KARNS CITY — Nathan Waltman is old school.

In a time of quick guards slashing to the hoop and sharpshooters raining down 3-pointers from opening tip to final buzzer, the 6-foot-3 sophomore on the Karns City boys basketball team prefers to do his work in the paint.

Lunch-pail offense.

Blue-collar brawn.

Muscle over finesse.

“He plays with his back to the basket a lot, which you don't really see a lot of anymore,” said Karns City coach Chris Bellis. “I think that gives him an advantage.”

Quick in the block and relentless, Waltman has made his considerable presence known this season for the Gremlins.

Last season as a freshman, Waltman served notice that he would be a force to be reckoned with.

This season — particularly lately — Waltman has raised his game to another level.

Heading into a game with Clarion Monday, Waltman was averaging 20 points and nine rebounds over his last five games.

For the season, Waltman is averaging 15 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.

“The sky's the limit really,” Waltman said. “I just have to keep working.”

Waltman bulked up in the offseason, adding 25 pounds of good weight to his growing frame.

The added strength served him well as a middle linebacker on the Karns City football team, where even as a sophomore, he made all of the defensive calls and adjustments on the field.

Waltman said that spoke to the confidence the coaching staff had in him to give him such responsibility so early.

He's also become a leader on the basketball court as well as an offensive force.

“His footwork has definitely improved,” Bellis said. “He's the complete package on offense.”

Waltman has also developed a short jumper, proving he can also do damage away from the basket if need be.

“Not too far from the basket,” Waltman said, chuckling. “I definitely need to add some range. That's definitely something I need to work on. That and to polish up some of my down low moves.”

That doesn't seem to be a problem.

Waltman said he works on his array of moves in the post for at least 20 minutes in practice each day.

“He's fearless, too,” Bellis said.

That fearlessness allowed Waltman to turn in a productive offseason as Karns City played in a competitive summer league.

“He played this summer against some really good players and never backed down,” Bellis said.

Another part of Waltman's success has been the talented players around him.

Sophomore guard Chase Beighley and senior guard Austin Fahlor have also been dangerous scorers this season.

Those guards are also getting the ball to Waltman more in the post.

“I attribute a lot of his success to our guards getting better and better at feeding him,” Bellis said.

“I think Nathan has a tremendous amount of potential,” the coach added. “He can be one of the best players to ever play at Karns City if he continues to improve.”