Keely, Smith and Minnihan named honorable mentions

By TYLER ANDERSON tanderson@iowainformation.com

Before the Paton-Churdan boys and girls’ basketball teams could lock up shop, the Rockets had to provide some representatives for the Rolling Valley Conference’s best teams. Even though the orange and black weren’t able to land any players on the RVC’s first and second teams, they were able to provide a trio of honorable mentions.

In a recent release, freshman Trevon Keely and freshmen duo Alivya Smith and Kaliyah Minnehan were named conference honorable mentions.

Keely was a pleasant revelation for a young Rockets team, totaling 278 points, 120 rebounds, 47 steals, 37 assists and eight blocks. Paton-Churdan finished 1-12 within league play with an overall record of 1-19.

P-C will see senior Dane Pedersen depart due to graduation, but should see Keely and everyone else return for next winter.

In 18 games and 13 starts, Smith paced the Rockets with 169 points, 126 rebounds, 24 assists, 21 steals and nine blocks. Minnihan complemented Smith with a total of 102 points, 103 rebounds, 21 steals, 11 assists and two blocks.

The Rocket girls settled for an overall record of 0-21, with an 0-11 record within the Rolling Valley. Even though P-C will lose senior Hailey Hoyle due to graduation, the Rockets should return nearly everyone for the winter of 2024-2025.