SALEM OH- Everybody loves offense. It puts people in the seats. But any good coach will tell you that defense wins the biggest games on the biggest stages. The Salem girls used defense as their backbone. The Quakers allowed less than 30 points per game to their opponents. One of the biggest reasons for their stout defense was their giant rim protector Kami Rohm. A quick look at a Salem basketball game and you’ll find out quickly why Kami was branded the nickname Swatzilla. You’ll have trouble finding anyone in the YSN family with more blocks. Kami doesn’t just rely on her height to get to the ball, she has put tons of work in at the craft and technique of shot blocking, and it is masterful to watch.
We want to congratulate Kami on one of the best defensive seasons we’ve seen. We are honored to announce that Kami is the 2023 recipient of the YSN Defensive Player of the Year.
https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/AB12D22F-F1A0-409C-BFAC-003A1234956D.png16202880Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2023-03-08 07:08:122023-03-08 07:08:12ROHM DOMINATES HER WAY TO 2023 DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
SALEM OH- Salem is riding a stretch right now in girls basketball where their defense is the definition of historic. They have now broken the program record for points allowed per game two years in a row. When we thought last season’s defense was impressive, this year they one upped it allowing just 30.2 points per contest. Everyone knows a truly good defense needs a good rim protector. Someone to be there when the frontline breaks to make sure that nothing gets to the hoop. For Salem they have a shot blocker whose name strikes fear in the hearts of other teams. That center of their defense is Alamo Rohm, but we have come to know her as Swatzilla. She rampages on the floor leaving nothing but offensive destruction in her path. She was just as good at blocking shots last season as she is this year, but this season she has added offensive power to her tool box. Kami knew that she would have to develop an ability to score to become a well rounded player. She did nothing but sharpen those skills as the preseason went on and the start of games got closer. Now she’s as much of threat with the ball in her hands as she his when she’s knocking a ball out of another player’s.
Kami like her fellow seniors had to step into a big leadership role this season. When talking to her teammates it’s easy to see that her ability to keep everyone on track is a big contributor. She is not only devoted to reaching her own goals, but has put a lot of energy into helping her team complete theirs. She keeps everyone confident, energized and focused. She contributes that ability to the leaders of the past who showed her the way. The seniors from last season still have their finger prints all over this team. Kami is proof of that.
Rohm took the time to catch up with YSN’s Anthony Hartwig to talk about her senior campaign. They talk about her development as a scorer, the ride Salem has been on the last two seasons, and much more. Check out the latest Salem Girls Basketball Player Profile only on YSN!
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https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/22A479A2-9CA7-46F7-B67C-033090F0449F-scaled-1.jpeg14962560Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2023-02-13 22:33:022023-07-15 05:05:37SWATZILLA: QUEEN OF THE BLOCKERS
SALEM OH- Salem is just one step away from a trip to Dayton, and the state tournament. So close they can smell it. One more obstacle stands in their way, and that is a Norton team that took down the Quakers crosstown rivals West Branch in the previous round. With the game swiftly approaching, let’s take some time to tell you about the legend of Kami Rohm, better known at YSN as Swatzilla .
Kami is the backbone of what has been a truly suffocating defense this season. The Quakers broke their program’s record for scoring defense in a regular season by just allowing 31.8 points per game. The ball pressure and traps from their guards are hard enough to deal with, but if you are fortunate enough to get by them, the Quakers have a watchful eye in the paint. Kami Rohm has had more big-time blocks this season than a lot of girls who are even taller than her. Her timing, body discipline, and footwork make up for the fact that she’s not going to tower over you. Make no mistake, getting a shot up over Swatzilla might be the hardest challenge that this defense presents.
Rohm is known for her defense, but that doesn’t mean her offense doesn’t have merit. Just like the defensive side of the ball, on offense Kami uses her athleticism and instincts to make up for not being the tallest person out there. If you put your tall post on her, she has the ability to take her to the perimeter, she can beat a defender off the dribble, she can also shoot from anywhere. This makes Rohm a lethal addition to a Salem team that seems destined for glory.
Kami took the time to come on YSN’s Running Point this week to talk about this season with the Quakers. She talks to Anthony Hartwig and Ty Bartell about the team chemistry this season, her role models that make it easier, and much more. Hopefully, you are making the trip to Barberton, on your way there, make sure you know about the legend of Swatzilla. Check out this exclusive Salem Girls Basketball player profile.
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https://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/7ABE90AC-EEFE-47F8-9F31-3F1D0D817295.jpeg15112354Anthony Hartwighttps://ysnlive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Default-Email-Signature-2673571-300x70.pngAnthony Hartwig2022-03-04 16:39:322023-07-15 00:20:50THE LEGEND OF SWATZILLA
