Players earn All-District distinctions

By Sam Waller

Twelve Albany basketball players were recognized for their efforts this season with inclusion on the All-District 10-2A teams, which were selected by a vote of district coaches.

For the boys, junior Cole Chapman was selected the district’s Offensive Player of the Year, while junior Coy Lefevre and sophomore Adam Hill were named to the first team.

Senior Luke Ivy and junior London Fuentes were voted to the second team, with sophomores Luke Marshall, Lanxton Viertel, Houston Heatly, and Lute Wheeler receiving honorable mention.

For the girls, sophomore Kiana Roberson earned a spot on the second team, with senior Lizzie Chavez and junior Briley Tabor receiving honorable mention.

The Lions boys team finished 11-7 overall, going 8-4 to place third in the district standings. Albany knocked off Petrolia in bi-district before falling to Italy in the area round of the playoffs.

Boys coach Ryder Peacock said the Lions were well represented for a third-place team.

“When you look at some of the teams we were able to defeat this year, we did some good things,” Peacock said. “We were a young team with a lot of sophomores sprinkled in with a few juniors and one senior. It was important for us to continue to play good basketball and get better. I thought the guys competed well.”

The Lady Lions went 3-18, tying for sixth place in district at 1-11. Girls coach Tate Thompson said a young team that played four sophomores and three freshmen learned a lot in a strong district. District champion Stamford reached the state finals, while Cisco and Haskell advanced to the third round. All four playoff representatives won their bi-district games.

“More than anything, we gained experience,” Thompson said. “I hope the girls figured out what level we need to be playing at and maybe match that.”