Topeka Standouts from Jan. 23
In this article:
Topeka West and Highland Park were the only Topeka teams to earn a win in the final round of tournament play. The Chargers got back on track after losing two games in a row, doing it without Elijah Brooks Elijah…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingTopeka West and Highland Park were the only Topeka teams to earn a win in the final round of tournament play. The Chargers got back on track after losing two games in a row, doing it without Elijah Brooks Elijah Brooks 6'3" | CG Topeka West | 2022 State KS , who continues to struggle with injuries.
Here are some of Topeka’s top performances from Jan. 23:
Marque Wilkerson, senior, Topeka West:
From a supporting role as a junior, Wilkerson has established himself as one of the most important players in the city. The 6-foot-1 senior plays the point, the high post, shoots from the perimeter, breaks down defenders, sells popcorn and sweeps up after the game. His stat line in the win over Hayden Saturday was very impressive. He hit 9-12 from the field, including his only 3-point attempt, and 6-7 from the line to lead all scorers with 25.
Xavier Alexander, sophomore, Topeka West:
The sophomore has labored in the shadow of his big brother, Tre Alexander Tre Alexander 6'3" | CG Topeka West | 2021 State KS , this season. But his role is growing with every game. Particularly in the absence of Brooks, the younger Alexander is being called on for a key contribution. The 6-foot sophomore has football-type physicality and is growing into the role. He scored 10 points in the win against Hayden, hitting 3-4 from the line.
Jahmir Kingcannon, sophomore, Highland Park:
As the Scots have struggled to recapture the groove that took them to the state playoffs last year, they have looked to different combinations. Currently, Kingcannon is seeing his role, and his playing time, grow. For a long, 6-foot-3 athlete who can rebound and defend in the paint, he has a deft touch from outside. Saturday he knocked down three 3-pointers for 9 points against Topeka High. He recently hit five 3’s against Topeka West.
Juan’Tario Roberts Juan’Tario Roberts 5'10" | CG Highland Park | 2022 State KS , junior, Highland Park:
Aside from sitting out one game recently for an undisclosed reason, Roberts has been consistently improved over the early part of the season. After averaging only about 10 points per game for the first three contests, he has gone for 23, 18, 19 and 19 in his past four. Saturday against Topeka High, he hit 5-8, including 3-5 from distance. The small, flashy guard can not only hit from deep, he has a remarkable ability to get to the basket. And given the chance, he will leak out and beat everyone down the floor.
Trey Pivarnik, senior, Hayden:
Hayden put up a valiant fight against one of 5A’s top teams, losing 69-62. Pivarnik had a career night, erupting for five 3-pointers. Usually pounding down low, the 6-foot-4, 225 pound footballer showed a new wrinkle on Saturday by pulling the trigger from the perimeter. It worked. He hit 7-12 from the field and finished with 20 points.
Jake Muller, sophomore, Hayden:
The versatile 6-foot-2 guard/wing is really growing into a leader for Hayden. He doesn’t always score a lot of points, but he can guard all over the floor, handle the ball, and score from a variety of levels. And he always brings in infections energy. Saturday against some of the best competition in the state, he hit 5-10 from the field, including 3-6 from deep, to register 15 points.
Ty Henry Ty Henry 6'3" | SG Seaman | 2022 State KS , junior, Seaman (pictured):
Henry has struggled with consistency this season. There’s no doubt the 6-foot-3 point/wing has about as much talent as anyone in the city. He can handle the ball, shoot from deep, and he has one of the best driving pull-ups in the mid-range you’ll find. Saturday in a loss to Wichita Northwest, he led the way with 13 points, including 4-4 from the line. Though the Vikings dropped to 4-5, they are vastly improved, due in large part to Henry’s leadership and playmaking.
Harvey Davis, senior, Shawnee Heights:
Davis is one of the most powerful post men around. He battles much taller players, doing the dirty work and leading with strength and maturity. He makes a big impact without scoring a lot of points. But Saturday he had one of his best offensive performances of the season. The senior hit 5-9 from the field and 5-6 from the line for 15 points in the loss to Manhattan.