4 area boys basketball players make M&O teams

Four area high school boys basketball players were named to Marinette & Oconto Conference teams this winter.

Gillett senior Austin VandeCorput and sophomore Jesse DeBauch made the all-conference second team. Suring senior Ethan Lally also was a second teamer. Lena senior Reed Hosking earned a spot on the honorable mention list.

VandeCorput averaged 14.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, 1.2 steals and 1.8 assists during M&O play to earn a spot on the second team.

“It’s really special and a great honor that I’ll remember forever,” said VandeCorput. “It feels good that all my hard work and dedication paid off in the end.”

DeBauch was Gillett’s leading scorer in conference play, averaging 15.7 points per contest. He also averaged 4.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 3.1 steals and 0.6 blocks.

“It will motivate me a lot,” said DeBauch of the honor. “As grateful as I am getting second team all-conference, knowing that I didn’t make first team will make me put forth a lot more time in the gym. I made improvements from last year and look forward to improving my game in the next two years as well.”

Gillett finished third in the conference standings with an 11-5 record, behind Crivitz (16-0) and Coleman (13-3).

Lally was Suring’s top scorer this season to earn his all-conference honor.

“It’s good to know all the hard work I put in over the past 10-plus years has paid off. I worked hard this offseason at expanding my offensive game to be more than just a shooter, and to improve defensively. It’s nice to be recognized by all the coaches and be put on a list with the other great basketball players in our conference,” said Lally.

“It’s a tough conference, so to be able to make the jump from honorable mention to second team shows a lot about our increased competitiveness and success as a team,” he continued. “Big thanks to my coach and teammates as well for allowing me to be free and have the keys to our offense.”

Suring capped the conference portion of the season with a 4-12 record.

Hosking earned his recognition after being Lena’s top scorer this winter

“To be named an honorable mention all-conference player made my outlook on my last season a whole lot better,” said Hosking. “Even though this season wasn’t what I expected it to be, I still was able to take away many important things from it — for instance, being able to have the confidence in my team as a leader no matter each and every outcome.

“Not only did it help me build my confidence, but it helped me build character for later in the future. This award came to show me that all of the confidence and hard work I put into my team does show in the long run.”

Lena was not able to earn any conference wins this winter, finishing 0-16.

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