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Blocked shots making senior a center of rejection

Cincinnati Christian senior basketball player NIck Brandts has had a pair of triple-doubles this season for the Cougars.

Staff photo by Greg Lynch Cincinnati Christian senior basketball player NIck Brandts has had a pair of triple-doubles this season for the Cougars.

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By Rick Cassano, Staff Writer Updated 7:33 AM Friday, January 8, 2010

FAIRFIELD TWP. — The fact that Nick Brandts is almost averaging a triple-double is impressive enough.

When you consider the “almost” is blocked shots, it becomes a real eye-opener.

Brandts, a 6-foot-4 senior center for the Cincinnati Christian School boys basketball team, is averaging 17.8 points, 11.8 rebounds and 8.0 blocked shots per game this season for the 0-5 Cougars.

“The eight blocks, that’s a little outlandish,” Brandts said. “I have no idea why I’m doing that. I’ve never had that many blocks before.”

The No. 1 reason is that he’s finally healthy, having endured four surgeries since a devastating knee injury during his sophomore season on the football field.

Brandts is still dealing with a meniscus issue, so he’s not 100 percent. But his senior year has been a very successful one to this point.

In the fall, he caught a Butler County-leading 10 touchdown passes. Now he’s a force on the hardwood.

“It’s been pretty neat watching him,” CCS coach Danny Celenza said. “He’s worked his tail off and become the threat we thought he could be.”

Brandts racked up 15 blocks against Lockland — “I tell everybody we’ll sit down and count them on film if they want to,” Celenza said — and had eight against Madison.

“I’m just able to jump this year, unlike prior years,” Brandts said. “I’m thinking that’s what it is.”

It wouldn’t be correct to call Brandts a one-man show for the Cougars, but as the lone returning player with legitimate varsity experience this year, he’s carrying a great deal of the load.

“We knew any success we were going to have was going to be through him,” Celenza said. “At the beginning, it was an I’ll-do-my-best sort of thing. But after a couple weeks, I think a light bulb went off in his head. I think he realized he can help these guys out. He’s turning into a great leader.”

Brandts said losing is frustrating, but he’ll continue to march forward. He isn’t likely to play sports at the next level, focusing instead on a career in criminal justice.

“I might play if I get the right kind of offer, but it’s not like my goal,” Brandts said. “I’m glad I got to play my senior year at least.”

CCS returns to action Friday, Jan. 8, at Seven Hills.

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2194 or rcassano@coxohio.com.

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