Graduating from CHS in 2021, Ben Holden never got to play a basketball game in the Clippers’ new gym, but on Monday, “Big Ben,” a 6-5 center best known for breaking the 1000 career rebound milestone, made his mark in the arena when he coached his Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton C boys to a 55-28 triumph.
After the Clippers spotted JWP eight points, Nathan Seeman broke in with a three. Pilfering Clipper possessions, the Bulldogs scored the next six points before Gavin Karels made a basket with an ensuing and-one.
Up from his eighth-grade team in his first stint on C, Braeden Smith made a pair of freebies, and Seeman plopped in another three. Later, Elijah Mons put in a jump shot from the paint, but the Bulldogs kept on the attack, and Clippers trailed 34-12 at the intermission.
JWP scored the first 13 points of the second half. Karels’ running jumper was the initial basket for the Clippers. Soon after, Smith added a gratuity basket, but the Bulldogs were in front 47-14 by then.
The Clippers did go on a mini run after that with Smith scoring from three-point land, Karels putting in a bucket from the floor, and Garrett Heldberg, another of a trio up from junior high, also scoring from behind the arc.
Later, Luke Heldberg, a junior-high player up, scored inside, and Smith hauled down an O rebound and scored. A Garrett Heldberg free basket was the last point for the Clippers.
With eight points, Smith provided a glimpse of future Clipper basketball. Karels and Seeman each contributed six points.
The Clippers had a pair of threes and were four for 11 from the charity segment. JWP put in a trio of threes and made four of nine free throws.
The C boys close out their season on Friday with a short road trip to Le Sueur.
Killian Kunkel sets up from under the net. Beside him is Mason Kluntz.
Eighth grader Braden Smith guides the ball down court.
Gavin Karels on the running jump shot.
Nathan Seeman dribbles around a defender.