Back to the Courts Jan 8: Topeka

The December headlines in Topeka were dominated by Tre AlexanderTreAlexander6'3" | CGTopeka West | 2021StateKS and Geivonnii Williams. Veterans like Joe BerryJoeBerry6'4" | CGWashburn Rural | 2021StateKS, Jack HutchinsonJackHutchinson5'11" | CGHayden | 2021StateKS and Ty HenryTyHenry6'3" | SGSeaman | 2022StateKS got press as usual. But when Topeka schools got back in action Friday, a bunch of new faces were making the plays. Here are some of the difference makers from Friday: Dante’ Harrison, sophomore, Shawnee Heights: The T-Birds were decimated by COVID holdouts. Top-scoring senior Isiah JohnsonIsiahJohnson5'10" | CGShawnee Heights | 2021StateKS was not available. But though the T-Birds eventually succumbed to Lansing, they put up a valiant fight, let by 6-foot sophomore Dante’ Harrison, who has seen very little varsity playing time to date. Friday, Harrison went for 13, including three 3-pointers. Mateo HymanMateoHyman5'11" | CGTopeka | 2022StateKS, junior, Seaman: Hyman’s name has been noticeably absent from the Seaman box scores. After posting 12 points in each of the first two games of the season, Hyman sat out the next three contests. The slick ball-handling point man really gets his teammates involved and presents a threat to drive that will open up shooters and free Henry up to play off the ball. Hyman returned Friday with 18 points in a win over Topeka High. Isiah EsquibelIsiahEsquibel6'3" | CGTopeka | 2021StateKS, senior, Topeka High: The slender 6-foot-5 senior is so slick cutting through the lane and getting to the basket. He is integral to every phase of the game for the Trojans – he handles the ball, rebounds, defends every position, and is a threat to score from all over the court. Though they lost to Seaman Friday, the senior produced 23 points. Luke Fay, sophomore, Cair Paravel: The 6-foot sophomore has tended to play in the shadow of Zach Clark and Noah HastertNoahHastert6'6" | CCair Paravel | 2022StateKS. But Fay went off Friday against Heritage Christian. He hit seven 3-pointers for the Lions and led the way with 26 points in defeat. Elijah BrooksElijahBrooks6'2" | CGTopeka West | 2022StateKS, junior, Topeka West (pictured): Brooks hadn’t quite broken out before suffering a foot injury in the third game. But he showed his old form Friday against Hayden hitting from all over the court, including 3-4 from 3-point range. He led the Chargers with 28. When the junior has his full mobility, he’s a physical force driving to the hoop and in the open court. Zander Putthoff, junior, Topeka West: Putthoff has a little bit hit or miss this season, but he’s got the potential to be one of the best 3-point shooters in Topeka. He showed he has the green light for the Chargers Friday, pulling the trigger 13 times from distance. He his seven, which came in handy on an off night for Alexander. Putthoff finished with 23 points. Vacarrio TriplettVacarrioTriplett6'0" | CGHayden | 2021StateKS, senior, Hayden: Triplett hadn’t hit on all cylinders yet this season, but he was in form Friday in a loss to Topeka West. Triplett is smooth with or without the ball, can penetrate in the half-court set, break down a defense on the break, and hit from the perimeter. He showed all his skills Friday with 10-16 field goals for 24 points.