Holiday Hustle: Simpson Basketball Battles Through Break

By Ryan Gavin

While most students unwrapped gifts and celebrated the new year, many of Simpson’s basketball players were on the hardwood.

Simpson university’s basketball teams, both men’s and the women’s, play full winter schedules.

The men played a game just a week before Christmas, which left many scrambling to get home and spend time with their families. 

A game on December 29^th meant the players were expected back on campus before most Simpson students.

Photo: Simpson Athletics

“It was kind of sad, especially since we had practice the very next day after Christmas,” Dylan Harms, a 6’5” guard from Sacramento, said of his time spent with family.

“We had a game soon after (29^th) and then we had one on New Year’s Day, so that was the main reason we had to come back,” Harms continued.

An efficient 4-of-5 shooting night for Harms wasn’t enough, as Simpson lost the first game after the break 81-80 to Southern Oregon.

However, they put it right with a 78-69 win over Pacific Union College on New Years Day, highlighted by a 24-point night from Harms.

Winter break was hectic for 5’11” guard Jack Jillson, who’s flight back from San Diego experienced delays.

“Coming back that day after Christmas, my flight got delayed over and over, so I actually showed up like 30 minutes late to practice,” Jillson said.

Jillson has shared minutes on the floor with Juniors Preston Kilbert and Kellen Torrey, while averaging 10 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists per game.

Of his time at home, he felt a sense of urgency.

“I feel like I was trying to do things every single day, with no real time to chill,” Jillson said.

“There was a bunch of stuff I had to check off with the holidays and everything,” Jillson continued.

There were no signs of winter blues, however, as Jillson and his team improved a bleak 5-7 to 11-10 in the month following Christmas, aided by a 3-1 homestand. Simpson’s home form has been exceptional this season, with a record of 7-3. 

As the playoffs near, the Simpson University men’s basketball team looks to complete their first winning season since 2021-2022, and their first under coach David Cone.

Photo: Simpson Athletics

The girls team had a succesful winter as they improved to their best win percentage to date. Anna Marshall, Simpson’s leading scorer, had this to say of a short winter break. 

“It was nice going home, but I wish it was longer,” Marshall said, “I spent my time hanging out, and would go to high school practices just so I wouldn’t get out of shape,” She concluded.

Simpson athletes show a strong commitment to their sport and school, and it shows. This week, Simpson’s men and women play for the CalPac title and a spot in the National Championship.