CONFERENCE PREVIEW: Centennial League
CONFERENCE PREVIEW: Centennial League
Shawnee Mission South is led by wing Jake Potthoff and big man Hunter Schneider, a pair of players who have taken their games to new heights in the offseason.
It was quite a year for the Centennial League a year ago as Shawnee Heights captured a Kansas 5A state championship in Topeka.
This year, look for Topeka Hayden and Topeka Highland Park to make a run at the league title and perhaps beyond and into the postseason. Both teams return lots of talent from a year ago.
Hayden returns nearly its entire roster including a host of talented players who are being recruited by colleges at all levels. Leading the way are Zach Harvey and Jett Canfield, one of the state’s premier backcourt tandems. Mix in Deshawn Hanika, Hayden Federico and Levi Braun and there is no shortage of talent or experience returning.
Highland Park figures to be an experienced and talented squad, a team made for the defensive end of the court with several top-flight competitors who take pride in their defense. Look for Larry and Will White to have breakout seasons, while point guard Dasani Giardina brings leadership and Davonshai Harden roams the baseline.
Also in the mix are Shawnee Heights Washburn Rural and Manhattan, all of whom will be promoting a host of new players to new roles after suffering heavy losses to graduation.
Predicted Order of Finish
Topeka Hayden
Highland Park
Shawnee Heights
Washburn Rural
Manhattan
Junction City
Topeka West
Topeka
Seaman
Emporia
Players to Watch
Nate Awbrey, 6’1, PG, 2018, Manhattan
Kobe Bonner, 5’10, G, 2019, Seaman
Levi Braun, 6’3, G, 2019, Topeka Hayden
Jett Canfield, 5’11, PG, 2018, Topeka Hayden
Koriyon Carr, 5’11, G, 2018, Topeka West
Xavier Cason, 6’5, PF/C, 2018, Junction City
AJ Dickerson, 6’2, G, 2019, Junction City
Dylan Farr, 6’4, F, 2018, Emporia
Hayden Fedrico, 6’5, F, 2018, Topeka Hayden
Dasani Giardina, 5’9, PF, 2018, Highland Park
Davonshai Harden, 6’5, F, 2020, Highland Park
Zach Harvey, 6’4, G, 2019, Topeka Hayden
Jordan White, 6’0, PG, 2019, Washburn Rural
Larry White, 6’4, F, 2018, Highland Park
Tyler White, 6’4, F, 2018, Shawnee Heights
Will White, 6’3, F, 2018, Highland Park