By Craig Null USD387 Activities Writer
BUFFALO – Four members of the basketball squads at Altoona-Midway High School were
selected for honors when the 2023-24 All-Three Rivers League teams were announced
earlier this week.
Three members of the AMHS boys’ team – William Stackhouse, Jacob Meigs, and Kieran
Foster – were chosen for the elite all-league squad, while Emmalynn Pupanek represented
the Lady Jets on the All-TRL list for this season.
Stackhouse was named first-team All-TRL, Meigs was tabbed for second-team honors, and
Foster and Pupanek were honorable mention designees following a joint meeting of Three
Rivers League coaches.
Meigs is a senior while Stackhouse, Foster and Pupanek are juniors and will return next
year.
Stackhouse, Meigs and Pupanek are all repeat selections for All-TRL honors, while Foster
is making his first appearance as an all-conference choice.
“I am very happy for all three of our young men who were honored,” said AMHS boys’
head coach Dave Vance. “The fact we earned three all-league selections is a testament to the
fantastic season they and their teammates put together this season. It was a full team effort.”
The high-flying Jets exceeded everyone’s expectations but their own this year, rolling to a
15-7 overall record – the team’s first winning-record since 2007. The AMHS boys tied for
third in the Three Rivers League, compiling an 8-3 conference mark despite being one of
the smallest TRL schools.
“Emmalynn was our leading scorer and leading rebounder, and I am so pleased her efforts
were recognized by the rest of the league coaches,” noted Lady Jets’ head coach Jessica
Porter. “She is very deserving of this honor.”
Pupanek and the Lady Jets finished the year 5-16 overall and 2-9 in the TRL. Still, the
AMMS girls can be proud of the fact they earned a home game for the postseason, and their
five-win total marked the most victories in a season by a Lady Jet squad since 2011.
Stackhouse earned first-team all-TRL honors after being named to the second-team least
year as a sophomore. The standout performer averaged 16.3 points and 10.3 rebounds per
game this season. The do-everything junior also averaged 4.5 steals and 2.7 assists.
Meigs was tabbed second-team all-league after being an honorable mention choice a year
ago. The calm, reliable senior scored 12.1 points per game and hauled down 7.3 rebounds
an outing, to go along with 2.5 assists. He also recorded 32 blocked shots.
Foster, making his first appearance on the all-conference squad, was an energetic floor
general for the Jets. Foster averaged 9.5 points per game while collecting 31 rebounds, 26
steals and 34 assists on the season.
“William has worked very hard to improve his game each year. He is a very determined
young man and a great person as well,” Vance said. “He has the uncanny ability to make
something out of nothing. With his attitude and work ethic, he is a joy to coach, and I
expect great things from him in the future.
“Jacob could be considered Robin to William’s Batman. They were the dynamic duo,” the
coach added. “Statistic wise, he was right behind William in practically every category,
except he was our leader in blocked shots.
“Jacob is an excellent role model for all the younger players to emulate. He exemplifies
what it is to be a great human being. He was the leader and steadying influence on our team
the last two seasons, especially this season. Jacob will do great things no matter what path
he takes when his high school days are over,” Vance added.
“Kieran is like having a coach on the court,” the coach continued. “He was our leading
three-point shooter, but anytime a message needs relayed to the players on the court, Kieran
is always aware. He is a fiery competitor, with great spirit, and a vast amount of basketball
knowledge. He was also a real asset to our team and we expect even more leadership from
him next season.”
For the Lady Jets, Pupanek was a repeat choice on the All-TRL honorable mention list,
having also earned that distinction last year during her sophomore campaign.
Pupanek led the Lady Jets in both scoring and rebounding, despite often drawing extra
attention from opposing defenses. The junior standout fired in 10 points a game to go along
with 9 rebounds per outing. Pupanek also averaged over three steals per contest.
Pupanek was particularly strong during the mid-season Milburn G. Apt Memorial
Tournament, when she averaged just under 20 points and 12 rebounds over the three games,
leading the Lady Jets to a runner-up finish.
“Emmalynn is a great kid, and a very hard worker,” Porter exclaimed. “I enjoy working
with her each season, and can’t wait to see what she accomplishes her senior year.”