If this proves to be the last game of Crown Point senior guard Kaiden Rhodes’ career, he can be content.
Uncertain about playing in college, Kaiden Rhodes has helped the Bulldogs make history by reaching a state championship game for the first time.
“This year has been amazing,” he said. “I just want to keep it amazing and keep our heads focused on this next one.”
The 5-foot-9 Kaiden Rhodes has been instrumental so far for the Bulldogs (25-1), who will play Purdue recruit Luke Ertel and Mount Vernon (27-3) in the Class 4A state final at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis at 7:15 p.m. Saturday night.
Crown Point, which already beat Mount Vernon 60-56 in the championship game of the Hall of Fame Classic in New Castle on Dec. 23, had lost to Fishers at semistate in each of the past two seasons. But after Fishers lost in a sectional final earlier this month, much attention turned toward the Bulldogs, who are ranked No. 4 in the state coaches poll and No. 2 in the 4A poll by USA Today.
“We’re in the right position,” Kaiden Rhodes said. “We just had to keep our heads focused and knock out that outside noise. There’s been a lot of outside noise, especially since Fishers lost. There’s been a lot of people saying stuff. We’ve just had to stay focused and block out all that noise and keep our eyes on the court.”
Kaiden Rhodes saw the court more frequently during a midseason stretch after his twin brother, Kingston, suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee. Kaiden Rhodes started nine games alongside senior forward Dikembe Shaw, senior guard Mason Darrell, senior guard Bryce Peters and junior forward Cooper Malaski and averaged 7.8 points, 1.9 rebounds. 2.3 assists and 2.2 steals in 20.6 minutes.
Kaiden Rhodes, who is averaging 5.4 points, 1.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.5 steals in 14.1 minutes overall this season, relished the rare opportunity.
“To be honest, it felt pretty good,” he said. “It’s always felt like it’s something I could do, though. I was happy I got to do it. It was definitely a fun experience.”
Kaiden Rhodes impressed his brother.
“He’s had an amazing season,” Kingston Rhodes said. “For him to step up like that when I got hurt — even when I was playing, for him to play big time right behind me and bring the same energy, bring the same deal — it makes a difference. I’m definitely proud of him.
“My brother, he had to step into my position, and I had to talk to him a lot. He had never been in that position. I said some things to him, some of the younger guys. He came through.”
Crown Point coach Clint Swan, who also led Andrean to the Class 3A state championship game in 2000, agreed.
“He just showed everybody how good he is,” Swan said of Kaiden Rhodes. “When you have limited reps and limited minutes, it’s tough to show. I didn’t know how he would respond, but he was tremendous from the word ‘go.’
“There was no adjustment. He was ready. We tell the guys all the time, ‘Always be ready.’ You never know when your number’s going to be called, and his number was called. It wasn’t just the first game Kingston was out, it was every game. He was just tremendous.”
Kaiden Rhodes has an offer from Manchester, like Kingston, who expressed interest in the possibility of playing there together.
But Kaiden Rhodes isn’t quite sure about his future. He intends to study psychology or physical therapy.
“I’m still trying to decide if I want to play basketball in college or just go into my major and focus on that,” Kaiden Rhodes said. “It’s hard. I don’t have to do it.
“I’ve been playing since I was 5 years old. I’ve accomplished a lot in this sport, and I don’t really need to play in college. It’s a hard chance of making it to the NBA, and that’s everybody’s goal. It’s just such a small chance, maybe it’s just better to take the next step.”
Kaiden Rhodes has continued to take steps throughout his career.
“I’ve always had the mindset to get better every day with my basketball skills,” he said. “Every time I come to practice, that’s just my mindset, whether I was playing a lot or not. It helped me a lot.
“That’s why I think I was able to produce a lot when my brother got injured. I still was able to produce just like he was.”
