By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor Poly senior John Genske is one of the area’s most versatile athletes. Genske called the signals as the Panthers quarterback, and helped lead Poly to an 11-1 season. The 6-foot-4, three-sport athlete is also a member of the boys volleyball team. But it was his time on the basketball court […]
By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor
Genske family
Poly senior John Genske is one of the area’s most versatile athletes.
Genske called the signals as the Panthers quarterback, and helped lead Poly to an 11-1 season.
The 6-foot-4, three-sport athlete is also a member of the boys volleyball team.
But it was his time on the basketball court where he’s shown just how versatile an athlete he’s become.
Genske, along with Ryan Bowen, Jackson Hayes and the rest of his teammates led Poly to a Prep League championship this season.
Poly went 19-5 overall and 7-1 in Prep League play.
It was their best season since the 2010-11 team went 24-3.
He scored 12 points and grabbed 10 rebounds per game.
But Genske did so much more than that.
He averaged four assists, three steals and two blocked shots per game.
For all his efforts and success on the court, Genske earned not only a spot on the All-CIF first team, he was also named the Prep League’s MVP.
Poly defeated Vista del Lago and Bishop Diego in the CIF-SS Division 4-A playoffs before a season-ending loss to Shalhevet.
In the playoffs alone, look at Genske’s versatility:
Feb 15: 15 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists in 68-56 victory over Vista del Lago
Feb 18: 17 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 steals in 69-57 win at Bishop Diego.
Feb 21: 13 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals in 54-31 loss at Shalhevet.
“I thought this season was really successful and I was happy with the way that our team came together and fought every game,” Genske said. “It was pretty awesome winning the MVP, because I’ve held that as a goal since I was a freshman.”
Genske will finish off the volleyball season and then the only drama left will be deciding where he’ll play at the collegiate level.
Quotable:
Poly basketball coach Brad Hall: “John’s great value to our team is not reflected in his statistics. At 6-foot-4, he was our primary ball handler As our leading rebounder, his ability to throw long outlet passes that lead to scores was unsurpassed. His ability to double team from the weak side greatly enhanced our team defense and led to countless steals. Most importantly, any time we played, no player on the court played harder than John.”
Flintridge Prep senior forward Jake Althouse: “John Genske is an unbelievable basketball player and an even better person off the court. He can do it all on the court, whether it’s scoring, rebounding, passing or hustle plays. He’s a great competitor and always gives his all. Off the court, he’s been a great friend of mine, someone who is always there for you. It’s been an honor to battle against him over the last four years, and I have so much respect for him as a player and player.”
Poly junior point guard Jackson Hayes: “Johnny kind of did everything as the season went on. He rebounded, scored, passed, and was really the leader of our team. I really admire the player and leader he has become since my first days with him when I was a freshman.”
Flintridge Prep senior point guard Kendall Kikkawa: “John is one of the most versatile players I’ve ever faced. He can guard almost any guy he faces, bring the ball down the court, pass well, shoot from the outside, and score inside. I’ve had the pleasure of playing with and against him over the years, not only has he been a competitor, but he has also displayed the highest levels of sportsmanship. He’s a player you’ve always gotta look out for, and he plays with class. Well deserved award for a great player.”
Poly senior guard Ryan Bowen: “John Genske is one of the best and most hard working basketball players that I have ever met. Being on a team with him has showed me so much about leadership, and how much of an incredible and consistent athlete someone can be. I have seen him grow so much as a person and as an athlete for the time I’ve known him, and his time at Poly is only the beginning of what an incredible journey he has before him.”
