FIVE TAKEAWAYS: Topeka West-Junction City
TOPEKA, Kan. — With several players missing time for Junction City, including 2018 big man Xavier Cason, Topeka West pulled away from the Bluejays with a big third quarter for a 56-48 win in Topeka.
The Chargers got 20 points each from 2018 guards Koriyon Carr and Elijah Griffin in the win.
Here, Prep Hoops takes a look at five things that stood out in the contest.
West on the rise
Just two years ago the Chargers won a total of two games, and they weren’t exactly burning things up last year going 6-15 overall. But this year, they have a pair of talented and experienced guards in Carr and Griffin and several players around them who feel comfortable in their roles and have helped lead West to a 5-1 record. The squad has a games upcoming against Seaman and Manahattan, then will play in the Topeka Invitational Tournament at Highland Park.
Carr puts together strong performance
One of Topeka’s top guards, Koriyon Carr found a way to put points on the board in this one even though his outside shot wasn’t falling. At 5’11, Carr is a scoring guard who can shoot it from deep and can get to the basket a little off the bounce. Against Junction City, Carr was money at the free throw line, going 8 for 9 at the free throw line and finishing with 20 points, and added four rebounds, five assists and came up with three steals.
Junction City improved, still has work to do
The Bluejays are hurting without big man Xavier Cason and wing Tye Dale — its second and third leading scorers — out against West and those problems were compounded when starting point guard Aaron Hamilton left the line-up with injury. Junction City has now lost three straight after opening the season 3-1. Against However, a year ago, Junction City was 5-17 and they appear poised to far eclipse that record this season. The Bluejays had some solid moments of play against West, but had some struggles at the offensive.
Griffin continues to impress
Griffin is among the most unique and well-rounded players around able to play inside-out basketball, but on Thursday, he showed the ability to create off the bounce, earning oohs and awes from the crowd. He went for 20 points on 7 of 10 shooting, was 6 for 8 at the free throw line and added four rebounds, three assists and four steals. Griffin is averaging nearly 18 points per game and shooting 60 percent from the field this season.
Dickerson a talented guard
Blessed with a big, strong 6’3 frame, Dickerson is a talented guard who can create his own shot off the bounce, get the basket and has an emerging mid-range game. A hard worker who brings intensity to the court, Dickerson impressed with his calm demeanor and ability to bring some stability to the court. He finished with 16 points to lead the Bluejays.