Stars get the headlines in March. The points, the threes, the game-winners. But for Kirtland, back in the Division VI Final Four for the second straight season, the engine behind the run isn’t always found in the box score’s top line.
It’s found in the paint, in the rebounds no one else grabs, in the extra possessions that change games.
It’s found in senior center, Mike Dumstorff.
“It’s been definitely very special,” Dumstorff said. “Last year, it was really exciting, and I was just really excited to get back to that same spot.”
The Hornets (24-3) face Berlin Hiland (24-3) on Friday at 6 p.m. at the Nutter Center, with a trip to the state championship game on the line. Waiting on the other side could be Maria Stein Marion Local or Van Wert Lincolnview.
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Kirtland didn’t get here by accident. And Dumstorff is a big reason why.
Doing the Dirty Work
Dumstorff’s numbers don’t scream superstar — nearly eight points per game — but they tell a deeper story.
In 27 games, he’s piled up 136 rebounds, including 75 on the offensive glass. Add in 21 blocks and 11 steals, and the picture becomes clearer: he’s everywhere.
“I’m just trying to get as many rebounds as I can and just get all my teammates in the right spots,” Dumstorff said. “Like getting Lucas Renfro the ball, setting screens, and all that stuff.”
That “stuff” is what wins in tournament basketball.
Second-chance points. Defensive stops. Physical presence. The kind of impact that doesn’t always trend on social media — but absolutely shows up on the scoreboard.
Head coach Shawn McGregor sees it every night.
“Mike is the ultimate team player,” McGregor said. “He is selfless and always puts the team ahead of himself. He’s been a solid contributor in the paint on both ends. He is tremendous on the glass and has a soft toss around the rim. He has improved so much with his mobility on the defense end and is a fantastic rim protector. He is a big part of what has been an amazing year.”
Growth in the Paint
A year ago, Dumstorff was part of the ride.
This year, he’s driving it.
“I just feel like I’m playing stronger, playing more decisive out there, and just fitting in a lot more,” he said.
That growth shows up in subtle ways — quicker reads, better positioning, stronger finishes. But maybe most importantly, confidence.
He knows who he is. And he knows what Kirtland needs from him.
“I just try to play harder on defense, and then I just let the rest of it come to me,” Dumstorff said. “Whenever I can, I get a rebound and put it back up.”
Simple. Effective. Winning basketball.
Leading Without Saying a Word
Not every leader has to raise their voice.
Dumstorff lets his play do the talking.
“I’m definitely more of a quiet guy,” he said. “I just kind of lead by example. I’m not going to be the most vocal guy in the room.”
But teammates notice. Coaches notice. Opponents definitely notice.
Because when a player consistently battles for every rebound, sets every screen, and protects the rim possession after possession, it sets a standard.
“I try setting some good screens for Sammy Ridgeway or Lucas because that just helps us so much,” Dumstorff said. “Getting space helps them get open shots, too.”
That’s Kirtland basketball in a sentence — balance, unselfishness, and trust.
The Value of Impact
There’s a certain pride in doing the job that doesn’t always show up in headlines.
Dumstorff embraces it.
“It means a lot,” he said. “That’s what I’m trying to do, just get rebounds. I don’t have to score that many points as long as I just make a good impact around the game.”
Nine rebounds. Ten rebounds. Twelve rebounds.
Seven points. Eight points.
For Dumstorff, that stat line isn’t quiet — it’s everything.
Ready for the Moment
The stage will be bigger this time.
More fans. More noise. More pressure.
But also, more excitement.
“The big stage just makes it a lot more exciting,” Dumstorff said. “I can’t wait to play like in front of all those people, and it’s just pretty fun.”
And when the moment arrives, when the shots go up, and the game tightens, don’t be surprised if the difference isn’t the obvious play.
It might be the rebound no one else could grab.
The block that stops a run.
The screen that frees a shooter.
The quiet work of a player who doesn’t need the spotlight — because he’s already made his impact.
Mike Dumstorff may not be Kirtland’s loudest voice.
But he might be its most important one.
Kirtland Basketball
