What has been the biggest focus for you personally this season?

“The biggest focus personally had been getting better every day and doing the little things right.“

What’s one area of your game you’ve seen the most improvement in?

“My area with the most improvement would be ball handling and my outside game.“

What does your team do well when you’re playing your best basketball?

“We push the ball really well and have good ball movement.“

Who’s a teammate that deserves more recognition?

“I think a lot of guys deserve more, they are all pushing their limits and getting better every day.“

How do you stay locked in during the grind of the season—especially on tough weeks?

“Focus on improving every day and making sure we are healthy.“

What’s something your coaches emphasize that really shows up on game nights?

“Effort, energy, and playing as a team.“

What’s the biggest lesson basketball has taught you?

“Trust the people next to you, they will have your back.“

What has been your favorite moment of the season so far?

“Playing in the big games and being in gyms that are packed and full of people.“

Favorite gym to play in (besides home)?

“West Central, their gym is big and makes for a loud game that is fun to play in.“

What are you hoping to accomplish before postseason play begins?

“Win our Conference and get a good place in our Region so we are ready when the time comes.”

-7 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists

-PNR on the wing, freed up Runestad for a drive & score

-Effective PNR w/ Garry, got him open for a middy J, 2 pts

-Talented passer for a 6’9″ baller, sees the floor well, selfless

-BS for Garry, got him space for another middy J

-VB swat late 1stQ to cancel a good look

-Swing assist to Runestad for a triple

-Pass ahead assist to Runestad for a triple as the 1stQ buzzer sounded

-Attacked a close out, 2-feet in the paint, step-through, kiss off the glass for 2

-High-low assist to his fellow big man for a score, nice find

-Effective BS for Runestad who hit a middy to take the lead 26-24

-Cashed an elbow J to go back on top Garry with the assist

-Baseline gash, up & over a Bulldog, AND1 finish, hit FT for 3pt play

-Nice work cleaning glass, quick outlet ahead to Garry for a transition score

-Blocked another shot, this one came in the 3rd

-Double in the post, deflected pass, forced TO

-Kickout assist to Garry for a triple in the 4th

Kellen Artz Kellen Artz 6'9" | PF/C Baltic | 2026 State SD has been a force in the early going and has quickly established himself as one of the premier bigs in Class A. The 6’9 senior has made a major impact on both ends of the floor, posting impressive averages of 18 points and 11.5 rebounds per game through four contests. Artz is a Double-Double machine! His ability to score around the rim, finish through contact, and clean the glass has been a constant for Baltic during its undefeated start. Defensively, Artz’s length and timing have been game-changing, as he is averaging 1.8 blocks per contest and altering countless other shots in the paint. He consistently makes his presence felt on that end, anchoring the Bulldogs defensively and protecting the rim at a high level. With Baltic off to a hot start and looking like one of the top teams in Class A, Artz has been a major reason why and has clearly earned early-season standout status.

-How can you not like that length? Plus, his game keeps evolving

-Bulldogs are 4-0 on the season, they are the real deal, one of the best in A

Kellen will be a dominant force in the paint this season. His length makes him a dual threat defender and paint scorer. Artz is very balanced for a big and has quick bounce. Watch for a highlight real of dunks coming from this guy. He’s committed to NSU to play next year and will surely help the Wolves try to get back on track.

Kellen is a long and agile big who excels as a lob threat and shot blocker. He’s dangerous rolling to the hoop as he gets off the floor very quickly at 6’9+, meaning guards can just toss the ball near the rim and Kellen will get up and throw it down. Defensively he was constantly sliding into position to block/alter shots around the basket, and was comfortable moving his feet to defend screens out on the perimeter. Still a bit raw on the ball, but has the combination of length and athleticism that make him an intriguing prospect.

Kellen’s length is what initially stood out to me as he has a long 6’9” frame. He used that to make a difference inside the paint, blocking shots and rebounding at a high level. He moves very well for his size, being able to run the floor for scores in transition. His vertical athleticism also impressed me, as he rose up for a high flying two-handed slam. Artz showcased a complete interior presence with his size, mobility, and vertical pop, making a strong impact on both sides of the ball.

Artz has a Briar Cliff University offer. I would love for him to show off an expanded offensive game that involves more than dunking the ball.

Artz also earned an offer from Briar Cliff. It would be a good add for the program, with his length and 6’9″ size. His rebounding and rim-protecting in Iowa was a factor.

Artz’ stock and ranking I have yet to get a true handle on. He’s a top 3 rim-protector in the state and 6’9” prospects don’t grow on trees in South Dakota. His stock will be improved when we revisit at the end of the Summer.