Recruiting Report: Dillon Braun (2018)
Fort Loramie has been heralded by most as Ohio’s top Division IV team this season. The 18-1 Redskins are led by seniors Evan Berning, Tyler Seigel, and 6’2” guard Dillon Braun (2018). Braun relates that success to their experience.
“We have them years under our belt, which gives us a lot more confidence going into bigger games and stuff,” Braun said.
So, did they know before the year started how special this group could be?
“Beginning of the season, we just went hard at it. We knew we’d have a chance to go far in the tournament and have a good season with all the years we have under everyone. Coach was excited this year more than ever. Practices are a lot more energized and everything,” Braun said.
Siegel, a high-motor 6’7” kid, impacts the game in the paint while Berning and Braun make plays around the perimeter. Braun is perfectly capable of being their primary ball-handler, but years together have shown that the team is more successful when he’s focused on scoring.
“My role is to be the two, look for people to pass it and shoot the ball good.” Braun continued, “My game is definitely scoring.”
Handling success is always a challenge, even for senior-laden teams like Loramie. They overlooked Anna in the first meeting on Jan. 23, the lone blemish on their record.
“That week we were a little slow. We were like 15 games in and undefeated so we thought we could beat anyone really. So, we weren’t really competitive,” Braun said.
They have a chance to avenge their loss on Saturday in a game at home. While Braun assured us that they won’t take Anna lightly once again, he did admit to some looking ahead on the team’s part this season.
“During practices and stuff, we always talk about it and dream about going far. On the bus ride coming home, just celebrating with the town and everyone. But, mainly we just concentrate of the Friday and Saturday games that we have,” Braun said.
Braun, who carries a 4.0 GPA and a 19 ACT score, is soaking it all in during the senior season, and rightfully so. He chose not to share all of the details of his recruitment during the interview, but he did tell us there’s a chance it’ll be his last season playing hoops.
On college interest, Braun said, “Some people have asked me but I haven’t really looked much into it.”
We responded, “Are you planning on playing basketball at the next level?”
“I’m still thinking about it. I’m on the edge. We’ll see how things go. If I see something I like, I’ll take it,” Braun said.
Braun, who is currently in a machining program at Upper Valley Career Center, said than an up-tempo type of offense is something that could persuade him into college basketball next season.
But, regardless of sports, he’ll look to continue his career path and education in machining.