Kimme’s Big Night

Connor Kimme’s hard work paid off in a big way as Kaneland took down Crystal Lake South 51-41 to win the Class 3A Woodstock North Sectional title. The senior guard dropped 17 points, including 3 of 6 from 3-point range, to lead all scorers.

Kimme’s success isn’t a surprise, given his dedication to his craft. He’s spent countless hours in the indoor court built by his dad, Kyle – affectionately known as ‘the barn’ – honing his skills. It’s a routine that’s clearly paid off, with Kimme saying he’d often get up 500 shots a day in the barn during the summer.

A Team Effort

Kimme wasn’t the only Knight to turn in a strong performance. Marshawn Cocroft added 16 points, while Jeffrey Hassan grabbed 10 rebounds. Nick Stowasser paced Crystal Lake South with 13 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Kaneland’s balanced attack.

Kaneland coach Ernie Colombe praised Kimme’s work ethic, saying ‘the kid is a gym rat.’ It’s a trait that’s served him well, particularly when teams like Crystal Lake South try to slow down Cocroft with a zone defense. Kimme knew what to expect, having watched plenty of film before the game, and he was ready to capitalize on the outside opportunities that came his way.

It’s a strategy that paid off, with Kimme knocking down a crucial 3-pointer in the third quarter to put Kaneland back on top. He followed that up by taking a charge on the other end, a play that Cocroft said was a huge turning point in the game.

For Kimme, it’s all about the effort he’s put in. ‘It means everything to me,’ he said of his performance. ‘I put so much effort in and have so many people believing in me. To perform the way I did and give us a spark, it means everything to me.’