Player Breakdown: Benny Kitchel

<p>[player_tooltip player_id="917694" first="Benny" last="Kitchel"] is a 6’4" shooting guard/small forward from the class of 2021. As a leader for the Moscow Bears last season, Kitchel will look to expand his leadership responsibilities this season as the Bears look to repeat as district champions and earn another shot at the state championship title. Continue reading for a look at Benny’s abilities and skills on both ends of the floor leading up to the 2020-21 season.</p> <p><strong>Defense:</strong> Kitchel is a great defender for the Bears and is willing to guard any player on the court. His 6’4" frame is strong and he often uses his strength to battle in the post. He doesn’t like to front other bigs and prefers to play behind where he can use his leverage to push out smaller and skinnier posts. His physicality separates himself as a defender and makes him very effective. Against guards, Kitchel is quick and reacts very well to offensive players as they change directions. He can move well laterally and can contest any shot that an offensive guard is willing to take. Kitchel is a gifted rebounder and loves to crash the glass through contact on either end of the floor.</p> <p><strong>Offense:</strong> Benny is a mis-match for any defender that is placed on him. He can score anywhere on the court but loves to work out of the short corner or the free throw line the best. He has a smooth mid-range jumper and has a great feel for that range. Kitchel is also skilled at finishing at the rim by utilizing a power dribble and/or absorbing contact and finishing on either side of the basket. He scores a lot of easy baskets at the free throw line and uses his size to bully his way to the rim. Kitchel also likes to step back from time to time where he can knock down the long ball at a consistent rate. As a passer, Benny has great vision and likes to find cutters for baskets at the rim, or kick outs to shooters for threes.</p> <p><strong>Overall:</strong> Altogether, Benny is a great player on both sides of the ball and will help lead the Moscow Bears to another successful season in 2020-21. On defense, he matches up well with any player and uses his size and physicality to overpower offensive players. With the ball in his hands, Kitchel has an old-school feel to his game and has the fundamentals down. Kitchel would make an excellent 3 or 4 at the next level.</p>