Meints and Toppin earn NIC recognition

The Garner-Hayfield/Ventura boys basketball team had two members named to All North Iowa Conference Teams for the 2013-14 season.  Braden Meints was named to the First Team and Joel Toppin earned Second Team honors.

Meints, a senior, was the leading scorer for the Cardinals.  Meints averaged 15.6 points per game and recorded 358 points for the season, including 46 three-point shots. Meints also led the team under the boards with 172 total rebounds.  He averaged 7.5 rebounds a game.  Meints also led the team in blocks with 10 and in steals with 42.

“Braden has been a dynamic player and starter for the past three years,” said Coach Joe Albertson.  “He really stepped it up this year and was at the top of our conference in several categories.”

Toppin, a senior, was the second leading scorer on the team.  He averaged 13.5 points per game and contributed 311 total points for the season.  He was the team’s leading free throw shooter, connecting on 71/86.  Toppin was second in the team in steals with 22 and in assists with 59.

“Joel has been a great player, captain and starter for us the past two seasons.  He has been a very good scorer and leader for our team,” said Albertson.

The GHV boys team finished the season with a 12-11 record.