Kingma’s return boosts Jackson

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 in the Timberwolves’ 87-74 loser-out victory against Arlington Feb. 20 in the Class 4A District 1 tournament.

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.

Kingma connected on 7 of 11 shots from the field and made all six of his free throws. He also made 3 of 4 3-pointers and had three assists.

“It’s pretty remarkable, considering the time off,” Johnson said. “He let the game come to him. He didn’t force it. I thought that was important. It was pretty impressive.”

The Timberwolves were able to regroup after its first round loss to Stanwood.

“It’s always a tough game to play when you lose that first round game and you’re in an elimination situation,” Johnson said. “Arlington is a pretty solid team.”

The return of Kingma gives Jackson not only an added scoring threat but his presence helps his teammates.

“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).

The Timberwolves led 16-13 at the end of the first quarter and then extended their advantage to 39-29 at halftime. The closest the Eagles would get in the second half was seven points.

“The second quarter was pretty important,” Johnson said.

The Wolfpack rebounded well and played solid defense, two points of emphasis Johnson plans to continue to make with his players as they prepare for a district loser-out game against North Division No. 1 seed Lake Stevens on Tuesday night, after The Enterprise’s deadlines.

“It’s a matter of doing those things all the time,” Johnson said. “The challenge is to rebound consistently.”

Kingma’s return definitely was a confidence boost for Jackson.

“People didn’t now what to expect when he came back,” Johnson said. “It puts us in the mix. There are four really good teams fighting for one spot (to state).”

JACKSON DROPS OPENER: Kyle Hushagen had 12 points and 14 rebounds, Zack Johnson had eight points and 12 rebounds and Kale Schmidt added 15 points for Stanwood which beat Jackson 46-35 in the 4A District 1 playoff game Feb. 17 at Stanwood High School. The Timberwolves were led by Bryan Koch and Mason Gilchrist, who each tallied 10 points.