Cardinal basketball athletes earn all-conference honors

The South Central Conference was a tough one this season with the likes of Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont and Chariton on the girls side, along with EBF and Clarke on the boys’ side.

It was a hard fought year for Cardinal as the Comet girls picked up just five wins through the season and the boys one.

However, the Comets battled every night, which is why a slew have been named to the 2024 South Central All-Conference list.

The girls led the way with four all-conference honors, while the boys named two.

Emma Becker was given the highest honor for the girls, finishing as a second team selection. The sole Comet selected for either first or second team.

Becker, one of two senior for the Comets, led the Comets in nearly all major categories. She finished with team highs in points, rebounds, assists and steals.

The senior averaged 9.8 points a night, 5.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.4 steals.

Also for the Comets, senior Cynthia Albert, sophomore Alexis Bissell and junior Ashlynn Patrick were all give honorable mention distinctions.

Eight Comets received an academic achievement award as well. Those players include Cynthia Albert, Emma Becker, Erika Haines, Ashlynn Patrick, Alexis Bissell, Kaylin Hissem, Summer LaRue and Konnar Mason.

This award is available for girls grades 10th-12th and individuals must achieve from 3.25-4.0 GPA in the classroom while actively participating in interscholastic athletics. These student/athletes exemplify the excellence achieved by the young people of today and the future of tomorrow.

On the boys’ side, senior’s Alec Rachford and Montana Rupe were both named to the honorable mention list.

Rupe averaged 8.6 points and a team-high 5.5 rebounds for the Comets, while Rachford averaged 7.4 points and 5.2 rebounds, second behind Rupe.