ROCHELLE — Kyle Seebach has grown quite a bit since his first year of basketball at Rochelle Township High School, and the 6-foot-8-inch senior forward’s improvements on the court have been noticed not only by his teammates and his coaches, but by teams around the area as well.
Seebach was one of three Hubs named to the Northern Illinois Big 12 All-Conference First Team this week, joining senior teammates Landon Griffith and Caleb Gould, who was a unanimous All-Conference selection. The recognition was an honor for Seebach, who averaged 14.0 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game this year while helping the Hubs defeat the Ottawa Pirates at home on a game-winning layup.
“I think I’ve become more physical as a player,” Seebach said. “I started as an outside shooter my freshman and sophomore years but I’ve learned to become a post player too. It feels pretty good and I’m proud that I was selected.”
Griffith scored an average of 13.2 points per game while grabbing 3.9 rebounds and 1.9 steals per game. The senior also had his share of big moments this year including a game-tying 3-pointer and a layup to take down Ottawa on the road. One of Rochelle’s best shooters this season, Griffith attributes his offseason play with his AAU team as a big reason for his improvements, and he hopes the program’s younger players can keep the recent string of success going.
“It feels great,” Griffith said. “I worked hard throughout the season so I think it’s well deserved and the same goes for Caleb and Kyle. I’ve improved on my jump shot over the years and attacking the rim more… This season meant a lot to me and I hope the juniors and the underclassmen can carry it over into next season.”
Gould ended the year as Rochelle’s leading scorer, averaging 15.8 points per game with 4.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. Gould dropped a season-high 33 points in the Hubs’ victory over the Geneseo Maple Leafs, and as a four-year varsity starter he said his leadership is where he’s grown the most over the years.

“We worked hard for everything and we’re glad it’s showing right now,” Gould said. “Being a leader and knowing who can shoot and when and knowing everyone’s roles… making sure I can bring the best out of everybody. This season meant a lot to the program and it meant a lot to the fans and all the little kids who came out to watch our games.”
Gould also received the Hall Free Throw Award and the Hackett Award for Most Valuable Player at the team’s banquet this past Sunday. Seebach earned the Hoffman Rebounding Award, while senior Kaywan Palmer took home Defensive Player of the Year.
For Seebach, he said he’ll miss spending time with his teammates the most, and like Griffith he hopes the team’s younger players can step up next year and beyond.
“Just keep working,” he said. “Work hard just like we did and they can win games too.”

All-Conference Team