A special blend of size and agility, next up in the MOsports.com Super 50 is Trinity Catholic center Ryan Kalkbrenner (7-0 225). Ranked 11th nationally among centers by Rivals.com and as the 69th overall prospect, this skilled big man is a force in Missouri prep basketball.
As a junior, Kalkbrenner helped Trinity to a 25-4 mark, before falling to eventual state champion Vashon. Named AAA Player of the Year as well as MBCA Class 3 all-state, Kalkbrenner averaged 14 points, 7.6 rebounds per game finishing with 110 blocks.
On the EYBL circuit, he played with the Mac Irvin Fire averaging 4.5 blocks per game. D1Circuit.com named him the Nike EYBL Defensive Player of the Year for his efforts.
In his senior season, he has helped his team to a 16-5 mark against a rugged schedule, averaging 16.3 points, 11.1 rebounds, collecting 114 blocks, and knocking down 63% from the free throw line. Though he has connected on just 28% from beyond the arc, Kalkbrenner displays deft shooting touch.
When it came time to make a college choice suiters came calling with offers from near in far including Power 5 offers such as Purdue, Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, and Stanford. In the fall, he signed a letter-of-intent to play at Creighton University in the Big East Conference.
"Ryan fits everything we look for in the center position." commented Creighton head coach Greg McDermott on gocreighton.com. "He has the mobility to run the floor and put pressure on the rim, yet the skill level to stretch the defense with the three-point shot. In addition, he will bring elite rim protection to our defensive scheme. His work ethic and positive attitude is a perfect fit for our program."
Rivals.com basketball recruiting expert Eric Bossi watched the talented big man at the Highland Shootout and wrote, “he is a fluid athlete with big upside as a rim protector and rebounder thanks to 10 rebounds and four blocks.”
Ranked in the top ten in Missouri Class 3 every week of the season Kalkbrenner and Trinity is a serious contender to earn a state title in March.
MOsports Super 50 Release
Daniel Abreu, Sr, Willard, Northwest Missouri State
Davion Bradford, Sr, Mehlville, Kansas State
Ethan Kilgore, Sr, East Buchanan, Idaho
Devion Harris, Sr, Parkway Central
Tarris Reed, Soph, Chaminade
Kian Scroggins, Sr, Raymore Peculiar, Sam Houston St.
