D-IV Kettering Regional Semis: Top Performers + A Look Ahead
The Division IV Kettering region was whittled down to two teams on Tuesday evening. Jackson Center and St. Henry advanced past Fort Loramie and Springfield Catholic Central respectively, setting up what is sure to be an entertaining game on Friday at…
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Continue ReadingThe Division IV Kettering region was whittled down to two teams on Tuesday evening. Jackson Center and St. Henry advanced past Fort Loramie and Springfield Catholic Central respectively, setting up what is sure to be an entertaining game on Friday at 7PM inside Trent Arena.
In this article, we will both look ahead to that elite eight match-up and recap top performers from the semifinal action. Both Anthony Garcia and Tony Peters were in attendance for these games and both have contributed to the piece.
Nick Brandewie (2020), 6’2″ G, Fort Loramie
stats: 6 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist
The Redskins guard struggled compared to his performance in the District title game, but still impressed me during Fort Loramie’s loss to Jackson Center. A physical lefty, Brandewie was a solid ball-handler, utilizing the crossover and between the legs. He has shown in the past he can blow by defenders, which he did last night at times, shooting the ball strong through traffic.
Aidan Reichert (2021) 6’4” F, Jackson Center
stats: 7 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks
Leading in a one-possession game in the final minutes against Fort Loramie, Reichert delivered the play of the game with a help-side rejection. He also secured the loose ball on that clutch defensive play and JC would go on to ice this one at the free throw line. The highlight speaks to his toughness, nose for the ball, and length.
Reichert’s best basketball is ahead of him. He has several intriguing tools including a strong frame, long arms, an ability to face-up and make a play, and a confident shooting stroke. Struggled to knock-down jumpers at Trent Arena, but expect that part of the lefty’s game to improve. His shooting release takes a little time, which didn’t help. Scores it through contact and likes to step-through after a ball fake in the post.
Caden Niekamp (2019), 6’6” C, St. Henry
stats: 13 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks
St. Henry has State Championship potential. Part of that equation is having a go-to scorer and Caden is that guy. Finishes tough buckets through contact and posseses sick foot-work in the post. Uses shoulder and ball fakes to create space for his over-the-shoulder baby hooks. At 285 pounds, the Ball State football commit can play 25-plus minutes at a relentless pace. Stays active on the glass. Makes the right decision and surveys the court every time he catches. Provides rim protection with size and gets to whatever spot he wants in traffic because of his size and athleticism.
Zach Niekamp (2019), 6’1” W, St. Henry
stats: 11 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal
Zach is an athlete. But he combines his athletic prowess with unselfishness, making him this State Championship contender’s glue guy. He bails them out on in-bounds situations by out-leaping his opponents vertically on lobs. Always in the right position defensively and came up with an interception because of it. Confident outside shooter and his fade-away short-range jumper is indefensible. Good feel when he slashes from the wing.
Ethan Thieman (2019), 6’0” G, St. Henry
stat: 14 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist
Thieman stuck a dagger 3-pointer from the corner to cap off St. Henry’s run in the third quarter. He shot the ball confidently all night as the ball swung around the floor side to side. Capable ball-handler. Like everyone else on this team, Thieman is locked in right now.
Trey Dunn (2019), 5’9″ PG, Springfield Catholic Central
stats: 11 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists
Dunn’s career with the Irish ended on Tuesday night, but not before he put up one final performance. A super quick point guard, with great court vision and an offensively aggressive mentality, Trey was one of the few bright points for the Irish as they lost to a very good St. Henry team. Dunn had great footwork on the defensive end and moved laterally well.
Sabien Doolittle (2019), 6’4″ W, Springfield Catholic Central
stats: 9 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist
Doolittle was one of the best players for the Irish during the regular season but struggled more in this regional loss. Possessing great size for a guard, Dootlittle was able to attack from the outside and could post up smaller guards when needed.
Mykah Eichie (2019), 6’1″ F, Springfield Catholic Central
stats: 8 points, 10 rebounds
A high motored athlete, Eichie played a solid defensive game, rebounded the basketball well against a taller St. Henry team, and found the lane plenty of times on the offensive end. Not as known because of his talented teammates, Eichie made it known he is a high caliber player that will be sorely missed for the Irish next season.
A LOOK AHEAD TO FRIDAY NIGHT
Redskins showed us why they were one of the best teams all season in D4. A mixture of height and shooters, Redskins will be too much for JC to handle. Tigers will try and play slow and may keep it close, but depth in the end will lead the way for St. H.