ROCHESTER In a remarkable display of talent and determination, Angok Kucha has played a pivotal role in helping the John Marshall basketball team clinch the Section 1, Class 4A title, reaching the state tournament for the first time in an impressive 22 years. Following this significant achievement, Kucha announced on social media his commitment to continue his basketball journey at Sauk Valley Community College, a NJCAA Division I institution located in Dixon, Illinois.

The 6-foot-7 senior forward has garnered attention not just for his height but also for his noteworthy performance on the court. Throughout the season, Kucha averaged an impressive 9.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3 assists per game, contributing significantly to the Rockets' success. JM head coach Jim Daly praised Kucha, referring to him as the teams best overall defender, a testament to his versatility and skill set that goes beyond scoring.

During the state tournament, Kucha elevated his game further, posting averages of 10.3 points, 7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game. Unfortunately, despite these strong individual performances, the Rockets, who were seeded eighth in Class 4A, faced a tough opponent in the quarterfinals. They were eliminated by the top-seeded Cretin-Derham Hall with a final tournament record of 1-2, concluding their season with an overall record of 26 wins and 6 losses (19-2 in the Big Nine Conference). They fell just one victory short of breaking the programs single-season win record, a feat that would have further solidified their legacy.

Kucha's next chapter awaits him at Sauk Valley Community College, where he will join a team that finished the 2024-25 season with a record of 16 wins and 15 losses, including an initial victory in Arrowhead Conference play. The Skyhawks compete in Region Four of the NJCAA and have shown potential with an average of 76.4 points per game, showcasing their offensive capabilities. However, the season ended on a disappointing note, as they were eliminated in the first round of the NJCAA Region Four Tournament by Highland Community College (Illinois).

As Kucha embarks on this exciting new phase of his basketball career, fans and followers from John Marshall and the broader Rochester community are eager to see how he will continue to develop his skills and contribute on the collegiate level.