Prospect Spotlight: John Pfannenstiel (2019)
One of the state’s most underrated performers, 2019 Ness City guard John Pfannenstiel is putting together a big senior season and turning heads in the process. A 6’1 guard, Pfannenstiel is putting up big numbers, averaging 23 points, 5.7 rebounds…
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Continue ReadingOne of the state’s most underrated performers, 2019 Ness City guard John Pfannenstiel is putting together a big senior season and turning heads in the process.
A 6’1 guard, Pfannenstiel is putting up big numbers, averaging 23 points, 5.7 rebounds and 5.7 assists and has made 13 3-pointers this season. He brings the ability to handle the ball, see the floor and create plays for himself and others. He can knock down 3-pointers, the mid-range and gets to the basket where he can finish at the rim.
Pfannenstiel spent the offseason competing for Western Kansas Elite and says the experience has paid off this season.
“I have met so many great people and played with so many great players that it has really made me a better player,” he said. “Also, getting to compete at a high level every weekend has made me a much better player.
“I have worked this off-season to become better defensively and just become a better athlete. I also had to work extremely hard to come back from a back injury I suffered during track.”
Pfannenstiel has helped Ness City start the season 7-0 and a No. 3 ranking in the latest Kansas Class 2A poll.
“My high school team is full of some good players and really good friends,” Pfannenstiel said. “We have been playing together since we were little and we have a really great bond. This year we are primed and ready to have a big year behind some strong senior leadership, and just having guys on our team that work really hard every single day.
“Our coaches are two of the best guys I know. Brandt Rogers and Case Beckman always have us ready to go and we all know that if we ever need anything they have our backs.”
Pfannenstiel says his dad has had the biggest impact on his basketball career to date.
“My dad was the one who got me so interested in playing basketball and has always been on me about the drills I was doing out on the driveway when I was little and all the workouts we do now in the gym,” Pfannenstiel says. “He played at Dodge City Community College and has been a great role model for me to follow. I also have to give a ton of thanks to my Mom. Without her there is no way I’d be the person or the player I am today without her.”
A fan of NBA point guard Rajon Rondo, Pfannenstiel says he has tried to take some elements of the Laker standout and make them his own.
“I was a huge Rajon Rondo fan growing up as a kid,” Pfannenstiel said. “I would watch youtube videos over and over on him and practice and practice the moves he used until I had them down perfect.
“As I grew older I really started to listen to Kobe’s views on mindset and how to live and really tried applying those things in my life. As of now I really enjoy watching Curry play and even stealing some of the ball handling and shooting drills he uses.”
Pfannenstiel says he has received a lot of interest from multiple NAIA schools including McPherson, and Bethel and multiple junior colleges including Barton, Colby, and Pratt, as well as some interest from schools at the Division II level.