The West Fork boys basketball team reached a Class 1A district semifinal before falling to Belmond-Klemme 74-52 to conclude their 25-26’ season at 10-14 overall. Head Coach Abe Maske says consistency improved as the season progressed.
“It was kind of a roller coaster ride in a lot of ways. We were early on, inconsistent on some things. We were really trying to find our way and maybe our lack of varsity experience maybe did impact us a little bit,” says Maske. “The one thing that was consistent throughout the season and coming in was that the boys work hard. They work hard every practice. They worked hard every game. They were always willing to learn. They took in the knowledge, what we were trying to show them and teach them. They continued to work hard through the season, persevere, and I thought as the season went, all three levels really grew. Consistency started to be more consistent, as the season went.”
Three Warhawks were honored as Top of Iowa East all-conference including Ayden Bonner, Zander Hansen and Lane Kollmann. Hansen led the team with 13 points per game and a team best 70 assists. Bonner had 12.5 points per game. Kollmann added 6.5 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. Maske notes shooting as an area of focus this offseason.
“Becoming more consistent shooters. We have kids that can score, now we need to be consistent with it. Put up a lot of shots in the offseason and really, I guess, hone in on our offense and our offensive work. Get it down a little more packed and see how it can really open up a lot of different areas. I think the offseason is going to be huge for us. I’m looking forward to it.”
The Warhawks after graduating seniors Rylan Dorenkamp, Tyler Fessler, Eli Muhlenbruch and Dax Suntken are projected to return 14 players next season.
