Takeaways from Topeka High’s win at Hayden
Topeka High held off a late challenge from Hayden, and they did it, for all intents and purposes, without one of the best players around, King Sutton. Here are some takeaways from Topeka High’s win, which puts them at 7-3…
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Continue ReadingTopeka High held off a late challenge from Hayden, and they did it, for all intents and purposes, without one of the best players around, King Sutton.
Here are some takeaways from Topeka High’s win, which puts them at 7-3 and in the thick of the Centennial League race:
1) Sutton struggles against Hayden:
Sutton was dogged by foul trouble throughout the night and wound up on the bench for good with six minutes remaining. He produced just two points.
Surprisingly, Hayden seems to have Sutton’s number. The 6-foot-7 senior has been held to single digit scoring just four times this year. Three of the four came against Hayden. He scored 4 in a loss to the Wildcats in December. He had 3 in a win over Hayden in January.
2) Hayden’s Noah Schneider may be part of Sutton’s problem:
Scheider has been coming on of late. He’s 6-foot-4 and powerful and has an effective back-to-the-basket game. He has scored exactly 10 points in five of Hayden’s last six games.
3) Topeka High’s DaVonshai Harden showed all his tools:
With Sutton on the bench, Harden defended in the post most of the second half. But he also showed he could keep up with ultra-quick John Roeder of Hayden on the perimeter. He scored most of his points on drives, and muscled his way to a couple of three-point plays.
4) Topeka High’s Jalen Smith was on Tuesday night:
Smith provided 19 points. The production of the 6-foot-2 guard is wildly varied. He has four games of 18 or more points, but also several games with 6 or fewer points. His production is probably greatly affected by the output of Sutton and others. Tuesday he showed an ability to race the floor and get to the goal.
5) Topeka High’s Carlos Esquibel shouldn’t be overlooked:
The rangy 6-foot-5 senior tends to be a supporting cast member to Sutton, Harden, et al. But he has diverse skills and can score. He tossed in 14 to help pick up the slack for Sutton.