The Agates boys basketball team is nearing the end of their regular season, with their final game before playoffs set for February 28th at Barnum High School. It will be their second matchup of the season against the Bombers, and the Agates are eager for some revenge.
On February 21st, during a home game against Greenway, the school honored its eight seniors for Senior Night.
Head Coach Bill Anderson acknowledged the seniors’ dedication, noting that while some were newer to the program, others had been part of the team since elementary school. “But the common denominator is they all have tremendously bright futures ahead of them!!!” he shared on the team’s Facebook page.
He also expressed appreciation for their contributions to the program, team, school, and community, adding, “The memories these young men have created will endure.”
Troy Carlson, a team manager, started helping out a couple of years ago and took on a full-time role as a senior. He hopes to continue supporting the team in the future and is considering a career in cooking. One of his favorite memories was traveling to Ely with the team.
Justine Cruz began playing basketball in ninth grade and especially enjoyed open gym with his friend Eddie. He plans to attend college after graduation and hopes to visit family in the Philippines.
Jeremiah Kreger Buus intends to become an HVAC technician and plumber. His advice to younger athletes is, “Always keep trying and never give up because, in the end, it will be worth it.” His favorite basketball moments in-clude buzzer-beaters.
Knecrid Lahti started playing in seventh grade and will be heading to college to study physical therapy. He fondly remembers scoring his first points as a player. His advice is simple but powerful: “Hard work pays off.”
Tate Nelson, who has signed with UMD to play football, is proof that hard work pays off. He started playing basketball when he was just in Kindergarten. His favorite basketball memory was scoring at Target Center.
Eddie Ojard joined the team in 2023 and is also a talented pianist. He will be attending college to study music. Like Cruz, he loved open gym and playing five-on-five.
Jimmy Reinarz started playing basketball in second grade. He plans to attend LSC for general courses and see where his interests take him. His advice to younger students is, “You write your own story, and no one else can change that.”
Jace Ruberg first picked up a basketball in kindergarten and will attend UMD to study biology. Like Nelson, he recalled playing at Target Center as a standout memory. His advice to others: “Never give up!” Good luck to the team as they head into playoffs, and best wishes to the seniors in their future endeavors!
