July 13, 2013

Imhoff brings firepower

Kevin McCarthy
 

So who earned the top individual award at the Final Four? Was it Trey Burke? Peyton Silva? Gorgui Dieng? No, no and no. Try shooter deluxe Luke Hancock, with 22 points on 5-of-6 from three-point range in the championship game, who was named Most Outstanding Player.

photo of Ryan Imhoff

One of basketball's truths is that there is always a place on the court for a shooter and 6-foot-4 Ryan Imhoff, of Napa High and Lakeshow Pump N Run, fills that bill what with his quick release, range and accuracy.

Asked about his strengths, Imhoff offered, “My shooting, rebounding and hustling.”

But with the former, it wasn't always aim, fire and connect.

“When I was younger, I wasn't a great shooter. But I spent a lot of hours working on it, doing reps, trying to get the best form under game situations and it has paid off.”

Despite missing around half of Napa's Monticello Empire League games due to injury, Imhoff was still selected as an honorable mention honoree. He averaged 19.0 points, 5.6 assists and 5.0 rebounds a contest in conference play, a sparkling 23.6 points per game overall.

Here's Lakeshow Coach Joe Fuca on Imhoff: “Ryan has a DI jump shot and not many kids have the pure shot that belongs in DI. He is 6-foot-4 and can stroke the three-pointer from any spot on the court. Ryan is also a smart defender who can really play the passing lanes, he rebounds on both ends and is very dependable in scoring when it counts. He is a great student with a 4.0 cumulative and is being actively recruited by Ivy League teams as well as the University of Denver. Ryan is finally completely healthy and we expect big things this July.”

Like with many of his age, Imhoff tried multiple sports but basketball won out -- “I like the fast pace.” His last taste of organized baseball ended at age 13.

Academically, he's looking to be a pre-med major as “I wanted to be a doctor since I was little.” He has no restrictions on where regarding his college destination -- “I'll go where the best situation is” -- although he is partial to the West Coast.

College recruiters are looking at him to play the two and three spots.