Recruiting Report: Joshua Kihle (2018)
Joshua Kihle of Burke County stands 6-foot-9/6-foot-10 and is nearly unstoppable to deal with when he catches the ball in the deep post on balance.
Burke County was about a .500 team this year but this was one of the best season’s his school has had in years so definite progress was made.
“This winter I grew quite a bit with just how I played personally,” Kihle said. “And I learned a lot while doing that. You are never done learning with basketball, with that said, towards the end of the season I really learned that the game is so different with whoever and wherever you play.
“I will definitely remember all the changes I’ve had to make in myself just to compete with some of the competition I face. I’ve had to change in every aspect of the game physically and mentally. And I think that is what will stick with me, and help me keep changing into a better player.”
Josh is a strong center, nearly impossible to move plus his footwork and hands are high quality. Kihle loves to play and is always thinking about ways to improve.
“I’m looking to improve on my shooting, ball handling and a lot of court vision,” Kihle explained. “High School is a lot different than playing AAU so I have to play two different games.
“I’m working to improve my quickness and just a lot of physical things. One of the biggest improvements I’ll be working on is just how I adjust to the different levels of play.”
Kihle plays with the Dakota Phenom which is a team with some of North Dakota’s better talent but they have had a hard time getting all of their multi-sport talents to every game so they’ve only recently started playing the way they want to.
“The teams have been good. Playing with short numbers for a few tournaments really shows you how fast some of the teams are. I’ve played against quality players which is challenging in its own right. But playing against good teams in general really is a challenge.
“I’ve learned a lot. It just goes to show how much the competition differs from where you play. I’ve learned to be prepared for anything. One minute your up on a team by 15 and the next you are up by 2. I’ve really learned to be more physical and smarter. It’s a completely different game then high school basketball.”
At his size and school Josh is hearing from several local programs.
“I’m hearing from U of Mary, Valley City State, U of Sioux Falls, and some others,” Kihle said. “No visits planned as of right now but will be looking towards that soon.”
North Dakota Phenom coach Jordan Mauer added the following about Kihle’s recruitment.
“I’ve heard from Minot State and U of Sioux Falls about Josh and North Dakota has talked about Josh and a preferred walk-on spot.”