Mid East League Preview
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2019-2020 looked to be Rock Creek’s year. But after the Mustangs went 20-1 and tied for the league title, St. Marys stole the spotlight. The Bears went on a historic run, making the 3A state tournament, then knocking off top-seeded…
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Continue Reading2019-2020 looked to be Rock Creek’s year. But after the Mustangs went 20-1 and tied for the league title, St. Marys stole the spotlight. The Bears went on a historic run, making the 3A state tournament, then knocking off top-seeded Haven.
Both Rock Creek and St. Marys should be in the hunt not only for a league title but a state berth this season. Other teams in the league that really scuffled last year will try to get back in the game.
Preseason Player of the Year:
Dawson Zenger Dawson Zenger 6'1" | CG Rock Creek | 2021 State KS , senior, Rock Creek:
Zenger is an unbelievably efficient offensive machine. The 6-foot-2 senior just knows how to find scoring opportunities. He doesn’t just bomb away from deep. He creates shots off the bounce in transition, off steals in the open court, off runouts…He put up 26 points per game, to go with a balanced stat sheet.
Returning stars:
Brayden Meseke, junior, Wabaunsee:
Meseke earned first-team all league as just a sophomore. He’s a solidly built 6-foot-1 guard with a diverse skill set. He can play just about every spot on the floor and is especially tough on the glass and at the defensive end.
Avery Holle, senior, Riley County:
Holle is a well-rounded 6-foot-1 guard who led Riley County with 9 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists last year.
Cade Oliver, junior, Wabaunsee:
The 6-foot-1 Oliver led the Chargers with 12 points per contest as a sophomore. He and his younger brother, Eli, will bring athleticism and the experience of having competed with high-level summer clubs.
Bo Reeves, senior, Rossville:
Perhaps the top returning big man in the league, the 6-foot-5 Reeves averaged 10 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks per game last year. The Bulldogs could make a big jump from their 4-17 mark as they return players who missed last year due to injury.
Players to watch:
Kade Perine, sophomore, Rossville:
Perine gained valuable experience last year as a freshman. He’s not big, but he plays with huge effort and heart. He is fearless in the open floor and going to the goal, and is a game-wrecker on the defensive end. He knows how to push the ball up the floor and get it to teammates in the right spots.
Kamryn Kaniper Kamryn Kaniper 6'4" | SF Silver Lake | 2023 State KS , sophomore, Silver Lake:
The 6-foot-4 Kaniper averaged 7.2 points per game as a sophomore. His combination of athleticism and size will make him a player to watch as a junior. He is a smooth leaper with length and agility. He can do a lot of everything on the court.
Fred Criqui Fred Criqui 6'7" | C St. Marys | 2022 State KS , junior, St. Marys:
The Bears were very deep last year, so Criqui didn’t get a lot of the spotlight. But the 6-foot-7 Criqui showed this summer that he has top-notch post skills. He can dominate in the lane, rebounding and blocking shots, and scoring efficiently on the block or in the mid-range.