GRAVETTE — Otto Troutner even stunned himself with the contributions he made to Gravette’s boys basketball team this season.

“I did a lot better than I thought I would,” the junior post player said. “I scored a lot more points than I expected, and I was able to grab a lot of rebounds.”

The 6-foot-6 Troutner averaged 8.6 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, and coaches in the 4A-1 Conference were impressed enough to make him an all-conference selection. Those contributions were enough to make him the All-NWA Media Newcomer of the Year.

Troutner provided the inside presence the Lions needed this season, even if his style of play might not be considered typical for a post player. He became Gravette’s second-leading scorer through 4A-1 play, averaging almost 10 ppg.

“The good thing about him is he’s able to get his shoulder around people,” Gravette coach Dustin Peters said. “He’s kind of wormy around the basket and able to get around people somehow.

“It’s unorthodox most of the time, but he does a pretty good job.”

Peters attributed Troutner’s biggest improvement to his preparations for the physical play he would experience near the basket. He was dedicated to the weight room, where he added weight and muscle in addition to the two inches he grew since his sophomore season.

“I came out ready to play,” Troutner said. “I didn’t fear anyone.”

Troutner couldn’t have picked a better time for everything to start falling into place — just as Gravette entered conference play. He scored a season-high 24 points and pulled down eight rebounds in a Dec. 18 game against Berryville.

His first double-double came at an opportune time, when he scored 18 points and 10 rebounds in a 4A-1 District Tournament win over Gentry. That win helped Gravette earn a berth in the Class 4A Region Tournament.

“I knew it would come at some point,” Peters said. “You would see flashes of it here and there, but nothing he could put together as a whole. Right before Christmas break, you could see the light coming on, and he played well down the stretch for us.”

Troutner’s willingness to take a hit inside wound up costing Peters. Peters said he offered to buy a steak dinner for any player who takes 12 charges during the season, and Troutner finished with 25.

“I haven’t paid up yet,” Peters said. “But Otto probably deserves two of them.”