Count on Kretzer
Senior forward shines for SSHS
Harrison Kretzer takes pride in working hard, and it’s obvious with his play on the basketball court.
Kretzer, a senior forward for Siloam Springs, leads the team in rebounding and is the third leading scorer as the Panthers head into postseason play on Saturday.
Kretzer is the guy doing the dirty work on both ends for Siloam Springs. He uses his 6-foot-4 frame defensively to battle for rebounds and patrol the paint.
On offense he crashes the boards for stickbacks — a lot of times on his own missed shot — and can occasionally step out and hit a long-range shot. It’s a role Kretzer embraces. “I guess I’ve just taken that to heart, just knowing my role as the work horse and the guy that can bring energy, get offensive rebounds or take charges,” said Kretzer. “We have other guys that can do that, but I love that role. It’s kind of my niche. I love that role on the team. I love to get boards. It’s so much fun outworking somebody. Even though you don’t get all of them, the ones you do get are a joy to put back.”
Kretzer and Siloam Springs played at Greenwood on Tuesday in its regular season finale. Results were not available at presstime.
Kretzer came into the Greenwood game averaging 10.2 points and 7 rebounds and 3 assists per contest.
The Panthers will learn today what their seeding and destination is for Saturday’s opening round of the 6A-West Conference Tournament. The second round will be on Tuesday, Feb. 21, with the last round on Saturday, Feb. 25.
Siloam Springs must win one of its first two games in the conference tournament in order to clinch a berth in the Class 6A State Tournament, which will be played at Wolf Arena at Lake Hamilton on March 1-4.
Siloam Springs head coach Tim Stewart would like to see Kretzer and this group of Panthers make it there to reward their hard work this season.
“Obviously we have a good group of seniors and Harrison is one of those leaders that leads on and off the floor and is very active in a lot of different activities here at the high school,” Stewart said. “That character has shown through in his work ethic. He’s a servant leader in practice every day. That’s been really special for the coaches to not have to worry about our seniors showing up and working hard and being leaders, and I think that’s a great tribute to Harrison.”
The Panthers’ won-loss record — 9-17 overall and 4-7 in 5A/6A District 1 play heading into Tuesday’s game — is not what the seniors have wanted, Kretzer said, but it’s not from a lack of effort.
“I think we have a great group of guys that come to compete every single day,” Kretzer said. “Getting better at shooting or defense or whatever is on the plate for that practice. We just want to keep playing and see how far it takes us. I don’t think we’ve played our best game. I think there’s still a lot more in us, and coach is trying to get us consistent with our effort and our focus.”
Kretzer scored 14 points in the Panthers’ 66-49 win against Russellville on senior night last Friday. It was his 15th time this season to score in double figures for points.
“Harrison has improved his athleticism and his strength,” Stewart said. “It doesn’t hurt that he’s grown to 6-4, 6-5, and he’s a lot bigger than anybody thought he was going to be in junior high. It’s been fun to watch him develop and put the work in to get to where he is today. He’s been a workhorse for us.”
Kretzer admits the growth spurt was a surprise.
“Not really sure where I got that (height) from,” Kretzer said. “Just from seventh, eighth, ninth grade I just kept creeping up on my dad, and then somewhere in between ninth, 10th and 11th I just shot up right past him. I outgrew everybody. … One thing I may have gotten it from, my dad’s grandpa. I don’t know. Just family tree genetics somewhere in there …
“It’s a team expectation that everybody be taller than their dad,” Stewart joked.
“Except Josh (Hunt), that’s the only exception,” Kretzer shot back.
Kretzer said he originally wanted to go to the University of Arkansas, but now he plans on going to John Brown University after graduating from Siloam Springs High School. Just like in basketball, he’s not going to back down from any challenge.
“I feel like I’ll be more challenged at JBU,” he said. “Even though it’s a lot more expensive, I feel like that’s the right fit for me and my future and what I’m going to do. I still don’t know what I’m going to study yet, but that will come here pretty soon.”