10 Best: Division IV Wapakoneta District Semifinals
The Division IV Wapakoneta District final is set after a thrilling double-header on Tuesday night. Marion Local, the defending State Champions in this division, will take on this season’s Midwest Athletic Conference regular season champions in St. Henry. Friday night…
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Continue ReadingThe Division IV Wapakoneta District final is set after a thrilling double-header on Tuesday night. Marion Local, the defending State Champions in this division, will take on this season’s Midwest Athletic Conference regular season champions in St. Henry.
Friday night at 7PM will be their third matchup of the season. They split the regular season series.
As for the next matchup, here’s how they got here:
- St. Henry over Minster, 48-41
- Marion Local over Lima Perry, 48-35
Now, the 10 Best performances from last night:
Game #1 MVP: Caden Niekamp (2019), 6’6” C, St. Henry
stats: 16 points, 8 rebounds
Niekamp, despite second half foul trouble, turned in a special two-way performance. The Ball State football commit was most impressive on the defensive end, where he was matched up with Minster’s Jarod Schulze. His strong body provided solid interior defense as he simply wouldn’t budge on post moves and step-throughs, rather forcing tough looks over highly extended hands. Niekamp was also swiftly-footed enough to track down rebounds from block to block.
Offensively, Niekamp showed the ability to score from the block with touch and stretch out his matchup with the set jumper. Used balance and good footwork for clever post scoring. Able to either shoot or put it on the floor and make a play from the high-post.
Niekamp left the contest with less-than two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter after falling awkwardly on a rebound attempt. I truly do not know the extent of the injury, but it’s reasonable to expect him to miss the district final, which would swing the game.
Game #2 MVP: Nathan Bruns (2019), 6’6” F, Marion Local
stats: 20 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, 1 block
Bruns became Marion Local’s all-time leading scorer with his final basket last night. Yet, scoring was just one of several ways he dominated the game. He controls pace and has command of the game, something like that of an elite point guard. Can both facilitate and only score via the offensive glass for long stretches yet knows when to take over. For example, Perry cut their deficit to one-point in the third quarter. Bruns, then, halted their momentum immediately by fighting his way to the left block for three-consecutive field goals.
Bruns caused a lot of terror as a rangy rim protector last night, too. His ability to show on help-side against slashers, then still contest shots after a drop-down pass is very impressive.
Best Performances in a Loss: Jarod Schulze (2019), 6’9” C, Minster
stats: 15 points, 8 rebounds, 5 blocks
Although the St. Francis (IN) commit met his match in the post, Minster wouldn’t have been in the game without Schulze. Drew a lot of shooting fouls at the basket on post-ups. Active offensive rebounder who owned the glass when Niekamp sat. His length was a huge factor in providing rim protection.
Top Unsigned Senior: Mike Ketner (2019), 6’0” PG, Minster
stats: 11 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist
Ketner is a talented ball-handler with good instincts and the ability to create separation off the dribble. Shoots the 3-pointer well off the dribble and shows nice footwork in his separation moves on the outside. Ketner knows how to feed the post — both on post entries and drop-downs on the attack. Not thought of as an elite athlete, but he’s capable for sure — got to the rim and moved his feet well laterally last night.
Glue Guy: Zach Niekamp (2019), 6’1” G/F, St. Henry
stats: 12 points, 2 rebounds
Zach Niekamp is a hybrid athlete that St. Henry was able to plug anywhere defensively. He also carried the scoring load for small stretches throughout the game. Celebratory body language. Confident outside shooter with space who also had an unexpected reverse pivot turn-around jumper in his arsenal … like, that was truly a nice go-to move for him despite the degree of difficulty on that shot. Very athletic. Strong upper body and quick off the ground. Showed an understanding of floor space while off-ball on offense, making timely dives to the basket for finishes.
Top Performances by an Underclassman: Ryan Yingst (2022), 6’3” W/F, Lima Perry
stats: 10 points, 6 rebounds
Yingst showed a lot of poise and vocal leadership as a freshman. The combo forward has a mature build and the ability to defend multiple positions. Promising athlete that looks like a football player. Found a lot of success at the free throw line and was comfortable shooting 15-footers on the catch, too.
Stat Stuffer: Nick Tangeman (2019), 6’4” F, Marion Local
stats: 9 points, 11 rebounds
Tangeman was remarkably active on the offensive glass, using his size advantage against the Commodores for second chances. The wiry utility forward also provides flexibility on the defensive end for Marion Local.
Energy Guy: Jack Heitbrink (2019), 6’4” W, Minster
stats: 9 points, 6 rebounds
The senior flew into crowded spaces on the floor for grown man rebounds last night. He’s a strong 6’4” that frustrates smaller guards with his size and strength. Drives to the cup with power and is able to finish through traffic. Very willing shooter in crunch time.
Top Sixth Man: Sam Hartings (2019), 6’4” F, St. Henry
stats: 4 points, 1 rebound
Caden Niekamp played just about half of the fourth quarter in a tight game and Hartings was his fill-in for those other minutes at the center spot. He scored all four of his points in the quarter and starred in his role. Played with energy and toughness when St. Henry really needed it.
Intriguing Freshmen: Matt Bertke, 6’5” C, St. Henry &
Terry Riley, 5’10” G, Lima Perry
Bertke may have hardly played but he quite obviously moves well for his size. Provided some sound one-on-one defense in the post.
In the second game, Riley showed a couple flashes of shot creation. Very fast and quick kid who drew a charge and caused a tie-up. Bright future at Perry for Riley.