Being thrown into an important role as a sophomore point guard on the varsity team would be intimidating for many kids.
Not Andrew’s Athan Berchos, who is quite comfortable being a vital player for the Thunderbolts.
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“There’s no pressure,” Berchos said. “It’s all fun. We’ve got great team chemistry. Everyone likes each other around here. They all trust me, so that makes it easy for me.”
Berchos has quickly become dependable on both sides of the court.
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He showed that Wednesday night, scoring six points, dishing out four assists and helping host Andrew force 25 turnovers in a 60-41 victory over crosstown rival Tinley Park.
Austin Kulig knocked down seven 3-pointers and finished with 24 points to lead the Thunderbolts (5-4). Nathan LaPlant added 18 points and six rebounds.
Indion Aurel scored 12 points and Kendric Berry contributed six points and seven rebounds for Tinley Park (4-5).
Although Berchos is young and experiencing his first varsity season, he’s already like another coach on the floor, according to coach Dave Wilson.
“Athan’s my right-hand man,” Wilson said. “You need a point guard that can go. He can go. He’s competitive. He’s not intimidated. He’s got a world of confidence.
“It’s a luxury at the high school level to have a point guard who can go like he can. He works hard, plays hard. I love him to death.”
Berchos came off the bench but entered the game just two minutes in as Wilson utilized two units of five players, subbing frequently in a style similar to a line change in hockey.
Throughout most of the second half, Berchos played starters’ minutes, despite being in a reserve role.
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“Everything Athan does impresses me,” Kulig said. “This kid is amazing. He does everything for us. He’s on the top of our defense, pressing the whole game. He brings the ball up and gets us into our offense.
“He does so much for us and he’s only a sophomore, so he’s only going to get better.”
Andrew’s press rattled the Titans all night. Berchos was often the one wreaking the most havoc.
“Defense is everything,” Berchos said. “On our team, we all play together and we’re all unselfish.”
Wilson knew he had a special player when Berchos first got to Andrew but chose to let him get experience at the lower levels last season as the Thunderbolts had a veteran team that finished 20-8.
“I toyed around with using him when he was a freshman, but I didn’t want to rush him,” Wilson said. “I knew going into this summer that he was our point guard.”
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Kulig, meanwhile, had the hot hand offensively Wednesday. He hit two 3-pointers in the first quarter and never looked back, going 7-for-8 on threes.
“They were falling,” Kulig said. “I felt it in warm-ups. I was shooting pretty well. I got a little trigger-happy, but I only missed one.”
Leading 28-22 at halftime, Andrew pulled away in the third quarter behind 10 points from LaPlant and six from Kulig.
At the same time, Berchos was thrilled to help the Thunderbolts beat Tinley Park. And he’s found his home on the basketball court.
“I’ve played basketball since I was 5 or 6 years old, since I can remember,” Berchos said. “My dad (Peter) played. We both know a good amount about the game, so it’s fun sharing that together.
“I played baseball when I was little, but ever since I came to Andrew, I’ve focused on the basketball program. I love playing basketball for this team. It’s a lot of fun.”
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Steve Millar is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.