team. His favorite memory is scoring his first-ever basket that year. He advises younger athletes to work hard and give their all toward their goals. Rivera plans to take a gap year and is considering both UMD and trade school.
While their time in Agate uniforms is nearing its end, the memories, lessons, and examples these seniors leave behind will continue to guide the program long after the final buzzer sounds.
