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De Pere’s Kinziger playing beyond his years

By Rich Palzewic
Sports Editor


DE PERE – Even though De Pere boys’ basketball player Johnny Kinziger is only a freshman, the 15-year old is playing well beyond his years.

Averaging 16.5 points per game for the 15-7 Redbirds, De Pere head coach Brian Winchester said Kinziger is the real deal.

“He’s had a terrific season,” said Winchester, whose team is a No. 7 seed and will host No. 10 Sheboygan South Friday, March 6, in a WIAA Division 1 regional game. “I’m not entirely sure who else is out there, but he could be one of the best two or three freshmen in the state. His numbers speak for themselves.”

In De Pere’s Feb. 7 win at Bay Port, Winchester said the Pirates proved how good Kinziger is.

“Logan Geissler, who is one of the best defenders in the conference, was guarding Johnny the whole game,” he said. “Other teams have identified they have to stop Johnny in order to beat us. It shows the respect they have for him.”

Winchester said Kinziger loves to be in the gym and will work hard in the future to improve his game.

“He’s a strong kid physically, but he will get stronger,” he said. “If he wants to, he can play at a high level in college.”

Winchester said he knew Kinziger was special at a young age.

“You have to give a shout out to his dad, Jeff, and his mom, Krista,” said Winchester. “When I saw Johnny play in the third grade, I knew he was the real deal. His dad has put a ton of time into our program and with his boys – he’s been a great influence on our program.”

Kinziger has added 4.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists per outing.

“From my perspective, I think the year has gone well,” said the 5-foot-10 Kinziger. “I love the team and coaches, and we have a great bond.”

He is shooting 80.2 percent from the free-throw line and 41.3 percent (45-of-109) from beyond the three-point arc.

Kinziger has scored 18 or more points in a game 11 times this season and exploded for 31 in a Jan. 25 loss to Kimberly.

In that game, he was 11-of-15 from the field and 5-of-9 on three-pointers.

Kinziger’s older brother, Jake, is a senior for the Redbirds, and his younger brother, Zach, is a seventh-grader.

“It’s been amazing having Jake on the team,” he said. “Growing up, I practiced with him lots. We have built good chemistry and push each other. Sometimes we go home angry at each other, but it stays on the court.”

Kinziger said he hasn’t given much thought on playing college ball yet but knows this is the time he will start getting noticed.

“I’m not really into all of that, but going into high school and the AAU [Amateur Athletic Union] season, I think college coaches will start to reach out more,” he said. “I’m not worried about it. My goal is to get as high as I can – whether it’s Division I, II or III.”

Kinziger said he will also play baseball this spring for the Redbirds.

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