CLEVELAND, Miss. - For more than 30 years, Delta State University head men's basketball coach Mike Nienaber used connections in his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio to build championship teams at his previous stops. On Wednesday, Nov. 13, Nienaber signed his first Cincinnati native to play for the Statesmen, as Kelen Dietrich, a 6-foot-1 point guard from Oak Hills High School, signed a National Letter of Intent.

"We're thrilled to have Kelen joining the Statesmen family," Nienaber said. "Not only is Kelen an exceptional point guard with shooting guard skills, he's also a high quality student-athlete that excels in the class room as well. His style of play fits our system and I believe he will be a great addition to Delta State Basketball next year."  

Dietrich, who is entering his senior season at Oak Hills High School, holds a 3.94 GPA and is a member of the National Honor Society. The 6-foot-1 point guard averaged 10.2 points, 2.0 rebounds and shot 43 percent from the field as a junior at OHHS.

He was All-Southwest District Honorable Mention, All-City Honorable Mention, and was twice named Cincinnati Player of the Week.

Dietrich played AAU for Shining Star Sports, 17-year-old (Price) Team this past summer, accumulating a 50-9 record.

"Kelen is one of the hardest working players I've coached during my 41-year coaching career," Shining Star skipper Coach Price said. "He has improved his ball-handling, shooting, and strength over the past four years. Not only is he a very good basketball player, but he also has high expectations, a positive attitude, and strong character. He has been a leader in our basketball program, at school, and in the community. He volunteered for many community service activities and is an excellent student as well."