A-K Valley Senior Spotlight: Apollo-Ridge’s Tyler Bartell

By: Ted Sarneso
Monday, December 16, 2024 | 10:12 AM

At 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, Apollo-Ridge senior Tyler Bartell is an imposing figure on the basketball court, not just to opposing players but to his own teammates in practice.

“Everyone is scared to come down low when I’m in the paint,” he said.

When asked why even his teammates are hesitant to drive the lane, Bartell had a simple answer: “I practice the way I play, and that won’t ever change.”

Bartell’s style of play has a hard, physical nature to it, which comes as no surprise as Bartell was the starting left tackle for the football team.

“Most of the defensive linemen I played against were at my size or larger, so I wasn’t the biggest guy out there,” Bartell said. “On the court, I have a distinct advantage, and I bring as much physicality as I can.”

Being the center for the Vikings, Bartell often plays against players who are taller than he is, but there are few who can match his physicality.

“Dec. 6 against Valley, I was defending against their center, who was 6-foot 7, 250, and I was on him the entire night,” Bartell recalled. “That was a battle, but I feel I did a good job defending him.”

Bartell is one of a kind in more ways than one. He is also the only senior on the team.

“I started playing basketball in third grade, and there were probably 11 of us coming up and our numbers have dwindled every year to where I’m now the only one left,” he said. “I miss having those guys around me.”

Even though it’s a tough job being the lone senior voice, Bartell knows he has wisdom to impart to the rest of the his younger teammates.

“I’ve been able to see all the different ways things are supposed to happen, whether that’s a play or what defense we’ll face, and I feel a good insight into what’s going to happen,” Bartell said. “If one of my teammates doesn’t know what to do in a certain situation, I can explain to them how things should operate.”

Bartell took some time for a Senior Spotlight Q&A:

What’s your role on this team?

I’m more of a defensive player, and I love getting my teammates open, whether that’s through setting screens or passing them the ball and getting assists.

How difficult is it to play against teams that might want to run a smaller lineup and try and beat you guys with speed?

It’s rough. We played Geibel on Dec. 3, and there were only a couple minutes where I had a decent matchup. Every other time, I was on a guard.

This year, the team is 1-3 after going 2-20 last year, but the games have been a lot closer. What are some of the differences between last year’s team and this year’s?

I feel really good about this team. There was a shift in mindset over the offseason. We’ve been practicing a lot harder and taking things more seriously this season. Not to say we weren’t serious last year, but there is a noticeable difference.

What part of your game are you looking to improve on this season?

My offense. I’ve never really been an offensive player. I mean, I get my points, but I’ve never really been worried about scoring. I’m more about helping my teammates score.

What are your goals for the season?

Play the best defense I can, be the best teammate I can and to win games.

What lessons have you learned from playing sports?

So many. The first ones that come to mind are discipline, accountability and leadership.

Favorite high school memory so far?

Our last football game this season was tied in the fourth quarter against Ligonier Valley, and our kicker made the last-second, game-winning field goal to give us our first and only win of the year.

Any hobbies?

I like working a lot. I like to golf, ski a little bit. I work at C&C Specialties, a local machine shop.

Post high school plans?

I’ve been thinking about going into machinery or possibly real estate. I worked at C&C over the summer and a little bit in the fall. I had a fun time working there and enjoyed the job. I don’t have a school in mind but have been looking around.

What’s one piece of advice you’d want to leave your teammates?

You can only play high school sports for so long, so work as hard as you can, but make sure to have a good time.

Tags: Apollo-Ridge