Week 1: Five games to Watch
Week 1: Five games to Watch
The high school hoops season officially gets underway this week with a full slate of games on Friday and other contests scattered throughout Friday and Saturday.
Several teams open the season with key games right away.
Thursday
Wichita Southeast at Wichita South
Date: 7 p.m. on Thursday
Location: at Wichita South High School
Lets get it on. Two Wichita City League teams square off in a battle for bragging rights in a key league game right out of the gate. Last year, South reigned supreme, earning a pair of close wins over its rival en route to a 16-7 season, but don’t be surprised if the tables are turned this year.
South loses several key players, while Southeast is returning a bevy of talented performers, including Kansas Player of the Year candidate Israel Barnes.
Players to Watch
South: Jamial Pugh (6’3, G, 2018), Remy Lemovou (6’8, PF/C, 2018)
Southeast: Israel Barnes (6’4, G, 2018), Shawn Warrior (6’2, G, 2020), Johnny Murdock (5’11, SG, 2019), Micah Jacques (6’2, G, 2020), Richard Reed (6’5, F, 2019).
Friday
Blue Valley Northwest (Kan.) vs. Hogan Prep (Mo.)
Date: 7 p.m. on Friday
Location: at Blue Valley Northwest High School, Overland Park, Kan.
One of the best early-season match-ups on both sides of the border, Blue Valley Northwest and Hogan Prep will feature a battle of NCAA Division I signees and future teammates Joe Pleasant (BVNW) and Damien Daniels (Hogan Prep), both of whom have signed to play at Abilene Christian. The contest will feature the size of BVNW, who in addition to the 6’6 Pleasant also feature 6’8 PF Parker Braun who is poised for a breakthrough senior season. Hogan Prep is a Class 3 Final Four team from a year ago with high hopes for a return.
Players to Watch
Hogan Prep: Damien Daniels (5’8, PG, 2018), Rashaad Collins (5’11, G, 2018), Rodvon Jennings (6’1, SG, 2019)
Blue Valley Northwest: Christian Braun (6’4, SG, 2019), Parker Braun (6’8, PF/C, 2018), Joe Pleasant (6’6, F, 2018), Sam Ward (6’2, SG, 2018)
Lawrence vs, Topeka
Date: 7 p.m. Friday
Location: at Topeka High School
Lawrence will likely be heavily favored going into this one, but don’t be surprised if Topeka comes to play on its homecourt. The Trojans are still rebuilding but improved to .500 last season. They feature one of the state’s top 2020 players in Ky Thomas, a superb football talent who is also a talented point guard type. Lawrence once again has high expectations despite suffering heavy losses to graduation.
Players to Watch
Lawrence: Anthony Selden (6’5, F, 2018, Trey Quartelbaum (6’1, PG, 2019), Brett Chapple (6’5, F, 2019).
Topeka: Ky Thomas (5’10, PG, 2020)
Washburn vs. Blue Valley North
Date: 7 p.m. Friday
Location: Wasburn Rural, Topeka, Kan.
One of the top early-season contests will feature two teams vying for
Players to Watch
Washburn Rural: Jordan White (6’0, PG, 2019), Jack Hamilton (6’3, F, 2018)
Blue Valley North: Miles Emery (6’5, PF, 2018), Eric Batson (6’6, F/G, 2018).