Kreidler comes through as Prospect tops Fremd

On Tuesday night at Fremd, Prospect 6-foot-3 junior center Jon Kreidler had a breakout game in a Mid-Suburban League crossover matchup.

Kreidler scored 14 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and had 3 assists in the 52-46 win over the Vikings.

Of his 7 rebounds, two were offensive putbacks at key moments in the game. His two 3s in the first quarter didn't hurt, either.

It might not be obvious just how much work Kreidler had to do in order to have that kind of game.

In a early season eighth grade game, Kreidler and a teammate collided on the baseline. Kreidler came away with nerve damage from his shoulder to his waist and was numb.

"One doctor told me that I would never be able to play again," said Kreidler. "My goal was to be a starter on my (Prospect) high school team. I wasn't going to let that stop me."

Kreidler underwent about a year and a half of physical therapy before being able to play late in his freshman year.

"Tonight he was Mr. Do-It-All," said Prospect coach John Camardella. "He was relentless. The two 3s he hit in the first quarter helped get us going. He has helped us be what we are today."

"I just try to be ready," said Kreidler. "Tonight I used my outside/in game. I think I have worked the hardest on my defense, which is now my strong point."

Prospect (11-4) led 14-9 after the first quarter but the Vikings (9-7) tied the game at 14 on a free throw by Bryce Hopkins (9 points, 6 rebounds) with 5:02 left in the first half.

The Knights then went on a 14-2 run over the quarters last 4:23 to lead 28-16 at the break.

Tim Lussenhop hit two 3s and Sam Murray, in another solid off-the-bench role, scored 5 in the run.

"That second quarter run was big for them," said Fremd coach Bob Widlowski. "We were trying to hold down (David) Swedura by putting several chasers on him, but their other players were able to hit their shots."

Following a basket by Kreidler and a subsequent free throw moments later, the Knights opened a 31-16 lead with 6:51 left in the the third quarter.

The Vikings used a balanced attack to close to 35-28 with 2:05 left in the quarter.

Kreidler had his first putback and that was followed by a T.J. Johannesen basket from one of the 6 assists by Swedura to help Prospect lead 39-28.

Fremd went to its trapping defense with just over three minutes left in the game to close the gap to 50-46 after a bucket from Ryan Martin (13 points, 6 rebounds) with :08 left.

Swedura (13 points) hit 2 free throws with :06 left.

"We didn't play with the energy we needed until late in the fourth quarter," said Widlowski, who has seen his team go 2-6 after a 7-1 start.

"Jon brings a lot to the table," said Swedura of Kreidler. "He's very smart on the floor. Going into a game, he figures out what his role will be in that game. Whether it's rebounds, settings screen or scoring, he's ready. He's been a great help."

"We have a lot of respect for Fremd," said Camardella. "There have been quite a few memorable games between us."