Topeka Opening Night Standouts
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Basketball in the Capital City is (almost) entirely up and running now! Some of the stars of the opening round of games were the old guard, guys who you knew could be counted on. But a few standouts from the…
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Continue ReadingBasketball in the Capital City is (almost) entirely up and running now!
Some of the stars of the opening round of games were the old guard, guys who you knew could be counted on. But a few standouts from the early season are guys coming to the fore.
Joe Berry Joe Berry 6'4" | CG Washburn Rural | 2021 State KS , senior, Washburn Rural (pictured):
Of course you knew Berry would show up. The returning city co-player of the year will again lead the Junior Blues. Defense was the real star on the Junior Blues’ opening night win over Emporia, but Berry led all scorers with 17 points, including 7-8 from the line.
Jack Bachelor Jack Bachelor 6'0" | CG Washburn Rural | 2023 State KS , sophomore, Washburn Rural:
Bachelor looks like he’ll be entrenched in the lineup this season, as Rural sorts out a host of newcomers. He scored 9 points in support of Berry.
Zander Putthoff, junior, Topeka West:
Tre Alexander Tre Alexander 6'3" | CG Topeka West | 2021 State KS and Elijah Brooks Elijah Brooks 6'3" | CG Topeka West | 2022 State KS will deserve their own section under the Topeka stars this season. They put up 22 and 16 respectively in a win over Seaman. But Putthoff’s transfer from Shawnee Heights may have flown under the radar. His addition to West should be duly noted. If he can add consistent firepower from the perimeter, watch out for West to really improve. He knocked down 6 of 9 3-pointers Tuesday for 18 points in his Charger debut.
Marque Wilkerson, senior, Topeka West:
Wilkerson was another nice revelation Tuesday for West. As if the Chargers need more firepower to go with Alexander and Brooks. Wilkerson went 8-18 from the field for 18 points.
Dagen Brewer, junior, Seaman:
Seaman is off to a rough 0-2 start. They have a lot of pieces they just need to come together. Brewer was a key contributor Tuesday, going 4-9 for 10 points. His outside shooting will be important for the Vikings to improve this season.
Kaeden Bonner Kaeden Bonner 6'1" | SG Seaman | 2023 State KS , sophomore, Seaman:
Technically the Vikings started their season last Friday. Bonner scored 15 points in the opener before suffering an injury that kept him out Tuesday.
Geivonnii Williams, senior, Hayden:
Putthoff’s transfer will make a big impact on Topeka West. But perhaps the biggest transfer in Topeka is Williams’ move from Topeka High to Hayden. The football star switched schools when football in Topeka looked dicey last fall. Williams was hampered by a football injury, and it was uncertain how ready he would be for basketball. He toughed out a 17-point debut that was key in the Wildcats’ upset of Highland Park.
Zach Clark, junior, Cair Paravel:
Cair Paravel is picking up where it left off last season, rolling over small-school opponents. Tuesday night, Clark continued his hot start with 26 points against KC Christ Prep, going 12-16 from the field.