The Kimball Union Academy boys’ basketball program is a member of the highly competitive NEPSAC AA conference which has representation throughout New England. In addition to KUA’s NEPSAC AA competition, we schedule with some of the region’s top programs in NEPSAC AAA, A, and B. The program has historically achieved strong seasons that have garnered post-season tournament invites while seeing many of its student athletes land collegiate playing opportunities after graduating from The Hilltop. Many former Wildcat student athletes have played and continue to compete at top DI, DII, and DIII institutions. Recent graduates have moved on to programs such as NC State, William & Marry, Utah State, Towson State, Niagara, Dartmouth, Quinnipiac, Adelphi, Bentley, Lemoyne, Connecticut College, Ithaca, Pomona Pitzer, RIT, WPI, Kenyon, and Dickinson. Some former Wildcats have enjoyed professional careers with Nathan Knight ’16 the most notable, as a he heads into his third season in the NBA with the Minnesota Timberwolves franchise.
KUA traveled to Lakes Region and NEPSAC AA rival Tilton School for a Friday tip. KUA was led by its defensive effort throughout and was able to hang on by a couple of possessions. The efforts of Brandon Arnold, Mouse Williams, Zay Henderson, Gideon Vonderhied, and Declan Brandis were the real highlights of this contest on the defensive end of the floor. The offense was hard to come by, but Mouse Williams led the scoring production with timely buckets throughout.
NEPSAC AA league newcomer Mount St Charles traveled up to The Hilltop for a 1 pm tip-off. Both teams were fresh off a road victory from less than 24 hrs prior. A tough, hard-fought, defensive-focused game played out in Alumni Gym. All 11 Wildcats that entered the contest contributed on the defensive end of the floor, to hold this talented upstart team below 50 points. Mouse Williams and Merrick Smith paced the Wildcats offensively, and the Wildcats finished off the weekend, staring at a 12-4 record in league play with only a couple of weeks remaining before post-season play.
KUA falls to a strong Governor's Academy Squad in OT
This contest was tight throughout the 36 minutes of game time and nothing was decided in regulation. In overtime, the visiting squad from Byfield, MA made a few more plays and came away with the victory in overtime. Zay Henderson paced the way with another 20+ pt scoring output that also saw him notch his 1000 career points as a high school athlete. Contributions from several players, including Brandon Arnold, Mouse Williams, Merrick Smith, John Kelley, and Charlie Williams, were all important; however, rebounding was this Wildcats Achilles' heal on this night!