College Commitment – Kaden Groenig (2024 Southridge)

Over the course of his senior year, Kaden Groenig Kaden Groenig 5'9" | PG Southridge | 2024 State OR balled out for Southridge, helping lead the Skyhawks to one of the best seasons in school history. Now the shifty 5-foot-10 has determined what's next for him on the basketball floor. Since the season ended Groenig dove first into his college recruitment and over the weekend, decided that he'll be continuing his playing career in-state at OIT.

"I believe OIT is the perfect place for me as they play fast - “The Hustling Owls” - and that fits me as a PG," Groenig said. "The program has a tradition of winning and has an incredible culture. The community supports the program like no other at the NAIA level in Oregon and most importantly the coaches believe in me and my future."

For Groenig, the decision came after investigating several options. From last summer through his senior season, he garnered a lot of interest and scholarship and roster spot offers came from schools such as Montana State-Northern, Bushnell, George Fox, Pacific, Willamette, College of the Redwoods, Linn-Benton, and PCC. Groenig made visits to several of these schools but OIT won out in the end.

Now that his decision has been made, Groenig knows the level of play with the Owls is high and will need to be prepared. "At that level players are 22-23 years old and men," Groenig said. "I will need to improve my strength and quickness to defend bigger guards. Of course I want to improve all areas of my game and will work to do so."

A combo guard with shifty moves off the dribble and the propensity to hit big shots, Groenig finished off a 1000 career point career with averages of 13.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists as a senior helping lead Southridge to the Metro League title and an appearance in the 6A state tournament.

"The season was incredible," Groenig said. "I made memories with teammates that I have known since elementary school. I have been going the quarterfinals since I was five years old with my dad and to have that dream come true as a senior was special. Cutting down the nets and being only the second team at Southridge to win Metro was off the charts. I also thought the LSI was something I won't forget."

"I would like to thank the Southridge family - Coach (Phil) Vesel and Coach (Steve) Naylor putting in so much time to help me be successful," Groenig added. "I would also like to thank Coach (Brant) Minor for opening so many doors for me. These people also had a huge impact on my career - Coach Scott Kellar, NeJuan Thompson, Coach Justin Lunt. Last but not least, my dad and family for all the time invested."

Our congratulations go out to Groenig and his family on his commitment.