Prospect Watch: Ryan Kalkbrenner (2020)
Class of 2020 center Ryan Kalkbrenner of Trinity has developed into an excellent collegiate prospect.
The 6’11” Kalkbrenner is an accomplished shot-blocker with an improved offensive skill set that has enhanced his chances of being a rising Division I recruit.
Kalkbrenner has proved to be an imposing rim-protector for a Titans team that loves to apply pressure to opposing teams and funnel them right to the basket, where the big fella is waiting to hand out rejection slips. As a sophomore, he blocked 105 shots, including a season-high of 12 in the Class 3 district semifinals against Lutheran North.
“It’s mostly about standing straight up and staying solid,” Kalkbrenner said. “That is what my coaches have taught me to do.”
As a sophomore, Kalkbrenner averaged 10 points and six rebounds while shooting 61 percent from the field on a Trinity team that finished with a 21-4 record and a berth in the district finals against defending state champion Northwest Academy. It was a game in which Kalkbrenner went down with an injury and had to watch from the sidelines as Northwest rallied from a 15-point deficit to edge Trinity for the title.
“I’m super motivated by that because I wanted to win that district championship so bad last year,” he said. “Being hurt and not being able to help my team was bad. I’m just that more motivated for this season to start.”
With Kalkbrenner back with most of Trinity’s nucleus, the Titans will be a team to watch in Class 3 this season. He has also continued to develop his offensive skill set, which includes improved post moves and a developing perimeter shot. He has also gotten physically stronger, which was a benefit of playing up at the 17U level with the Louisville Magic in the Adidas Gauntlet during the summer.
“That helped me because it was about playing against bigger and stronger players,” he said. “It has helped me to be more physical and stronger with the ball. You play against top players and it forces you to step up your game.”