Sacred Hoops 16U Kahler: Season Recap
In this article, we are checking out a Scared Hoops team from South Dakota. That team is 16U Kahler! They have some high-end talent in the backcourt and intriguing prospects in the frontcourt. Read below for a season recap, information…
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Continue ReadingIn this article, we are checking out a Scared Hoops team from South Dakota. That team is 16U Kahler! They have some high-end talent in the backcourt and intriguing prospects in the frontcourt. Read below for a season recap, information on the Sacred Hoops players, and some Q & A with coach Greg Kahler.
Get to know these names, they will be making splashy plays all winter long!
Season Recap from coach Greg Kahler
“We started the summer in Minneapolis at the Prep Hoops Battle at the Lakes. We learned right away we were going to be a fast-paced team that gets out and runs in transition. In 2 games we scored over 80 points. There was a lot of growth and learning that first weekend. We went 4-0 to start out the year. We had to wait until June to participate in the Pentagon tournament that first weekend. We finished 2-2. We lost a hard-fought game against Schoolers Vincent. That is a game I wish we had again, near the end of the summer when we were playing our best ball. To end June we played at the GPA Tournament in Saint Cloud. We were battle-tested against some very good teams up there. It was nice to see how we stacked up against some of those high-level teams like the ECI Prospects 16U. I thought we did as well as we could against Jeremiah Sem Jeremiah Sem 6'3" | SG Fargo North | 2024 State #303 Nation ND who is an incredible player. Our next 2 tournaments went well. We played in Council Bluffs and Sioux Falls. This is where we saw some of our top players get more notice and recognition from college coaches. It was a true testament to these boys’ dedication and competitiveness. All to wrap up the summer at the Pentagon, where we went 3-1. Our very last game will be one I remember. The boys played their best basketball that game. They gave everything they had, played with a swagger and confidence that I hope sticks with them this winter when they return to their high schools.”
Sacred Hoops 16U Kahler – Roster Breakdown
Comments from coach Kahler
Lane Tietz Lane Tietz 5'11" | CG Groton | 2024 State SD | 6’0 G| Groton Area
“He had an exceptional summer. I truly think he took his game to a whole new level and is going to be a huge problem this winter. Tietz was able to pick up an offer from Dakota State this summer. I couldn’t be happier for him or more proud. He truly is deserving of the opportunity. His stock grew exponentially after that. Lane showed his elite shooting ability all summer and really improved on his ability to get to the rim. He was bumping defenders away from him as he finished at the bucket. Tietz is the ultimate competitor and it was a privilege to coach him this summer.“
Nic Marshall Nic Marshall 6'1" | PG White River | 2024 State SD |6’1 PG| White River
“He quickly proved that he is an elite playmaker. Marshall has an incredible ability to always find the open man. His court vision and basketball IQ are second to no one. In my opinion, he’s probably the best “true” point guard in his class. Which is rare to see nowadays. Nic possesses great energy on and off the court that spread through his teammates. His growth this summer is going to be seen in the winter. Marshall is going to have a big season for White River.”
