Perceptions of Topeka teams shifting
Washburn Rural’s non-league loss at the hands of Ottawa doesn’t impact the Centennial League, but it does change perceptions somewhat as the Topeka schools play in various tournaments: 1) Rural is susceptible to a good big man In their first…
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Continue ReadingWashburn Rural’s non-league loss at the hands of Ottawa doesn’t impact the Centennial League, but it does change perceptions somewhat as the Topeka schools play in various tournaments:
1) Rural is susceptible to a good big man
In their first loss, Topeka High’s 6-foot-6 King Sutton dominated the second half and overtime, finishing with 22 points. In Wednesday’s loss to Ottawa, Rural gave up 23 to 6-foot-5 senior Kobe Johnson. With 6-foot-2 Joe Berry often the tallest player on the floor for Rural, the Junior Blues will be challenged by height.
2) Topeka West must bounce back from its loss to Washburn Rural:
The Chargers were disappointed by the 60-55 loss. But they can see it as a test of their teamwork and discipline, which coach Rick Bloomquist said was lacking. Elijah Brooks’s scoring has been on the decline. He was held scoreless in the first half by Rural.
3) Hayden must find a running partner for John Roeder:
Junior Vicarrio Triplett is a capable backcourt mate for Roeder, who averages 11.5 points. But Triplett needs to produce consistently. He scored just 7 points in the Wildcats’ recent loss to Highland Park, and just 4 in the loss to Topeka West.
4) Topeka High’s experience needs to pay dividends:
The Trojans’ leaders are led by the most experienced of Topeka’s teams. Seniors Da’Vonshai Harden and Sutton combine for about 24 points a game. They need to assert themselves as the veterans of the tournament and improve the Trojans’ 4-3 record.
5) Shawnee Heights must find out what it has in the paint:
Junior Harvey Davis has been about as consistently reliable as any player in the city for the past three years. The 6-foot-1 post isn’t a threat on the wing, but he’s a monster athlete in the lane. But perhaps in part due to the emergence of 6-foot-4 senior Nasire Anderson, Davis’ production has dropped off sharply. In the past three games, Davis scored 7 against Bonner Springs, 0 versus Basehor-Linwood, and 2 against KC-Turner. In those same three games, Anderson scored 14, 6 and 20. Is Anderson capable long-term of supplanting the veteran Davis?