[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 59 (Wednesday, April 2, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S2139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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  RECOGNIZING THE NORTH DAKOTA BOYS CLASS A BASKETBALL CHAMPIONS FROM 
                          KINDRED HIGH SCHOOL

 Mr. CRAMER. Mr. President, high school basketball tournaments 
are a highlight every March in North Dakota. Athletes, coaches, 
students, parents, and fans of all ages come together from around the 
State to make these tournaments unforgettable experiences.
  This year's boys class A basketball championship on March 22 was an 
epic game, a rematch of the Kindred Vikings and Devils Lake Firebirds 
teams that played for the title last year--add to that an unlikely 
comeback from a 26-point deficit and a Kindred buzzer beater win of 59 
to 58. It was even more exciting for my family because Kindred is my 
hometown, and I lettered all 4 years in Kindred High School sports.
  Our teams in the late 1970s did not compare to the athletic 
excellence of the players today. This year, with only one loss the 
entire season, the Kindred Vikings took home their second boy's 
basketball championship trophy, having won their first in 2021. They 
entered the tournament as the No. 1-seeded team and kept their winning 
streak going up to the final game. Guard Brooks Bakko made the winning 
point in the last-second tip-in.
  These 15 talented players all contributed to their successful season 
by tapping into the strength of each other. They demonstrated teamwork 
at its finest. This year's players are Brooks Bakko, Gabriel Iverson, 
Karson Ouse, Jakob Starcevic, Presley Peraza, Izaak Spelhaug, Jackson 
Schlieman, Kylan Swenson, Gabe Whipple, Eli Maack, Carter Gronwold, 
Tyler Gronwold, Graham Hesse, Kyle Campbell, and Lukas Starcevic. 
Scoring leaders for the championship game were forward Karson Ouse with 
17 points, Jakob Starcevic with 13, Brooks Bakko with 12, and Presley 
Peraza with 10. And, Brooks Bakko and Presley Peraza were selected by 
the State sportscasters and sportswriters to be on the All-State Team.
  I congratulate the team, as well as Coach Brad Woehl, assistant 
coaches Brent Plante, Matt Hagen, and Jimmy Hoy, and all the loyal fans 
on this State championship. A sincere thanks also goes to the Kindred 
Public School administrators, teachers, staff, and the entire community 
for the role they play in supporting quality education.
  This was a championship game we will remember for years. I join all 
North Dakotans in thanking each and every Kindred Vikings player for 
inspiring us with your basketball excellence. You continue to show us 
what can be achieved by combining faith and passion with determination 
and teamwork.

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