The Perry Bluejay basketball team held their end of season banquet last night inside the Perry commons.  Head Coach Ned Menke presented several team voted on honors along with a complete of All Conference and All State selections.  The team listened to a radio montage highlighting the post season run and the school’s first trip to the state tournament since 1988.  The following team awards were passed out.  All honors were voted on by the team.

Bluejay Way-  Alex Long   Menke Comment-  “This player exemplifies the way you want a Perry player to play and Alex was a great choice for that.”

Mr Inspirational-  Ryan Rathje   Menke Comment- “Ryan is a guy who leads by example.  He doesn’t say a lot but he tries to lead on the court and we relied on him heavily this year.”

Harry Wycoff Best Free Throw Shooter-  Kyle Nevitt

Clyde Kirkman Sportsmanship Award-  Ryan Rathje   Menke Comment- “He never taunted and or had anything to say to an official.  I think the Winterset game and the closing seconds and what he did to help the young man get a basket was a perfect example of what type of young man Ryan is.”

Most Improved Player-  Janier Puente   Menke Comment- “He was flat out tenacious on the glass and one of the most physical guys in the conference inside.  What a year he enjoyed rebounding the ball.  Can’t wait to see him next year for us.”

Defensive Player of the Year-  Rashon Ivory   Menke Comment- “He was our shut down guy in the second half of the season.  We really missed him when he got injured before Christmas.  He was always matched against the opponent’s best player and did a real nice job.”

Team MVP- Shammond Ivory  (more on Shammond tomorrow on the news)

Every Perry player received a state basketball for being a participant at this year’s state tourney.  The state qualifying banner will be added to the Perry Sports Pavilion wall.