(Editor's note: DCC Athletics release)
GLENDIVE - Former Dawson Community College basketball player Kayden Hitt will be joining his twin brother Kolten at Ottawa University of Arizona, the Bucs recently announced. Ottawa is an NAIA school in Surprise, Arizona and undefeated on the young season.
Kolten is averaging 14 points in 25 minutes per game while shooting 65% from the field and 67% from 3-point range to go along with 3.3 rebounds per game.
"I'm happy for Kayden to get the opportunity to play; him playing at the same school as me is a bonus," Kolten said. "We knew we probably wouldn't be at the same school after Dawson. Then his shot came and he took it! I'm super proud of him for staying in the gym and working. Looking forward to him getting back on the court."
The Malta, Idaho native red-shirted his first year at Dawson and then played in the 2018-2019 and 2019-2020 seasons. Kayden didn't attend college this fall as he continued his summer job of fighting fires through the end of the year. The past two years at Dawson Kayden helped the Bucs win 47 games and three championships. In his sophomore year, he battled through injuries to average 4 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal per game. In his freshman year, he averaged 7.5 points per game in conference while shooting 57% from the field and 47% from 3-point range.
Kayden Hitt said, "I'm excited to have the opportunity to get back on the court not only with the guys at OUAZ but also my brother! Huge thanks to Coach Keeley and Hepker for allowing me to have this opportunity to step back onto the court. I would especially like to thank my family and the coaching staff and players at Dawson for always having my back! I'm excited to start this new journey in AZ!"
"Kayden has been the unsung hero of our success the past two years," said DCC head coach Joe Peterson. "He doesn't take a ton of shots, but does so many other things that contribute to winning games. He plays great defense, handles the ball, makes the extra pass and moves really well without the ball. He can shoot and score, but sacrifices that at times to do whatever the team needs. We just always seemed to be a better team when he was on the floor. I'm excited for him to continue his education, play more basketball and re-unite with his brother!"
Kayden is the 9th player from last year's Buccaneers team to receive a scholarship and go on to play at the four-year level.
