All Conference Summary
Keaton Timmerman – the junior averaged 12.3 ppg and 6.3 rpg. Keaton is a tremendous leader for us and a calming influence for the entire team. While recovering from knee surgery he missed the first 5 games but was our biggest cheerleader on the bench. Instead of being sad that he couldn’t play he used his energy to motivate his teammates. Once he started playing, the impact he has for us on offense and around the basket was easily noticed but the confidence he plays with and gives to his teammates helps our team in more ways than we can see. He is a “team-first” leader and we love that about him.
Merrix Denn – the senior led the Tigers in scoring, averaging 18.8 ppg this year and eclipsing the 1,000 point mark, finishing with 1,213 points…526 of those while wearing Osmond orange and black! Merrix joined our school and basketball team for the first time this year. I am still in awe of how smoothly he transitioned into our style of play and joined our team’s culture. His “goofy” personality kept his teammates laughing and relaxed all season, with looks of bewilderment and smiles regularly being seen on their faces.
Justus Maertins – the junior was a great role player for the Tigers this season. He averaged 8.3 ppg and was second on the team with 4.8 rpg. The young man never asks for any credit and is quick to give praises to his teammates. He was usually asked to defend one of the opponent’s best players and as a result battled through foul trouble at times during the season. No matter what type of night he was having Justus gave a great effort defensively and motivated his teammates to excel. I’ll never forget his 21 point performance in the conference championship game. He made 9 of 10 shots that night and was a catalyst for our team truly believing we could compete for a state championship.
Aaron Chishiba – the junior averaged 5.5 ppg this year, along with 3.3 apg and 2.2 spg. Aaron’s stats won’t jump out at you on paper but come watch him play a game or two and you’ll see just how vital he was to our success this year. He is an absolute competitor to the fullest degree! Aaron defends with great focus and intensity for the full 32 minutes, not getting much of a break during the game either. He alone took 18 charges this season! On nights when his shot wasn’t falling he continued to run our offense and look to create shots for his teammates. His worth ethic and unselfish character are what ran our offense and started our defense.
