Centennial League Race Difference Makers
Some separation was gained at the top of the Centennial League standings, and more will come Friday night. Topeka High just got by Emporia Tuesday to improve to 9-3. While they will be challenged by 7-4 Manhattan, they will…
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Some separation was gained at the top of the Centennial League standings, and more will come Friday night.
Topeka High just got by Emporia Tuesday to improve to 9-3. While they will be challenged by 7-4 Manhattan, they will keep one eye on the outcome of 9-3 Washburn Rural at 8-3 Highland Park.
Topeka West, the other team with an outside shot in the race, is 7-4 and travels to Junction City.
Here are some players who were difference makers this week in the league race:
Camren Cooks, senior, Topeka High:
The 5-foot-10 guard hasn’t been a headline grabber this year. He is mainly a bench reserve in the shadow of fellow seniors King Sutton and Da’Vonshai Harden, and junior point guard Jalen Smith. But Cooks stepped up Tuesday against Emporia with three huge three-pointers.
Jalen Smith, junior, Topeka High:
Smith is no stranger to the spotlight, but he was the lead dog against Emporia, tallying 18 points. Smith has been huge the past week, notching 19 against Hayden, 13 in a huge win at Rural, and then 18 on Tuesday.
Joe Berry, junior, Washburn Rural:
The Junior Blues put Manhattan in the rear view mirror with a 48-40 win Tuesday. Berry led Rural with 15 points. His scoring average has dipped a bit to 17.4, but he’s essential to everything Rural does.
Quincy Kidd, sophomore, Washburn Rural:
The 6-foot-1 sophomore hasn’t made much of an impact this season, but he stepped up huge Tuesday against Manhattan. He connected on two three-pointers and 4-4 from the line. His 12 points were enormous in the defeat of the Indians.
Jahi Peppers, junior, Highland Park:
The resurgent Scots are 8-3 and very much a contender in the league. Peppers has been a huge part of the success. He led the Scots with 16 points in Tuesday’s win over Hayden on a night when CJ Powell and Juan’Tario Roberts were slowed a bit.
Charles Snyder, junior, Emporia:
Despite coming out on the losing end against Topeka High, Snyder’s performance should not be overlooked. The 6-foot-4 Snyder has been a monster this season, averaging 21.8 points per outing. He pitched in 28 against Topeka High in the losing effort.