Topeka Super Sophomores
The seniors and juniors of the city can respectfully step aside, because there are some sophomores in the city who take a back seat to no one. There are also a few sophomores who are, while not stars yet, are…
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Continue ReadingThe seniors and juniors of the city can respectfully step aside, because there are some sophomores in the city who take a back seat to no one. There are also a few sophomores who are, while not stars yet, are making significant contributions to their teams.
Here are some guys who are getting it done, and have two more years ahead of them:
Elijah Brooks, Topeka West:
There’s little doubt who the best sophomore in the city is. The 6-foot-2 Brooks already had huge expectations after a remarkable freshman campaign. Brooks averaged 10.5 points and shot 76.3% from the free-throw line as a freshman leader of the Chargers. This year he averages 16.9 points and 7.3 rebounds for one of the top teams in the state.
Juan’Tario Roberts, Highland Park:
If Brooks is the best of the class, Roberts isn’t far behind. The 5-foot-11 dynamo was city newcomer of the year last year, averaging 11.6 points. The Scots are 9-3 this year, due in large part to Roberts, who scores 15.6 points a game for another highly competitive team in the city.
Dagen Brewer, Seaman:
While the Vikings have struggled mightily to rebuild from their playoff run a year ago, the 5-foot-10 Brewer has stepped in with 10.3 points per game. Some of his top performances include 11 points against Lansing, 12 against Topeka West, 14 against Hayden, and 15 versus Wichita North.
Zander Putthoff and Carter Olson, Shawnee Heights:
Shawnee Heights returned a lot of strength and experience in the paint. But Putthoff and Olson have made significant contributions off the bench. Although they both stand taller than 6-foot-3, they form a Mr. Inside/Mr. Outside combo. Olson has provided significant rebounding help to the T-Birds, while Putthoff provides occasional firepower from behind the arc. Olson had 11 points and 14 rebounds against Lansing, and 13 points against Dodge City. Putthoff had 15 against DeSoto, on 5 three-pointers.
Noah Hastert, Cair Paravel:
Hastert flies way under the radar for the Lions because they don’t play many KSHSAA schools. But the 25 points he tallied in the upset of Hayden says enough about Hastert to including him on this list.