By Matt Browning

Kel Stroud from Chapman was voted as the Salina-Area boys basketball player of the month for January.

Stroud, who is a senior post player, is averaging 10 points and rebounds this season for the Fighting Irish, while shooting nearly 70 percent from the floor.

“It’s awesome; I was really surprised,” Stroud said. “I saw the amount of votes I was getting and it was pretty crazy.”

Even though Stroud is 6-5, he played much of last season on the perimeter, but made the transition to the post this season after Chapman graduated its two post players from last season’s team.

“The transition has been pretty seamless because of my size,” Stroud said.

While Stroud enjoys playing basketball, football is actually his first love. He signed to play at South Dakota next season.

His college decision was down to South Dakota and North Dakota State, but he chose the Coyotes because of the connection he had with the people.

“I really like the people and the coaches, especially the offensive line coach,” Stroud said. “I liked his personality and how he coached.”

Even though Stroud committed to South Dakota before the basketball season began, he knew he still wanted to play basketball during his senior year.

“I enjoy basketball; it keeps me in shape,” Stroud said. “As an offensive linemen, basketball is really good for my footwork.”