Recruiting Report: Connor Henze (2016)
Connor Enze of Elk Point-Jefferson is a survivor and winner. The story of his battle with bacterial meningitis resulting in hearing loss is well known (if you are not familiar read the Sioux City Journal article linked at the bottom of the page) and this winter he finished his senior year in a strong way which we would like everybody to know.
“Connor had a strong senior season,” said Coach Cole Knippling of Elk Point-Jefferson. “He really came on in the second half of the season and started to be a force on both ends of the floor. He anchored the middle of our defense and protected the rim.
“On offense, he averaged 12 points and size rebounds per game. Two things I will remember most are his effort running the floor in transition. He always sprinted the floor and beat his man down the floor often.
“The other thing I will remember his how he changed our play calls. All of our set plays and defenses are called using hand signals instead of verbal calls. It allows us to communicate in a loud situation without any problems that would come with not being able to HEAR a play call.”
Enze wants to play college basketball and he showed that he can compete against some of the better players in the area both with his high school team and with the South Dakota Heat last spring and summer. Connor’s game continues to advance.
“I think that Connor really learned how to establish his position in the post and handle the physicality that happens down there,” said Knippling. “To be ready for college hoops, Connor needs to continue to lift and quicken his release on his shot. E
“Everything needs to happen quicker in college and you have to be physically strong. He has the build and great athleticism, he just needs to get in the weight room.“
Connor had some schools interested but there was really only one team that was going to be the best fit:
“Connor is going to Gallaudet University in Washington, DC to play basketball. Gallaudet is a prestigious Deaf University.”
And PHD wishes him the best of luck.
http://siouxcityjournal.com/sports/high-school/basketball/elk-point-jefferson-player-overcomes-hearing-obstacle/article_8d689426-ee6b-5305-a4d5-b1e28d34b57c.html