Bearcats Preview: Freeman Academy/Marion
In this article:
The Bearcats are a co-op that is made up of Freeman Academy and Marion High School. This is a unique co-op as Freeman is a private school and Marion is a public school. The co-op and relationship have gone well…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe Bearcats are a co-op that is made up of Freeman Academy and Marion High School. This is a unique co-op as Freeman is a private school and Marion is a public school. The co-op and relationship have gone well and the schools have been together for 6 years. FAM plays in Region 5B and they are members of the Great Plains Conference. The Bearcats have the potential to be a dangerous team. They bring back experience, reliable scoring, length, and athleticism. If it all comes together, this could be a special year for the Bearcats. Read below for quotes from coach Unruh, information on players, and the Bearcat schedule.
Look below, the Bearcats bring back 4 players that averaged double figures in points last year. Few teams can say that. FAM is going to be the real deal.
Bearcat Strengths from Coach Austin Unruh
– Long and athletic
-Buy in = We become a great defensive team
-Potentially very dangerous
Coach Unruh on why he is excited about the upcoming season:
“We performed well at all of our team camps and more importantly had great turnouts for our off-season open gyms and individual camps.”
Top Bearcats
Cayden Floyd (2022) |6-3 G/F|
Last season stats: 11.7 ppg, 7.3 ppg. He has two years of varsity experience, and Floyd is ready for a big senior year. Cayden is long and athletic. He is a versatile player that can score in many ways and Floyd can guard multiple positions on defense.
Kelby Hett Kelby Hett 6'0" | PG Harding County | 2023 State SD (2023) |6-1 G|
Last season stats: 11.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 3.4 apg. Kelboy brings athleticism to this backcourt. He has a consistent and impressive mid-range pull-up game. Hett will be one of the team’s best on-ball defenders.
Keegan Hett Keegan Hett 6'0" | PG Harding County | 2023 State SD (2023) |6-1 G|
Last season stats: 11.2 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 3.6 spg, 3 apg. He is a skilled and well-rounded player on both ends of the court. Keegan can get to the basket and score in a variety of ways. He is also a tough defender. Expect Keegan to lock up with the opposing team’s best player.
Dawson Kautzman Dawson Kautzman 6'0" | PG Harding County | 2023 State SD (2023) |6-1 PG|
Last season stats: 13.5 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 3.1 apg. This player puts in the most time in the summer and it has paid off for him during the season. It is easy to call Dawson a gym rat, which is a huge compliment for any basketball player. Kautzman will run the 1 for the Bearcats. Expect big things from Dawson and FAM this season.
Gage Gilbert (2023) |6-5 F|
Last season stats: 6.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg. He is the length and size that this squad needs to get to the next level. Gilbert had a great off-season and he has really come into his own. Most people will not recognize him as the same player. The Bearcats will rely on his leadership and his versatility to play in and out. Gage is going to be a difficult matchup for most squads. Gilbert and the Bearcats are going to be an intriguing team from 5B.
Cody Barnett (2022) |6-0 F|
Last season stats: 3.7 ppg, 2.3 rpg. He is a big-bodied player who is not afraid of contact. At the same time, Barnett is the best 3-point shooter for the Bearcats.
Braden Routier (2024) |5-9 G|
This kid works his tail off. Braden never quits and he is always working. Look for Routier to be an NRG player and a spark plug on both ends of the floor. He might be young, but Braden is a vital piece of this team.
Brennan Glines (2024) |5-11 F|
He is a do-it-all forward. Glines is an athletic player that boards up and he flourishes in his role.
Coach Unruh talks about expectations heading in the season:
“We return 4 starters and our top 2 reserves this year. We should be competitive with everyone on our schedule and hopefully look to battle for a conference championship.“
BEARCAT SCHEDULE
December 14 @ Centerville
December 17 vs Ethan @ Freeman Academy
December 21 @ Tripp-Delmont/Armour
December 29 Hoop City Classic vs. Howard @ Sandford Pentagon
January 4 vs Oldham-Ramona/Rutland @ Freeman Academy
January 8 vs Mitchell Christian @ Marion
January 11 vs Avon @ Freeman Academy
January 14 @ Flandreau Indian School
January 15 vs Scotland @ Marion
January 18 vs Canistota @ Marion
January 25 @ Bridgewater-Emery
January 27 @ Irene-Wakonda
February 1 vs Marty @ Freeman Academy
February 4 vs Viborg-Hurley @ Freeman Academy
February 8 vs Gayville-Volin @ Marion
February 10 vs Andes Central/Dakota Christian @ Marion
February 13 DWU Classic vs TBD @ Corn Palace
February 15 @ Alcester-Hudson
February 17 @ Menno
February 19 Great Plains Conference Classic vs TBD