5A Semifinal Standouts – Topeka West vs Desoto
It all comes down to this. The 5A championship pits Topeka West against Maize. The semifinal games were thrillers featuring a host of great performances. A previous article looked at some of the top performances from the Maize win over…
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Continue ReadingIt all comes down to this. The 5A championship pits Topeka West against Maize. The semifinal games were thrillers featuring a host of great performances. A previous article looked at some of the top performances from the Maize win over KC-Washington. Let’s take a look at the other game – Topeka West and Desoto:
Elijah Brooks Elijah Brooks 6'3" | CG Topeka West | 2022 State KS , junior, Topeka West (pictured):
The third-team 5A returner has had a roller coaster season due to injuries. He left the quarterfinal win over Hays with an apparent injury, and his status for the Desoto game was in question. But in one more twist in his bizarre season, Brooks returned to blow up Desoto’s defense with 10-16 shooting and 24 points. He also grabbed 13 rebounds. When he’s healthy, Brooks is an athletic big guard who is tough for anyone to match up with. He has an explosive first step, is physical with the ball, and can jump out of the gym. Those physical traits make him just as dominant on the defensive end.
Tre Alexander Tre Alexander 6'3" | CG Topeka West | 2021 State KS , senior, Topeka West:
Alexander carried the Chargers in the early part of the season. Since the holiday break, others have really stepped up, taking some of the pressure off the physically imposing guard. But Alexander was big with state on the line, notching 17 against Desoto. With so many great guards in the lineup, Alexander’s role is diverse. But there was no doubt when it came to crunch time, Alexander would stand tall.
Sincere Austin Sincere Austin 5'10" | PG Topeka West | 2023 State KS , sophomore, Topeka West:
Topeka West is so rich in guards, Austin started the season playing exclusively on the JV. But when injuries knocked Brooks out, Austin was elevated to the starting lineup, and has had a solid season. He’s smooth, quick and steady. His point production can be up and down, but he’s not in the lineup to score necessarily. But in the semifinal game with Desoto, Austin knocked down two 3-pointers and a free throw to put the game out of reach. He recorded 9 points in the win.
Wyatt Noll Wyatt Noll 6'4" | PF DeSoto | 2021 State KS , senior, Desoto:
The 6-foot-4 forward had a really great tournament. He recorded 24 against Pittsburg, and 15 in the loss to Topeka West. Set aside the poor shooting numbers Noll recorded in the last game. He has been a steady leader for the Chargers all season. He is a power broker on the low block, and plays off his teammates effectively.
Tyler Schultze Tyler Schultze 5'10" | PG DeSoto | 2022 State KS , junior, Desoto:
The quick point guard of the Wildcats was big in the semifinal. He hit 3-5 from distance and poured in 11 points to support Noll’s effort. He’s more than a shooter, playing tough defense at the point and finding open teammates.