Kyndell Jochim (21) averages 12.5 points and 2.9 rebounds for Franklin entering today’s Walt Raines Classic.
Daily Journal file photo
Being the only senior on Franklin’s roster, Kyndell Jochim knew she would have to play a more substantial role this season.
Tripling her scoring average from a year ago certainly qualifies.
Jochim, a 6-foot wing for the Grizzly Cubs who keeps defenses honest with her perimeter shooting, averages 12.5 points a game for the Grizzly Cubs, who have quietly strung together a six-game win streak entering their hosting of today’s Walt Raines Classic.
The past dozen games mark the first time Jochim has been a starter in her career.
A key reserve the past two seasons as the program was rolling up a 50-5 record – including a Class 4A state runner-up finish last February — she averaged 4.1 points as a junior and 1.9 during the 2020-21 campaign.
“Last season, I wanted to come off the bench and bring energy if the team needed it,” Jochim said. “This year it’s a lot more pressure because there are points to make up by taking shots and taking the ball to the basket.
“As a team, I feel we’re getting better with that. It’s just a different game this season.”
Franklin started 3-3 as it adjusted to no longer having Indiana All-Star Ashlyn Traylor and Kuryn Brunson (both graduated) and last season’s first off the bench, guard Adelyn Walker (transferred).
Furthermore, former Cubs assistant coach Mike Armstrong was taking over as head coach following Josh Sabol’s resignation in April.
Junior holdovers Lauren Klem, the team’s point guard, and wings Scarlett Kimbrell and Erica Buening were back to form a formidable nucleus. Buening, however, would play the first part of the season before undergoing ankle surgery to remove a bone spur that will continue to sideline her until early to mid-January.
Understandably, Jochim’s impact offensively wasn’t immediate this season.
However, in her last two outings, Jochim posted the highest point totals of her career, a 23-point outburst in a 69-49 win over Franklin Central and, most recently, 18 points in a 63-39 win at Shelbyville.
Her previous career standard was a 17-point effort off the bench as a junior in an 82-30 romp of Greensburg.
“Kyndell is kind of a rhythm shooter. A really good catch-and-shoot shooter,” Armstrong said. “And she’s worked over time on her crossover move, and can get to the basket.
“She can do more things on offense, which has helped her, and, obviously, helped us.”
Franklin will need to be playing its best in order to defend its Walt Raines Classic title.
The Grizzly Cubs face Brownsburg (6-6) in the 10 a.m. opener, while Class 4A No. 2 Zionsville (12-0) takes on 2A foe Eastern (Pekin) (7-3) at noon.
Consolation and championship games are slated for 4 and 6 p.m., respectively.
Quiet by nature, Jochim leads more by example than through her words.
The senior has committed to play women’s basketball at Huntington University where she’ll major in nursing and be reunited with another Franklin girls hoops alum, guard Kyra Baker.
“On the varsity, Lauren and Scarlett have more varsity experience, but our team is a little different. They just kind of do things together,” Armstrong said. “Lauren is the one who maybe offers the most suggestions to me.
“Scarlett will voice her opinion, and Kyndell will do what she needs to do to help the team in that game. Other than fouling a little too much early in the season, Kyndell has had a really solid year.”
