Sutton’s college plans still to be determined
“Stay tuned.” Those were King Sutton’s words when asked specifically what he is considering for his post-high school destination. He smiled and politely declined to elaborate on his options, but he said he is happy with the pool he has…
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Continue Reading“Stay tuned.”
Those were King Sutton’s words when asked specifically what he is considering for his post-high school destination. He smiled and politely declined to elaborate on his options, but he said he is happy with the pool he has to choose from.
“It feels great to have all these schools on you,” Sutton said following a win over Manhattan on Topeka High’s Senior Night. “I’ve got about 30-plus schools contacting me. I want to get the education and the opportunity to play.”
But where is he in the decision process?
“I haven’t decided yet,” Sutton said. “The recruitment is still in process. Stay tuned.”
Sutton is a 6-foot-7 jumping jack whose ability to dunk and block shots is probably ahead of his other skills at this point. He takes an occasional shot from the perimeter, but hasn’t yet shown ability to hit a high percentage. He handles the ball well enough, but in the Trojans’ system he rarely dribbles in the open court.
The senior’s production has been varied this season, partly due to a talented cast around him. He went for 38 against Wichita Northwest and has seven games of 20 or more points. But he also four games of 5 or fewer points.
Sutton’s raw athleticism has probably always run a step ahead of his skills and production on the floor. He earned third-team All-City and Centennial League honorable mention as a junior. He averaged 10.1 points and 4.4 rebounds as a junior – solid numbers but perhaps less that you would expect from such a specimen. He did lead the city with 2.5 blocks per game.
Sutton and fellow senior Da’Vonshai Harden began their high school careers at cross-town rival Highland Park. But each transferred to Topeka High following their freshman year and quickly developed into stars.
“It was a big transition, coming from Highland Park, but I think it was one of the best decisions I’ve made,” Sutton said, reflecting on the Senior Night ceremony. “I’m happy to be a Trojan for real.
“It feels great to get (a big win) on Senior Night. We’re probably going to have a few more games here in the Dungeon.”
The Trojans are 10-3 and have a chance to claim the league title with a win Tuesday against Highland Park, or with a loss by Washburn Rural, also 10-3, Monday at Topeka West.
The 14-5 Trojans have bigger fish to fry at state. The program would like to avenge a shocking and embarrassing loss last year. Seeded second in the state playoffs, they lost to 15th seed Derby. They didn’t just lose, they got drubbed 62-26, complete with a running clock in the fourth period.
“We’re going to have to keep playing hard, playing smart, and playing together to go far at state,” Sutton said about this year’s postseason possibilities.
And after state, where will Sutton continue his basketball career?
“Stay tuned.”