Topeka’s Top Breakout Candidates
The Centennial League, as we’ve long known it, is no longer. Shawnee Heights pulled out a year ago, and several teams are either on the way out or are looking for greener pastures. The league will continue, but with only…
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Continue ReadingThe Centennial League, as we’ve long known it, is no longer. Shawnee Heights pulled out a year ago, and several teams are either on the way out or are looking for greener pastures. The league will continue, but with only a few of the Topeka schools.
Since this time next year the Topeka schools will be playing in different leagues, now is the time to start thinking of the best of Topeka, aside from any league affiliation.
Here are the top Breakout Candidates in Topeka for 2020-21:
Trey Pivarnik, forward, Hayden:
6-4 post Noah Schneider departs Hayden, leaving a gaping hole in the post and center of the Wildcats defense. The 6-foot-2 Pivarnik will need to assert himself more on the offensive end. He’s as rugged as they come in the middle and athletic for a guy his size. He only scored in double-digits a couple of times and will need to provide more next season if the Wildcats are to improve.
Joe Otting, center/forward, Hayden:
If there is one guy to watch for to see a big leap next year, it might just be the 6-foot-3 freshman. Hayden had a rough season this year, but it allowed Otting to get some valuable experience on the varsity. At 240 pounds, he’s got the size to be a monster in the paint. With Schneider gone, watch for Otting to get a lot of PT next year.
Mateo Hyman Mateo Hyman 6'2" | CG Seaman | 2022 State KS , guard, Seaman:
The 6-foot-1 sophomore’s role grew as the season played out. His playing time increased and he demonstrated smooth play-making ability as a versatile point guard. He scored in double figures several times in the final weeks of the season, handled the ball under pressure and distributed to teammates.
Zander Putthoff, forward, Shawnee Heights:
Putthoff played his sophomore season like a pure shooter. He had five 3-pointers against De Soto and three in a couple of other contests. But at 6-foot-4, there is a lot more in his body than a shooter. With seniors 6-foot-4 Nasire Anderson and 6-foot Marquis Barksdale taking most of the playing time in the lane, Putthoff didn’t exploit all his abilities. He will have the opportunity next year.
Carter Olson, forward, Shawnee Heights:
Like Putthoff, the 6-foot-4 Olson will have plenty of opportunities next year. But unlike Putthoff, Olson is more of a traditional post player. In his limited time, he proved he could rebound. He scored in double-figures twice and has the potential to do much more.
Geivonnii Williams, guard/forward, Topeka High:
Williams is an interesting player. He can shoot from the perimeter, but his greatest value comes as a disruptive defender and gritty sparkplug. The 6-foot football star is athletic and plays with a heady competitiveness. Despite the presence of King Sutton King Sutton 6'6" | SF Topeka | 2020 State KS and DaVonshai Harden, Williams scored in double figures five straight games midseason. With the loss of several seniors, Williams will probably need to become more of a go-to guy.
Will Peterson, guard, Topeka West:
The 6-foot-2 junior got called up to varsity late in the season and received praise from his coach for his contribution to the improved Chargers. Peterson has length, athletic ability and will have a chance for more playing time on the team that returns a wealth of playmakers.
Quincey Kidd, guard/forward, Washburn Rural:
The 6-foot-2 sophomore grew into a role on the varsity as the season played out. The Junior Blues need some support for Joe Berry Joe Berry 6'4" | CG Washburn Rural | 2021 State KS , and Kidd may play that part next season. Down the stretch he scored 12 against Manhattan, 18 versus Olathe North and 9 in the season-ending loss to Wichita West.
Jack Bachelor, freshman, Washburn Rural:
The Junior Blues were one of the top teams in the largest classification in the state. Yet when they needed guard depth, they turned to the freshman Bachelor. His playing time was somewhat sporadic, but he proved he could handle the pressure, and he definitely can shoot.