Big Shoes to Fill: 4A
All-state players aren’t replaced. Teams move on after graduating star players by spreading the load around and making accommodations. But in the following cases, there are talented players ready to take on bigger roles in the absence of a 4A…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingAll-state players aren’t replaced. Teams move on after graduating star players by spreading the load around and making accommodations.
But in the following cases, there are talented players ready to take on bigger roles in the absence of a 4A all-state graduate:
Mac Armstrong
Mac Armstrong
Christian Bowen-Webb was the Stags leader from the guard spot. He could do it all, and his talents won’t be replicated. But as usual, Miege will just reload with a bunch of young studs to join the returners like Aidan Wing Aidan Wing 6’4″ | SF Bishop Miege | 2023 State KS and Daegan Jensen Daegan Jensen 6’1″ | SG Bishop Miege | 2023 State KS . Armstrong is one of the team’s returners at guard. He averaged 5.5 points as a junior, with a 20 point effort coming against Blue Valley West. The quarterback of the football team will probably see his role grow in the absence of Bowen-Webb and fellow grad Xavier Hall.
Kreighton Kanitz
Kreighton Kanitz
Seth Madron was a dynamic guard/forward who did just about everything for the Bullpups, including toss in 17 points per game as a senior. But the good news is McPherson utilized a bunch of young players for their run to state last year. Experience abounds. While several of the other returning guards have established their roles, look for Kanitz to expand his contribution next year. He’s a big, physical guard who might take some of Madron’s minutes. He can battle with bigs in the lane and hit from the perimeter.
Thomas McClendon
Thomas McClendon
Kaleb Becker has been one of the best big men in 4A for a couple years. Stepping into his spot might be McClendon, who is a solidly built big who can jump and affect shots. He works hard on defense and knows how to rebound. Becker was known for his ability to run the floor, and McClendon has some of that same talent.
Grant Ricker
Grant Ricker
Jackson Voth has moved out of state for his senior year. That’s a blow to the Crusaders, who looked to return nearly everything from their state team of a year ago. Buhler returns Ricker, who was an all-league player as a junior. He should be capable of growing his role to soften the blow.
Tegan Orth
Tegan Orth
Nathan Nemecheck was the most decorated of a great guard trio at Andale that included seniors Zachary Winter and Jacksyn Potucek. That is a ton of leadership and depth to replace, not to mention the production of those three. Orth is one of the lone returners from the backcourt. He was a key reserve who brought a spark of energy off the bench. He plays 100 mph, particularly at the defensive end. He handles the ball well and can shoot it.