Opening Week in Kansas: Friday’s Roundup 12/4
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Opening week for high school basketball in the state of Kansas did not disappoint. Between the close games, double OT finishes, highlight performances, surprise performances, and unique matchups, it was a pleasure to be able to bounce around live streams…
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Continue ReadingOpening week for high school basketball in the state of Kansas did not disappoint. Between the close games, double OT finishes, highlight performances, surprise performances, and unique matchups, it was a pleasure to be able to bounce around live streams last night and see the ball going through the goal again in the state of Kansas. Let’s take a look around at some of Friday night’s notables .
Top Performance
Aidan Shaw Aidan Shaw 6'7" | SF Blue Valley | 2022 State #40 Nation KS , 6’7 Wing, 2022, Blue Valley: The high major prospect started off his 2021 campaign with a stat sheet stuffing dominant performance putting together a 24 point, 9 rebound, 5 block, and 2 assists stat line. He was also tremendous on the defensive side of the court and was a difference maker throughout.
St Mary’s Win Over Royal Valley, Sub State Championship Rematch
Isaiah Holz, 6’3 Guard, 2021, St Marys: Holz was the steady rock throughout the game for the Bears in the win on both ends of the floor, his length and strength allowed him to guard multiple guys in the matchup. On the offensive end Holz contributed 15 points in a variety of ways.
Keller Hurla, 5’10 Guard, 2023, St Marys: Hurla is a 3 point specialist with a growing all around game and he showcased that ability against Royal Valley. Hurla hit 2 monster 3’s at big moments in the ball game in the fourth quarter. Having to grow into a much expanded role for the varsity squad this year, he showed in game 1 he is up to the task.
Nahcs Wahwassuck Nahcs Wahwassuck 6'5" | CG Royal Valley | 2022 State KS , 6’5 Guard/Wing, 2022, Royal Valley: The 2022 standout started off his junior campaign with a quality game although it came in a 3 point loss. The junior showed off his athleticism on both ends of the floor and his tremendous play making ability against the Bears, finishing with 18 points capped off with a couple of highlight making dunks in transition.
Brady Klotz Brady Klotz 6'4" | SF Royal Valley | 2022 State KS , 6’5 Forward, 2022, Royal Valley (Pictured Above): Klotz was great on the defensive end keeping Bears big man Ciriqi in check most of the night. Klotz also showcased his next level touch on his jump shot from 15 ft and even knockeddown a top of the key 3 ball.
Junction City Double OT Win Over Seaman
Howard Johnson Howard Johnson 6'0" | SG Junction City | 2022 State KS , 6’1 Guard, 2022, Junction City: Johnson had a standout performance on the night and made a bunch of plays throughout the game that showed his continued development as a player. The 2022 guard finished with a game high 24 points on the night including three 3 pointers and a variety of floaters and soft finishes, and came back after missing a key free throw to sink two more to give Junction enough of a cushion to close the game out.
Kaeden Bonner Kaeden Bonner 6'1" | SG Seaman | 2023 State KS , 6’ Guard, 2023, Seaman: Bonner had a really solid night cut short due to an ankle turn, but he managed to put together a 15 point performance that surprisingly, came from inside the arc. He had a night driving the ball and finishing off of the bounce.
Other Notables From the Game
Seaman
2022 Wing Ty Henry Ty Henry 6'3" | SG Seaman | 2022 State KS 11 points, 2022 Guard Mateo Hyman Mateo Hyman 6'2" | CG Seaman | 2022 State KS 12 points
Junction City
2021 Wing Chris Dixon 13 points, 2021 Guard Austin Smith 12 points
Free State Duo Stands Out in Win
Dash Cleveland, 5’11 Guard, 2022: Cleveland put together a 23 point effort, shooting it really well from the 3 point line knocking down 4 from beyond the arc. To compliment his scoring he also lived in the paint and kicking out to open teammates and setting them up for success.
Cole Wheeler, 6’4 Forward, 2021: Wheeler controlled the game much throughout the night, crashing the glass hard and sprinting to spots on the floor and capitalizing on finishes. Wheeler finished with 16 points. He is great at finding open areas on the floor and taking up an area and scoring off of opportune moments. Wheeler also showed off the range as well knocking down the long ball.
Other Notable Performances
2021 6’5 Wing, Tanner Hecht Tanner Hecht 6'5" | CG Wamego | 2021 State KS , Wamego: 22 points, 13 rebounds, 5 blocks, 3 assists
2022 5’10 Point Guard, Damare Smith Damare Smith 5'10" | PG Shawnee Mission Northwest | 2022 State KS , Shawnee Mission Northwest: 11 points, 7 assists
2021 6’2 Forward, Callan Taylor, Shawnee Mission Northwest: Career High 15 points, 9 rebounds
2021 6’1 Guard, Dawson Zenger Dawson Zenger 6'1" | CG Rock Creek | 2021 State KS , Rock Creek: 33 points
2022 6’3 Guard, Cade Oliver, Wabaunsee: 18 points