Pella Christian’s sensational run to The Well has already made for a season to remember.

But a championship is on the minds of the senior-heavy Eagles team, hoping one key difference from their 3rd place season a year ago will lift them to the top of Class 2A.

Entering 2017, David Kacmarysnki hadn’t played a competitive basketball game for 18 months due to a serious knee injury and missed the Eagles 2016 trip to Des Moines. While spectacular during the Eagles’ football season this past fall, there was uncertainty as to how soon “Kac” would return to form on the hardwood.

David left no room to doubt from the starting gates, and remained the steady hand of a potent Pella Christian team finishing 2nd in a Little Hawkeye Conference featuring four state qualifiers and two other Substate finalists.

Kacmarynski tells KNIA/KRLS Sports he went through months of rehab from a torn ACL to have a chance at a championship during his senior season–and he’s seizing the moment now.

“Coming back strong for my senior year was something I had eyes ever since I was told I had an ACL tear 14 months ago,” he says. “Every moment I rehabbed, I thought about this moment, and it’s coming to fruition.”

David aims to be a key role in the championship chase, averaging 14.5 points and six rebounds per contest. Pella Christian begins the Class 2A state tournament next week in Des Moines.