Five Questions: Wapahani vs. Frankton
n a matchup that paired two Sectional rivals against each other, we saw Frankton show why they are the best team in 2A right now as they beat Wapahani, 86-71. Let by the hot shooting of Landon Weins and his 25 points, Frankton found themselves down after the first quarter but roaring back after that. Kayden Key scored 29 points to lead all scorers. Peyton West led Wapahani with 22 points and 11 rebounds.
Can Frankton Repeat In 2A?
Walking away from that game you got the sense that Frankton was going to be able to get back to the state finals. It was a really good game for them but even more importantly it showed that they had the ability to regroup after losing their best player from season ago. With their stellar Junior duo, they have the basis of what could be a three-year run beginning in last season. This team shoots the ball really well and they will get after it on defense. 2A is pretty good this year but the reality is Frankton is the best of the bunch.
Is Wapahani Good Enough To Challenge In Sectional?
Wapahani really looked solid last night. Peyton West was really good at driving the bone getting into the lane, combine that with Tre Spence and Drew Luce and you have a threesome that is really intriguing on the offense of end of the floor. They have to clean up the three-point shooting and rely a little more on their ability to drive the ball and playing transition. If they can do those things they have a legit shot to beat Frankton in March. Their biggest issue tonight was their ability to defend against the three point shot. They lost the game at halftime when Landon Weins hit his fifth three of the first half. If they can figure out how to defend along the perimeter this game could change dramatically.
Key And Detling Best Small School Duo?
After watching them last night, Kayden Key and Rylan Detling look like one of the best small school combos in the state. With Key being a really determined guard with the capability to get into the lane at any point in time and Detling being that post player with the versatility to play out on the perimeter, you have two guys that work off of each other very well. These two have come up together and won state already, are just juniors, and last night they scored a combined 43 points. There are some other combinations in the state that will rival them, duos like Eric Hunter and Sincere McMahon from Tindley, however these two still have another year together.
How Good Is Peyton West?
After last night watching Peyton West, it looks like he will be a legit college player for a team year from now. His ability to drive to the rim is really good all uses his athleticism and strength. He will really need to clean up his three point shot and just learn to pick your spots a little better. If you can do that he has enough offense of game to draw interest from some small school programs locally. Defensively he gives you in on ball guard with some length ended up speed to create some turnovers into offense. One would expect to see a slew of Division III and NAIA programs around him.
What Is The Biggest Takeaway From Last Night?
After watching both of these teams last night you get the sense that Frankton isn’t going away anytime soon. They were really good last night and show the capability to win another state title this year. But, the reality is they probably have another year with their core group of guys to do the same thing. For Wapahani, you see them as the biggest competition in this sectional. Their group is even younger than Frankton and almost as talented as theirs. The sectional has always been great, at least as long as I’ve been covering it, in the future looks brighter than ever with the pieces that are already in place.