The Owatonna High School boys basketball team had a strong and exciting season this year, with several players stepping up to help the Huskies compete at a high level. Their hard work and dedication were recognized as three players earned All-Conference honors for their performances. Junior Willie Moore and sophomore Cooper Routh were named All-Conference, while sophomore Jackson Holder earned All-Conference Honorable Mention.
The Huskies competed in a very competitive conference this season, which made every game a challenge. Despite facing tough opponents, the team relied heavily on Moore, Routh, and Holder to make big plays and lead the team to victories. Their efforts were crucial in many close games and helped set a strong tone for the entire season.
Willie Moore, the starting point guard, had an outstanding year. He led the team in scoring, averaging 16.9 points per game, and had the best free-throw percentage in the conference at an impressive 87%. When asked about earning All-Conference honors, Moore said, “It’s a great achievement and I am just thankful that God allowed me to get to this position.” When asked what helped him succeed this season, Moore added, “I have to say playing with confidence and trusting my teammates.” His leadership on the court was evident in every game, and he often made the plays that gave the Huskies momentum when they needed it most.
Sophomore Cooper Routh also had a breakout season. Despite being one of the younger players on the team, he proved he could compete at a high level, earning All-Conference honors with an average of 15.1 points per game. Routh said, “All-Conference is a great accomplishment for me, but I wouldn’t have been able to do it without my great teammates and coaches for believing in me and pushing me to be my very best.” His energy and consistency helped the team maintain strong performances throughout the season, and he showed a lot of potential for the coming years.
Another key contributor was sophomore Jackson Holder, who earned All-Conference Honorable Mention for his hard work and impact on the team. Holder averaged 9.1 points per game and recorded 36 blocks over the course of the season. He played a big role on both ends of the court, making important
plays and proving to be a reliable teammate whenever the Huskies needed him. Even though Holder missed a few games due to sickness, he never let that stop him from contributing to the team’s success.
With leaders like Moore and young talents like Routh and Holder continuing to develop, the future of Owatonna basketball looks bright. Their recognition shows just how much effort, dedication, and teamwork went into the season. Holder said, “I think our team will be very good next year since we have a young team and are only losing four seniors. We should have the potential to make a deep run in sections next year.”
Overall, the Huskies’ season showed how hard work, never giving up, and working together as a team really pay off. The players gave their best every game, and it made a big difference for the team. Fans have a lot to be excited about because Owatonna has a lot of young talent that is still getting better. As these players keep practicing and learning, they should be able to do even more on the court and help the Huskies have another great season next year.
