PN 2020 12 06 NE Kansas Opening Night Stars
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There was high school basketball in Northeast Kansas! That alone is something to celebrate. Here are a handful of guys who turned in performances on opening night that deserve to be celebrated: Howard Johnson Howard Johnson 6'0" | SG Junction…
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Continue ReadingThere was high school basketball in Northeast Kansas! That alone is something to celebrate.
Here are a handful of guys who turned in performances on opening night that deserve to be celebrated:
Howard Johnson Howard Johnson 6'0" | SG Junction City | 2022 State KS , junior, Junction City (pictured):
Johnson was a somewhat underappreciated guard at JC as a sophomore. He was one of the most athletic playmakers in the Centennial League, doing it inside and outside. In the return to the court, Johnson showed he’s ready to take it to the next level with 24 points, including three 3-pointers, against Seaman.
Kale Purcell Kale Purcell 6'3" | SF Holton | 2021 State KS , senior, Holton:
The honorable mention 4A pick led Holton to an opening night win over Burlington with 25, more than doubling up his 11.2 average from last year.
Josh Broxterman Josh Broxterman 6'2" | PF Jefferson West | 2021 State KS , senior, Jefferson West:
One of the most exciting games of the week was double-overtime over Silver Lake. Broxterman looks to be back from injury that slowed him down in his junior season. His toughness and versatility led to 16 points in the opening night.
Zeke Mayo Zeke Mayo 6'4" | CG Lawrence | 2021 State KS , senior, Lawrence:
The revamped Manhattan Indians had no answer for Mayo. He turned in a performance that puts him right on track to be candidate for state player of the year, hitting 11-16 shots and finishing with 28 points in a blowout win over Manhattan.
Kelton Buettner, senior, Madison:
The Bulldogs were led to a blowout win over Yates Center by all-stater Drew Stutesman Drew Stutesman 6'2" | CG Madison | 2022 State KS . But the 21 points by Buettner in the opener stand out.
Gunnar Fort, senior, Osage City:
Fort was one of the most missed players in the state when injury wiped out his junior season. The Indians’ leading scorer as a sophomore was back, leading the way to a runaway win over Northern Heights with 16 points, including three 3-pointers.
Lane Bartley, sophomore, Waverly:
The 6-foot guard opened the season with 28 points in a win over Cornerstone.
Zach Clark, junior, Cair Paravel:
Noah Hastert Noah Hastert 6'6" | C Cair Paravel | 2022 State KS has earned the most attention for the Lions. But 6-foot-3 junior Clark turned in games of 11 and 21 at the Waverly tournament.