Centennial League at the Break: Crucial Cast
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Centennial League clubs have relied upon strong support players in the early going: Jack Bachelor Jack Bachelor 6'0" | CG Washburn Rural | 2023 State KS , sophomore, Washburn Rural (pictured): Bachelor is the consummate supporting cast player as a…
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Continue ReadingCentennial League clubs have relied upon strong support players in the early going:
Jack Bachelor Jack Bachelor 6'0" | CG Washburn Rural | 2023 State KS , sophomore, Washburn Rural (pictured):
Bachelor is the consummate supporting cast player as a sophomore. He gives the Junior Blues solid, trustworthy ball handling and passing, and a diverse scoring skill set. He consistently provides 7 to 10 points per contest, with solid fundamentals and unselfishness. There will be bigger days ahead for Bachelor, but for now he is a rock solid complementary piece for the 3-1 Junior Blues.
Jake Muller, sophomore, Hayden:
Like Bachelor, Muller does whatever the Wildcats need. His energy and athleticism are a spark, particularly at the defensive end and in transition. His last two outings, Muller has begun to take on some of the scoring load, with 15 against Washburn Rural and 14 against Junction City.
Jahi Peppers Jahi Peppers 5'9" | CG Highland Park | 2021 State KS , senior, Highland Park:
Peppers tends to be viewed as the third option for Highland Park, but as the team is slow out of the gate, it is Peppers providing most of the spark. He tallied 24 in a heart-breaking double OT loss at Seaman. Peppers is ultra-quick on the drive, can get out for runaways, and is a pain to opposing ball handlers.
Austin Smith, senior, Junction City:
Smith is an unselfish role player who can make big contributions when needed. Though just 5-foot-9, Smith can get to the goal and defend in the lane. He’s tough and a smart defender and rebounder, as well as a reliable ball handler. He tossed in 12 against Seaman and 9 against Hayden.
Marque Wilkerson, senior, Topeka West:
If there was an award for the top supporting player in the league, it would belong to the 6-foot-1 guard. He plays a crucial role making things run for the #4 ranked Chargers. He can handle the point, catch the ball in the high post and trigger the offense, shoot from the perimeter, or break down the defense to get the ball to a teammate. Although he is overshadowed by Tre Alexander Tre Alexander 6'3" | CG Topeka West | 2021 State KS , Wilkerson takes a back seat to no one, and will merit significant honors if he keeps up this pace: 18 against Seaman, 12 against Topeka High, 23 against Shawnee Heights and 10 against Manhattan.