Seniors Connor Kraus and Kyle Disch became key components of this year’s varsity squad. Although both played in the basketball program since freshman year, they each overcame individual struggles freshman year to reach their prominence on varsity.
“Freshman basketball was a lot different than middle school,” Kraus said. “You finally got a lot of structure and the competition steps up a level. I played in the B-team games but the whole experience of having a team, and everybody being together was a cool thing.”
Disch also worked to adjust to basketball on the high school level. An additional factor was everyone catching up to his height and missing his whole 8th grade season due to an eye infection.
“It was tough for me to catch up with the other guys,” Disch explained. “I didn’t really know the plays and the reason I didn’t play much freshman year is because I had so much catching up to do both on the court and with the plays.”
However, each player worked through the season and decided to come back the next year. Kraus’ decision to return for his sophomore season was based around the team aspect of the game.
“Freshman year, it was always a ‘What can I do to win games?’ mentality,” Kraus said. “I didn’t really worry about if I was in or if it was someone else as long as we got the [win]”.
Today, Coach Rick Kirby holds Kraus in high regard for his ability to do the little things in games last year that helped contribute to the team.
“He was probably what I would consider our unsung hero,” Kirby said. “I called him our Stat Stuffer because at the end of the game it seemed like he had 12 points, 6 rebounds, and a couple steals. He contributed in many different little ways that was essential to our 15 wins. For a stretch I think he even had a couple double doubles in a row.”
As for Disch, Kirby explains how he has the ability to come into the game and really help swing the momentum for the Colts.
“Disch ended up in a stretch coming in and being what I call instant offense,” Kirby said. “He was a guy that got it to the basket, hunted and found his shot and scored for us. He provided a scoring punch off the bench that was really critical.”
Kraus is a leader by example that teammates look to as a teammate always giving 100% effort throughout practice, weightlifting, and summer workouts.
“You know Krausy is really a leader by example,” Kirby said. “Here is a kid regardless of the drill at any point in the practice is giving you 110% and just playing real hard. When you watch him practice, you want to practice like him.”
Disch, a pivotal sixth man last year and starter this year, filled key roles last year for the varsity team.
“Last year I was the first or second guard off the bench,” Disch explained. “I just tried to come in and bring energy, score when I needed to, and defend hard. This year I’ll either be a starter or a sixth man and I’m hoping to contribute to a conference and district title.”
Times may have been tough freshman year for Disch and Kraus but both are glad they stuck with it. Kraus specifically is glad to still be involved on the varsity level.
“I always hoped I’d still be on the team winning games when I was a senior,” Kraus explained. “Freshman year didn’t matter nearly as much as I thought at the time. As long as you’re playing, getting better and getting ready for your junior/senior year when you’re playing in games that really matter on the varsity level, that’s when it gets really fun.”
Disch understand his role this season; he knows he is going to be asked to step up in a variety of roles, specifically as a lockdown defender and offensively.
“I need to become a better defender,” Disch explained. “Defensive basketball is required by all five guys on the court to move together and defend as a team. I’m also bringing energy and taking on a little bit more of a scoring and rebounding role.”
Overall Kirby is impressed with the results he got from Kraus and Disch last season. They filled nicely into individual roles and were a significant part of the team’s season.
“They surprised me last year with how good they played,” Kirby said. “Seriously, Disch and Krausy were big parts of our success. You got to be able to play 7-8 guys if you’re going to be any good. Although Krausy started every game and Disch came off the bench and played in every game, he was a big catapult for us at times with his instant offense. Both are just great kids.”
