DIVISION III HONORS: Katschke, Yamzon share boys MVP

Chandler Katschke unquestionably stood out as a big man on the basketball court this season.

Few in the Division III Southern League could contend with the Lincoln County senior’s combination of force and finesse. 

“To me he has the best shot in the league,” Lynx coach Matthew Cameron said.

The 6-foot-2-inch forward piloted Lincoln County (22-6) to the league title and to its first state tournament appearance since 2010. He averaged 23.1 points and 13.4 rebounds during the league season.

For his efforts, coaches selected Katschke as the league’s Co-Most Valuable Player. He shared the honor with Lake Mead’s Justin Yamzon.  

“Chandler’s game is just all-around,” said Cameron, who was named the league’s coach of the year. “He can go inside. He’s a great ball handler and he’s quick. He’s really good at offensive rebounding and seeing the ball come off the rim. He can get his shot off at about 15 or 16 feet.”

Cameron said Katschke has grown throughout his high school career, but that this season was a true turning point. 

“I think his confidence is 10 times greater than it was last year,” he said. “He’s more aggressive. He can take over a game any time he wants to.”

Along with his development on the court, Katschke has taken on a leadership role.

“Chandler does it through example,” Cameron said. “He’s the most coachable kid you’ll ever meet. He never argues. If you tell him to do something, he’ll do it over and over again. The kids look to him and say 'If Chandler’s going to do it, I’m going to do it.’”

Yamzon averaged 30 points for the Eagles, exhibiting a superior stroke from the perimeter. He scored at least 40 points in a game three times.

Despite suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament that ended his season, the 5-foot-4-inch point guard will maintain his scholarship to Brigham Young University–Hawaii.

Lincoln County’s Ryan Rippetoe and Lake Mead’s Caleb Pitman were named to the league’s first team. They were joined by Agassi Prep’s Steven Jones, Calvary Chapel’s Drew Hammon, Mountain View’s T.J. Kissinger, and The Meadows’ Adam Abdelaziz.