Ben Kristopher’s first three years in Libertyville’s boys basketball program may have shaken his confidence at times.
But the 6-foot senior guard is reaping the rewards for his perseverance.
“There were always doubts creeping in, but my dad was always there for me, pushing me and telling me I was capable of being the player I wanted to be,” Kristopher said. “My teammates also pushed me because they always knew I had the skill.
“Ultimately, it was a matter of believing in myself.”
Kristopher’s high school career began on Libertyville’s freshman B team. Then he was sidelined for almost his entire sophomore season after he suffered a fractured hip in soccer. Falling behind, Kristopher didn’t quit, and he returned for the final two games of that season.
“As long as I could remember, I always had a ball in my hands,” he said. “I just love the sport so much. I just couldn’t give it up.”
So even after playing time was virtually nonexistent for him last season, Kristopher entered last summer on a mission to prove he belonged in Libertyville’s plans, and he succeeded. The second-leading scorer for the Wildcats (9-7, 4-2), who are tied for third place in the North Suburban Conference, Kristopher is averaging 9.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and a team-high 2.0 steals.
“He made a huge leap in his skills this summer, he committed to the weight room and got bigger and stronger,” Libertyville coach Brian Zyrkowski said. “You could tell that his confidence level had gone to another level and he was so much more comfortable with the ball in his hands.”
Kristopher, who recorded a career-high 18 points against Lake Forest on Dec. 3, also leads the Wildcats in deflections and is often tasked with checking the opponent’s top scorer.
“Defense takes a certain level of aggression that my teammates know I’m capable of,” he said. “I’ve always had pretty good instincts, and I enjoy putting pressure on the ball and getting after guys and taking a few charges to give the team momentum.”
Kristopher’s height is another significant factor in his rise. He said he has grown about 7 inches in the past year.
“That has really helped a lot,” he said. “Growing up, I was always the shortest player on the team, so I always had to play with more moxie to show everything I’m capable of. Now I can rebound a lot better, I can get into the lane a little bit, and the extra wingspan is useful in getting deflections.”
Kristopher is inspiring teammates like junior guard Brandon Leyva.
“He’s definitely taken things personally, like he wants to prove people wrong,” Leyva said. “He’ll show you rather than tell you as a leader. He’s constantly texting the guys to see if they want to get shots up. He just lives in the gym. That’s the biggest thing I’ve taken away from him.”
Zyrkowski certainly appreciates what Kristopher has accomplished.
“He was always the shortest, smallest guy on the court, and he’s completely changed the script, which is a credit to him,” Zyrkowski said. “He’s proven that positive things can happen if you go about them the right way.
“It’s a remarkable story, but I’m not surprised he’s taken the leap he has, mostly because of his character.”
Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter.
