Senior Jacob Vaske earned BSC All-Conference recognition for his contributions to the Bucs this season.

Two Blue Earth Area boys basketball players earned special postseason recognition for their contributions during the 2017-2018 campaign.

In the East region, senior Jacob Vaske was one of 10 student-athletes selected to the Big South Conference All-Conference Team. Meanwhile, BEA sophomore Caelan Sanders was one of five players to earn honorable mention.

A total of four Fairmont Cardinals and three Waseca Bluejays were named to the East Division’s all-conference team. Like Blue Earth Area, St. James and St. Peter each produced one all-conference performer.

Through 25 games this past season, Vaske averaged nine points per game and collected a team-high 6.9 rebounds per game. He also registered 1.6 steals per contest for the Buccaneers, and led the team in blocked shots.

Numbers aside, Blue Earth Area basketball mentor Colby Swanson believes Vaske’s leadership qualities is what allowed him to enjoy success in his final high school campaign.

“Jacob is a very quiet kid, but when he says something, everyone listens,” Swanson says. “It was such an enjoyable season for me personally because I’ve watched our seniors grow up to become good role models for the younger players.”

As for Sanders, he finished the season as BEA’s leading scorer with 10.8 points per game and was second on the team in assists with 1.8 helpers per game.

Collectively, the Buccaneers endured an inconsistent regular season; finishing the year with a 6-17 record. However, the Bucs’ season was highlighted with a thrilling overtime win in St. James on Jan. 5, as well as a double overtime win against New Ulm at home on Jan. 12.

In the Section 2, Class 2AA Sub-Section Tournament, the maroon and gold won their opening round match-up against Lake-Crystal-Wellcome Memorial before falling to New Richland Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva in the quarterfinals. The 49-47 defeat came down to the final possession as the Bucs came up just short at Mankato East High School.