Not many sophomores in the area can claim quality playing time as a freshman on the varsity level last season. But at Lakewood Park, where they were looking for stability with their fourth different head coach in as many seasons, Caedmon Bontrager was able to step into that role as a ninth grader as the Panthers’ biggest weapon.
Bontrager averaged 11.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game in his opening campaign looking like a future star because of all the tools he has to work with. He is extremely long and difficult to maneuver around; enhanced by an early knowledge of how to move his body to effectively around the rim on defense without getting in foul trouble. Bontrager never fouled out and only reached four fouls in the Sectional round.
A 54.6 percent shooter from the field, Bontrager plays the game with a suave intelligence that will keep him on a true fan’s radar for the rest of his high school career. It is rare to see a player use his weapons so effectively so early and his summer with the Indy Heat organization only enhanced those tools. Bontrager started to establish himself as a guy who could be capable of racking up a double double every night; he had six of them lsat season, including a 17 point, 13 rebound outing against Liberty Christian. Bontrager also registered three blocks per game in three of his final four games of the season.
“It is a pleasure coaching Caed, he is a kid that is always grinding and wanting to get better. He has high goals and really puts the time and effort in order for himself to achieve his goals,” says Lakewood Park coach Steve Oberlin. “He is a game changer and will bring some energy during the games again this year.”
Get the info on criteria and schedule for our Top 50 coverage
1 Trackback / Pingback