While Levi Jungling and David Kacmarynski get most of the headlines for the Pella Christian boys basketball team, it will likely be the contributions of several other key players that determine the Eagles ultimate success this season.

One of those players is 6’7” senior post player Kenden Veenstra, who coach Larry Hessing says has come a long way in a short amount of time.

“Kenden has really improved not just since last season, but really since the start of this season. I think that I can say this – he was a little bit soft early this season. But between us coaches and some other people who are in his ear, he figured out that he can be a lot tougher and stronger. He’s been doing a great job in practice, and he’s been really coming on.”

Veenstra is averaging a modest 7 points and 2 rebounds per game, but he had a 13-point, 4 rebound coming out party last week in a win over Indianola. That effort included a two handed dunk in traffic that Hessing said showcased the toughness and strength they’ve been trying to pull out of him.

Pella Christian is 5-1 at the holiday break, and will return to action next Friday at Grinnell.