Brett Kingma is back.
Kingma, a high-scoring, heavily recruited sophomore guard on the Jackson High School boys basketball team, was supposed to be out for the season after breaking a bone in his left (non-dominant) arm Jan. 6 in a game against Lynnwood. But apparently, in addition to being a talented athlete, Kingma is a quick healer.
After missing 15 games, Kingma scored 23 points for Jackson Thursday in the Timberwolves’ 87-74 loser-out victory versus Arlington in the Class 4A District 1 tournament. Kingma’s surprising return is great news for Jackson (14-9) and a crummy development for other teams in the tourney.
According to Jackson basketball coach Steve Johnson, Kingma started participating in practice drills about a week ago and was medically cleared to play in a game only after his cast was removed. Against Arlington, “He looked great, a testament to the fact that he’s done some things to stay in the best shape he could while out,” Johnson wrote Friday in an e-mail.
“It’s a huge boost (and) makes everyone else better as he draws so much attention,” added Johnson, noting that four Jackson players scored at least 13 points Thursday: Kingma (23 points), Ryan Todd (28), Bryan Koch (15) and Trevor Bray (13). Kingma, who averages 20.5 points, shot 7-for-11 on field goals (3 of 4 on 3-pointers) and was 6-for-6 on free throws. He also had three assists.
Jackson plays the loser of Friday’s Lake Stevens/Mariner game in a district loser-out game 8 p.m. Tuesday at Jackson High.
Mike Cane: mcane@heraldnet.com. Check out the prep sports blog Double Team at www.heraldnet.com/doubleteam.
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