STATE TOURNAMENT: Class 5A Day 1 standouts
EMPORIA, Kan. — The opening day of the Kansas Class 5A state championships saw several big performances from a host of players who have made a name for themselves this season. On the day, Maize knocked off St. James; Andover…
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Continue ReadingEMPORIA, Kan. — The opening day of the Kansas Class 5A state championships saw several big performances from a host of players who have made a name for themselves this season.
On the day, Maize knocked off St. James; Andover Central got past Pittsburg; Bishop Carroll ran away from Bonner Springs; and Basehor-Linwood defeated Salina Central.
Here, Prep Hoops takes a look at several of the day’s standout performers.
Xavier Bell, 6’4, G, 2020, Andover Central
One of the state’s premier all-around guards in the 2020 class, Bell is an athletic, strong guard who can play either guard spot and creates match-up problems with his size and strength. He filled up the state sheet on Thursday in a quarterfinal win over Pittsburg, scoring 28 points, adding seven rebounds, four assists, two blocks and three steals. He has tightened up his outside shot over the past year, knocking down three 3-pointers on Thursday. Bell holds NCAA Division I offers from Denver and xx and is a candidate to see his recruiting take off with a strong showing this summer.
Braden Belt, 6’0, G, 2019, Andover Central
Belt is one of the state’s premier shooters, armed with a lightning quick release, the ability to fade away from distance just enough to make it impossible to block or challenge and a lot of basketball savvy. An all-around player, Belt is terrific moving without the basketball, setting opponents up for backdoor cuts, but also has the ability to handle the ball and create his own shot as well. He went for 22 points and four rebounds, including a 5 for 9 shooting performance from behind the 3-point arc in a runaway quarterfinal win over Pittsburg on Thursday.
Jacob Coleman, 6’6, G, 2019, Basehor-Linwood
The Pittsburg State recruit put together a big performance in Thursday’s quarterfinal contest against Salina Central, showcasing the all-around game that has made him one of the state’s top players in the 2019 class. Coleman has terrific size for a wing player at 6’6, can handle the ball, pass, showed off a smooth 3-point shooting stroke, and is willing and able to take his game inside where he has a soft touch around the basket. Coleman can handle the ball on the perimeter and can see over a defense. He is a tough match-up for opponents as he can shoot over most players on the perimeter and can play a variety of positions. He went for 19 points, four rebounds, three assists, four steals and a 3 for 4 shooting performance from behind the arc.
Caleb Grill, 6’3, G, 2019, Maize
The South Dakota State recruit had a terrific all-around game, showcasing the skills and athleticism that has made him one of the state’s top players. Grill had 17 points in the opening half as he showed off the ability to rock the rim with dunks, deep range on his 3-point shot and a willingness to attack the basket. He finished with 23 points, seven rebounds, three blocked shots and four steals. Grill plays the game at full tile, always attacking and putting pressure on opposing defenses with his ability to score at all three levels and impact the game in multiple ways.
Keyon Thomas, 5’11, PG, 2019, Bonner Springs
Thomas got a chance to play on his future home court as the Emporia State recruit put together a big performance in a loss on Thursday. One of the state’s premier players in the 2019 class, Thomas is a slender point guard who brings terrific leadership qualities, basketball IQ and toughness to the floor. Despite his Bonner Springs team being outmatched against Bishop Carroll, Thomas filled up the stat sheet and helped the Braves hang tough. He pressures the basketball defensively the length of the court, forces turnovers, gets to the basket and on Thursday, got to the free throw line where he went 13 for 13, finishing with 18 points, four rebounds, three assists, five steals and two blocks.