GRAND RAPIDS – The outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 threw a massive wrench into the plans of many high school athletes.

But when high school sports shut down, Kenowa Hills’ Javion Otten went to work. Now he’s one of the most prolific scorers in the Grand Rapids area.

Like most players, Otten began his high school basketball career on the junior varsity squad, but didn’t stay there long. He was called up to varsity as a freshman for the state tournament in 2020, but never court time before the pandemic ended the season.

With no more season and no school, Otten took his training to another level.

He focused hard on improving his ball-handling and his defensive positioning. He also spent a lot of time in the weight room, and has gained 15 pounds since his freshman year.

“I knew a lot of guys wouldn’t be practicing without a season,” Otten said. “I took that opportunity to put myself ahead. No one was expecting me to come back like I did.”

Otten’s hard work paid off, earning him a spot in the Knights’ starting lineup in 2021 as a sophomore. He quickly established himself as a standout player, averaging 18 points a game. And he’s only gotten better this season, averaging 21 points, 6.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game.

So far his best offensive production this season has come in games against Coopersville (29 points), Mona Shores (22) and Potter’s House (16).

Otten’s determination get improve over the past few years was quire clear to Kenowa Hills Coach Mike Moorehead.

“He was a great athlete his freshman year, but his sophomore year he was able to beat players off the dribble consistently, and he knew where to be off the ball on the defensive end,” the coach said.

During his time on varsity, Otten has become more than a key player for the Knights. The 6-4 shooting guard has become the centerpiece in the Knights’ offensive strategy.

“A lot of our plays are based around getting him the ball,” Moorehead said. “We want our guys to get the ball to him as much as possible.”

The Knights’ reliance on their star player had some drawbacks a year ago. With Otten being so clearly dominant, opponents do their best to shut him down, and Kenowa Hills finished the 2021 season with a 5-10 record.

“I do feel like there is a target painted on my back,” said Otten, who specializes in dunks. “The other teams know that they have a better chance if they stop me.”

The situation has improved dramatically for the Knights this season. They have a 7-4 overall record, Otten has improved his scoring statistics, and opponents can’t key too much on him anymore, because other Kenowa Hills players have stepped up.

Senior Even Breuker is averaging 12 points per game, and scored 26 and 20 points in his two best performances. Sophomore Sutton Tutas has scored in double figures in three games this season.

While his teammates have improved their skills, Otten has become more of a leader in the group, even though he’s only a junior on a team that has many seniors.

“Javion just being on the court pushes the other guys to play better,” Coach Moorehead said. “The guys look up to him and want to make this team better. The seniors have been great in supporting him as a leader. With an older team like ours, it’s great knowing you have returners you can trust going forward.”