Valley Christian bolstered by dynamic brother duo

By Craig Howard Splash Contributing Editor

As the only senior on the Valley Christian boys’ basketball team this season, Kaden Kenlein knew that the spotlight was his on Jan. 28 for a home contest against Chesterton Academy of Notre Dame.

While Kenlein shone on Senior Night with 19 points, he was happy to share the stage with his stepbrother Noah Burns who poured in 30 points in a narrow loss to the Panthers’ Northeast League 1B rival. The combined 50-point feat included Burns tying his older brother’s school record for most three-pointers in a game with eight.

“There’s nobody I’d rather have tie my record than Noah,” Kenlein said.

Due to often-smaller enrollment at 1B schools, teams are allowed to field eighth graders, meaning Burns could suit up and start for VC at 13. He led the Panthers in scoring this year at nearly 14 points a game.

Burns said having his older brother as a teammate was a key to his success.

“If I was having a bad game, he’d be there to pick me up,” he said. “Kaden was a real encouragement to me. He’s just a real good leader.”

While the brothers first suited up together last year in the West Valley Summer League, the backyard hoop at home previously hosted a slew of one-on-one battles between the two. Kenlein claims he is undefeated in the overall matchup but Burns has a different recollection.

“I think I’ve won one or two times,” he said.

At 6’1, Burns stands taller than his older brother at 5’11 though Kenlein has the advantage in girth. Burns was the tallest player on the Panthers’ squad this season. VC ran a pass and cut offense that focused on Burns as the first scoring option.

“The dynamic was so cool,” said VC head coach Todd Gossett. “Kaden was always looking out for his brother. He completely deferred when he could have been the man at all times. He was the most spectacular teammate, just facilitating for everyone.”

After averaging 13 points a game last year, Kenlein put up just over eight points per contest this season but led the team in assists. In a game against Wilbur-Creston-Keller, Kenlein assisted on every point scored by the Panthers other than converted free throws.

“I’m not a fan of selfish basketball,” Kenlein said. “We had a young team and honestly this was like a building block year. It wasn’t going to help if I shot the ball every time. I wanted to be an example.”

In a Jan. 7 matchup against Chesterton at the HUB Sports Center, the Panthers held a ninepoint lead in the second half only to lose the advantage but claw back to go up by one. After a Chesterton player missed a pair of free throws in the waning seconds, Kenlein grabbed the final rebound to secure a 43-42 win. Right before halftime, Burns sank a half-court three-point toss, one of three such shots he converted during the season.

“That’s the loudest I’ve ever heard it at the HUB,” said Gossett. “It was standing room only. I know that game is something Kaden and Noah will remember for a long time.”

In the stands that night was a proud mom – Jessica KenleinBurns – who works as a College and Career Guidance counselor at Valley Christian.

“It’s just been one of the greatest things,” she said. “It’s rare for siblings that far apart to be on the same team together. I knew Noah would handle the basketball part of it OK but there’s a lot more pressure at this level. Having his big brother there was a big help.”

While Burns excelled on the court this year, basketball is viewed as his second-best sport. He is a standout pitcher and outfielder who struck out 14 batters in a club league game for the Spokane Crew last season and hit .700 in fall ball. Because VC does not field a baseball team, he will likely join the roster at Ferris High School as a freshman.

Kenlein, meanwhile, is headed to Grove City College in Pennsylvania this fall where he will study entrepreneurship.

Gossett said the brothers set a high standard both on and off the court.

“These kids are phenomenal,” he said. “They thanked me after every practice and were always courteous and grateful. They were the first ones in the gym and the last ones to leave.”

While Burns is looking forward to next season and being part of roster with more experience, he said having his older brother as a teammate will always be a highlight of his days at VC.

“I would say this would be my favorite year, just playing with my brother,” he said.

Kenlein echoed the sentiment.

“It