Topeka Finales
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League standings and playoff implications were on the line. But senior sendoffs were also on tap late this week. Here’s a look at some of the top stories: Joe Berry Joe Berry 6'4" | CG Washburn Rural | 2021 State…
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Continue ReadingLeague standings and playoff implications were on the line. But senior sendoffs were also on tap late this week. Here’s a look at some of the top stories:
Joe Berry Joe Berry 6'4" | CG Washburn Rural | 2021 State KS gets 1,000:
The Army commit got 14 points in his last regular season game at Washburn Rural to go over the 1,000 mark. He put up 21 against Junction City earlier in the week. The returning co-Player of the Year in the Centennial League, Berry is not necessarily the best in the league this year. But he is probably the most valuable, and he’ll lead his team against Manhattan Tuesday.
CPLS goes down in first playoff game:
Cair Paravel made its first foray into KSHSAA playoffs and lost a heartbreaker to Burlingame 55-54. Junior Noah Hastert Noah Hastert 6'6" | C Cair Paravel | 2022 State KS and sophomore Luke Fay each tossed in 17 in the losing effort.
Bonner is back:
It’s a different player every night for Seaman, which has now won 6 games in a row. The key moving forward is to have all their talented pieces healthy and available. Kaeden Bonner Kaeden Bonner 6'1" | SG Seaman | 2023 State KS got back on the court this week after missing several games to injury. He shook off some of the rust with five 3-pointers against Topeka High.
Hayden sophomores shine:
The Wildcats have had to rely more and more on sophomores as their veteran leaders deal with injuries. Post player Joe Otting Joe Otting 6'3" | C Hayden | 2023 State KS led the Wildcats with 16 points in a tough 55-52 loss against Manhattan. Fellow sophomore Jake Muller registered 12.
Topeka West rests:
The Centennial League champs got to rest since Tuesday. They will face Newton next week in sub-state. In their last contest, Tre Alexander Tre Alexander 6'3" | CG Topeka West | 2021 State KS , Zander Putthoff and Marque Wilkerson Marque Wilkerson 6'1" | SG Topeka West | 2021 State KS each accounted for 20-plus points.
Players of note:
Tre Richardson, sophomore, Highland Park:
The 6-foot flash has gradually earned more playing time. Lately, he’s been in coach Mike Williams’ starting lineup as the Scots shake things up. Richardson is incredibly quick both with the ball and when pressuring a ball handler full court. He is a pest on defense because he’s the quickest player on the floor. He revealed a bit of what may lie ahead when he canned four 3-pointers against Topeka West.
Casen Stallbaumer, junior, Seaman:
Seaman tends to have three offensive threats and several role players. But you can now consider Stallbaumer a threat. His game has taken off in the last few weeks. He dropped four 3-poitners against Manhattan and has scored at least 8 points in seven of the last eight games.
Nathan Pewe, junior, Shawnee Heights:
Coach Ken Darting is praising the work of the junior forward lately. No wonder, as Pewe has become one of the struggling T-Birds top threats. He dropped 19 points, including four 3-pointers against ultra-talented Basehor-Linwood Friday.
BJ Canady, freshman, Topeka High:
Topeka High has battled valiantly this season, led by seniors who didn’t play a lot in past seasons. But they did utilize the giant Canady in the middle and he has gradually gown into the varsity game. The 6-foot-5 beast is the future of Trojan football, having played quarterback as a rookie. On the court he has good hands and can overpower older players in the lane. He has scored at least 8 points in six of the last contests.