Takeaways from Topeka West’s win over Seaman
Topeka West is trying to stay in the Centennial League hunt and also to position itself for a run in the 5A playoffs. The Seaman Vikings stood in their way Tuesday night, and it took a full-court effort by the…
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Continue ReadingTopeka West is trying to stay in the Centennial League hunt and also to position itself for a run in the 5A playoffs. The Seaman Vikings stood in their way Tuesday night, and it took a full-court effort by the Chargers to escape the challenge. Here are some takeaways:
Charger coach Rick Bloomquist has high expectations on defense:
Bloomquist employed full-court pressure the entire game, and harassed the Seaman guards into a very frustrating night. He believes it’s the key to his team’s success.
Elijah Brooks is a tough matchup:
The 6-foot-2 sophomore has great athleticism and can get to the rim. He went for 25 against the Vikings and didn’t have to try many shots from the perimeter. He did hit one three-pointer and also knocked down 4-6 from the line. He was a key part of the press that terrorized the Vikings and benefitted from the frenetic pace, but his buckets were not easy breakaways. He scored in the face of tough defense.
Trevion Alexander is Ben-Simmons-esque:
Alexander is a big guard who can make some incredibly quick moves with the ball. His spin dribble is a thing to behold. He can be an impressive passer, and he also can get to the hole. And when he gets there, his array of dunks bring down the house. He didn’t knock down any shots from the perimeter and will need to develop that area of his game for the next level.
West has guard depth:
Senior Bryson Bitler, and juniors Khalen Harrison, Marque Wilkerson and William Peterson were interchangeable parts of the Charger press defense. Bitler provided some perimeter shooting and had 8 first-half points. Wilkerson and Peterson are both 6-foot-1 and have length for an effective press.
Seaman’s guards had a tough learning experience:
Sophomores Mateo Hyman, Dagen Brewer and Ty Henry are all talented and bring a variety of skills. They were extremely frustrated by the Charger pressure Tuesday night. But these three will be good for the long term. The trio combined for 32 of Seaman’s 48 points. At 6-foot-3, Henry can rise up for effective mid-range jumpers and he handles the ball well and sees the floor. Hyman is a dynamic playmaker. Brewer has an easy stroke from deep.