Postseason awards for the Huskies

Four Burlington Huskies received postseason honors as the basketball season drew to a close. 

Paul McNiven, Kole Walker, M. James McNiven and Bitner Philpott joined Aiden Elliot, Johnathan Ogden and Max Potas of Meeteetse, Brenden Powell of Riverside, Sun Ray Lopez and Jamonte Roberts of St. Stephens and Eli Fox of Ten Sleep in earning all-conference honors. P. McNiven and Philpott also received all-state honors. “Every year I feel like we should have got more kids on the all-conference team. I still feel that way, but just couldn’t get the votes,” said Coach Dale Cook. 

Walker received all-conference for the first time. The junior scored 124 points, brought down 62 rebounds, had 55 steals and tied for first in assists with 48. “Kole was moved to point guard late in the season and really did a good job for us,” Cook said. “He is a strong player that takes care of the ball and plays great defense as well.” 

M.J. McNiven earned all-conference for the first time. The sophomore scored 245 points, led the team in both offensive and defensive rebounding, with a total of 204 boards. He had 18 assists and 28 steals. “James is our leading rebounder and plays great defense as well. He has a big heart and just works hard all the time,” Cook said. 

P. McNiven received all-conference for the second year in a row and it’s his first year receiving all-state. The senior scored 171 points, brought down 115 boards, had 67 steals and tied in assists with 48. “Paul is recognized as a great defender around our conference and the state,” Cook said. “Sometimes his stat line wasn’t as high as others, but his contribution in areas that aren’t kept track of in stats was invaluable.” 

This is Philpott’s first year receiving all-conference and all-state honors. The sophomore led the team with 408 points, shooting 54% from the field. He collected 152 rebounds, had 32 assists and led the team with 76 steals. “Bitner was our leading scorer and second leading rebounder. He will continue to be a big part of Burlington basketball for two more years,” said Cook.