ROCHESTER A new chapter is unfolding for rising basketball star Angok Kucha, who played a crucial role in leading the John Marshall Rockets to victory in the Section 1, Class 4A title, marking their first appearance in the state tournament in over two decades. The talented player has announced his commitment to continue his athletic career at Sauk Valley Community College, an NJCAA Division I institution located in Dixon, Illinois. Kucha made the announcement via his social media accounts on Monday, exciting fans and teammates alike.

The 6-foot-7 senior forward had a standout season, earning All-Big Nine Conference honors for his impressive performance on the court. Throughout the season, Kucha averaged 9.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, showcasing not only his offensive skills but also his ability to contribute defensively. His head coach, Jim Daly, praised Kucha as the team's best overall defender, highlighting his importance to the Rockets success this year.

During the state tournament, Kucha elevated his performance, averaging 10.3 points, 7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. The Rockets entered the tournament as the eighth seed in Class 4A but faced a tough challenge against the top-seeded Cretin-Derham Hall in the quarterfinals, ultimately losing that match and finishing the tournament with a record of 1-2. Despite the setback, John Marshall had a remarkable overall season, concluding with a 26-6 record (19-2 in Big Nine play), just one win shy of breaking the programs single-season victory record.

As Kucha transitions to Sauk Valley Community College, he will join a team that completed the 2024-25 season with an overall record of 16-15 and a promising start in Arrowhead Conference play at 1-0. The Skyhawks, who compete in Region Four of the NJCAA, demonstrated their offensive capabilities by averaging 76.4 points per game while shooting 43% from the field and 32.8% from three-point range. However, their season came to an early end when they were defeated by Highland Community College in the first round of the NJCAA Region Four Tournament.

With Kuchas talent and determination, he is poised to make a significant impact at Sauk Valley, building on his strong foundation from his time at John Marshall. The basketball community will be eagerly watching his journey as he steps into this new role and seeks to further develop his skills on the court.