I played basketball throughout elementary school and into junior high, and I still remember an award I received that initially left me feeling a bit disappointed. I had read “Best off the Bench” as “Best of the Bench.” It’s funny how just one letter can make all the difference!
As the Two Harbors Agates teams reflect on their season, they’ve taken time to recognize those who made a big difference and have had impact on both the boys’ and girls’ teams this year. With a season filled with milestones and remarkable team efforts, there’s plenty to celebrate for the players, coaches, families, and fans of the Two Harbors teams.
All three girls’ teams finished the season with winning records. The 7th and 8th graders wrapped up with a 6-3 record, the junior varsity team finished 19-4, and varsity ended with a 14-13 season record. Rick Ray, who recently marked his 40 years as the junior varsity team coach, was named Assistant Coach of the Year for 7AA. He has announced his decision to coach for one more year.
As the season wrapped up, the girls’ team recognized several players for their outstanding contributions and growth throughout the year. The following awards were presented to highlight the hard work, dedication, and teamwork that made this season memorable:
- Rookie of the Year: Cora Emeott
- Practice Player: Belle Bolle
- Most Improved: Avery Swartout
- Defensive Player of the Year: Trinity Giddings
- Agate/Heart Award: Nola Motschenbacher
- MVP: Rachel Bopp
In addition to the individual team honors, several players received recognition at the conference level. Rachel Bopp and Belle Bolle were named Iron Range Conference All-Stars, while Trinity Giddings earned an Honorable Mention. Bopp also made history, finishing as the 3rd all-time scorer for Two Harbors Girls with a total of 1,544 points.
The boys’ basketball end-of-season banquet took place on one of those lion-like, almost end of winter icy March days. Despite the weather, the team pressed on—just as they did throughout the season—earning recognition as the Section 7AA Academic Champions with an impressive 3.500 GPA.
At their end-of-season banquet, the boys’ team took time to honor the players who made significant contributions to their success. The following awards were presented to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and teamwork that defined their season:
- Rookie of the Year: Ziggy Hietala
- Practice Player: Jimmy Reinarz
- Most Improved: Tommy DeChantal
- Most Valuable Defense Player: Tate Nelson
- Agate Award Hustle: Tate Nelson
- Co-MVPs: Jace Gomez and Jace Ruberg
In addition to the team honors, several players received recognition for their standout performances at the conference level. Gomez and Ruberg were named to the Iron Range All-Conference team, while Tate Nelson and Carter Nelson earned Honorable Mention All-Conference honors.
Gomez, Ruberg, Bopp, and Bella Bolle were named to the Polar League 2nd Team All-Conference and had the honor of playing in the Polar League All-Star Games, which were held at Two Harbors High School on March 31.
Congratulations to the Agate basketball teams for their successful seasons and the well-deserved awards and recognition!