Tage Ortman Tage Ortman 6'0" | CG Canistota | 2024 State SD |6’0 G| Canistota
“It did not take him long to make a name for himself. It is kind of hard to miss his explosiveness and athleticism. Tage was our X-factor all summer long. He just did things that not only made himself look good but everyone around him too. He’s an ELITE defender and a tenacious rebounder for a guard. Ortman’s ball-hawking skills are what really sets him apart. He always made plays that left me in awe. The way Tage plays is a coach’s dream.“
Trey Maaland Trey Maaland 6'1" | SG Deuel | 2024 State SD |6’0 G| Deul
“He is a grinder! For Deuel, he is playing point guard and defending other guards. For us, he was playing off the ball and had to defend guys bigger than him. He always accepted that challenge and more often than not, came out on top of the matchup. This winter Maaland is going to be a problem for opposing coaches. He had a great summer of challenges to prepare him for his junior season.“
Seth Hamilton Seth Hamilton 6'2" | SG Spearfish | 2024 State SD |6’1 G| Spearfish
“He joined us during our 3rd tournament as a pickup player. By the end of the weekend, I knew I had to have him for the rest of the summer. He immediately fit in with us and how we play. He’s a super tough kid who does whatever it takes to win. Hamilton uses his size and strength to bully his way to the rim whenever he gets the chance. Playing AA ball isn’t always easy, but Seth is going to have a great junior season. I am super happy he joined us this summer.“
Jason Fisher Jason Fisher 6'5" | PF Douglas | 2024 State SD |6’5 PF| Sisseton
“He was also someone who made a name for himself and caught a lot of attention. Many people are surprised when I tell them that Jason has only been playing basketball for a few short years. Fisher is super effective in ball screen situations. He sets them tough and rolls to the rim hard/aggressively. Jason is super long and athletic. That really helps him finish over defenders, as well as help in his elite rebounding and shot-blocking ability. It was awesome to witness his growth.“
Jake Kuhl Jake Kuhl 7'0" | C West Central | 2024 State SD |6’10 C| Irene-Wakonda
“He not only stands out on the floor with his 6’10 frame but also with his loud and frequent communication on the floor. Kuhl never stops talking and that energy really fueled our defense. Jake is a really good passer out of the post. When defenders dig on him, he does a great job finding the open man.”
Evastine Wright Evastine Wright 6'6" | SF White River | 2024 State SD |6’3 F| White River
“He was a big defensive and rebounding spark for us off the bench. Wright bought into his role well in defending tough and hitting open shots. His size and length really help him in the passing lanes. I anticipate Logan to do the same thing for White River this winter.”
Q & A with coach Kahler
PHD: What is your best memory from this AAU season?
Coach Kahler: “No games really jump to mind. I’ll definitely not forget our last game any time soon I guess. We played our best basketball that game. Left everything on the floor and just played with an incredible type of swagger. I won’t forget our moments outside of basketball. Seeing the friendships these boys had. Seeing them bond and just having fun being with one another. Go Karting in council bluffs was an activity I don’t think we will forget. Learned we carry the same level of competitiveness on the track that we do on the floor.“
PHD: Who were a few of your hardest workers?
Coach Kahler: “ Trey Maaland Trey Maaland 6'1" | SG Deuel | 2024 State SD without a doubt. Always accepted every challenge I gave him. He always sacrificed everything he had for the betterment of our team. Was always super disciplined defensively. Tage Ortman Tage Ortman 6'0" | CG Canistota | 2024 State SD also was a guy who always gave everything he had. There weren’t many games where he wasn’t in double figures for rebounds. He was also great forcing numerous turnovers all over the floor.”
PHD: Can you talk about a few of your best defenders?
Coach Kahler: “ Seth Hamilton Seth Hamilton 6'2" | SG Spearfish | 2024 State SD was our most consistent defender. Both guarding the ball and away from it. He rotates on time and with disciplined. He was always great in help-side D. Always willing to plant his feet and take charges.”
PHD: Who was your best rebounder?
Coach Kahler: “ Tage Ortman Tage Ortman 6'0" | CG Canistota | 2024 State SD and Jason Fisher Jason Fisher 6'5" | PF Douglas | 2024 State SD both were phenomenal in rebounding the ball. I’d guess in almost every game we had, both were rebounding in double figures.”
PHD: Who improved the most over the season?
Greg Kahler: “ Jason Fisher Jason Fisher 6'5" | PF Douglas | 2024 State SD without a doubt. The dude absolutely exploded in our last 3 tournaments. There were times during games when he was so good on both ends I couldn’t afford to have him off the floor. I can’t wait to see what he does for Sisseton this winter. He didn’t just take a step up, he took a jump.“
PHD: Can you talk about your biggest offensive threat?
Coach Kahler: “ Lane Tietz Lane Tietz 5'11" | CG Groton | 2024 State SD drew a lot of attention every game we played. I always tried getting him a shot early using one of our sets. Knowing it would get him in the rhythm to get going. Lane’s ability to stretch the floor with his shooting ability is what separates him from others. If he was feeling it, I could hope opposing coaches didn’t do anything to stop him.”