Big Shoes to Fill: 6A
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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 6A…
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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 6A all-state graduate:
Deven Bolton
Deven Bolton
Damar’e Smith won’t be easily replaced. A first team 6A pick as a senior, he was good for 17 points and 4 assists. To put that load on one guy would be unfair. But keep an eye on Bolton, who played an important role for the state-bound Cougars. He really impressed in summer action as a blazing fast penetrator. After producing nearly 4 points per game off the bench, he may be ready for a bigger role.
Howard Johnson finally moves on after an illustrious four years at Junction City, which culminated with third-team all-state honors as a senior. He isn’t all that the talented Blue Jays lose, but he was the headliner. Butler-Lawson (pictured) is somewhat similar to Johnson in that he’s a physical guard who can get to the rim. Butler-Lawson is long enough to overwhelm a small point guard, and he’s a good enough ball handler to be tough for a bigger defender to match.
Highlights
Michael Collins
Michael Collins
Landon Wagler was a third-team all-state pick after averaging 17 points per game last year. Collins will be called upon to take up some of that slack. He was good for 7 points and 5 boards as a junior, and he is at his best running the court or slashing from the wing. He’s a leaper who knows how to get to the goal and finish.
Quentin Robertson
Quentin Robertson
Sam Ungashick sparked the Blue Valley West offense by getting his teammates involved, but he could really score too. His 14.5 points and 4 assists per game are gone. Robertson has played a lot and is an experienced guard who can take the reins. He’s a top-notch shooter, so he can fill the off guard role. He was good for nearly 7 points per game as a junior. He’s athletic enough to take over some of the point role too.
Isaiah Taylor Isaiah Taylor 5'9" | PG Dodge City HighSchool | 2023 KS
Isaiah Taylor Isaiah Taylor 5'9" | PG Dodge City HighSchool | 2023 KS
Cooper Scheck blew up as a senior, averaging nearly 17 points per game and lighting it up from behind the arc. He ran the show and was the Red Demons’ top scorer. With heavy losses, Dodge City will look to Taylor, who was an important piece of their state team. He can shoot it from deep and is lightning quick. He can get by a defender and convert acrobatic finishes in traffic.