Top Prospects: Maize South v. Topeka Seaman
It was a tightly officiated game when Maize South took on Topeka Seaman in the Valley Center High School Boys’ Invitational semi-final game but an entertaining bout nonetheless.
Bryce Wiedemann (Ranked #75 in Kansas in class of 2018) had a slow start to the ballgame, unable to connect on the bulk of his shots from beyond the arc.
Conversely, Topeka Seaman demonstrated great player movement, ball movement, and discipline on the defensive end, leading to at least 6 charges throughout the game.
Topeka found themselves up at halftime by five. Bryce Wiedemann, Hayden Bontrager, and Kael Kordonowy brought Maize South back and took the lead at the end of the third quarter. However, Trey Duffey was too much down the stretch as Topeka Seaman came out on top 63-57.
Top Prospects from Maize South v. Topeka Seaman
Trey Duffey (2019)- Topeka Seaman
This 6’5 junior seems to be the motor for this Topeka Seaman team, ending with 19 points, 4 rebounds, and a few assists in their victory over Maize South.
Trey raises eyebrows when he catches around 15 feet and faces up to the basket, displaying first step quickness that is near impossible to stop for any man his size. He also has the ability to finish at the basket as he looks comfortable and has good touch around the rim.
Trey has been putting up impressive numbers in his junior season and has seen his stock rise a lot. If we re-ranked 2019 today, he would definitely be a part of the top recruits in this class.
Going forward, Trey still needs to tighten up his handles and be comfortable anywhere on the court with the ball in his hand. Trey struggles with his back to the basket and really doesn’t posses the build to be a low post player at this time.
Kael Kordonowy (2019)- Maize South
Kael had spurts of very good big man play for Maize South, impacting the game in many ways.
First and foremost, Kael had five blocks in the contest, making his presence in the middle felt on the defensive side of the ball. He was also able to contribute with 12 points and 5 rebounds and physically appeared to be the most ready for the next level in this game.
Kael did find himself victim to Topeka Seaman’s great team defense, getting called for two charges and committing two other early turnovers which held Maize South back from establishing much of a rhythm early.
Keep an eye on Kael, even if he doesn’t grow another inch, at 6’6 he is big and long enough to play post at the next level, especially as he develops more of an offensive game with his back to the basket.
Bryce Wiedemann (2018)- Maize South
Bryce was definitely the most college ready senior in this game. Standing at 6’5, Bryce spent a lot of his time, particularly early, outside on the three-point line. Although he struggled, you could tell he was comfortable with the ball outside and shooting from beyond the arc.
Bryce turned things around the second half and helped propel Maize South to to a 41-40 lead at the end of the third quarter. Bryce ended with 19 points and four rebounds as he was able to get in the paint more that half.
Jackson Cobb (2018)- Topeka Seaman
Along with Trey Duffey, Jackson accounted for a large portion of Topeka’s offense, having success in the paint all night long.
Jackson had 14 points, 4 rebounds, and at least 3 assists as he showed his ability to impact the game in many ways. Although only being listed at 6’3, he plays more like 6’6 and defensively didn’t give up deep position to Maize South’s big man, Kael Kordonowy. Jackson also recorded two blocks in the contest.
Jackson impressed with his decision making particularly while Maize South was in zone. There was little hesitation on where the ball needed to go and got there accurately and on time.
Hayden Bontrager (2019)- Maize South
Hayden was definitely a spark off the bench for Maize South and the most impactful bench player in the game.
The 6’3 junior moves well on defense and is able to disrupt smaller guards with his length. He also added nine points, four of which came from the free throw line as he displayed good ability to penetrate and get fouled.
Honorable Mention:
Trey Reid (2020)- Trey is the youngest member of the starting lineup for Maize South and exhibited good ability to penetrate and get to the foul line, leveraging his quickness with the ball. Unfortunately, foul trouble limited his impact but still finished with a solid eight points.
Kobe Bonner (2019)- The junior for Topeka Seaman had eight points and a few assists and demonstrated a good ability to get paint touches for Topeka Seaman.
Tristen Knoblauch (2018)- While the senior starter for Maize South was unable to impact the game offensively, he demonstrated sound defensive principles and at 6’2 has the frame and height to disrupt smaller guards.