By Scott Bidroski The 2023-24 season closed for the Hay Springs Hawks Boys Basketball team last week, as they fell to the Wynot Blue Devils in the District Final.
With the loss, the chapters were closed for four outstanding seniors within the program.
Gage Mintken, Noah Kelly, Jordyn Anderson, and Dustin Brien all suited up for the final time on the hardwood, finishing their senior season with a 17-7 record.
In their careers, this group of young men tallied 56 total wins.
Mintken played in a career 87 games and scored 1,189 points.
This mark ranks him third alltime in career scoring in Hay Springs Basketball history.
Mintken also compiled 196 assists, 195 steals, 44 blocks, and 369 rebounds in his career.
He also poured in 138 career three pointers as well.
Anderson played in a career 49 games and scored 109 points as a Hawk.
He also pulled down 175 career rebounds and added in 33 steals and 22 assists to go along with 32 blocks.
Kelly played in a career 28 games and scored 12 points. Noah also tallied 11 rebounds and 5 steals in his career.
Brien played in a career 48 games as a Hawk and scored 74 points.
He added in 94 rebounds, 11 assists, and 29 steals as well in his career.
“These four seniors; Gage, Jordyn, Dusty, and Noah, showed lots of good leadership for this group in both word and by action,” said Head Coach Jason Badje.
“They helped set and reinforce the standards that are needed to build a hardworking, fundamentally sound team to help grow the program. They will be missed,” he added.
Although the four seniors will say their goodbyes and will no doubt be missed, Coach Badje is both excited and intrigued to see the returners step up to the plate for even bigger roles.
“We have an excellent junior class that returns with a lot of experience and a promising sophomore class as well,” said Coach Badje.
“I think these boys have a good commitment to this. They are very coachable and have great attitudes so hopes will remain high,” he added.